Nepal is a country full of endless trekking destinations. Eight of the top ten highest mountain peaks in the world wait for you to tread on their footsteps, and relish their beauty.
With the Monsoon season ending from the second week of September, the Autumn season begins from the following weeks of this month. Since Autumn is the best month to trek in Nepal, traveling here in September is an excellent choice.
The Autumn season is also the best season to witness the rich biodiversity of the trekking trails in Nepal. You may catch glimpses of rare wildlife like Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Musk Deer, and other exotic animals.
And that’s not all.
Notable festivals like Dashain, Indra Jatra, and Teej also fall in September. Indulging with the Nepalese locals and their cultures during the festive seasons adds in even more fun and joy to your already adventurous trekking experience.
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Weather Conditions in Nepal in September
September is an Autumn month in Nepal. With the Summer ending and fading Monsoon rains, this is one of the best months to trek in Nepal when the temperature starts falling to more cooling situations.
The temperatures vary depending upon the altitude of the location. In lower elevations, the temperatures are higher than in higher elevations.
In lower regions, the daytime temperatures average 22 to 24 degrees Celsius while the nighttime temperatures average 14 to 16 degrees Celsius.
In higher regions, the daytime temperatures average 16 to 20 degrees Celsius while the nighttime temperatures average 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Also, note that the temperatures in the higher altitudes may sometimes drop to -5 degrees Celsius. But it won’t be unbearable, so you don’t need to worry about the temperatures in September.
Don’t worry about precipitation. The late September weeks offer dry weather with clear blue skies that create immense opportunities to view the world’s stunning mountain peaks.
The first week of September might receive a few rain showers, but it won’t persist for long with the end of Monsoon in mid-September.
Here’s a table for Temperatures and Precipitation details for major cities in Nepal in September.
| City | Elevation in meters | Minimum temperature (°C) | Maximum temperature (°C) | Precipitation in mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 1,400 | 18.1 | 26.2 | 212 |
| Pokhara | 900 | 20.2 | 28 | 491 |
| Biratnagar | 80 | 24.4 | 31.4 | 313 |
Festivals in Nepal in September
Dashain
Dashain is one of the most important festivals of Nepal. Celebrated for 15 days by Hindus, this is the longest festival in the calendar of Nepal.
Dashain usually falls in September or October. On this auspicious festival, Nepalese people return to their homes or families from wherever they are to celebrate it. On your trek to Nepal in September, you will thoroughly enjoy this joyous festival no matter where you are in Nepal.
The 15 days of Dashain symbolize the battle between different manifestations of Goddess Durga and Devil Mahishasura and the 10th day signifies the triumph of Durga over evilness. It is the main day of the festival and goes by the name Vijaya Dashami (Victorious 10th Day).
On Dashain, you can view and indulge in several tantric rites and rituals of different religious significances. You will also witness the offerings and sacrifices of domestic animals to gods and goddesses.
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is the biggest street festival of Kathmandu Valley. This festival falls in September, and the Kathmandu dwellers celebrate it for eight days.
Kathmandu locals call this festival ‘Yenya’ as termed in Nepal Bhasa. This festival begins erecting a wooden pole that signifies Linga (Phallus) and the rare display of the deity Akash Bhairab (God Indra).
The chariot processions of Ganesh, Kumar, and Kumari are pulled, covering the streets and spreading the festive energy.
When you are in Kathmandu in September, you can get a chance to partake in this festival with the locals of Kathmandu city. The view of the streets in Kathmandu covered with chariot processions, and masked dances will fill the viewer’s heart with feelings of enjoyment and delight.
Teej
Indra Jatra is the biggest street festival of Kathmandu Valley. This festival falls in September, and the Kathmandu dwellers celebrate it for eight days. Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated everywhere in Nepal but only by women. This festival frequently falls in September.
On the day of Teej, women across Nepal dress up in beautiful red saree, wear colorful bangles on their wrists, and they sing and dance on Nepali Teej folk songs.
