Figuring out the best time to go Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the most important decisions you'll need to make before you begin your trek. The Manaslu Circuit trek's best time will depend on the weather, the conditions of the trails, and the visibility of the mountains. Since this trek can take you not only through high passes, but also through remote villages and varied landscapes, doing it at the right time can make a lot of difference in your overall experience.
The best time to visit Manaslu Circuit is in the two main trekking seasons in Nepal, which is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), where the weather is clear, stable and the trails are open, making this the best time to do Manaslu Circuit trek for most trekkers. The best time to trek Manaslu Circuit also means better views of Mount Manaslu, more cultural experiences, and including less of a chance of trail or weather related disruptions.
Although some trekkers may visit the region in winter or summer, during these times, trekkers may face additional challenges to their trek, such as snow, rain, or trails being blocked. Knowing the right time to trek the Manaslu Circuit will help you avoid the difficulties posed in trekking during those seasons.
In this blog, we will attempt to explain the weather patterns, monthly conditions, and everything else to help you determine the best time to climb Manaslu Circuit trek.
Golden sunrise on Mount Manaslu seen from near Dharmashala on the Manaslu Circuit trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather and Season Overview
Nepal has four main seasons: Spring, Summer (Monsoon), Autumn, and Winter. Each of these seasons has unique weather and conditions which will affect your experience during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Hence, learning the best time to trek to Nepal is crucial whenever you plan visiting Nepal.
Spring begins mild with bright sunny skies, and forests in full bloom. Summer (Monsoon season) brings heavy rainfall that causes slippery trails, additional mud and leeches. Autumn brings dry weather, views of the mountains, and stable conditions. Winter will be cold and snowy, especially high passes.
Weather will play a major role in your planning of the trek. Sunny blue skies, dry trails, and safe mountain passes, all make for a more pleasurable trek. That is why Spring and Autumn are the most popular seasons to trek in Nepal.
If you are choosing your season for Manaslu Circuit, we would recommend these two; they are going to give you the best weather and trail conditions. There is also word among trekkers, that October is the best time for manaslu trek, while April is a close second.
When is the Best Time to Do the Manaslu Trek
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times for the Manaslu Trek. These months have the most stable weather, with clear skies, dry trails for hiking, and great visibility of the mountains.
Spring offers the best variety of color for nature photography lovers, with rhododendrons in bloom and lush forests and meadows moving into summer. Autumn is the best time for first-time hikers, or those who like crisp weather to have better views given this time is more prone to clear weather. However, whenever you decide to do the Manaslu Ciruit trek solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu region.
Solo trekker walking below the towering Pang Phuchi and snow-covered ridges on the Manaslu Circuit
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring Season (March to May)
Why Spring is a Good Time for Manaslu Trek
Spring is one of the most appropriate seasons to do the Manaslu Circuit as the weather is moderate, settled and clear skies will provide spectacular views of the snow capped peaks. The trails will be dry and easy to walk in areas. The forests will be alive with blooming that includes rhododendron and other species of wildflowers, adding to the variety and color along the trek. This time is the best season for nature lovers and photographers.
Weather and Temperature in Spring Season
Between March and May, the daytime temperature in lower altitude regions is between 10ºC and 20ºC, while at the higher altitudes, it is much colder, around 0ºC to 10ºC. Nights could be cold, but comfortable. The spring months have very little rain, and even at the mid altitudes, there will only occasionally be fresh snow. It is ideal for climbing, trekking, or camping because undoubtedly, this stable weather makes spring an ideal month for the Manaslu trek.
Manaslu Trek in Autumn Season (September to November)
Why Autumn is the Best Season for Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu trek is best undertaken during autumn due to the clear, dry, and stable weather, with the monsoon rains having washed away the dust and pollution existing prior to the trek. The trails are in good shape, with cool temps making trekking more comfortable. It is an ideal season for novice trekkers, group trekkers and those that want the best possible views of the Himalayas.
