Best Time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek

About Manaslu Circuit Trekking Best Time

Planning your next outdoor trip to this exciting Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal? This incredible venture delivers mind-blowing scenery, lush green forests, alluring waterfalls, rivers, and high mountains. However, picking the best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek is important for the overall trekking experience. The timing is very crucial because of the weather, temperature, trail conditions, views of the mountains, and so on.

So, when is the right time to do the Manaslu Trek? Mostly, the Spring and Autumn season is widely known as the trekking season in Nepal. Both seasons provide excellent and gentle weather, blue skies, perfect trail conditions, adequate insight into the whole trekking route, etc. Whereas, the other two seasons, Monsoon and winter bring contrasting factors that make trekking strenuous. Winter Season presents high snowfall as well as tricky weather patterns. And monsoon season represents consistent rainfall which make hiking more challenging due to leeches, muddy pathways, landslides, etc.

Let’s break the Weather and Temperature guide for each trekking season in Manaslu.

Why you should choose the right time to trek in Manalsu?

Picking the best season for Manaslu Circuit is crucial for the safety as well as the impactful experience of the journey. The weather, temperature, and even the flow of travelers keep changing year by year on this route. Hence, if you get details about these changes then it can help you in better preparation to enjoy the adventure fully.

Though, Spring and Autumn are regarded as the Manaslu Circuit TrekkingSeason, sometimes the weather pattern can change. Moreover, both season gives you unparalleled views of soaring peaks, rugged landscapes, lush green forests, pleasant weather, safe trekking conditions, and so on.

On the contrary, trekking in monsoon season can be risky because of the heavy rainfall, muddy trails, damaged highways, etc. While Manaslu Trek in Winter is a different level of difficulty due it snowfalls, severing cold, logistic problems, and risky trail due to the bulk of snow.

Manaslu Trek in Spring with Colorful Rhododendron Flowers

The Spring season (March-May) is one of the most popular trekking times for trekking and climbing in Nepal including the Manaslu Circuit Trek. One of the reasons why chose the Manaslu Trek in spring season is due to its blooming rhododendrons lined along the pathway. Let’s see what to expect during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Spring season:

• The warm temperatures during the entire season range from 5-12⁰C in the lower region and 0-8⁰C in the higher section.
• Clear blue skies as it is pre-monsoon time showcasing amazing views of towering peaks and glaciers.
• Naturally decorated trail full of blooming red rhododendron flowers and green vegetation.
• Safe Trekking conditions with fellow trekkers along the trail along with the guide.
• Be ready for occasional light rainfall at the end of May.
• Challenges of trekking in the spring season
• Booking teahouses in advance is crucial.
• The trail is crowded with other nomads.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn for Clear Views and Perfect Weather

The other standout season to trek in Manaslu is the Autumn season (September-November). It is due to, Autumn falls just after the monsoon season which clears all the clouds and fogs to deliver picture-perfect views. From September to November, the days are sunny and bright with crisp air. Let’s get into the reasons why you should do Manaslu Trek in the Autumn season:

• Unbeatable views of the snow-capped peaks and golden-hued terrain.
• Mild Temperature during the day and chilly at night. Generally, it remains -6⁰ to -10⁰C at high passes like Larka La Pass during the night. However, during the day it remains 5-15⁰C along the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route.
• Very little chance of rainfall as this season lies after the monsoon. However, always have your rainwear with you.
• Festival atmosphere throughout the country including Manaslu region.

Challenges of Trekking in the Autumn Season:

• Early Booking is important because of the busy season as well as the festival activities.
• Experienced guides are difficult to find due to festivities.
• Accommodation and permit prices in Manaslu can rise.

How challenging is it to trek Manaslu in the winter season?

