The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the finest high-altitude, adventurous treks in Nepal. For the best Manaslu Circuit trek experience, you need to pick the right time to trek that aligns with your interests.
The standard peak time for any trek in the Himalayas, including the Manaslu Circuit trek, is the spring and autumn seasons. These two seasons offer incredible mountain vistas and stable weather, which is great for trekking.
It doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the Manaslu Circuit trek in winter or summer/monsoon. You can, but it requires proper preparation as per the seasonal requirements.
Learn in detail about the Manaslu Circuit trek in different seasons in this blog. This seasonal guide will help you choose the most suitable time for trekking and also prepare you well for the journey.
When to do the Manaslu Circuit trek?
When deciding when to do the Manaslu Circuit trek, you have to take a few things into consideration, such as
- Your fitness
- What kind of weather and climate do you prefer
- What kind of views do you want to see
- What overall expectations do you want from the trek
By answering the above questions, you will get a clear idea of what could be the best time for Manaslu Circuit trek for you. As we have already mentioned, spring and autumn are the Manaslu Circuit trek best time, but it doesn't mean that this could be the ideal time for you, too.
For instance, if you love winter landscapes and snow, trekking in the winter season should be ideal for you. Similarly, if you want to explore the rich biodiversity of the Manaslu Conservation Area, you should do the Manaslu Circuit trek in summer/monsoon.
Manaslu Circuit trek best time
Below, we have shared what it is like trekking the Manaslu Circuit in the spring and autumn seasons.
Manaslu Circuit trek in spring: March to May
Spring is one of the popular times to trek in the Himalayas. Spring brings life back into the Himalayas. Foothills get covered with rhododendron and many other wildflowers. The greenery is back, and the locals gear up to welcome trekkers from all around the world.
As the weather settles down in spring, you can expect bright days with warm daytime. The climate will be cold, but the teeming sun will make hiking comfortable. You will see stunning mountain vistas and landscapes.
In March, there can be occasional snowfall or rainfall. It is because the season is changing from winter to spring. The Lush green valleys and snow-capped mountains will become your companions on your journey.
Gradually, the snow on the trails begins to melt. The trails dry up and become safe to traverse. The risk of landslides in the lower part of the Manaslu Circuit trail and avalanches in the upper region decreases drastically.
Manaslu Circuit trek temperature in spring:
In spring, the temperature ranges between 5°C and 15°C in the lower altitude and 0°C and 10°C in the mid sections. At Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya La Pass, the temperature may drop as low as -5°C.
Manaslu Circuit trek in autumn: September to November
Autumn is the most loved trekking season of the whole year. This post-monsoon period brings crisp air and a clean environment, which is great for traveling. Long and bright days with clear skies and vibrant colors of autumn create picture-perfect scenery.
Autumn is also the festival season in Nepal. Nepalese celebrate their biggest festivals, including Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, in the autumn season. So, it is also a great time to see Nepali culture, heritage, and practices closely.
You can align your Manaslu Circuit trek with the festival you are interested in experiencing closely. It will make your adventurous trips more meaningful and immersive.
The landscapes and mountain views are also excellent in the autumn season. Autumn officially begins in late September. There can be occasional rain till the first week of October.
Slowly, the weather gets stable, offering clear skies and breathtaking mountain vistas. The waterfalls and rivers are also in great condition at the start of the autumn season due to rainfall.
Manaslu Circuit trek temperature in autumn:
In autumn, the temperature ranges between 10°C and 20°C at lower altitudes. As the elevation increases, the climate gets colder and drier. The upper part of the Manaslu Circuit trek route may experience temperatures below 0°C at night.
Manaslu Circuit trek in the off-season
Winter and summer/monsoon are considered off-season for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The weather and trail conditions are not ideal in these two seasons, which makes them a less favorable time for the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Manaslu Circuit trek in winter: December to February
The freezing temperature and heavy snow make the Manaslu Circuit trek in winter very challenging. Heavy snowfall may also block the Larkya La Pass, leading to the complete closure of the Manaslu Circuit route.
But it only lasts for a couple of weeks, and the pass gets opened to traverse when the snow/ice settles down. Winter adventure is quite famous all over the world, and we believe the Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best destinations to enjoy winter adventure.
We organize the Manaslu Circuit trek in winter every year for some groups. If you are interested in doing this trek in winter, feel free to contact us. Our team is experienced in organizing and leading winter treks in the Himalayas.
Imagine empty trails, snow-covered villages and hills, warm sunlight, and bright days- this is what your Manaslu Circuit trek in winter will look like. Some days can be gloomy and windy, but not all days are like that.
Manaslu Circuit trek temperature in winter:
In the daytime, the temperature ranges between 5°C and -5°C in the lower Manaslu region. As you ascend above Namrung village, the temperature gradually drops and goes as low as -20°C.
Manaslu Circuit trek in summer/monsoon: June to August
The biggest challenge of the Manaslu Circuit trek in June, July, and August is the poor trail condition. In summer, the very hot climate makes trekking challenging.
Once the monsoon starts, frequent rainfall ruins the trails, especially in the lower elevations. The trail is slippery and muddy. Leech infestation increases. Likewise, landslide risks are high in the hilly area.
Heavy rain also brings cloudy skies, so the mountain views will not be good. On the other hand, the summer/monsoon period transforms the lower part of the Manaslu region into a paradise. Valleys are lush and green.
You will see the brilliant foliage of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The rainy landscape may be attractive to some trekkers as well. The safety concerns are high in summer/monsoon, but if you are well-prepared, you can do the Manaslu Circuit trek without any worries in summer/monsoon, too.
Manaslu Circuit trek temperature in summer/monsoon:
Summer/monsoon is the hottest time of the year in the Manaslu region. In Kathmandu and the lower part of the trail, the temperatures rise above 38°C. As the elevation rises, the temperature drops. Still, the daytime is quite hot and humid even at high altitude.
Crowd during the Manaslu Circuit trek in the peak seasons
The Manaslu Circuit trek's popularity is growing every season. Compared to ten years back, the tourist flow has doubled in the Manaslu region. On top of that, the majority of trekkers visit the Manaslu Circuit during the peak trekking season.
So, the trails will not be empty. You will come across many fellow trekkers during the Manaslu Circuit trek in spring and autumn. But the good news is the Manaslu Circuit does not get crowded like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks.
So, even in the peak trekking seasons, you will have many peaceful moments. If you smartly plan your trek around the start or end of the peak trekking seasons, you can also avoid the crowd totally.
A quick look into the Manaslu Circuit trek in different seasons
Season | Weather | Temperature | Trail condition | Daylight hours | Views | Vegetation | Crowd |
Spring (March to May) | Stable | Range between -5°C to 15°C | Great | 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM | Rhododendron covered hills and clear mountain vistas | Rhododendron and wildflowers blooms all over the hills | High |
Summer/monsoon (June to August) | Unpredictable | rise above 38°C | Slippery/muddy trails | 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM | Rainfall and cloudy skies may obstruct mountain vistas during peak rainy months | Lush and green everywhere | Low |
Autumn (September to October) | Stable | Range between 0°C to 20°C | Great | 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM | Colorful fall leaves | High | |
Winter (December to February) | Unpredictable | Range between -20°C to -5°C | Snow covered trails | 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM | Pine trees and almost no vegetation | Low |
Frequently asked questions about the Manaslu Circuit trek best time to visit
Below, we have compiled a list of the most asked questions regarding the Manaslu Circuit trek best time. We hear these questions often from our guests.
When is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit trek?
The best time for Manaslu Circuit trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons have excellent weather and climate for the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Is autumn better than spring for the Manaslu trek? Why?
Many trekkers prefer the autumn season for trekking in the Himalayas due to long daylight hours, picture-perfect scenery, and Nepalese festivals. However, spring is also a great time to explore the mountains in Nepal.
Can you trek the Manaslu Circuit in winter?
Yes, you can do the Manaslu Circuit trek in winter. Note that trekking in the winter season is super challenging because of the cold weather. Crossing Larkya La Pass is also risky in winter due to snow/ice tracks. Therefore, you must trek with a reliable guide.
Is trekking the Manaslu Circuit in the monsoon a good idea?
Frequent rainfall makes the monsoon a very tough and annoying season for the Manaslu Circuit trek. You have to deal with muddy trails, high risks of landslides, leeches, etc. On top of that, the sky is mostly cloudy in this season, and the mountain views are not that great.
What kind of weather should I expect on the Manaslu Circuit?
On the Manaslu Circuit trek, you can expect diverse weather. The trail ascends through varying elevations, so trekkers experience different climates. The higher you ascend, the colder the climate will get.
How stable is the weather during peak trekking seasons?
During the peak trekking season, the weather is quite stable. There can be occasional rainfall or snowfall towards the start and end of the seasons, but the rest of the time, the weather remains consistent.
Does the weather change significantly at higher altitudes (above 3,000 m)?
Above 3,000 meters, it is tough to predict the weather even in the peak trekking seasons. There can be sudden rainfall or snowfall. Likewise, the climate also changes drastically above 3,000 meters. The climate gets cold and dry.
How clear are the mountain views in different seasons?
- Spring: Crystal clear
- Summer/monsoon: Dense clouds often block the views often
- Autumn: Clear mountain views
- Winter: Great visibility, but some days can be gloomy
What’s the typical temperature range in spring and autumn for Manaslu?
The typical temperature range on the Manaslu Circuit trek in spring and autumn routes is 5°C to 30°C.
Are there shoulder months (late Nov or early Mar) worth considering?
Yes, shoulder months are excellent times for Manaslu Circuit trekking. It is because the trail is not that crowded.
Does the season affect teahouse availability on the route?
Yes, season affects teahouse availability on the Manaslu Circuit trek route, especially at the higher elevation (Larkya Phedi). Mostly in winter, some teahouses may not be open because the locals migrate to lower elevations to spend the winter.
Can bad weather cause trail closures or dangerous conditions (landslides/avalanches)?
Yes, bad weather causes trail closures and dangerous conditions. Heavy snowfall can block the Larkya La Pass. Likewise, the risk of landslides significantly increases in hilly and plain regions in Nepal during the monsoon.
Final thoughts
The Manaslu Circuit trek is enjoyable and adventurous in all seasons. Although spring and autumn remain a top choice for the majority of trekkers, you can also enjoy the Manaslu Circuit trek in the offseason if you are well-prepared.
Your attitude and expectations ultimately decide how your Manaslu Circuit trek experience will be. So, we highly recommend researching thoroughly about the Manaslu Circuit trek best season and preparing accordingly.
For us, the best time for Manaslu Circuit trek is April, May, October, and November. These months have excellent weather, climate, and views. Everything is just perfect in these months.
If you have any questions regarding the Manaslu Circuit trek best time, feel free to talk to us anytime. We would love to assist you in choosing the best time for Manaslu Circuit trek for you.
