Destinations & Things To Do
Into the High Sierra – Thunderstorms, Snowfields & Mt. Whitney Prep
The Sierra is showing her true face – with marmots, thunderstorms, snowy climbs, and mosquito swarms. We’re officially in the high country now. Our group is back together, we’ve had our first real alpine lake swim, and we’re camping above 3,000 meters. With wet boots, sore legs, and full bear cans, we’re ready to tackle our biggest challenge yet: Mt. Whitney.
Day 55 – Marmots, Mosquitos & Mountain Views
Last night was warm enough to sleep with just the sleeping bag draped over us. Morning was a bit of a scramble to dig out our hand sanitizer and wet wipes from the bear can, but we made it work. Packing still takes a while – we’re getting used to fitting all our food into the can – but we eventually hit the trail. A long climb awaits, and we’re happy to have gotten a head start on the rest of the group.
The landscape is fully transformed. No more desert – we’re walking through cool, shady forest, sometimes even crunching over old snow patches. Instead of snakes, we spot a marmot. Yep, we’re in the mountains now. We stop for breakfast at a gorgeous overlook and still haven’t been caught by our crew. Weird.
Veary finally catches up during snack break. The trail drops down to lunch. Turns out Timo and Lea got delayed – they forgot to collect water and even had to set up their tent at breakfast to escape the mosquito apocalypse. Apparently, the season has begun. We got lucky with a breezy, bug-free breakfast spot, but the Swiss were swarmed. And to make matters worse, a mouse chewed a hole in Lea’s sock.
We eat lunch by a creek but don’t linger – dark clouds are forming. The forecast had warned of storms. We still have to climb a ridge, so we push on. Thankfully, the clouds move the other way. The views are spectacular – even the dried-up lakebeds look dramatic.
We hike further than planned. The original camp is too early and the weather holds, so we go for it. Our new camp is beautiful, but the water source is a bit of a hike downhill. By 5 p.m., we have tents up, stretched our legs, and counted the 70 steps to dinner rock. That’s where the bear cans and anything smelly go for the night.
We’re camping at 3,144 meters. We’ll see how sleep goes – apparently, the mosquitos have no issue with elevation.
Day 56 – Storms, Snowfields & a Glacial Lake Dip
Rain during the night! Not everyone was ready. Some scrambled to throw on their tent fly, Patrik climbed out to grab his backpack from a tree, and a few of us slept through the whole three-minute shower like champs.
Out of camp by 6 a.m. The trail is beautiful – forest, meadows, and increasingly frequent snow. Our shoes are starting to get damp. Clouds start gathering late morning, and by the time we reach our lunch spot at Chicken Lake, the thunder is rolling.
On the way, we lose the trail while navigating a snow patch and have to bushwhack a bit to find it again. Luckily, we spot Lea and follow her to the lake.
The sun is still out, so we seize the moment – glacial lake swim! Absolutely freezing, but refreshing and wonderful.
The Swiss are planning to wait out the storm here – they’ve already set up their tent. We eat quickly and hit the trail again in jackets. The climb is steep and the rain eventually starts, but we’re well prepared. No lightning near our ice axes, thankfully.
After filtering water for the night (no source at camp), we come across a massive snow wall – that’s the trail. We climb it, feeling tiny in the landscape. Just before camp, we stop for a snack – no eating at camp in bear country.
Camp comes early today, which is nice. We stretch, build the tent, and relax. The Swiss arrive much later – they got caught in the rain after packing up.
Dinner is 70 steps away again, and the evening is spent making a plan for tomorrow’s Mt. Whitney summit attempt. We’re sleeping at 3,362 meters. It’s getting cold – time to tuck in.
Day 57 – River Crossings & Ready for Whitney
No alarm this morning – we’re taking it easy. Today is just 11 miles to the base of Mt. Whitney. We plan to arrive early and rest up before tomorrow’s big climb.
I try packing the bear can inside my backpack for once. Not great. First, we have to cross a river to get to breakfast. It’s a proper river, but luckily there’s a fallen tree across it. We use that to get over.