Best Routes for Trekking in Nepal in September
Everest Base Camp Trek
Mt Everest is the tallest mountain in the world and is the defining glory of Nepal. So the trek to the Base Camp of this wondrous mountain deserves to sit on top of this list.
This trek takes you to a maximum elevation of 5,643m at Kala Patthar. From Kala Patthar, clear skies in September offers the best views of Mt Everest along with other high mountain peaks like Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Nuptse.
September offers the perfect climatic conditions to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the Sagarmatha National Park. With lush green vegetation enlivened by the Monsoon season ending from the starting weeks of September, the incredible scenery will enhance the beauty of Nepal.
Here’s a table with Temperature and Rainfall details for locations en-route the Everest Base Camp Trek.
| Location | Elevation (meters) | Minimum Temperature in September(°C) | Maximum Temperature in September(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,860 | 9.5 | 17.5 | 268 |
| Namche | 3,440 | 5.8 | 14.5 | 161 |
| Tengboche | 3,956 | 4 | 13.3 | 130 |
| Dingboche | 4,380 | 0.3 | 11.5 | 71 |
| Gorakh Shep | 5,160 | -2.6 | 8.7 | 45 |
| Lobuche | 4,930 | -1.7 | 9.6 | 50 |
Highlights of this Trek
- Everest Base Camp at 5,545m
- Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region
- Kala Patthar, the highest point in the trek at 5643 meters
- Namche Bazaar, the largest settlement of Sherpa
- Jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho-Oyu, Nuptse among others
Outline Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude from (Meters) | Altitude to (Meters) | Trekking Time (Hours) | Trekking Distance (Kilometers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | - | 1,400 | - | - |
| 2 | Fly from Kathmandu to Luka, then trek to Phakding | 1,400 | 2,651 | 3-4 | 9 |
| 3 | Trek from Phakding to Namche | 2,651 | 3,440 | 5-6 | 12 |
| 4 | Acclimatize in Namche | 3,440 | 3,440 | - | - |
| 5 | Trek from Namche to Tengboche | 3,440 | 3,956 | 5-6 | 10 |
| 6 | Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche | 3,956 | 4,380 | 5-6 | 12 |
| 7 | Acclimatize in Dingboche | 4,380 | 4,380 | - | - |
| 8 | Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche | 4,380 | 4,930 | 6-7 | 12 |
| 9 | Trek from Lobuche to Gorakh Shep, then hike to EBC(5,380m) and back to Gorakh Shep | 4,930 | 5,160 | 7-8 | 15 |
| 10 | Hike to Kala Patthar(5,643m), then trek from Gorakh Shep to Periche | 5,160 | 4,371 | 6-7 | 13 |
| 11 | Trek from Periche to Namche | 4,371 | 3,440 | 7-8 | 14 |
| 12 | Trek from Namche to Lukla | 3,440 | 2,860 | 7-8 | 15 |
| 13 | Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu | 2,860 | 1,400 | - | - |
| 14 | Departure from Kathmandu | 1,400 | - | - | - |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the world’s best trekking trails. This fantastic trekking adventure to the laps of the Annapurna Himalayas is an appropriate choice for September.
This trek takes you to a maximum elevation of 4,130 meters. Especially in September followed by the ending weeks of the rainy season, the skies will be transparent with low chances of rain.
In the blue skies and high visibility of September, you will witness the best snow-capped views of Annapurna I, II, III, and IV along with other high mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Lamjung.
The popularity of this trek adds the benefits of numerous accommodation choices along the routes. The early September doesn’t see much of a crowd in this trek route, and therefore you can enjoy quieter trails.
