Everest Base Camp trek during the monsoon

You can trek in Khumbu during the monsoon, from about June to August, but it is a different trip from the clear-sky seasons. Expect rain, cloud, wet trails and unreliable flights, with the reward of lush scenery and very few other trekkers.

What to expect

• Views: mountains are often hidden by cloud, with occasional clear mornings that feel like a bonus.
• Trails: mud, slippery stone steps and swollen streams slow progress, and some sections may be affected by landslides.
• Lower valley: forests are green and humid, and leeches can be common on damp lower sections.
• Crowds: very few trekkers, so lodges are quiet and easy to book.

Flights

The biggest practical issue is the Lukla flight. Heavy cloud and rain often delay or cancel flights for days, and a backlog can build in Kathmandu. Allow at least two or three extra days at each end, or avoid tight connections with international flights.

Kit that makes a difference

Bring a reliable waterproof jacket and trousers, a pack cover and dry bags, quick-drying layers, waterproof boots with good grip, gaiters for muddy sections and spare socks. Keep electronics and your sleeping bag inside waterproof liners, because everything in a wet pack tends to stay wet.

Safety

Rivers can rise quickly after heavy rain, and landslides can block trails. Follow the advice of your guide and local people about which sections to avoid, and never cross a swollen stream you are unsure about. Acclimatisation rules are the same as in any other season, so keep your rest days.

Is it worth it

If you want solitude, greenery and flexible dates, and are happy to accept uncertainty, the monsoon can be rewarding. If your main goal is a clear view of Everest and a tight schedule, choose spring or autumn.

Why some people choose it anyway

For some trekkers the monsoon has real attractions. The hills are intensely green, waterfalls are full, wildflowers appear in high meadows and the trails are nearly empty. Prices for rooms and some packages can be lower, and you have more of a chance to talk with local families. If you are flexible, enjoy rain and cloud and do not need guaranteed views of the highest peaks, it can be a rewarding choice.

The downsides to accept

You must be realistic about the trade-offs. Views of Everest and its neighbours are often hidden by cloud, leeches can appear in the lower forest, trails are slippery and landslides sometimes block the path. Flights to Lukla are frequently cancelled or delayed for several days in succession, so a tight schedule is risky. Clothes and boots may stay damp, so a good waterproof system matters more than in other seasons.

How to prepare

• Carry a reliable rain jacket, rain trousers and a pack cover, and line your pack with a waterproof liner.
• Bring spare dry socks and keep one set for the evening only.
• Consider leech socks or salt and insect repellent in the lower forest.
• Allow at least two or three spare days for flight delays.

An alternative idea

If your holiday falls in the monsoon, think about whether another region suits you better. Areas in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, which receive less rainfall, can be more comfortable at that time of year. Ask an operator for an honest comparison rather than a sales answer.