So, you’re thinking of doing the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek in July? Buckle up — this month is not your average trekking season. July sits squarely in Nepal’s monsoon, and while most trekkers are dodging leeches in their flip-flops down in Pokhara, you could be chasing waterfalls in the hills and enjoying quiet trails all to yourself.
ABC in July isn’t for the faint-hearted, but for the adventurous (and mildly waterproof), it’s a lush, dramatic, and soulful experience.
What Is the Trekking Experience Like in July?
Let’s be real — it rains almost every day, mostly in the afternoons or evenings. Trails can be muddy, slippery, and leech-friendly, especially in the lower, jungle-covered sections between Landruk, Jhinu, Bamboo, and Dovan.
But in return? You get mist-covered hills, dozens of waterfalls, and a trek that feels like a secret. It’s just you, the trail, and the occasional muddy cow.
Weather Overview
| Place | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokhara | 25–30°C | 20–22°C | Humid with daily rainfall |
| Chhomrong | 20–25°C | 15–18°C | Wet, cloudy, and foggy |
| ABC (4130 m) | 8–12°C | 2–6°C | Cool, cloudy, with rare clearings |
Expect rain most afternoons — so start your hike early, and always pack for moisture.
Pros of Trekking ABC in July
✅ Peace and quiet — you’ll hardly see other trekkers
✅ Lush greenery — rhododendrons, mossy trails, and blooming wildflowers
✅ Waterfalls — cascading down every cliff, in full dramatic flow
✅ More flexible rates — lower costs for teahouses, guides, and permits
✅ Authentic village life — experience rural Nepal during the rice-planting season
Cons (That You Shouldn’t Ignore)
❌ Heavy rainfall, especially after lunch
❌ Landslides and roadblocks on the way to trailheads
❌ Leeches — bring salt, repellent, and leech socks
❌ Limited mountain views — the peaks like to hide behind clouds
❌ Slippery and muddy trails, especially through forests like Bamboo and Dobhan
If you’re not confident on slick terrain, or you hate walking in wet socks, maybe give July a pass.
Is It Safe to Trek in July?
Mostly yes — but caution is key.
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Avoid trekking during or after continuous heavy rain days
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Stay updated on local weather forecasts
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Don’t trek solo in landslide-prone zones
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Stick to established trails and travel with a guide
If you’re planning ABC in July, a local guide is highly recommended — not just for navigation, but for knowing when to push forward and when to wait out a storm.
Getting to the Trailhead in July
Your typical entry point will be Ghandruk or Siwai, depending on road conditions. But in July:
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Landslides or swollen rivers can cut off road access without warning
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Buses may cancel or take longer routes
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Private jeeps are more reliable, but pricier
| Transport | Cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus (KTM–Pokhara) | NPR 1,200–1,800 | Roads can be slow, even delayed by mudslides |
| Private Jeep (Pokhara–Ghandruk) | NPR 8,000–10,000 total | May not go all the way if road is washed out |
| Local Bus/Jeep | NPR 600–1,200 | Basic and weather-dependent |
Build extra buffer days into your schedule just in case you get stuck waiting out the rain or a blocked road.
Where to Stay & What to Expect from Teahouses
Teahouses are open — but a lot emptier than in peak season. You’ll often have:
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Private rooms with no advance booking
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Fresh garden vegetables due to local farming
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Slower service (because it’s off-season)
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Possible delays in hot water or solar charging if it’s cloudy for days
What to Pack for July
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Rain jacket or poncho (make it a GOOD one)
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Rain pants
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Leech socks or long trekking socks
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Quick-dry clothes
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Extra shoes/sandals for wet evenings
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Trekking poles for muddy trails
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Dry bags or waterproof pack cover
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Headlamp (early starts + cloudy days = low light)
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Salt or vinegar wipes for leech bites
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Mosquito repellent for lower trails
Leave your down jacket at home; pack smart for moisture, not cold.
Costs in July
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| ACAP + TIMS Permits | NPR 4,000 |
| Guide (optional) | $20–25/day |
| Porter (optional) | $18–22/day |
| Meals/day | NPR 2,000–2,500 |
| Lodging/night | NPR 500–1,000 |
| Transport total | NPR 2,000–10,000 |
Due to low traffic, you can negotiate rates more easily — but don’t underpay your guide or porter.
Should You Trek ABC in July?
Yes — if you:
✅ Want solitude and green-on-green scenery
✅ Don’t mind rain and a few leeches
✅ Are flexible, cautious, and not tied to strict schedules
✅ Have a guide and some trekking experience
Final Thoughts
ABC in July is not for first-timers hoping for perfect panoramas and dry boots. But if you come with an open heart, good rain gear, and the right expectations, you’ll find a different kind of beauty: mysterious clouds wrapping the peaks, frogs croaking in terraced paddies, and the thunder of rivers swollen with Himalayan runoff.
Some call it muddy madness. We say it’s monsoon magic — for those who know where to look.
Coming in July?
Let us know, and we’ll share:
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Recommended guides used to July trekking
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Real-time trail updates
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Safe alternate treks if ABC gets washed out
Just drop us a message at TrekHeaven, and we’ll get you started.