Winter begins in December and lasts until February in Nepal. The freezing temperature of the high passes of Manaslu and the bulk of snow along the trail can make it difficult to trek through the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route. Even though the lower region of Manaslu Trek like Ganga Jamuna Tinsure Trek is very comfortable to do during the winter season. But, the Manaslu Base Camp Hike above 4000 meters can receive an enormous number of snowfalls which makes it challenging to navigate the trail as well. Key challenges of Manaslu Circuit Trek in the winter season:

• Difficult to cross the Larkya La Pass as the temperature hovers around -10⁰ to -20⁰C in the daytime and reaches up to -30⁰C during the nighttime.
• Most of the teahouses above 3500 meters of altitude are closed due to low temperatures.
• Trails are extremely challenging with a high risk of altitude sickness and even frostbite.
• It demands extra technical skills like using crampons and other ice gear.
• Rescue can be difficult because of the weather.

Monsoon Trek to Manaslu and its Difficulties.

The monsoon season from June to August is usually not a great time to visit Manaslu Region. It brings regular and huge rainfall throughout the month. However, because of the rainfall, the green vegetation looks vibrant and pleasant. Nevertheless, due to regular rainfall trails can be slippery, have high chances of landslides, and flooding, and are unsafe to trek. Here are the difficulties you may face in monsoon season while trekking in Nepal:

• The pathway becomes challenging to walk due to rainfall and a slippery trail.
• Risk of landslides, flooding, and challenges to cross rivers and waterfalls.
• Lack of accommodation in the Upper Region of Manaslu.
• Uncertain whether conditions and temperature remain between 15-25⁰C during the day and at night 5-10⁰C.
• Very minimal chances of witnessing the views of mountains because of the clouds.

Comparison between the season for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Major Tips to Follow during each season while doing Manaslu Hike

Trekking tips during the Spring and Autumn season:

• Choose the best trekking company in Nepal for Manaslu Trek that can arrange the logistic services like accommodation, transportation, permits, etc. in advance.
• Pick the best Manaslu Trek Itinerary at an affordable price during the pick trekking season.
• Always start your trekking day early morning to witness magical sunrise views.

Winter Trekking Tips to know

• Make sure you have good travel insurance that covers your medical bills and rescue.
• Excellent trekking preparation is required like Physical fitness, trekking gear with a high-rated sleeping bag up to -20 degrees, etc.
• Choose a flexible Itinerary that may keep changing because of bad weather.
• Pick an experienced trekking guide who has a government license.

Monsoon Trekking Tips to follow in Manaslu

• Carry waterproof gear and carry sanitizer or raw salt to avoid leeches.
• Stay up to date about the weather and trail conditions before starting each day.
• Better to Hike with a group of trekkers for safety reasons.

Questions about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time

When is the best time to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal?

Spring and Autumn seasons offer the best trekking time and conditions with splendid views along the Manalsu Trek.

Can I Hike to Manaslu Base Camp in winter?

Yes, but expect extreme cold temperatures and a trail full of snow demanding a high level of physical fitness.

How cold is it in Larkya La Pass during the spring and autumn seasons?

In the spring and autumn season, the temperature of Larkya La Pass reaches up to -12 Degree Celsius.

Which month offers the best mountain views in Manaslu?

The month of autumn season (October-November) delivers excellent mountain views in the Manaslu Region.

Do I need a trekking guide to go on Manaslu Trek?

Since the Manaslu region is a restricted area of Nepal, trekkers must hire a government-licensed trekking guide to hike to Manaslu.

Final Takeaway: When to do the Manaslu Trek in Nepal?

For the best trekking experience, you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek either in the Spring season (March-May) or the Autumn season (September-November). These seasons deliver the most stable weather, splendid mountain views, and favorable trekking conditions.

If you prefer solitude and can handle extreme cold, winter trekking is possible but requires top preparation. Monsoon trekking to Manaslu is generally not recommended due to the risk of rain, landslides, and flooding along the trail.

Choose the best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek depending on your trekking experience, fitness level, duration, and preferences. No matter when you go, this Trek promises an unforgettable adventure and a lifetime experience. Looking for a guided trek to Manaslu? Contact Overland Trek Nepal for expert guidance and customized trekking packages of Manaslu! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email or WhatsApp at +9779851138871 for more queries about this Trek.

Also, Check out our other guidance for Manaslu Trek:

• Details of Manaslu Trek in Spring
• Tips and Tricks for Manaslu Trek Preparation
• Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for 2025, 2026
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty