Picture yourself trekking in an untouched Himalayan paradise characterized by icy peaks and sparkling blue skies above and snow-covered villages below, while having the trail almost exclusively to yourself. The winter Manaslu Circuit Trek provides this incredible opportunity for those intrepid enough to brave the cold. While most trekkers visit Nepal during the fall or spring months, the winter months create an unimaginable wonderland, where there can be little evidence of another's past discovery. In the grand scheme, this route has it all.
Behind every successful expedition for winter trekking in Nepal are the experienced guides and hardworking porters helping you stay safe and comfortable through every stage of tricky terrain, including inclines. This all-in-one guide takes you through anything and everything you need to know about tackling Manaslu winter trekking: the conditions, permits, types of clothing, gear, and safety tips. Doing so will prepare you for the best adventure of your life.
Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trail that goes around Mount Manaslu, which is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, with a height of 8,163 meters. The trek leads trekkers along remote valleys and traditional Tibetan-Buddhist villages, then up to the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. The trek takes trekkers through altitudes ranging from around 700 meters at Machha Khola to the peak of 5,160 meters at the Larkya La Pass. This means that trekkers will be exposed to a range of climatic zones, from subtropical conditions at low elevation to alpine conditions at high elevation.
Notably, most people walking along the trail during the main trekking season travel the Manaslu Trek in autumn and spring. Traveling in winter in the Himalayas provides a unique experience, however. The Manaslu Trek in winter provides the opportunity to witness familiar tracks being transformed into the most incredible winter wonderland of snow, ice, and the most pristine mountain views imaginable. This off-season trek caters to experienced trekkers who may feel inspired to value solitude and embrace the cold for extraordinary experiences.
Why Choose Winter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Snow-covered Himalayan peaks under overcast winter sky
Unique Winter Landscapes
The winter season on the Manaslu Trek offers stunning blue skies, frozen waterfalls, and peaceful villages covered in snow. The entire area becomes an amazing winter paradise, which few trekkers ever see. Snow covers the trails and settlements, giving wonderful opportunities to photograph things that are not available in the high season.
Fewer People & Peaceful Trails
The most compelling reason for the Manaslu winter trekking is the solitude. Once again, the trekking numbers on the Manaslu Circuit trail go down in the winter. Unlike busy trekking routes like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit in winter has peaceful trails, where you can sometimes trek for hours without crossing another group.
Real Culture Experience
Winter offers an intimate experience of local culture, as villages slow down following the busy holiday season trek. You can connect more honestly with the Nubri and Tsum Valley people who live in this remote area of Nepal, experiencing their way of life influenced by Tibetan culture, with less congestion.
Manaslu Winter Weather Overview
Temperature Ranges (December–February)
Recognizing the weather conditions on the Manaslu Trek in winter will help you prepare adequately. Daytime temperatures will be between 5 °C to 10 °C at lower elevations, while nighttime temperatures may drop to -15 °C in high elevations. Temperatures may drop below negative 15 °C at high elevations near the Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point on the trek.
In lower elevations, enough snow and rain will exist during the day with temperatures in winter ranging from 5 °C to 15 °C, while nighttime temperatures may drop to -5 °C. At high elevations, daytime can be quite cold and range from -10 °C to 5 °C, with nighttime dropping much lower to -20 °C or lower.
Snowfall Conditions
Because winter is the driest season, low levels of precipitation can be expected. Nevertheless, there can be snowfall at high elevations, which can exacerbate snow conditions and snow covers trails, which closes off passes and makes trails difficult. The condition of Manaslu snowfall is strikingly beautiful yet comes with scrutiny, as the top of the hike, above 3,000 meters, can have the best of snowfall.
Daylight Hours
Winter brings shorter days, limiting hiking time. Trekkers should plan to start early and reach their destination before darkness falls. The reduced daylight requires careful itinerary planning and the flexibility to adjust schedules as needed.
Month-by-Month Winter Breakdown
Trekkers crossing snowy terrain with dramatic mountain backdrop and clouds
Manaslu Circuit Trek in December
You can still do the Manaslu circuit trek in early December, as the cold is bearable. From the third week of December, the temperature begins to drop significantly in the upper part of the trail. Early December offers more stable weather conditions, making it the most accessible winter month for the trek.
