The Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek falls between Spring and Autumn. Some experienced trekkers don’t mind Manaslu trek during winter too.
The Manaslu region is also among the best in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best way to get close to Mount Manaslu. Trekkers still debate the best time to trek Manaslu, and the answer is either Spring or Autumn. However, some trekkers still prefer to trek in winter or during the monsoon season.
The weather and temperature can determine the best time for trekking that season; the trails you are trekking to and the chances of rainfall and snowfall can also be considered. So let’s look at some seasons and determine the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu Trek falls under a moderately trekking destination. It is not as easy as Langtang Valley Trek and not as difficult as Everest Base Camp Trek.
Best Season For Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time for trekking in Nepal, especially Manaslu Circuit Trek, is Spring and Autumn. Let’s delve into it.
Spring
If you want to trek the Manaslu circuit and are wondering which season is best, the clear answer is Spring. Spring is recognized as one of the peak trekking seasons in any part of Nepal. The temperature gradually increases as the spring season starts at the end of winter. However, in early Spring, you will still feel chilly and cold, especially at the higher altitude. The blooming trails with rhododendron flowers and pine trees also make Spring the best time to visit Manaslu.
March, April, and May fall during the spring season in Nepal. Only the end of the spring season coincides with the pre-monsoon season so that rainfall might occur in late May or June. Spring season offers appropriate weather and temperature, beautiful trails and stunning mountain vistas for you to enjoy.
Autumn
Autumn is an ideal time to trek Manaslu in Nepal. The months from September to November fall during this season, which starts after the end of the monsoon season. During this time of year, you will see green trails with blooming flowers. The mild temperature and favorable weather make Autumn highly favorable for trekking.
The days are bright and sunny, just like in Spring. You will need to wear warmer clothes during the night as it grows colder, but not like the winter season. Just like Spring, Manaslu Trek in Autumn becomes very crowded, so book your hotels before heading out towards your destination.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in March, April, and May
March
March is the perfect time to explore the Manaslu Circuit, as it marks the arrival of spring. Although temperatures start to increase, mornings and nights remain quite chilly. During the daytime, temperatures fluctuate between 2 and 8°C but can drop to sub-zero levels during the early hours.
During this time, the snow-capped summits of Manaslu stand tall, showcasing their captivating beauty, while the forest trails burst into life with vibrant blossoms, painting the landscape with nature’s vibrant colors.
April
April is an excellent month to go trekking in the Manaslu region. It’s the peak season for travel and adventure, and the trails are adorned with beautiful blooming flowers, such as rhododendrons. Furthermore, the weather during this season is perfect for hiking in various regions of Nepal, with ideal temperatures and conditions. Since April is a few months after the monsoon season, there’s very little chance of rainfall, especially in lower altitudes.
April is also a few months away from the winter season, so the weather and climates are very favorable for trekking. Many trekkers argue that April is the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek of all the months in Nepal.
May
Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in May offers a unique blend of favorable weather conditions, stunning natural beauty, and cultural encounters. As spring progresses towards its end, May presents the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. So we recommend you explore this remote and captivating region of the Nepalese Himalayas.
The weather in the higher altitudes of the Manaslu Circuit becomes warmer during May, making trekking more comfortable. The area becomes more beautiful as the alpine lakes, such as Birendra and Ponkar, start to melt. The frozen lakes turn into shimmering expanses of water, reflecting the surrounding peaks. Trekkers and photographers enjoy the picturesque views.
May is one of the best times to trek but keep in mind that this month may bring rain showers, especially around mid-month. Although these showers can refresh the trekking experience, they can also make the trails slippery and muddy. Therefore, trekkers must be careful and use appropriate footwear and rain gear. As the month progresses, humidity increases, making trekking more challenging. However, the trail offers a captivating backdrop with lush vegetation and blooming wildflowers.
Manaslu Trek in September, October, and November
Besides spring, autumn is also the appropriate season for the Manaslu expedition. September, October, and November fall during the autumn season in Nepal.
September
September is the first month of Autumn. The weather gets cooler as the days go by. The mountain views also get clearer as humidity starts to decrease, reducing the atmosphere’s haziness. Since it starts just after the monsoon season, you might get little rainfall, especially at lower altitudes.
Hence, prepare for rain by packing rain gear, waterproof watches, jackets, trousers, and boots. The days are warm and sunny, but the nights and mornings start getting colder.
October
October is considered the top choice for trekking in the Manaslu region during autumn. Some experienced trekkers even regard it as the best month for trekking in Nepal overall. In October, the weather starts to cool down, but the days remain warm with mild temperatures, making it perfect for long walks.
With clear skies, the mountain views are breathtaking, offering you an unparalleled experience of the Manaslu region. However, October is a popular time for trekking, so expect the trails, lodges, and teahouses to be busier. It’s wise to book in advance if you plan to trek the Manaslu circuit in October.
November
November is the last month of Autumn. It’s a good time to trek in the Manaslu region because the weather is dry and not too hot or cold. But as November ends, winter starts.
Hence, the temperature starts decreasing at higher altitudes. Pack woolen winter clothes to be prepared for the cold winter nights. Some people might not prefer to trek in the winter season or in hot and humid temperatures. For those people, November is the ideal month.
