Monte Carlo techniques are utilized to compute monostatic lidar returns from turbid atmospheres. Examples are evaluated for thick hazes, clouds, fogs and rain. The effects of multiple scattering are significant in the cases considered. Results are compared with those obtained by Eloranta (1972) to describe doubly scattered lidar returns and the agreement is satisfactory, provided that higher orders of multiple scattering are negligible. Abstract Monte Carlo techniques are utilized to compute monostatic lidar returns from turbid atmospheres. Examples are evaluated for thick hazes, clouds, fogs and rain. The effects of multiple scattering are significant in the cases considered. Results are compared with those obtained by Eloranta (1972) to describe doubly scattered lidar returns and the agreement is satisfactory, provided that higher orders of multiple scattering are negligible.