Breakfast by the water. I’m still fiddling with my pack – the can is hard and presses uncomfortably into my back. Eventually, Lea arrives… but no Timo. After a while with no sign of him, we ping him on Garmin. Turns out there was a miscommunication, and she hikes back to find him. Eventually, we’re all together again and ready to move.
What a climb. Steep, relentless. We huff and puff our way up and are rewarded with an epic view – and storm clouds building once again.
The descent feels more like a retreat from the weather. We cross another river – this time no log, so in we go, boots and socks soaked.
Thankfully, camp is just around the corner. We pitch tents fast and stash the ice axes far away, just in case. We wait in the tent, hoping for a break in the rain so we can eat.
The sky clears just in time for a late lunch. We meet up with the group, then head back for a nap.
Later, the sun comes out – we hang up our soggy shoes and socks to dry before nightfall. Nap until six, then it’s dinner time.
We sit in a cozy hiker circle with our little trail family – and a surprise guest. A coyote trots casually past our camp!
Doug starts a new tradition: a dinner conversation topic. Today’s is books. Yes, please.We prep our snacks for tomorrow’s climb, stash everything in the bear can, and crawl into our bags. It’s time. Whitney tomorrow.
- Hightower Top Parking Lot (908.8) to Bearfence Mountain Hut (919.1)
- 2438 feet ascent 1955 feet descent
The Heat Dome is officially over. The differnce in the air temperature and the humidity is profound. The last few days, taking in air was hard. The high humidity left us gasping for oxygen among the H2O laden air.
Both of us were awful at chemistry but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the ratio of hydrogen (H) to oxygen (0) was off kilter.
Early Shuttle
Wayne, our amazing shuttle driver said he was up at 5 am and would take us to the trail as early as we liked. We decided on 7 am, just on case we wanted to sleep in.
We were up early and ready at 6:30 am. Wayne was early too so it was an unintended meeting of the minds.
We returned his free bottle of scentfree laundry soap and added to the shuttle hiker box my leftover 1/2 shaker of bottle medicated powder.
Another Fast Start
After low temperatures in the 80s, the mid 70 temperature of early morning was refreshing. We zoomed through the mile and a half we had skipped ahead in just 25 minutes. Had we done it two days before, I expect it would have been two or three times longer.
We were encouraged and happy. It felt like a different life than the heavy drudgery of just 36 hours prior.
First Blackberries
At 8:36 am, we encountered a patch of ripe wild blackberries the Shennandoah are famed for. They were so delicious.
Many trail snacks are berry flavored. Nothing compares to fresh picked, wild berries. Even our organic home dehydrated berries paled by comparison.
We remembered together the fun we had last summer Huckleberry picking. Huckleberries are to Glacier National Park what blackberries are to the Shennandoah. Tourists come to eat Huckleberry foods and go pick some.
Last summer was a particularly good year for berries and tourists. Visitors go on organized berry excursions where they are given buckets and a brief lesson in berry picking. No one ever tells them the BIG berries are up the steep hillsides on bushes that are hue from accumulated snow melt. Thwy stick to the sides of the trail where the bushes are short and the berries tasty, but small.
Passers by notice us deep in the bushes and turn their heads away in modesty. They all assume we are on cathole patrol, not picking berries.
This summer, we enjoyed our berries trailside, tourist style. We were focused on hiking, not berry picking. Also, we were concerned not to eat too many berries and accidentally increase our cathole patrol.
More Food
We brought out sandwiches .adequate from vegetables, sour dough bread and pimento cheese. We burried them in our packs to keep them cool. They were a great post berry repast.
For dinner, we ate apples. They were a crisp and refreshing dinner after a long, still hot hike. Carrying them was well worth the extra weight.
Bouncing on Blowdowns
The afternoon threatened thunder and lightening. We paid close attention to where the rumbles issued forth. We did not want to be on an open, rocky sections with no cover.
After a couple of hours of vigilance, along with temperatures in the low 90s, we were wearing down. The day was a rocking success, but it was getting time to rest and sleep.
