When we think of an international trip, Indians often tend to overlook neighboring countries as their thoughts travel saat samundar paar to Europe and North America. However, the truth is that our amazing country has some equally amazing neighbors that have found themselves on the bucket list of passionate travelers for many decades.
One such destination is Nepal. Home to the mighty Mount Everest and a considerable portion of the Himalayan Mountain Range, along with important Hindu temples and friendly locals, Nepal has emerged as a popular destination in the recent past. If you are planning to visit Nepal in May and have questions regarding the same, you’re reading the correct article. Without further ado, let’s start answering your questions.
Nepal Weather In May
May marks the end of spring season in Nepal and the temperature can vary dramatically between regions. While the Terai or the foothill regions see a lot of hot days, temperatures are a bit cooler in the Mid-Himalayas and much colder in the Upper-Himalaya region.
The latter part of the month welcomes some rains, that provide a much needed respite from the relentless heat. While the days are warm on most days of the month, the nights are usually incredibly cool, thanks to the altitude.
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Reasons To Visit Nepal In May
While May might be the end of the tourist season in Nepal, moderate temperatures in the higher altitude regions keep the trekking trails extremely busy. In fact, May is one of the most favored months among those trying to scale Everest.
Those interested in easier trekking trails find them bathing in glorious sunlight and pleasant weather. However, expect to find considerable crowds swarming to undertake the same adventure activity.
Apart from the trekking trails being busy, another challenge you may face in May is to find accommodation, especially in the case of tea house accommodations, that are extremely popular among trekking enthusiasts.
Moreover, while May may be the end of tourist season in the country, most hotels and tourist establishments continue to charge peak-season tariffs from their customers.
Apart from the many trekking, there are also a few Nepali festivals that occur in the month of May that you can enjoy during your visit. Some of them are:
1. Tiji Festival
Celebrated in the Upper Mustang area of Nepal, the Tiji Festival is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Scheduled to be celebrated on 19, 20, and 21 May, the celebrated finds its origin in the 17th century and surrounded by rich historical and mythological tales.
Tiji Festival is one of the few experiences in Nepal that let visitors take a sneak peak into the lives of rural Nepal and celebrate with the locals. If you are planning your visit in May, make sure you schedule a visit to this festival.
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2. Buddha Jayanti
Since Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, you can expect the most grand celebrations of his birth in the country. The top two places where the celebrations happen are Lumbini and Kathmandu.
Lumbini is the town where Gautam Buddha was born in 543 BC, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The town observes grand day long celebrations to commemorate the birth of the Buddha’s spiritual leader.
Besides Lumbini, major celebrations take place in Kathmandu. The town is home to two auspicious Stupas of Buddhists, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath that celebrate the festival from the crack of dawn till late in the night.
5 Places To Visit In Nepal In May
Here are some top places to visit in May to have a wonderful vacation time with friends and family:
1. Pokhara
Situated next to River Seti, the quaint town of Pokhara is blessed with grand views and pleasant weather in May. Perfect for a staycation or an adventure filled getaway, Pokhara is the perfect destination for a holiday worth remembering.
Another noteworthy spot in Pokhara is the scenic Lake Pohwa which attracts thousands of tourists to the town every year. Pokhara is also known as the “Gateway Of Annapurna Circuit” and is the base of many beautiful treks that are associated with this region.
Suggested Read: 11 Nepal Travel Tips For Traveling To The Country Like A Pro!
2. Bhaktapur
Dotted with temples and littered with incredible relics of architecture, Bhaktapur is a delightful town to visit throughout the year. As the crowds recede towards the end of May, visiting temples becomes much more delightful.
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit Near Kathmandu That’ll Help You Learn The Essence Of Nepal
3. Chitwan National Park
One of the few places in Nepal to enjoy a wildlife safari, Chitwan National Park is the perfect destination for all sorts of travelers. Spread across a staggering 934 square kilometers, the wildlife park is home to rare animals like the single horn rhino, along with some 540+ species of avian fauna.
The area near the park is populated with hotels and resorts that satisfy all sorts of safari experiences and present options for budgets of all shapes and sizes.
Suggested Read: 15 Engrossing Things To Do In Nepal For All Adventure Junkies!
4. Lumbini
If you expect the birthplace of Gautam Buddha to be a calming town, you’re right on point. Lumbini is synonymous with serenity and spirituality, at least during the month of May, when the swarms of tourists have left the peaceful city.
A visit to Lumbini is also a must if you are looking to be a part of the festivities of Buddha Jayanti.
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5. Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal is home to renowned temples, popular trekking trails, and grand celebrations of Buddha Jayanti, the biggest festival of Nepal in the month of May.
Dotted with hotels and known for its traffic, Kathmandu sees a drop in tourist crowd after April, making the month of May the perfect time to explore the city.
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3 Things To Do In Nepal In May
Nepal is home to a range of experiences that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to the small country every year. The following are three of our favorite experiences in Nepal, that you can enjoy in May:
1. Be A Part Of One Of The Local Festivals
As mentioned earlier, Nepal celebrates a number of festivals during the month of May. These festivals aren’t just unique experiences, but as a visitor, they will help you learn more about the lives led by the locals of Nepal.
Not to forget, such festivals are a great place to make some new friends and collect unique experiences.
Suggested Read: Safari In Nepal: 9 Spots To Go On An Expedition And Witness The Wild Beasts!
2. Go For A Trek
As many may already know, the trek to the infamous Mount Everest is in Nepal. While not everyone can scale the tallest peak on the planet, there are many alternatives present in Nepal. The country is home to some of the most popular trekking trails on the planet.
Moreover, the pleasant weather at high altitudes during the month of May makes it the perfect season to trek in Nepal.
3. Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Devotees visit the acclaimed Hindu temple of Pashupatinath in large numbers throughout the year. The famed temple is surrounded by interesting lore and is an architectural marvel. Located on the banks of river Bagmati, the temple complex was acknowledged into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. The temple is also one of the 275 Tamil Paadal Petra Sthalams.
Further Read: Best Experiences To Enjoy On A Friends Trip To Nepal
May is one of the best months to visit Nepal. The weather is pleasant and two of the most widely celebrated festivals of Nepal take place in May. Not to forget, May is also the most popular month from trekking in Nepal. Need help planning your upcoming trip to Nepal? We’ve answered the most common questions about the destination below:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal in May:
When is the peak tourism season in Nepal?
The peak tourism season, and the best time to visit Nepal is between the months of October and April. At this time, the weather is cool and the sun shines bright over the land of Nepal.
How long do I need to see everything worthwhile in Lumbini?
Lumbini, while an important tourism destination in Nepal, can be covered within a span of a day. THe city is incredibly close to Kathmandu and can be visited on a day trip from the capital city.
How long does Annapurna Base Camp Trek require?
One of the highest peaks in the region, Annapurna Trek is extremely popular among trekking enthusiasts. It takes about 7-12 days to reach the base camp.
What are the timings for Pashupatinath Temple?
The temple opens its doors for devotees at 9 AM and closes them around 11 PM at night. With that said, it is best to visit the temple immediately after it opens or a little bit before it closes, as the crowds during the day make it impossible to enjoy the serenity of the temple.
Is there a beginner trekking trail present in Nepal?
Yes! Nepal is home to numerous trekking trails, many of which are perfect for beginners. Some great examples include Balthali, Ghandruk, Panchase, and Poon Hill Treks. All these treks last less than five days, cross moderately difficult terrains, and offer sublime views, making them perfect for trekking novices.
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