Weather and Temperature of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Let’s take a look at Manaslu Circuit Weather by Month.
- January: Freezing temperatures and challenging weather conditions. Manaslu Circuit Trek is only recommended for experienced winter trekkers.
- February: Winter begins to thaw, bringing clearer skies, yet it remains very cold, making the Manaslu Circuit Trek still an off-season destination.”
- March: Cold mornings and nights, with occasional snowfall possible, are followed by warmer days with increasing sunshine as the month progresses. Flowers and Trees begin to bloom during this time of the year.
- April: Most stable weather with clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures. Ideal trekking conditions with blooming rhododendrons. Perfect time to trek Manaslu Circuit.
- May: The warmest month with longer daylight hours. Lower regions can be hot, while higher elevations remain cool. There is potential for rain towards the end of the month.
- June: Beginning of monsoon season with hot days and frequent rain. Lush greenery but challenging trail conditions and limited visibility.
- July: The Hottest and wettest month with high humidity. Manaslu Circuit Trek is not recommended due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
- August: The monsoon rains continued but started to ease by the end of the month. Improved trail conditions and clearer skies are expected in September.
- September: During the transition month, occasional rain may occur in the early weeks. As the month progresses, it gradually becomes drier, with pleasant temperatures and stunning mountain views.
- October: Best time for Manaslu trek with perfect weather – dry, sunny days, cool nights, and breathtaking fall foliage. Overcrowded trails and expensive lodges and hotels
- November: Pleasant trekking weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Colder mornings and evenings. Festival celebrations add to the cultural experience.
- December: Early December offers manageable cold for experienced trekkers. The month’s latter half has a significant temperature drop and potential snowfall. There are limited teahouse services.
| Months | Day Temperature (°C) (Min-Max) | Night Temperature (°C) (Min-Max) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 7 – 11 | -4 – 6 |
| April | 8 – 17 | -2 – 7 |
| May | 21 – 32 | 3- 10 |
| June | 18 – 26 | 9 – 17 |
| July | 22 – 32 | 4- 12 |
| August | 15 – 20 | 7 – 12 |
| September | 15 – 21 | 4 – 10 |
| October | 10 – 15 | -1 – 7 |
| November | 4 – 11 | -5 – 6 |
| December | 3 – 10 | -8 – 5 |
| January | -5 – 0 | -15 – 4 |
| February | -7 – – 5 | -17 – -3 |
Why shouldn’t you trek to Manaslu Circuit during the winter and summer seasons?
Before planning a trek in the Manaslu region, choosing the best time is crucial. Spring and autumn are highly recommended for trekking in this area. Conversely, many trekkers advise against trekking during summer and winter as they are considered less favorable times for the Manaslu circuit.
So here are some of the reasons why you should avoid winter season for trekking Manaslu:
- Freezing Cold: Temps drop way below freezing, making nights brutal.
- Snow Everywhere: Trails get buried under snow, making hiking difficult.
- Few lodges and Tea houses: Many teahouses close, leaving fewer rest stops.
- Chances of snowstorms: Snowstorms are frequent occurrences that can lead to hazardous conditions.
- Days are Shorter: Shorter days mean less trek time, meaning the trek duration takes longer.
- Heavy Packing: Packing for extreme cold adds weight and bulk.
- Hazy views: Hazy skies might block stunning mountain views.
- Quiet Trek: Fewer trekkers mean a quieter experience and less help if needed.
- Extremely Cold weather: Even daytime isn’t warm, so expect cold throughout.
Here are a few more reasons why you should avoid trekking in Manaslu during the summer/monsoon season
- Heavy Rains: Heavy rains make trails muddy and slippery.
- Landslide Danger: Increased rain risk means more changes in landslides.
- Leeches and Insects: Warm, wet weather is prime time for the creepy insects and leeches.
- Hidden mountain views: Rain clouds can hide the amazing mountain views.
- Hot & Humid Temperature: The lower parts of the trek get very hot and sweaty.
- Unstable Weather: Expect weather changes frequently that can ruin trekking plans.
- Difficult Navigation: Low visibility due to rain can make navigating difficult.
Best Itinerary Of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring and Fall
- Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Day 02: Soti Khola to Machha Khola
- Day 03: Machha Khola to Jagat
- Day 04: Jagat to Deng
- Day 05: Deng to Namrung
- Day 06: Namrung to Shyala Village
- Day 07: Shyala to Sama Gaun
- Day 08: Acclimatization at Sama Gaun
- Day 09: Sama Gaun to Samdo
- Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala
- Day 11: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
- Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani
- Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu
Here is the brief day-by-day Manaslu Trek itinerary. Please remember that you can customize it according to your needs, increasing or decreasing the days.
Conclusion
Hence, the Manaslu region is popular among many trekking destinations. The popularity of Manaslu Base Camp and its circuit trek has been increasing daily. Hence, trekkers are also looking for the best trekking season in Nepal. For this reason, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
During your excursion to Manaslu, you can visit different amazing places. Among them is Manaslu Conservation Area, where a number of endangered floras and faunas are protected.