Weather and Temperature in Autumn Season
In general, temperatures can be expected during September to November in the lower region can be expected to range from 10°C to a maximum of 18°C. In the higher altitude regions, the conditions can be colder, particularly in the morning and evening, and the temperatures can be expected to range between the maximum and minimum of 10°C to -5 °C. The skies are mostly clear, and rain will be very rare.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Off Seasons (Winter and Monsoon)
Manaslu Trek in Monsoon Season (June to August)
The early monsoon season in Nepal brings continuous and heavy rain. Rain can make trails slippery, and mud can impact more than foot placement and footing, as rain can trigger landslides.
The weather is often poor during monsoon, and the visibility can be reduced by cloud cover, mist, rain etc., which also limits a trekker's views of the mountains for most of the trek.
Wet and rainy weather may disrupt a trekker's plans and adds difficulty and discomfort for the trekkers.
On the positive side, the monsoon season does bring lush green landscapes, the beauty of flowering plants, and a current of mystical mist, all exciting aspects of north East Nepal that trekkers may enjoy a few months after spring.
Trekkers travelling during monsoon season must come prepared in respect to wet weather, meaning waterproof gear and stout footwear, as well trekkers must prepare for conditions or trails that are unpredictable.
Trekking group heading toward Larkya La Pass with panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks.
Manaslu Trek in Winter Season (December to February)
The winter months bring extremely cold temperatures, especially at altitude. The daytime temperatures at low elevation will be somewhere between 5°C and 10°C during the day, but at high elevation, especially near the pass of Larkya La Pass (5,106m) daytime temperatures will be below 0°C and down to -15°C or colder at night.
In addition, you can expect heavy snowfalls which will cover the trails and make high passes (such as Larkya La) challenging and possibly dangerous. You may sometimes need crampons or microspikes to cross depending on the snow and ice.
You will notice that a lot of the teahouses and lodges along the trail close over winter because of the lack of trekkers and harsh conditions increasing the difficulty level of Manaslu Circuit trek. This also means there are limited accommodation options available, and trekkers are commonly required to carry tents and sleeping bags or to be very organized and plan ahead.
You will also have shorter days of approximately 8–9 hours of daylight, so trekkers will have to set off early in the mornings to complete treks before dark.
Despite these challenges, winters often provide beautiful daytime conditions with clear skies, stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains with crisp cold air and quiet trails due to the lack of trekkers around. When you condition your mind to trek alone in the mountains, it can provide you with a sense of peace and solitude in the world.
Winter trekking is recommended only for experienced trekkers who are well-equipped and prepared with gear and support (though this is generally not recommended for beginners, and new trekkers should investigate trekking only during the winter with the knowledgeable support of expert guides).
Best Months to Go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The most popular months to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek are March, April, October, and November. These months are in the spring and autumn months and are generally the best for weather conditions in terms of reliability for trekking.
March is the beginning of spring, and as the weather begins to warm up, the trails are more active after winter.
April is one of the busiest months for trekking because the weather is stable, and the views are usually clear.
October is the peak of autumn; the skies are usually clear, and the trails are generally really dry.
November is still ok, but the temperatures may start to drop, more so at high altitudes.
Months like May and September are also doable. May will be a bit warmer, September may have some remaining rain from the monsoon, but they can still be considered as the main trekking season.
Months like June, July, August (monsoon) and December, January, February (winter) would be considered the off season. Months of rain or snow will provide more hazards and not as well suited for the majority of trekkers.
So, if you're looking for the best month for Manaslu Circuit trek, where conditions are good and the trails are relatively safe, plan your trek around March, April, October and November. If you are looking to trek to manaslu circuit in any of these seasons feel free to contact us, we will help you find the best weather window for your trek to Manaslu.
Crowds, Cost and Trail Conditions by Trekking Season
Spring (March to May)
Crowds: Moderate to high. Many trekkers tend to favor this season.
Cost: Normal rates. Lodges and guides are in high demand but not full.
Trail Conditions: Dry and clear. Snow will melt at higher altitudes. The trail is safe and well maintained.
Autumn (September to November)
Crowds: High. This is the peak trekking season.
Cost: A little higher. Accommodations book up quickly, especially in October.
