Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

One of Nepal’s most gratifying trekking experiences, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a perfect mix of stunning scenery, a deep cultural legacy, and a feeling of excitement. It shows the magnificent beauty of the Himalayas while offering a more peaceful alternative to the Annapurna and Everest areas thanks to its off-the-beaten-path journey.

With Larkya La Pass (5,106m) at its highest point, the journey covers around 180 kilometers and takes nearly three weeks to finish. Deciding the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek is essential to guarantee a pleasant and secure trip.

Throughout the year, weather and trail conditions fluctuate greatly, affecting visibility, temperatures, and general backpacking suitability. People generally consider spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) to be the perfect times for hiking in this area because of their great mountain sights, clear skies, and consistent weather. Similarly, Winter and Monsoon trekking offer distinct experiences with their own benefits and challenges for those looking for solitude and a different type of challenge.

So, here in this article, let’s have a look at the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

If you want to Know Everything About the Manaslu Circuit Trek, read our blog.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Like most treks in Nepal, Spring and Autumn are the peak seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These months provide stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them the most suitable times for trekking. Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal during these seasons to explore its majestic mountain trails.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Many people believe the Manaslu Circuit is best visited in autumn. September, October, and November bring the Himalayas sharply clear skies, cool weather, and stunning views. September starts autumn; early in the month, there is little risk of rain. On average in September, the temperature range is 42°C to 69°C.

With little to no rain, October is the most popular time for trekking since the ideal temperature range is -1°C to 25°C. Major Nepalese celebrations such as Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath also make the month important. Although November is considered a transitionary month, it still presents good trekking conditions as the average temperature is -3° to 12 °C. Ideal for visiting the Manaslu area are the clean mountain air and stunning landscapes.

Spring Season (March to May)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is also good in spring. The national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, among other vibrant wildflowers, carpets the forests with rich greenery and colors during this period. Stable weather conditions make this season thought to be the most secure time to trek.

Trails are quiet and tranquil in March, which signals the start of Spring. Still, the temperature stays mostly cool, fluctuating between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. The ideal trekking conditions, with good weather, warm temperatures between 4°C and 10°C, and clear skies, are in April. Slightly warmer, May—Spring’s last month—has a good range of temperatures from 4°C to 25°C, so it’s an ideal time for hiking before monsoons start.

Summer/Monsoon Season (June to August)

The Manaslu region experiences the combination of excitement and challenges during summer that also coincides with monsoon. Though the temperatures during this time of year are ideal, the frequent monsoon rains can cause the tracks to be treacherously steep. Experienced hikers after a more daring trip should find this season perfect.

June has off and on showers with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C. There’s a high threat of landslides and floods in July, as it is the peak monsoon month so, it is not advised for trekking. Still, August is a better time than June and July because of its mild temperature and lowered rainfall. With fewer people on the trails, one may have a more relaxed hiking trip.

Winter Season (December to February)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is most frigid in winter. Even though it can be done, the great cold and deep snow cover make it a difficult enterprise. Daytime temperatures are close to the freezing mark, although overnight temperatures might get as low as -20°C. This trek is only tried by a handful of trekkers in winter.

For many people, December signals the onset of winter and a change to lower elevations to flee the chill. Many tea houses and guesthouses begin to close during this period. January, the chilliest month, has trails swept in snow and demanding crampons for safe hiking. While February has somewhat better weather, the trails covered in snow still offer major challenges. Late February offers a hint of warmer weather, making it a more manageable time for trekking.

Manaslu Trek Packing List

Packing sensibly is essential since as we all know, the Manaslu region is remote with limited resources. The route calls for long walking days, erratic temperature, and steep elevation gain. Below is a suggested packing list for a smooth trip.

Essential Gear:

• Trekking boots (well broken-in) with spare laces
• Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
• Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and thermal underwear (three pairs)
• Fleece jacket and down jacket/vest
• T-shirts (2-3) and a long-sleeved, collared shirt for sun protection
• Warm trousers for higher altitudes, plus shorts or lighter pants for lower elevations
• Comfortable camp shoes/sandals
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 20+)
• Water purification method (iodine, tablets, or filter)
• Pocket knife, insect repellent, and emergency medical kit
• Sleeping bag with a silk liner, water bottle, and headlamp with spare batteries
• Trekking poles, gaiters, and a rain poncho (especially for the monsoon season)
• Backpack and duffle bag

Optional Gear:

• Camera, memory card, and charger
• GPS unit, altimeter, and binoculars
• Books, notebook, and personal entertainment items
• Trekking map and passport photos

Distance and Duration of Manaslu Trek

Covering about 180 kilometers, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is among Nepal’s longest trekking paths. Starting at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, the walk culminates at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), the highest point.

The 17-day hike usually calls for 6-8 hours of daily walking, 12-15 kilometers per day. Because of the sheer climbs and descents, first-time hikers could find this trek especially tough.

Altitude Sickness in Manaslu Trek

Altitude sickness is a common concern when trekking in the Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit involves significant altitude gain, with most of the trek occurring above 3,000 meters. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, breathing difficulty, vomiting, and insomnia. If symptoms appear, descending to a lower altitude and seeking medical assistance is crucial.

Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

You would need to get three permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You can get these permits from the Nepal tourism board after you arrive. Similarly, you can also get the permits with the help of travel partners like Awesome Holidays Nepal

Get a Experience for Lifetime

When the weather is unchanging and the temperature is moderate, the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). For trekkers at these peak times, the sight of the Manaslu Mountain range is beautiful, and the weather is clear.

Although Winter and Monsoon seasons offer more obstacles, they also provide thrill seekers with one-of-a-kind experiences. The cultural richness and natural beauty of the Manaslu area make this trip unforgettable and give a feeling of success that will last a lifetime, regardless of the time of year.

So, we hope we have given you proper info about the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek.