Manaslu Circuit is a one-of-a-kind adventure destination in Nepal. If you are also planning a Manaslu trek but are unsure about the best time to start, then let us help you. The best times for Manaslu circuit trek are spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). These times of the year offer stable weather conditions, clear visibility, festival celebrations, longer days, and mild temperatures.

Spring brings the landscape to life with bursts of vibrant colors and blossoms. Mainly, April is like nature’s very own festival! Conversely, autumn paints the trails with golden hues, creating a breathtaking tapestry. Major Nepalese festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath fall in October. The celebrations, traditional music, and attire are a sight to behold.

But hold on, it’s not just about the eye-pleasing scenery and celebrations in and around the Manaslu region.

During these times, the weather is your friend. It’s on your side with clear skies, ensuring you won’t miss out on those jaw-dropping vistas.

Visibility? Oh, it’s clear.

And the climate and temperatures? Perfectly moderate, so you won’t feel heat burning or refrigerating. These ideal conditions make your trek smoother and worthy of hiking for days just to get the perfect mountain views.

But wait, we’ve got something extra to help you make a rock-solid decision. To help you decide the perfect time to go on a Manaslu trek, we compared weather, temperature, and visibility for each month. So that you will be armed with all the insights you need to pick your best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit.

Manaslu Trek in the Spring (Mar, Apr, May)

Spring in the Manaslu region offers a visual treat of blossoms, greenery, and comfortable trekking weather. The clear skies showcase the majestic peaks, yet sporadic showers and crowds are factors to consider.

Manaslu Trek in March

Exploring the Manaslu Circuit in March marks spring. While temperatures start to rise, mornings and nights retain their chill. Daytime temperatures fluctuate between 2 and 8°C, plummeting to sub-zero levels during the early hours.

The snow-capped summits of the Manaslu peaks remain visible, adding to the captivating vistas. Amidst this, forest trails come alive with vibrant blossoms, painting the landscape with nature’s hues.

Manaslu Trek in April is the perfect time

Embarking on the Manaslu Trek in April marks the pinnacle of spring’s allure. As temperatures grow milder, daylight extends its embrace, allowing for a leisurely pace without the urgency of an early start.

The temperature gradient hovers between 6°C and 12°C, ensuring comfortable days and less chilly mornings and nights. The trails stay dry, while the impeccable visibility accentuates the magnificence of the towering peaks, enhancing their enchanting allure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in May

Exploring the Manaslu Circuit in May, towards the end of spring, is still a good idea. The weather gets warmer in the higher areas. The lakes, Birendra and Ponkar, have melted and look beautiful.

However, around mid-May, you might experience some occasional rain. On the trail, it might feel a bit humid by the end of the month. Temperatures can go from 12 to 31°C. And around mid-May, near the Manaslu base camp, you will see many groups preparing for climbing expeditions.

Pros and cons of trekking Manaslu in the spring

Pros

• Spring drenches the region in colorful blossoms and lush greenery, creating a picturesque trekking environment.
• The temperatures are just right for trekking, offering comfortable experiences.
• The clear skies provide unobstructed views of the stunning Himalayan peaks.

Cons

• Spring is a popular time for trekkers, so expect more companions on the trail and accommodations on the Manaslu trek route.
• While there is minimal rainfall, occasional showers can occur, affecting visibility and trail conditions.

Manaslu Trek in Autumn (Fall)

Autumn, from September to November, is the other best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal.

The weather is steady, and the view of Mt. Manaslu is at its best. With mild temperatures, sunny days are longer, adding to the thrill of your adventure.

Fall is also the ideal time to conquer the tough Larke La Pass (5,165m) since there’s no rain to obstruct views or snow to block the pass.

Manaslu Trek in September

In September, as autumn begins, the Manaslu trek becomes a beautiful journey. The weather is nice, with mild temperatures, blue skies, and snowy mountain tops.

But remember, the start of the month might still have some leftover rain from the monsoon, especially on lower paths. So, bring gear like raincoats, waterproof jackets, and pants. Days are a bit warm at around 5 to 7°C, while mornings and nights are cooler.

Manaslu Trek in October, the month of celebrations

October shines as the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal. As the days warm up, expect crystal-clear skies that unveil breathtaking snowy mountain peaks. Daytime temperatures hover between 12 and 15°C, while at higher elevations they plunge below freezing.

Brace for a bustling Manaslu circuit trail as October draws the most trekkers. Additionally, it’s prime time to tackle Larke La Peak, with less snow making the trail less arduous.

Manaslu Trek in November, the start of the wintry days

November presents yet another prime window for the Manaslu trek. With moderate temperatures and the driest weather of the year, it’s a trekker’s delight. The mountain views are at their finest. Cold temperatures range from 12 to 13°C down the trail, while higher up, they can drop below freezing.

Moreover, this month marks the annual Manaslu trail race, spanning the first to the third week, adding an extra dash of excitement to your adventure.

Pros and Cons of Hiking Manaslu in the Autumn

Pros

• Autumn offers the most stable and predictable weather conditions, reducing the chance of disruptions due to rain or snow.
• The clear skies provide excellent visibility for panoramic mountain views and picturesque landscapes.
• Mild and pleasant temperatures during the day make trekking in the Himalayas more enjoyable, while cooler nights offer a cozy atmosphere.
• Autumn is perfect for tackling challenging high passes like Larke La Pass, as the weather is less likely to be obstructive.
• The region often celebrates local festivals during this season, immersing you in the area’s cultural richness.