Usually, around mid-December, the locals of Samdo village move downwards to Pokhara to escape the cold. Thus, most of the teahouses are closed and only a few people remain behind to look after the village.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in January
The month of January is the coldest time for trekking in the Manaslu region. January is the coldest month on the Manaslu trek, as temperatures can fall to -15°C or lower by Larke La Pass. The snowfall can be deep in the upper sections of the trek, and windy conditions will create an even worse wind chill factor.
Trekking in these treacherous trail conditions with extreme temperatures is best suited for those with winter trekking experience. Many teahouses also close down in January, so it is necessary to bring your own tents and sleeping bags.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in February
When February begins, the Manaslu region becomes more lively. The hiking trail is covered in snow, and snow continues to fall regularly. The weather is still unpredictable, but the sky is clearer with no views being obstructed. While the Manaslu Circuit Trek in February is still winter cold, the weather starts to warm up a tiny bit. The daytime temperatures could range from 0°C to 8°C, but the evening temperatures will still be very cold, potentially falling between -10°C to -18°C. Late February brings the region is moving slowly toward spring.
Winter Difficulty Level
Trail Conditions
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is significantly more difficult in winter compared to other seasons. Every step of the trek is dictated by the snow, ice, and low temperatures. The trek consists of narrow, icy trails and frozen streams to navigate and travel along the way. The trail markers can often get hidden under snow and ice, and make some sections really difficult to continue with confidence.
Challenges with Snow and Ice
The extremely cold temperatures and high winds with the heavy snowfall throughout the winter season make high-altitude trekking incredibly challenging in the Manaslu circuit. Trekkers will experience frozen trails and slippery areas, and will need to continually assess the snow and ice before the trek continues.
Challenges of the Larke Pass in Winter
The Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters is possibly the most iconic yet difficult section of the Manaslu Circuit. During the winter months of the trek, this exceptionally high pass is often completely hidden under very heavy snow, and crossing is often nearly impossible.
Not only is the accumulation of heavy snows in the Manaslu Circuit difficult but this is also how fast the snow accumulates, which can create a few unique challenges like covering the trails and making them slippery and very difficult to navigate; snowfall can be so extreme in some cases that they may block the pass entirely and trekkers will need to completely turn around the way which they came.
Permits Required for Winter Trekking
Wood bridge over rushing river with snow-capped Manaslu peaks behind
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
The Government of Nepal has categorized the entire Manaslu Region—between Jagat and Dharapani—as a restricted area for the purpose of controlling tourism in the area. Therefore, independent trekkers are prohibited from entering the Manaslu region, and trekkers are required to obtain a special entry permit to trek in the Manaslu region. The fee is different between the primary trekking season (September to November) and the off-season (December to August), shown below:
Primary Trekking Season (September to November): The entry fee is $100 for the first seven days and incurs $15 for each additional day during this season.
Off-Season (December to August): The entry fee is $75 for the first seven days and incurs $10 for each additional day during this season.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
All trekkers going into the Manaslu Conservation Area will need the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. The permit helps conserve the environment and contribute to the local community.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Even if the plans do not involve going deeper into the Annapurna trails, it is still necessary to carry the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit once inside the Dharapani area or onward, as this will be mandatory for the last section of the trek.
Guide Requirements in Winter
The government rules state there must be a minimum of two trekkers in a group, accompanied by a local guide. Additionally, your permit must be processed through a registered agency. Freelance guides cannot issue the necessary permits for the Manaslu Circuit.
Accommodation & Food in the Winter Season
Teahouse Availability
Several teahouses are closed during the winter months; therefore, you must carry your tent and sleeping bags. As you go higher in altitude, there will be increasingly fewer choices. Some open teahouses will only offer limited services.
Food
Some teahouses only offer lodging and do not provide any food service in winter. You must pack a lot of snacks and food for higher altitudes where meals are not guaranteed.
What to Expect in the Snow
If you choose to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter, you will have a very different lodging and service experience compared to the peak seasons. Being flexible and self-sufficient are characteristics that winter trekkers must have.
