Nepal Travel In May

By Author: Rabindra Adhikari
Total Articles: 25
Comment this article

The tourist rush starts to slow down by May but it is still a good time to do trekking in the Himalayas. It is still colorful from the spring and the moderate temperature at high altitude makes the trekking pleasure. The vertically rising landscape of Nepal causes drastic change in the climate from the plains of the Terai to the high Himalayan valleys. Temperature in middle hills starts to get hot and humid reaching a maximum temperature of 29 C by the end of May. Tourist towns like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur lie in the mid hills. The best Nepal trek for May are high altitude treks starting from the Himalayan foothills. Start trekking in the morning and chill out for a couple of hours during the lunch hour to avoid scorching midday heat. Nights and mornings are cold depending upon the altitude you will be in. Early May is the best for trekking as the temperature remains moderate and the seasonal crowd thin out. The monsoon clouds start to gather by the end of May and it may rain with thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The May rain however doesn’t disturb the ...
... trekking and rather clears the view.
 
The southern planes will be hot with the maximum temperature reaching little over 30 C. But the heat brings wildlife closer to waterholes, making May a good month for wildlife and jungle safari tours of Chitwan and Bardia national park.

Events in May

Two major festivals – Tiji and Buddha Jayanti, fall in the month of May. The 3 days long mask dancing festival of Tiji is performed in the lost Tibetan kingdom of Mustang. Monks perform several mask dances for a couple of days amid chanting and prayers at the local monasteries. On the third day the main monk who represents the Dorje Sonam performs the ritualistic dance and chases away the demons.  This is the best time to visit Upper Mustang which is also featured in the book ‘1000 places to see before you die.’ Mustang comes into life once again for festivals as the villagers as well as monks gather in their villages with their best traditional attire and ritualistic objects. This is the most occult and ancient Tibetan Buddhist festival that survives till the date.

The other festival celebrated in May is Buddha Jayanti. The day is when Buddha was born, enlightened and attained Nirvana. On the day, Stupas and Buddhist shrines are white washed and decorated with flowers and lights. Monasteries perform special chanting ceremonies and people make the pilgrimage to auspicious sites like Swayambhunath, Namobuddha, Boudhanath Stupa and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.  

Best Nepal Trips for May

Everest Base camp Trek

Since the trekking starts with flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trek avoids the hot and humid trekking in the middle hills. The moderate temperature and less trekkers make May the best time to do the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek

This is the closest trekking route from the nearest city Pokhara. Unlike other treks the route climbs to the western ridge of Mardi Himal and then climbs gradually to the Mardi Himal base camp at 4,500 m. The trail mostly passes through the Rhododendron forest providing shed.

Nepal walking holiday

If you are looking for relatively easier walks with comfortable stay, this is the best option. This itinerary allows you to stay and enjoy the mountains and villages without much effort. Stay in the luxury hotels at the popular hill stations like Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Bandipur, Dhampus and go on a gentle customized walk to fit you.

Tips for Nepal travel in May

-> Dress in layers which help you to peel off or put on layers according to varying temperature during the day.  

-> Bring a light rain jacket and rucksack cover. It may rain in the evening and it doesn’t last for long.

-> Start your day early to avoid evening rain and storms.

-> Choose your destinations at altitude above 1,000 m. Temperatures are pleasant for Bhutan tour, hill stations of Nepal and trek in Everest.

-> Chances of strong wind in the evening. Avoid walking till late or take shelter at the safe place which protects you from falling objects in case of wind.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I like trekking and discovering new places. I have a degree in culture and love to read non fiction books. I also write travel journals and blogs.