Nepal’s highlands offer some of the best trekking destinations in the world. There is the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and many others.

Many believe that a trek to the Manaslu region provides the finest experience as it is more serene, wild, and beautiful. You will see many green valleys, snow capped mountain peaks, vast meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude alpine lakes.

Further, the Manaslu trek is less crowded compared to Everest and Annapurna, which will give you a more enjoyable trekking experience.

Introduction to the Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The 8,163 meter Mount Manaslu is the world’s 8th tallest peak. On this trek, you will reach up to 5,106 meters at the Larkya La Pass. When you are trekking at this height, you can expect volatile weather, especially in the higher altitudes.

Excessive snow and rain can make the trail slippery. There is also risk of altitude sickness. This is why it is essential to pick the Manaslu circuit trek best time.

The Manaslu trek weather will certainly impact the trekking conditions and may determine whether you can complete the trek or not. So, what is the Manaslu circuit trek best time? Let us find out.

The Best Seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu circuit trek best time is in the spring, which is between March and May. The autumn season (September to November) is also a good time for this trek. The weather conditions will be favorable.

It will be comparatively dry and warm. There will be less precipitation. The sky will be clear, offering you good mountain views. There will be flowers too along the trail like rhododendrons.

Spring Season: March to May

Spring season (March to May) is the best time for this awesome Himalayan trek. The forest will be green. You will see wildflowers everywhere, including plenty of rhododendrons, which is the national flower of Nepal. This will make the forest appear colorful.

The trail will be peaceful and quiet, especially in March. The winter is gone but the temperature will still be on the colder side. The temperatures will be ranging between 2 degrees to 8 degrees C.

The days will be warmer in April. The daytime temperature will range between 6 and 12 C. The Manaslu Circuit Trek weather will be more conducive for a high-altitude trek. You will get stunning mountain views because of clear skies.

May is the last month of the spring season. This is the warmest and driest month in the Manaslu region. The temperature will be between 12 and 31 C, depending on the altitude.

There will often be a fresh and warm breeze, which will keep you comfortable during the hike. May is also the month for expeditions. So, you will find both climbers and trekkers on the route. May is the Manaslu circuit trek best time for many people.

Autumn Season: September to November

Autumn season (September, October and November) is also a great time for this trek. A warm temperature and bright and sunny days makes it a pleasure for long walks.

Crossing the high Larkya La Pass will also be comparatively easier this time of the year, making the autumn the peak season for many trekkers who want to do the Manaslu circuit trek.

However, there will still be slight rainfall in early September as this is just after the monsoon season (June, July, and August). It will also be very green because of the monsoon rains.

The waterfalls and rivers will be roaring. The temperature will begin to fall in the night and morning. The weather conditions will be stable. The temperature will range between 7 and 21 degrees C.

For the Manaslu circuit trek best time, pick October. There will hardly be any rain this time of the year. Both the temperature and weather are perfect for trekking. It won’t be too cold or hot.

Even the nighttime temperature will rarely go below 0 degree C. You will also get good visibility. This is also festival time in Nepal. The people are celebrating Tihar, Chhat, Dashain, and other festivals.

November is the peak season for those who want to trek in the Manaslu region in autumn. It is a transition season just before winter (December to February) so walking in the lower regions will be more comfortable.

You will get very good visibility of many snow-capped mountains. The average temperature will be between 12 and 13 C. In the higher regions, around Samdo and Samagaun, the temperature can hover around -5 C.

There is also the Manaslu trail race every year in the third week of November. However, it may be more difficult to find place in the tea houses as November is a popular month. Make sure you book in advance.

Weather Conditions on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Weather will play a critical role in Manaslu trek, especially when you are in the higher regions. Weather can often be unpredictable due to a localized condition. A bright and sunny day can suddenly become cloudy with chilly wind picking up.

A sudden shower or snowstorm can make the trail slippery, which will make trekking challenging. Crossing rivers can become difficult. There can also be landslides in some places. And, of course, clouded conditions will prevent you from getting views of those fabulous snow-capped mountain peaks.

Yes, the weather can change suddenly. However, there can still be a general prediction for each day and season.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather in Spring and Autumn

The Manaslu circuit trek best time is spring and autumn.

Weather in the Spring Season

Weather in March

The Manaslu trek weather during spring will be pleasant. March is the first month of spring and the beginning of the trekking season. You can expect mild to moderately warm temperature, which will make walking comfortable and enjoyable.

