Far West in October

October is the best all-round month. Skies are clear after the monsoon, Rara Lake is at its deepest blue, and the Jumla–Rara trek and Khaptad plateau are dry, with long views of Api, Saipal and the Kanjiroba range. Bardia reopens with green, tall grass, which makes tigers harder to spot but shows the forest at its best. Dashain and Tihar holidays bring domestic visitors to Rara, so book flights and lodges early. Limi's passes stay open until about mid-October.

Rara 1 to 15 °C, clear; Bardia 19 to 31 °C. Conditions change fast with altitude, so check the mountain forecast a few days before you travel.

Good choices this month: Khaptad National Park Trek 9 Days, Limi Valley Trek 19 Days, Lucknow to Bardia and Rara Lake Tour 8 Days, Ramaroshan Lakes Trek 7 Days. Avoid flying on the main Dashain days, when domestic seats sell out across western Nepal.