Our speed gradually increased in a fit of “horse to the barn” syndrome. I stepped tall and wode to clear a 2 foot high blowdown. My trailing right foot almost cleared the blowdown but not quite.
I found myself hanging a couple of feet above the ground, face down over a blowdown, balanced precariously on my left hiking pole, eyeball to eyeball with a patch of poison ivy.
So much for hurrying. Never works. We extracted me successfully without engaging the poisen ivy. We hoped.
Limping into Home Plate
The fall was relatively inconsequential but having jammed my fist and hiking pole into my rib I did notice. As we rounded the bend to the shelter, I spotted the first of the summer eccanacia.
It is well known for its healing power. Tonight, its golden rays made me feel better just by looking at it.
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I’ve made it about halfway! And for now that’s my signal to take a pause from blogging here. My main reason for sharing my blood, sweat, and tears on the trail here was in support of my fundraiser, but it hasn’t gained me the support needed to reach my goal. It’s been my incredible friends and family who have mostly been cheering me on, and so for now I will just be doing limited posting on my social media. Thank you so much for the support from those who have been following along here– some days it was just what I needed to brighten my day, and I hope it added to yours as well. Perhaps I will post here again in the future if things shift.
Thruhikes are hard even without sharing the experience with the world, even “rest days” often being carefully crafted to be efficient and almost militant just to get stuff done: gear repair, food resupply, laundry, paying the bills, calling friends and family, post office, hiker box, getting to and around the towns you end up in, stretching and relaxing and maybe getting some dang lotion on those terrible looking but strong feet– you get the point. I have to use my time wisely. Like I said, I will still be posting on social media and am also trying to brainstorm right now on how to create some LNT material for the CDTC while out here!
As I’ve hiked further and further north into Colorado I’ve also begun to feel as if I’m hiking deeper and deeper into the trail and being consumed by my emotions. There’s a lot to deal with, both personally and with big picture systems (and they are ultimately intertwined) and at times it can feel overwhelming.
When I hiked the PCT in 2017, it was a strange time but I felt able to fully disconnect from the world, I was only on the trail. But now I feel the elsewhere on the trail too– I see the pain occurring in the world right now and the consumption of nature rather than the stewarding of it and I want to implode. The chaos is exhausting.
I should be able to enjoy a quiet, beautiful trail without being worried for people in my home community disappearing or friends who may lose their healthcare or jobs. Without worrying about the defunding of our public lands. And more than that. But I can’t. But I have to, or they win.
Cheers from Steamboat 🖤
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
August is a time when nearly all of India experiences monsoon showers, although some regions are already seeing the rains retreat, revealing beautiful, lush landscapes. The monsoon season is an excellent time to travel in India if you don’t mind getting wet. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the opportunity to witness various cultural festivals, including Janmashtami and Onam. You can explore trekking routes that connect you to nature, enjoy enchanting waterfalls perfect for an afternoon picnic, or opt to stay indoors and listen to the soothing sound of rain on the roof. If you are considering a mid-monsoon trip, here is our selection of some of the best places to visit in India in August, ranging from deserts to mountains and beaches, and everything in between.
For additional inspiration, check out our story on some of the best places to visit in India, as shared by travel experts.
Places to visit in India in August 2025
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari is one of the best places to visit in India during August, particularly if you are seeking a tranquil retreat. This destination offers something for everyone, from spiritual spots and historical buildings to breathtaking coastlines, boat rides, and stunning views all around. If you’re seeking a place to explore over the long weekend of Independence Day and Janmashtami, particularly in South India or Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is an ideal choice for a three-day getaway where you can return feeling completely relaxed. Visitors can expect occasional light rain, which enhances the lush beauty of the surroundings. Furthermore, Kanyakumari is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of local dishes that feature the freshest seafood, as well as delicious sweets made from coconut, dry fruit, and milk products.
Here’s our travel guide to Kanyakumari to help you plan an immersive experience.
Places to visit: Vattakottai Fort, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari Fish Aquarium, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 90 km away.
By train: Kanniyakumari Railway Station is located within the city.
Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam, in Kerala, is famed for its exceptional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, set against a stunning, lush backdrop. If you don’t mind the rain and enjoy cloudy skies and a tranquil atmosphere, August is a perfect time to visit this beautiful place in India. You can spend your days indulging in relaxing Ayurvedic treatments. However, Kovalam has much more to offer than just wellness! Visitors can explore its lighthouses, beaches, temples, castles, and various attractions. If you’re looking for a short, rejuvenating getaway, Kovalam is an ideal retreat. Additionally, its beach shacks and local markets offer shopping enthusiasts the opportunity to hone their bargaining skills and find the perfect souvenirs to take home.
Places to visit: Vizhinjam Light House, Samudra Beach Park, Vellayani Lake, Azhimala Cliff, and Hawa Beach
How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 14 km away.
By train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is approximately 11 km away.
Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Warm days and cool nights, combined with occasional rainfall that helps lower temperatures, create the raw and rugged beauty of Orchha. Known as one of the most popular destinations in Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is rich in ornate palaces, temples, cenotaphs, and forts. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of adventure sports, weather permitting. The Betwa River is an excellent spot for rafting, especially when water levels rise and the rapids become easier to navigate. You can also experience the captivating Light and Sound Show at Orchha Fort or visit the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary to spot some elusive wildlife. For a short getaway during the Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend, Orchha serves as a perfect retreat, surrounded by nature and steeped in historical significance.
Our story on Orchha will offer all the insights you need about this historical city in Madhya Pradesh.
Places to visit: Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Kanchan Ghat, and Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach
By air: Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport (Gwalior Airport) is approximately 138 km away.
By train: Jhansi Railway Station is approximately 19 km away.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
The monsoon season is a wonderful time to visit Rajasthan, as the occasional showers and cloudy weather help lower the temperatures. Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, is no exception to this. The rain offers some relief from the heat, making outdoor sightseeing and activities much more comfortable. August is particularly great for enjoying desert safaris, whether on camelback or in 4-wheel drive vehicles. Not only can you witness a stunning sunset from the dunes, but you may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including many native bird species, during your safari. In addition to the desert experiences, you can explore palaces that have been converted into museums, showcasing royal palanquins and weaponry. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the sea of blue houses below from vantage points at Mehrangarh Fort.
Additionally, discover the best spots to capture stunning images in Jodhpur.
Places to visit: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, and Mandore Garden.
How to reach
By air: Jodhpur Airport is located within the city.
By train: Jodhpur Junction is located within the city.
Also read | A Monsoon Adventure In Rajasthan Is What Rain Lovers Need
Mandarmani, West Bengal
West Bengal is known for its tranquil beaches and charming resort towns, offering an abundance of seafood options, lush greenery, and a variety of beach activities. Mandarmani is a favourite getaway for many residents, who enjoy spending their long weekends and holidays there to soak up the relaxed beach atmosphere before returning to their busy daily lives. Mandarmani is often chosen over other beach destinations in West Bengal because it is relatively less crowded. In addition to the beach, visitors can explore nearby attractions, including temples, parks, and viewpoints that provide stunning views of rivers and the sea. As you stroll along the beach, you might spot numerous little crabs scurrying away, build large sandcastles with the help of family or friends, and savour delicious seafood from local beach shacks.
Planning to explore more of West Bengal? Our story on day trips from Kolkata will help you plan your itinerary.
Places to visit: Tajpur Beach, Shankarpur Beach, Mandarmani Beach, and Amrabati Park.
How to reach
By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is approximately 180 km away.
By train: Contai (Kanthi) Railway Station in Medinipur is approximately 24 km away.
Agumbe, Karnataka
Nestled in the verdant forests of Karnataka’s Shivamogga district is Agumbe, a high-altitude village that is still off most travel itineraries. If you are looking to spend time surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, rolling meadows laden with wildflowers, and plenty of nature trails to explore, this is the place for you. You can enjoy a scenic drive from Someshwara to Agumbe, featuring a series of hairpin bends that showcase the beauty of the Western Ghats, or embark on treks that allow you to explore the rainforests. There are plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy exploring, but it’s also a great place to stay and enjoy the rain, if that’s what you had in mind for a relaxing vacation.