 It can still be on the colder side up to the middle of March. You will get good snow on the trail. There may even be occasional snowfall in the higher altitudes. The region will warm up gradually and greenery will come back.

The tea houses will open up gradually. Many villagers, who go down to the lower regions, will also return to their mountain homes.

Weather in April

April is a warmer month with more stable weather in the Manaslu trail. Nepal’s national flower, rhododendron, is in full bloom and as a result, the forests will be full of colors.

You will enjoy the warmth of the sun and crisp mountain air on your walk. However, the early morning and the nights will still be cold. All the tea houses are open in April.

Weather in May

May is the last month of the spring season. The temperature is very comfortable. You will get higher temperature and longer daytime in the lower altitudes compared to the upper areas.

There are fewer clouds. Rarely will the temperature fall below 0. The trail condition is also very good. You have a chance to see many birds and wildlife.

However, the weather can become unpredictable by the end of May as the monsoon season is approaching. So, the Manaslu circuit trek best time in spring is up to the middle of May.

Weather in the Autumn Season

Weather in September

There will be occasional rain in the first two weeks as September is a transition month. It will be more pleasant from the third week with cool mornings and nights. There will rarely be any rain by the end of the month, making the conditions drier.

You will see many trekkers on the route because of the favorable weather conditions, making the trek relatively crowded. The streams and rivers will be full and the forests will be lush. The leaves will start to change colors by the end of September.

Weather in October

October is a great time for the trek as everything will be very good – the weather, views, and vegetation. You will get hours of daylight but there is some chilliness in the air.

The nights and morning can be cold. The forest colors will change to various hues of brown, orange, and red.

Weather in November

This is the last month of autumn. The weather is still very comfortable but it is beginning to get cold, particularly in the early morning and late evening, as the winter season is just around the corner.

You will get the longest daylight in the year. The fall foliage will cover your entire lower altitude trail.

Winter Season: December to February

Winter is certainly not the Manaslu circuit trek best time. Snowfall will be common and the temperature will go down significantly. Trekking in the winter season will be challenging because of heavy snow in many places that can obstruct your trail.

You may even get snow storms. It will be hazy at times, which will block your views of the snow-capped mountains. The daylight hours will be short. Thus, you have to start early in the morning so that you can reach the next village before it gets dark again.

However, winter will transform the landscape. The scenery will change once you cross Namrung. You will see many icy structures and frozen waterfalls. The rivers too will be full of ice. It will be challenging but quite magical. It will be a unique trekking experience.

But remember, most of the tea houses will be closed. Even if they are open, they will only offer accommodation. Food is unlikely to be served.

· Pros – Snow-covered landscape, fewer people
· Cons – Lots of snow, cold temperature, shorter days, few tea houses

Avoiding the Monsoon Season on the Manaslu Circuit

The monsoon season (June to August) is not the Manaslu circuit trek best time as the weather in Manaslu region won’t be favorable for walking. There will be heavy rain, which can cause landslides. The overcast condition will prevent you from getting snow capped mountain views.

Monsoon Season: June to August

June to August is the monsoon season in Nepal. There will be lush greenery and roaring rivers but you will face several challenges on the trail, which will negatively impact your trekking experience.

Trekking Safety During Monsoon

Monsoon is not a good time because of poor Manaslu circuit trek weather. You can still do the trek but you will have to be extra careful always. Check the weather conditions in the mornings and plan accordingly. Special planning is needed for a monsoon trek :

· Waterproof pants and jacket. Ponchos for additional safety.
· Wear breathable and lightweight layers.
· Select quick-drying and anti-moisture fabrics.
· Wear waterproof boots.
· Gaiters can prevent water and mud from getting into the boots.
· Carry a rain cover for the backpack.
· Carry plastic bags for electronics.
· Carry insect repellant.

For trekking safety, be extra careful in the landslide-prone areas. Be prepared for delays. You may even have to change the itinerary. Also, check for any trail changes or closure.

What Each Season Offers for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Each season is different in the hills. The scenery and weather will be different, which will impact the views and your overall trekking experience. The Manaslu circuit offers unique beauty in different seasons.

Spring and Autumn: The Best Times for Trekking

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the hike. You will get stable weather, very little rainfall, no snow in the lower regions, clear skies, awesome views, and a comfortable temperature. Beauty of the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is just unmatched.