Cons

• Autumn is a popular trekking season in Nepal, so expect more fellow trekkers along the trail and crowded accommodations.
• Due to the influx of trekkers, there might be limited availability of rooms in tea houses, requiring advanced reservations.
• The demand for services during the peak autumn season can lead to higher prices for accommodation and food in and around Manaslu.

 

 

Manaslu Trek in the Summer and Monsoon

The summer or monsoon is not an ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit trek. During these months, the trail experiences heavy rainfall, resulting in wet, and muddy trail conditions. Walking through forested areas might lead to encounters with leeches, bugs, and mosquito bites, causing discomfort.

Moreover, the risk of landslides is a concern, potentially obstructing roads and trails and causing delays in your planned itinerary. It’s worth noting, however, that the higher elevations receive less rainfall compared to the lower trekking regions.

Manaslu Trek in June

Trekking the Manaslu in June marks the beginning of the monsoon season. Humidity and brightness characterize the days, with temperatures hovering around 25°C.

Toward the month’s end, increased rainfall is observed along the lower forested trail of Manaslu. While the rain brings more greenery to the trail, it’s important to be prepared for wetter conditions during this period.

Manaslu Trek in July

In July, embarking on the Manaslu trek enters a period of heightened rainfall and rising temperatures. This month is characterized by some of the hottest weather of the year. As you trek, the heat might bring a touch of discomfort.

The temperatures average around 25 to 30°C, with slightly cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. While days typically remain clear, mornings and nights experience an increase in rainfall. This pattern often means that rain might spare you during the day, but be ready for wet spells at other times.

Manaslu Trek in August

Exploring the Manaslu region in August translates to heightened rainfall compared to other monsoon months, while temperatures remain similar to July.

The trail encounters its heaviest rainfall during this period, making a rain jacket an essential companion. The path can be slippery, and the risk of landslides increases, necessitating preparedness for those challenges.

Pros and Cons of Trekking Manaslu in the Summer or Monsoon

Pros

• Despite the challenges, the landscape transforms into a lush and vibrant scene due to the rain, creating a distinct visual experience.
• In contrast to lower regions, higher elevations experience comparatively less rainfall, offering improved trekking conditions.

Cons

• The summer months bring substantial rainfall to the Manaslu Trail, resulting in slippery paths.
• Forested areas may harbor leeches, bugs, and mosquitoes, causing disruptions during your trek.
• Monsoon rains increase the likelihood of landslides, potentially obstructing roads and paths and causing delays in your itinerary.

Manaslu Trek in the Winter Season

From December to February, winter transforms the Manaslu region into a captivating winter wonderland draped in a pristine white snow blanket. However, crossing the Larkya La Pass becomes infeasible due to heavy snowfall obstructing the trail, rendering it challenging.

If snow enchants you and you can handle colder temperatures, you can still trek the Manaslu region’s lower trails. The mountains, adorned with heavy snow, exude an even more breathtaking beauty during this time.

Manaslu Trek in December

Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit trek in December heralds winter, with temperatures beginning to drop. Daytime temperatures span from 10 to 12°C.

However, as you ascend to places like Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharmashala, temperatures plummet to sub-zero levels, dipping as low as minus 8°C. Despite the chill, the days remain vibrant, offering clear skies and the chance to relish the stunning Himalayan panorama.

Manaslu Trek in January

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in January faces the region’s chilliest weather. Heavy snow and cold temperatures make this a challenging time for the trek.

Daytime temperatures reach about 6 to 8°C, dropping to a chilly minus 10°C at night and in the mornings. Villagers from higher areas often move to warmer places, leaving villages quiet with many tea houses and shops closed. If you train better for the Manaslu hike then, you can certainly aim for winter trekking.

Manaslu Trek in February

Concluding winter, trekking the Manaslu Circuit in February encounters milder temperatures ranging from 6 to 8°C during sunny days. However, mornings and nights dip to freezing points.

Pros and Cons of Wintry Months in Manaslu

Pros 

• The landscape is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering breathtaking snowy vistas.
• Winter sees fewer trekkers, providing a sense of solitude and tranquility on the trails.
• Crisp winter air often results in excellent visibility and stunning mountain panoramas.
• If you are comfortable with colder conditions, trekking in winter offers a distinct adventure and a chance to experience the region in a different light.

Cons

• Temperatures can plummet to extremely low levels, making it necessary to have appropriate cold-weather gear.
• Inhabitants of higher altitudes often migrate to warmer areas, leaving some villages quiet. Many facilities are closed. Hiking through Nepalese villages will be quiet, with only a few locals on the way.
• Heavy snowfall can block passes like Larkya La, making certain routes impassable and potentially unsafe.
• Due to fewer trekkers, some lodges, teahouses, and shops might be closed, limiting accommodation and supply options.

End Note

The above season marks the best dates to start your trek to Manaslu for every level. However, choosing the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit depends on your preferences, tolerance for weather conditions, and desired experience.

Whether you go in the popular seasons of spring and autumn or try the less-traveled paths of summer and winter, the allure of Manaslu’s beauty and culture awaits you. It’s a memorable adventure waiting for those who are up for it.