Here’s a table with Temperature and Rainfall details for locations en-route the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
| Location | Elevation (meters) | Minimum Temperature in September(°C) | Maximum Temperature in September(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani | 3,210 | 8.6 | 17.4 | 74 |
| Ghandruk | 2,012 | 13.3 | 22.1 | 323 |
| Deurali | 3,230 | 10.4 | 17.9 | 266 |
| Chomrong | 2,170 | 13.3 | 22.2 | 312 |
Highlights of this Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters
- Majestic views of Mt Annapurna (I, II, III, and IV), Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and others
- Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world
- Sub-tropical forests filled with exotic flora and fauna
- Gurung Museum in Ghandruk
Outline Itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude from (Meters) | Altitude to (Meters) | Trekking Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 1,400 | 900 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then Trek to Ghandruk | 900 | 1,940 | 5-6 |
| 3 | Trek from Ghandruk to Chomrong | 1,940 | 2,170 | 6 |
| 4 | Trek from Chomrong to Bamboo | 2,170 | 2,310 | 4-5 |
| 5 | Trek from Bamboo to Deurali | 2,310 | 3,230 | 3-4 |
| 6 | Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp | 3,230 | 4,130 | 5-6 |
| 7 | Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo | 4,130 | 2,310 | 7-8 |
| 8 | Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda | 2,310 | 1,760 | 5-6 |
| 9 | Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara | 1,760 | 900 | 6-7 |
| 10 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | 900 | 1,400 | - |
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a pristine circular trek around the eighth tallest mountain, Mt Manaslu, in the world. The name Manaslu translates into English as the mountain of the spirit.
At a maximum elevation of 5,167 meters, Larkya La Pass is the highest point in this trek. The viewpoint of Larkya La Pass provides you astonishing views of Manaslu, Himchuli, Ganesh, Ngadi Chuli, and other high mountain peaks.
This trek takes you through off-beaten and secluded routes which are empty even in the peak trekking seasons. So your Manaslu Circuit Trek in September will be quiet and peaceful.
September is also a great time to witness the biodiversity of the mountainous regions along the trek.
Here’s a table with Temperature and Rainfall details for locations en-route the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
| Location | Elevation (meters) | Minimum Temperature in September(°C) | Maximum Temperature in September(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sama Gaun | 3,530 | 5.6 | 15.1 | 45 |
| Samdo | 3,690 | 2.8 | 12.7 | 41 |
| Besisahar | 760 | 20 | 28.5 | 395 |
| Jagat | 1,340 | 17.5 | 26.3 | 289 |
| Lho | 2,957 | 7.4 | 16.7 | 51 |
Highlights of this Trek
- Explore the floral and wildlife diversity in the Manaslu Conservation Area
- Larkya La Pass, the highest point in the trek at an altitude of 5,167 meters
- Witness the ancient and uninfluenced Tibetan cultures and lifestyles
- Enjoy the stunning views of Mt Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Cheo Himal, Himlung, and others
- Catch glimpses of exotic wildlife like Snow Leopard, Tahr (Mountain Goat), Agali (Blue Sheep), and Pika (highest living mammal)
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude from (Meters) | Altitude to (Meters) | Trekking Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola | 1,400 | 700 | - |
| 2 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 700 | 930 | 6 |
| 3 | Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | 930 | 1,340 | 7 |
| 4 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 1,340 | 1,600 | 6 |
| 5 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 1,600 | 2,630 | 6 |
| 6 | Trek from Namrung to Lho | 2,630 | 2,957 | 4 |
| 7 | Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun | 2,957 | 3,530 | 4 |
| 8 | Acclimatize at Sama Gaun, Side trip to either Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Tal | 3,530 | 4,400 | 4 |
| 9 | Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo | 4,400 | 3,865 | 4 |
| 10 | Acclimatization Day - Side Trip to Tibetan Border | 3,865 | 5,100 | 8 |
| 11 | Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala | 3,865 | 4,460 | 4 |
| 12 | Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang through Larkya La Pass | 4,460 | 3,590 | 10 |
| 13 | Trek from Bimthang to Tal | 3,590 | 1,700 | 9 |
| 14 | Trek from Tal to Tilije or Besi Sahar(760m), then drive to Kathmandu | 1,700 | 1,400 | 3 |
Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most adventurous treks for September. This trek takes you to the Rain Shadow Areas behind the Annapurna Mountain ranges.