Summer and Winter: Off-Season Trekking Challenges

Avoid the summer and winter if you prefer the Manaslu circuit trek best time. But you can still do the trek if you want, provided the trail is open. Excessive snowfall in the winter may cause an early closure. There will be several challenges in both the summer and winter.

Summer

Summer time is also the monsoon season (June to August). This is the off-season for the trek because of unfavorable weather and climate.

· There will be heavy rainfall in the summer season, which will make the trail wet, muddy, and slippery.
· Scorching hot days in the lower altitude.
· High risk of landslides.
· Plenty of bugs, leeches, and mosquitoes in the forested areas.
· Average of 460 mm rainfall around 1,400 meters and 30 mm above 4,000 meters.
· Poor visibility because of overcast conditions.
· Many tea houses will be closed.
· Fewer trekkers on the trail.

Winter

December to February is the winter wonderland of snow. Snowfall will be common. The temperature will go down significantly.

· Plenty of snowfall. The trail may be blocked in many places.
· Chance of a snow storm.
· Sometimes it will be hazy, which can block views.
· Crossing the Larkya La Pass in the winter season will be hard.
· Relatively shorter days with limited sunlight.
· Many tea houses will be closed.
· Fewer trekkers on the trail.
· Many icy structures and frozen waterfalls.

Trekking Experience and Scenery in the Best Season

Select spring or autumn if you prefer the Manaslu circuit trek best time. Your trekking experience is going to be much better because of better weather and trail conditions. The beauty of the landscape will be stunning.

Throughout the trek, enjoy gorgeous sunrise and sunset views from various places. You may also see wildlife like blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, yaks, and monkeys. Crossing the Larkya La Pass will also be easier.

Clear Mountain Views in Peak Season

Spring and autumn both offer clear skies with very few days of rain. Also, there will be no snowfall in the lower altitudes.

In the peak season, you will get stunning views of snow-capped mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal range, Pungen Glacier, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Samdo peak, Nemjung, Pana Danda valley, Syacha Khola valley, Larke peak, Pawar peak, Kang Garu, Gyaji Kang, Himlung pyramid, Mt. Annapurna II, Marsyangdi Valley, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29.

These mountain views will remain forever etched in your memory.

Tea House Availability and Comfort

Tea houses provide both accommodation and food on the trek. They are located in the many villages you will find. During the off-season in the Manaslu region, most villagers go down to lower altitudes, which means most of the tea houses are closed. There is no food even if you find accommodation.

However, all the tea houses are open during the peak season, which is another reason why you should select spring or autumn for the Manaslu circuit trek best time. Your trekking experience will be much better and more convenient.

Practical Tips for Trekking the Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu circuit trek to Nepal’s wilderness area is perfect for nature and adventure lovers. It will be one trip you will remember forever. Just remember these practical tips and you will be able to complete the trek successfully.

Preparing for the Weather on the Manaslu Circuit

Manaslu circuit trek best time is spring and also the autumn. However, you can trek at other times of the year as well. Remember, the temperature and weather conditions will be different each season.

So, you have to pack correctly, depending on the season. This packing list for each season will improve your trekking experience.

Packing List for Each Season

Spring

Summer/Monsoon

Autumn

Winter

Hiring Guides and Porters for Different Seasons

The Nepal government has made it compulsory for trekkers to have a guide for the Manaslu circuit trek. The Manaslu conservation area is a restricted area and is still under-explored. It will be very challenging for a solo trekker to do the trek without a guide.

You can walk without a porter if you think you can carry all the essentials yourself. But having a guide is mandatory. For optimum trekking experience, always travel with both guides and porters irrespective of the season.

Having a guide and porter will be particularly useful in the winter and monsoon because it will be more challenging then. A trained guide will pick the right route, will be able to identify the early signs of changing weather conditions, and can also help you in an emergency.

The guide and porter will both help you immensely at the higher altitudes like the 5,106 meter high Larkya La Pass.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek best time is spring and autumn as the weather conditions will be most favorable for this epic journey. September to November and also March to May are the best months for trekking in Nepal.

In the spring season and autumn season, you will find the Manaslu trek weather stable. The temperature will also be moderate. It will be safer as well as the trail will be free of snowstorm and rainfall.

There will rarely be any landslides. You can see the majestic beauty of many snow-capped Himalayan peaks as well.

However, if you want, you can do the trek at other times of the year too. Just remember to take extra precautions.