Trail Conditions: Excellent. Trails are dry, skies are clear, and visibility is optimal.
Hikers on the trail to Larkya La Pass with Mount Manaslu and snow-covered peaks in the background
Winter (December to February)
Crowds: Very low. Very few trekkers make an attempt at this trek in winter.
Cost: Cheaper. Discounts may be given for lodging, but lodgings at higher altitudes will be closed for winter.
Trail Conditions: Above 3,500m, snow and ice. Larke Pass may be blocked. Some places may be slippery.
Monsoon (June to August)
Crowds: Very low. Very few people trek during monsoon.
Cost: Affordable. You may find discounts, but many fewer options are available for food and lodging.
Trail Conditions: Wet and muddy. There will be landslides and leeches. Cloudy with poor visibility.
Our Recommendation on the Best Time to Visit Manaslu Circuit
Overall, we suggest spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) to hike the Manaslu Circuit. These times of year provide the most stable and dependable weather, safest trails, and best overall trekking conditions.
You can also do the trek in the winter months (December to February) but only if you are experienced and prepared. Expect cold temperatures and snow in the high mountain passes.
The monsoon (June to August) months are not suggested for trekking due to substantial rain, landslides and poor trail conditions.
Again if you are unsure which season is right for you or just want some assistance in planning your trip, do not hesitate to get in touch with us anytime.
FAQs
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit in winter?
Yes, you can hike in the winter (December to February), but it is extremely cold and snowy, and the Larke Pass may be not accessible due to snow. Only experienced hikers should do this and should have the right gear.
Is it possible to trek Manaslu Circuit during monsoon?
Yes, but it is not recommended due to heavy rain, muddy trails, and leeches, and increased landslide risk. In addition there will be lots of clouds and rainy weather so views will be restricted a lot as well.
What month is the most popular for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
October is when most people are trekking the Manaslu Circuit because of clear weather, dry trails and views of the mountains are at their best.
Which season has fewer crowds on the Manaslu trek?
Winter and monsoon times are the least crowded. If you want to trek in less crowded times of the year but still want decent weather I recommend trekking in early March or late November.
How cold does it get on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It tends to get especially cold at high altitude, such as near Larke Pass where it can reach -10°C or colder, at early morning and night during autumn and winter.
Is it cheaper to trek in the off-season?
Yes, it is cheaper - some teahouses provide discounts and guides/porters are cheaper to book, but you might not get as much service.
Do I need to book the trek in advance during peak season?
Yes, it is best if you plan in advance, such as in October or even April as teahouses can fully book up, as can guides and porters, so by planning in advance you avoid an unnecessary problem.
What gear do I need for different seasons on the Manaslu trek?
Spring/Autumn: Lightweight layers/warm jacket, good footwear, protection from sun etc
Winter: Insulated jacket, gloves, snow gaiters, sleeping bag rated to -15°
Can beginners trek the Manaslu Circuit in spring or autumn?
Yes, a beginner can do this trek in the spring or autumn with a guide and if they are prepared. Just make sure that you walk slowly, and acclimatize as well.
View of Mt. Manaslu and Naike Peak along the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with a glacial river flowing through the valley in Nepal.
Conclusion
Knowing the right time to go to the Manaslu Circuit Trek is key for a safe and enjoyable experience. The best months for your trek are spring (March to May), and autumn (September to November) when the weather conditions are stable, the skies are clear, and the trails are dry. These months offer the best views towards the mountain as well as the most moderate trekking conditions.
Completing the Manaslu Circuit during the winter or monsoon months is possible, but walking through the snow, rain and slippery trails can pose risks for beginners.
Beginners should avoid treks in winter and monsoon months due to these risks. It is also important to organize your trek in advance in peak months, such as when there is an influx of trekkers in October and April, when guides and accommodations can be fully booked and there might be the change in the cost of Manalasu circuit trekking.
We recommend spring and autumn for most trekkers, but we can help you organize a trek in any season. If you have any questions or would like help organizing your trek, please feel free to reach us at HimalayanRecreation. We organize treks in many regions of Nepal including the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and many more treks on offer.
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