To an elevation of 3,840 meters, Lo Manthang is the highest point in the trek. Lo Manthang is the capital of the former kingdom of Mustang ( Also called the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo). Here you will witness quaint cultures and lifestyles, highly influenced by the Tibetan culture.
En route to Upper Mustang, you will also observe Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. The route combined with the number of suspension bridges that you will be crossing through will amaze you.
Here’s a table with Temperature and Rainfall details for locations en-route the Upper Mustang Trek.
| Location | Elevation (meters) | Minimum Temperature in September(°C) | Maximum Temperature in September(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jomsom | 2,743 | 9.9 | 19.2 | 34 |
| Kagbeni | 2,804 | 9 | 18.4 | 35 |
| Chele | 3,050 | 8 | 17.5 | 35 |
| Lo Manthang | 3,840 | 4.3 | 14.3 | 37 |
Highlights of this Trek
- Majestic views of snow-capped mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and others.
- Explore Lo-Manthang and the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo
- Observe Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest canyon in the world
- Witness Muktinath, a holy temple of Hindu and Buddhist
- Less crowded and pristine trekking routes
Outline Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude from (Meters) | Altitude to (Meters) | Trekking Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | - | 1,400 | - |
| 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu | 1,400 | 1,400 | - |
| 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 1,400 | 900 | - |
| 4 | Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, then trek to Kagbeni | 900 | 2,810 | 3-4 |
| 5 | Trek from Kagbeni to Chele | 2,810 | 3,050 | 5-6 |
| 6 | Trek from Chele to Syanbochen | 3,050 | 3,475 | 6-7 |
| 7 | Trek from Syanbochen to Ghami | 3,475 | 3,520 | 5-6 |
| 8 | Trek from Ghami to Tsarang | 3,520 | 3,620 | 5-6 |
| 9 | Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang | 3,620 | 3,730 | 3-4 |
| 10 | Acclimatize at Lo-Manthang | 3,730 | 3,730 | |
| 11 | Trek from Lo-Manthang to Drakmar | 3,730 | 3,810 | 6-7 |
| 12 | Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling | 3,810 | 3,806 | 5-6 |
| 13 | Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang | 3,806 | 3,050 | 5-6 |
| 14 | Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom | 3,050 | 2,700 | 6-7 |
| 15 | Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara | 2,700 | 900 | - |
| 16 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | 900 | 1,400 | - |
| 17 | Departure from Kathmandu | 1,400 | - | - |
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you to the footsteps of the world’s third-highest mountain Kanchenjunga.
The trek takes you to a maximum elevation of 5,160 meters at Pangpema Base Camp. From this point, you can frame the best views of the North Face of Mt Kanchenjunga.
In this trek, you will walk through tranquil and untouched trails. This off-beaten trekking trail doesn’t see crowds even in the peak seasons. So your trek encircling the Kanchenjunga mountain will be quiet and peaceful.
En route the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, you will also enjoy the unique cultures and lifestyles of Rai and Limbu communities.
