The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is during the months of spring (March – May) and autumn season (September – November). These months are considered as the favorable time of the year because of the weather conditions. The Annapurna Circuit Trek in June is possible but it is regarded as the off season time! The monsoon starts from June in Nepal that reduces the overall trekking experiences. Interestingly, there are many positives of trekking in June! In this blog, we will go deeper into finding out the various details important for safe trekking in June.
Some people love to drift and trek in the tranquil environment. They despise crowded trails and clamor while trekking. Trekking in Nepal during off season is best for these types of people. However, off season trekking requires immense planning. It has to be operated by the experienced individuals.
Let’s find out the weather conditions and temperature variations. Furthermore, let’s try to assess the trekking trail conditions and safety concerns due to heavy rainfall. Understanding these factors can help us to make decision whether to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June or not!
Table of Contents
What is an average temperature and weather conditions of Annapurna during June?
Monsoon season starts from second week of June and lasts until first week of August. The Low – altitude places of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route experience warm weather. The day time temperature ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 30. High – altitude places are cooler with temperature ranging from 4 degree Celsius to 10. Night time temperature ranges from 10 degree Celsius to 1 degree Celsius in the lowlands and highlands respectively.
The skies are usually covered by clouds blocking the view of the mountains and landscape. The persistent rainfall damages the trekking trail and roads. The trail becomes muddy and slippery making it difficult for trekkers to walk properly. Trekkers have to trek even if it is raining to complete the set itinerary.
So, is it nearly impossible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June? No, it is possible to do the trek even during the monsoon season.
Here is the reason behind the possibility of doing the trek in June. The Annapurna Circuit Trek route traverses through unique landscape. The trail is divided into two sections by the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). These two sections experience different weather patterns:
Now, let’s go deeper into finding the possibility:
Rain Shadow Areas can allow Annapurna Circuit Trek in June
The northern side of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is the rain shadow areas. These places are beyond mountains. Mustang and Manang regions are labelled as the “Himal Paari ko Gau”. The big wall of Himalayas prevent the rain carrying clouds. Therefore, they experience little rainfall. Trekking in any months is similar in these parts of the trekking trail. Less precipitation in the majority of the places that fall in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route means that trekkers can focus on the low – altitude places of the Southern side of the trail.
If we can successfully navigate through the low – altitude places in the beginning of the trek then the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June is possible! The biggest hurdles in this section are waterfalls, landslide prone areas, and various streams on the trekking trail. Heavy rainfall increases the water volume in both streams and waterfalls.
In addition, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has many waterfalls and streams in the trekking trail. It is so risky to traverse crossing these streams. The best idea to navigate through these situations is to add the additional days for the trek. Having extra days can allow trekkers to wait for the water level to subside and wait for the right window to trek through these risky areas.
Can addition of extra days ensure safe Annapurna Circuit trekking in June?
Yes, if you have additional days of about 2 to 3 days then we can wait for the right window to navigate through sketchy sections. As mentioned earlier, the places beyond Manang until the Muktinath area beyond Thorong La Pass are not affected by the weather conditions especially monsoon. If you wish to trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal during Monsoon season then always have the relaxed itinerary. For this to happen, trekkers must rely on the judgment of the trekking guide.
What is the conditions of road and trekking trail during monsoon season?
You must have the authentic and correct information about the conditions of road and trail during the monsoon season. The biggest concern while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June is safety. Usually, the road is muddy and it is difficult to travel even for the four wheel jeeps. Therefore, you may have to start the trek from places earlier than from the original trek trail head. Upgrading works are going on in the road to Manang from Besisahar. So, the road trip may become safe later but till 2025/2026, the road trip is risky!
The presence of leeches on the trekking trail is also the bothering factor for a smooth trekking. Slippery trail can lead to accidents. You can prevent such incidents by following the traditional methods. Applying salt or modern lotion before trekking can prevent from leeches. Walking boots suitable for slippery trails can help trekkers to walk comfortably in such trails.
Is Bio – Diversity similar between Monsoon and Spring season?
Spring season is the time of the year when the flowers bloom and plants bear the green lush characters. Interestingly, the monsoon season is even more enticing as the rain rejuvenate the landscape adorned by the lush greenery and blooming flora like in spring season. In addition, the season is also the time when the wildlife activity increases. Trekkers spotting the wildlife chances are high during the monsoon season than in the regular trekking season.
Do I get proper accommodation during off season in Annapurna Circuit Trek route?
Please note that some tea house owners migrate to safer places during off season. It is same for monsoon season and winter season. Therefore, finding the best accommodation facilities can be tricky. There are many tea houses in this trekking trail as it is one of the commercial trekking routes of the region. Some establishments are opened in their own home by the owners. You don’t have any issues regarding finding the tea houses to spend overnight.
What should I pack for Annapurna Round trekking in June?
Proper gear and equipment are essential for the successful off season trekking. Having suitable tools to overcome the hurdles means that you are well prepared for any situations during the trail. Make sure that you have waterproof clothing, leech repellents, backpack rain cover, monsoon season friendly trekking boots, and quick drying apparels. A personal rain coat is highly recommended as you may have to trek when it’s raining.
Is there any difference in permits requirements for off season trekking in Nepal?
No, there is no difference in permits requirements for off season trekking at least for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, in other trekking trips like the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the permit cost is about 25 $ less than the permit cost of the peak season. Trekkers have to acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit that costs Nrs. 3000 for foreigners and Nrs. 1500 for SAARC nationals.
Is there lesser crowd in June on the Annapurna Circuit Trek route?
During off season (monsoon & winter), the number of trekkers significantly drops. Only handful of trekkers treks in the trail. The journey can be so serene and tranquil that you start to fall in love with the beauty of nature without any disturbances from human beings. It feels as if all these grandeurs of Mother Nature are there for your services! It is indeed the original feel of trekking. The commercial trekking route like the Short Annapurna Circuit Trek feels like the off the beaten tranquil trail!
What are major disadvantages of off season trekking in Nepal?
The major disadvantage of off season trekking in Nepal is the visibility. The black clouds and fog often cover the scenery during the off season especially in the monsoon season. It’s so fun to know that the winter season is never bad in terms of visibility. The road conditions worsen during the monsoon season and it is not safe to travel. Slippery trails means that you take more hours to cover the distance! The availability of the tea houses and eateries is also less in comparison to the peak season.
Overall, this blogger strongly recommends you feel free to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June provided that you tick some conditions. Always trek with the experienced trekking guide and crew members! Don’t trek independently or solo. Allocate more reserve days in the original trekking itinerary. Have patience! Prepare your mind for any unforeseen events! Travel should never be restricted due to mere season issue! If you dare to trek the trail less explored or do the things done by lesser number of people then have no fear! It is possible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in June!