Essential Gear & Packing List for Winter
White Buddhist stupa with golden ornaments and prayer flags, Mount Manaslu in background
Clothing Layers
Bring seriously heavy insulation to include a thermal base layer, thick fleece (or down jacket), and a durable waterproof outer layer. You will also want warm accessories, including a hat, gloves, scarf, and neck gaiter to protect exposed skin from the bitter cold.
Winter Trekking Equipment
Waterproof boots rated for extremely cold temperatures should be obtained, as well. Also pack some microspikes or crampons (add crampons to your boots for stability at particularly icy spots), and some trekking poles to maintain balance on particularly slippery terrain.
Safety Gear
Carry emergency gear to include a headlamp, first aid kit, portable oxygen, GPS device, and a detailed printed map. Also, a four-season sleeping bag rated for extremely cold temperatures is a must-have on the trek in winter.
Safety Information for Trekking Manaslu in Winter
Altitude Sickness Risk
The risk of altitude sickness will increase in winter, depending on how cold and physical the snow is on the trail, for example, Samagaun at 3520 meters and Dharamsala at 4460 meters, and how to acclimate and hydrate.
Cold Weather Safety
Watch yourself and the team members for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Always keep hands and feet covered and dry.
When to Turn Back
When preparing for the Manaslu Circuit in winter, plan to have at least three extra days to deal with potentially inclement weather conditions or to alter the route if the pass is not open.
Travel Tips
Winter treks after 7-8 AM when the sun is warming the icy trails, and finish most of your hiking during the warmer part of the day, after about 11 AM. Stay hydrated, even if it is cold outside, because dehydration increases the risk of altitude sickness. Use insulated water bottles to avoid freezing, bring plenty of high-energy snacks that will not freeze solid, and take protection for camera batteries to prevent the cold from draining their power. A sunrise or sunset shoot of Manaslu and the other peaks will be magical after the weather storms have just left fresh snow.
Who Can Trek in Winter?
The Manaslu Circuit in winter is for experienced trekkers who can reasonably carry proper winter gear and have prior experience at altitude. This trail is built for adventure seekers who appreciate solitude and can handle a more difficult undertaking. Physical fitness and stamina become crucial for what could be a demanding condition. This trek is not suitable for new or inexperienced trekkers seeking a less strenuous trek.
Popular Trekking Routes to Explore in Nepal
Green valley trail with stone buildings and snow-peaked mountains reflected in puddle
While the Manaslu Circuit provides an incredible winter experience, there are many other great treks in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp trek brings out thousands of trekkers each year since it is the most well-known, high-altitude trek in the world. The Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek are also popular, with great views of mountains and varied landscapes. The Langtang trek is just a shorter version of these treks and is even closer to the Tibetan border. For people looking for remote experiences like winter Manaslu, the Nar Phu Valley, and Upper Dolpo regions offer awesome wilderness adventures.
FAQs
Is it safe to trek the Manaslu Circuit in winter?
It is achievable to trek in winter with appropriate planning, high-quality gear, and skilled leadership. The Larkya La Pass can be shut down if the weather brings substantial snowfall, and a bit of flexibility is necessary.
When is the best month to trek Manaslu in winter?
Early December provides the best conditions for trekking in winter, and late February takes us into the beginnings of the better weather of spring.
Do you need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, all Manaslu treks require an authorized guide and a minimum of two trekkers at all times, no matter what season you trek.
Are teahouses open in winter?
Some teahouses will open at lower altitudes; however, most teahouses will close above 4,000 meters. Carrying emergency camping gear is always advised.
How cold does it get on the Manaslu Circuit in winter?
Temperatures can hit -20 Celsius or even lower at higher elevations- especially at night and around Larkya La Pass.
Conclusion
Winter trekking on the Manaslu Circuit offers an amazing experience for trekkers with enough experience who are ready to manage difficult conditions. With the right amount of planning, the best gear, and being respectful in the mountain environment, trekking the Manaslu region in winter offers the best solitude, winter-wonderland scenery, and real cultural experiences. Whether you are willing to take advantage of December's milder weather or to get the full experience of January and February, winter trekking in Manaslu is an adventure you will always remember. and whatever
If you want to plan your Manaslu Circuit trek, please book a trouble-free, safe, organized, and memorable trekking experience in one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking destinations with Himalayan Recreation.
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