Here’s a table with Temperature and Rainfall details for locations en-route the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
| Location | Elevation (meters) | Minimum Temperature in September(°C) | Maximum Temperature in September(°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taplejung | 1,820 | 15.6 | 22.4 | 259 |
| Bhadrapur | 93 | 24.2 | 31.8 | 427 |
Highlights of this Trek
- Beautiful views of Mt Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Kabru, Kumbakarna and Rathong
- Pangpema Base Camp, the highest point during the trek of 5,160 meters
- Walk past beautiful glacial lakes including Zumu, Talung, Rathong, and Yalung glaciers
- Get chances to witness exotic wildlife like Snow leopards, Musk Deer, and Red Panda
- Visit Ramtang and Oktang monasteries
Outline Itinerary of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude from (Meters) | Altitude to (Meters) | Trekking Duration (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur | 1,400 | 93 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung | 93 | 1,820 | - |
| 3 | Trek from Taplejung to Chirwa | 1,820 | 1,270 | 7 |
| 4 | Trek from Chirwa to Lelep | 1,270 | 1,860 | 7 |
| 5 | Trek from Lelep to Amjilosa | 1,860 | 2,510 | 8-9 |
| 6 | Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla | 2,510 | 2,730 | 4 |
| 7 | Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa | 2,730 | 3,595 | 4 |
| 8 | Acclimatization at Ghunsa | 3,595 | 3,595 | - |
| 9 | Trek from Ghunsa to Kambachen | 3,595 | 4,100 | 4 |
| 10 | Acclimatization at Kambachen | 4,100 | 4,100 | - |
| 11 | Trek from Kambachen to Lhonak | 4,100 | 4,785 | 4 |
| 12 | Day hike to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp | 4,785 | 5,160 | 9-10 |
| 13 | Trek from Lhonak to Ghunsa | 4,785 | 3,595 | 6 |
| 14 | Trek from Ghunsa to Sele Le | 3,595 | 4,290 | 4 |
| 15 | Trek from Sele Le to Cheram | 4,290 | 3,870 | 9 |
| 16 | Hike from Cheram to Kanchenjunga South Base Camp, then trek to Ramche | 3,870 | 4,580 | 6-7 |
| 17 | Trek from Ramche to Torongding | 3,870 | 2,995 | 6-7 |
| 18 | Trek from Toronding to Yamphuding | 2,995 | 2,080 | 7-8 |
| 19 | Trek from Yamphuding to Khebang | 2,080 | 1,910 | 5-6 |
| 20 | Trek from Khebang to Khamdine | 1,910 | 1,500 | 5-6 |
| 21 | Drive from Khamdine to Bhadrapur | 1,500 | 93 | - |
| 22 | Fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu | 93 | 1400 | - |
Tips While Trekking in Nepal in September
Here are a few tips to make your trekking experience even more fun and enjoyable.
- Stay Hydrated. Trekking for long hours mean the loss of water from your body by means of sweating. So drink lots of water to compensate for the water you’ve lost.
- Hire a trekking guide. Some of the treks like Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek and Manaslu Trek are not much crowded, so there are chances of losing your routes in the woods when trekking independently.
- Equip yourself with some bug repellents and ointments. The first week of September is still Monsoon, and there is still chances of a few rain showers. These rain showers may attract mosquitoes and other bugs in the wet and mushy trails along the route.
- Pack some of your favorite snacks. While trekking in the remote regions, you might want to sit, grab a refreshing bite, and appreciate the scenery surrounding you.
Conclusion
September falls in Autumn in Nepal. The first two weeks may witness a few rain showers in the lower regions. However, the last two weeks of September will not see much rain. The trekking routes might turn dry, and the skies become clear by ever so alluring views of snow-capped mountain peaks.
The trails won’t see much of a crowd in this month, and you will enjoy a variety of accommodation choices. The off-beaten and secluded trekking routes like Nar Phu Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek will give you the adventures of a lifetime.
Trekking in Nepal in September has its own merits and excellences. You will enjoy every bit of your journey while trekking in Nepal.
FAQs
Q1. What is the weather like in Nepal in September?
September is the start of Autumn in Nepal. The first week of September might receive rainfalls but the following weeks will get dry with clear skies.
The daytime temperatures average around 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperatures average 14 to 16 degrees Celsius in lower regions.
The daytime temperatures average around 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, and the nighttime temperatures average 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in higher regions.
Q2. What festivals fall in September?
Dashain, Indra Jatra, and Teej usually fall in September.
Dashain is the longest and most important festival in Nepal, celebrated for 15 days. This festival symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga over Devil Mahishasura.
Indra Jatra is the biggest street festival in Nepal celebrated only in Kathmandu Valley. This festival fills the streets of Kathmandu city with chariot processions and masked dances.
Teej is another significant festival celebrated by Hindu women all over Nepal. On this day, women wear red sarees and colorful bangles, and sing and dance with Teej folk songs.
These festivals will add joy and fun while trekking in Nepal in September.