There’s plenty more to see in Karnataka for mountain lovers. Here’s our story on hill stations in Karnataka to help you navigate your way.
Places to visit: Barkana Falls, Jogigundi Falls, Agumbe Ghat Road, Onake Abbi Falls, and Agumbe Sunset Viewpoint.
How to reach
By air: Mangaluru International Airport is approximately 97 km away.
By train: Udupi Railway Station is approximately 52 km away.
The Golden Triangle Circuit
If you’re looking for options to explore near Delhi in August, the Golden Triangle Circuit is the perfect choice. With the Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend approaching, you can visit Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi within three days or take a couple more days off to truly explore the cities. For a 3-day itinerary, consider covering only the Taj Mahal in Agra, and hop over to Jaipur for one and a half days of sightseeing, followed by another day in the national capital, exploring parts of Old Delhi and iconic monuments in Central Delhi. Go ahead and make the most of your Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend!
Places to visit: the Taj Mahal in Agra, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, and the India Gate, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Lotus Temple in Delhi.
How to reach
By air: Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra have airports within the cities.
By train: Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra have multiple railway stations within the cities.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Khandala, Maharashtra
The name itself is enough to evoke visions of lush, misty hills with winding roads and a cool breeze flowing across the meadows. Khandala in August is all that and more! Even though the chances of rain are higher in this month compared to other months, which holds true for almost all of India, Khandala is a great place for a short romantic break or a solo mid-monsoon trip to rejuvenate yourself. One of the best places to visit in India in August, Khandala is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, offering numerous walking trails, scenic viewpoints, mild trekking opportunities, and numerous historical spots to explore. From waterfalls and dams to caves and forts, Khandala seems to have it all, with a vibrant landscape as its backdrop.
Explore more of Maharashtra and its attractions with our guide.
Places to visit: Kune Falls, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Pavana Lake, and Rajmachi Fort.
How to reach
By air: Pune International Airport is approximately 73 km away.
By train: Lonavala Railway Station is approximately 5 km away.
Insider tips for exploring India in August
- Pack waterproof gear for your trip, including rain covers for bags and valuables.
- Light, breathable apparel is preferred. Bring an umbrella or raincoat along.
- Take some insect repellent along in case you plan to take evening walks.
- Avoid eating pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
- Try to stick to bottled water while travelling.
- Plan and book your stay and packages in advance if planning to travel during the Independence Day and Janmashtami weekend in August.
- Be respectful towards local customs and traditions when visiting religious spots.
- Make sure to pack sturdy, waterproof footwear.
- With August right in the heart of India’s monsoon season, it is imperative to plan for delays and disruptions to your plans.
- Before planning your day, be sure to check the weather so you’re prepared to handle any rain.
(Feature image credit: Mehul Antani/Flickr)
Related | Nature Uninterrupted! The Dreamiest Glasshouse Airbnbs In India To Book Now
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
August is a good time to visit certain parts of India, including Kerala, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Hill stations in Southern India are ideal for a visit in August.
Places such as Agumbe in Karnataka and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh are some of the best offbeat destinations to explore in India in August.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Rajasthan are some of the top monsoon destinations In India for August travel.
Yes, Goa is an ideal place to visit in August, thanks to the monsoon turning it into a lush paradise.
Jodhpur, Amritsar, Agra, Jaipur, Spiti Valley, and Ladakh are some of the best places to visit in North India in August.
Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Onam, are a few of the cultural festivals celebrated in India in August.
Yes, Ladakh is accessible and safe to visit in August.
Remember to pack waterproof covers for your gear, along with insect repellent. Keep an eye on the weather before you begin a day of sightseeing.
Yes, there are plenty of romantic getaways in India suitable for August, from the Ayurvedic retreats of Kerala to the misty hills of southern India.
Yes, although in August trekking trails are best navigated across parts of south India.
Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, among others, are some of the best family-friendly destinations in India in August.
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