The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hidden gem of Nepal. People often glaze over this destination but it is nothing short of amazing. The off-the-beaten trail is an absolute heaven for trekkers who want to delve into a much more peaceful trekking experience compared to the chaotic trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions.
The isolated routes lead you to some of the most jaw-dropping views of the mountains, specifically the Manaslu mountain ranges, you’ve ever seen. And a unique culture native to the region that cannot be found anywhere else. So before planning a trek to this amazing destination, you need to know a few things that will make things easier for you.
Naturally, a lot of questions will start coming up and one of them will be, “When is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?” or “Which season is the best for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?” Thus, on this blog we will deep dive into how to choose the best time to trek to the Manaslu Circuit.
Located in the western part of Nepal, in the Gorkha district, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a relatively new trekking trail that was only officially opened to the public in 1992. Housing the world’s eighth tallest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters (26,781 ft) above sea level), this trek allows you the opportunity to see nature in its most raw tranquility.
The trek covers a total of approximately 177 km in length, while taking an average of 13-16 days to complete the entire circuit. The unspoiled trails offer a unique set of experiences with dramatized views of mountain landscapes that have a flair of influences of Tibetan Buddhism.
This circuit trek falls under the boundary of the protected area of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is also classified as a restricted area. Thus, for entrance, a special permit is required that is issued by the government.
One of the famous passes of Nepal, known as the Larke La, is also a challenging feat of this trek. Typically listed at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), it might not be the highest pass in Nepal but is still in the top five of highest passes.
As the trekking route is far from commercialized, like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, expect very basic services. The trails are challenging but rewarding nonetheless.
While Nepal originally has six seasons, tourism operates on four seasons, which are summer, winter, autumn, and spring. The different seasons give you different variations and perspectives of the Manaslu region. That being said, let us navigate what time is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Spring season, which consists of the months of March, April, and May, is considered to be one of the absolute best times to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. As spring comes right after winter, the temperature won’t be as cold, and the weather will also be pleasant for trekking in the mountains.
Spring is the time when greenery comes back after a long and dry winter and beautiful flowers will be in full bloom. It is the best time to see forests of the national flower of Nepal, rhododendrons blooming in different shades of red, pink, and white. The vibrantly colored rhododendrons will look spectacular against the white backdrop of the Manaslu mountain range.
The temperature during the daytime ranges from 10°C to 25°C but gets colder the more you ascend higher. During the night, the average temperature drops below 0°C. This makes the trekking experience extremely enjoyable, where you can get the panoramic views of the mountains, including Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal (7,140m), Himalchuli (7,750m), and Shringi Himal (7,161m).
Spring makes the local people much livelier as well. Since the colder days are over, you can see the local people out and about doing their daily chores and tending to their domestic animals. This is the perfect opportunity to interact with the locals in their own element.
And since spring is also considered to be peak season, you can expect a few groups of people, much like yourself, on the trail. Despite the Manaslu Circuit being an off-the-beaten-path trail that sees a low number of trekkers compared to other popular destinations, many trekkers still do choose this trek. Thus, advance booking of your transportation and accommodations is recommended.
The autumn season actually sees a greater number of tourists, even more than the spring season. The three months, September, October, and November, are the peak time of the year when tourists from all over the world come to Nepal for trekking in different places. With cooler and moderate temperatures, clear skies, and pleasant weather, it can be said that autumn is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Since autumn begins right after summer and monsoon, the weather will be as clear as it can get. And on the cusp of winter, which means only the best views of the Himalayan landscapes.
The average daytime temperature of the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the autumn season is 10°C to 20°C, while during the night it can range from 5°C to 0°C or lower. The higher the elevation, the colder the temperature will be.
While the pros of this season are definitely the crisp, clear weather and pleasant temperature, cons might be that it can be a bit crowded. Not to the extent of what the Annapurna region or Everest region is, but expect to see frequent faces passing by. Which is why pre booking your transportation and accommodation is highly recommended.
The browning autumn leaves and technicolor sunrise and sunset that collide with the snowy peaks of the Manaslu range are a sight to behold. Planning your trek during autumn is one of the best decisions you could make.
Summer or monsoon season can be a bit tricky to navigate. The months of June, July, and August, apart from being hot and humid in lower regions of Nepal, also see rain throughout the season. The hilly region experiences the highest amount of rainfall, making traveling a bit difficult. But once the sky clears, the views of the lush green forests and panoramic views of the mountains could make up for the consistent beating of the rain.
The Manaslu Circuit also receives rainfall, making the trail wet and muddy. The persistent and heavy rainfall might not be something everyone can enjoy. The visibility will be low and the temperature fluctuates frequently because of it. The lower region of the trek can be pretty hot, while the higher elevations remain cold. That being said, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during the daytime and 5°C to -3°C during the night.
And the other thing to worry about during the monsoon is the road conditions, which frankly are not that good. With constant rain, many places are prone to landslides and road blockages because landslides are very common. It means that there is a chance of your trek being delayed or even cancelled because of rain.
Despite persistent rain, muddy trails, leeches, possibilities of landslides, and clouded views, monsoon can be the best time for those who enjoy rain, peace, and tranquility. For obvious reasons, most people tend to avoid trekking during summer but that means the trail will be less crowded and give you your intimate mingling with nature.
One might think that the winter season might not be suitable for trekking but it's far from the truth. While trekking the Manaslu Circuit Trek comes with its own set of challenges, the exclusive views you get might be worth the struggle. The three months, December, January, and February, gradually go lower in temperature, reaching a staggering negative fifteen degrees in some places on the trail.
While the higher elevations are cold to begin with no matter what season, winter gives them an extra kick and makes the already cold places even colder. This means you will start the trek cold, and it gets colder the higher you ascend. The average daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 5°C, while during the night the temperature plummets to -10°C to -15°C.
Winter also means snow, lots and lots of it. While it definitely adds to the aesthetics of the trek, it can also cause some problems by making it hard to trek. If it snows heavily, it can also block the trail; it is especially hard to navigate the Larke Pass because of this problem.
Now let's divert our focus from the cold and focus on what makes winter one of the best times to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The views are some of the clearest you will ever get. The pristine white snowy peaks under the azure blue skies devoid of any clouds when the weather clears will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen. And because it is off-season, the trails of the Manaslu Circuit will be less crowded and more peaceful.
Once you are well prepared to tackle the extreme cold and the problems it brings, such as frostbite, potential avalanches, and thick snow, with the right preparation and precaution, the winter trek to Manaslu Circuit can be an unforgettable journey.
So now that we have established some ground information about what the Manaslu Circuit is like during different seasons, it will be much easier to decide which season will be the best fit for you. Weighing out the pros and cons, the safest bet will be either spring or autumn because of moderate temperatures and pleasant weather. While summer and winter come with their own sets of challenges, you need to thoroughly examine the weather from a credible source before you embark on your adventurous journey.
Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, especially with the impact of climate change that has been altering the climatic pattern. Thus, make sure about the weather through a credible source before beginning your journey. That way you can prepare for different situations, such as rain and snow. Here is a list of other things you should consider before you start the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
First and foremost, going to any trekking destination requires permits. Since many of these destinations fall under the protected area, you will require an entrance permit. For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will require a special permit, as it falls under the Manaslu Conservation Area and is considered a restricted area. The essential permits you need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are
It is extremely crucial to get permits before the trek or you will not be able to enter the premises. All are required if you plan to do Annapurna Circuit and Manasu with Tsum Valley Trek.
The four seasons can be categorized into two parts: peak season and off-season. Peak seasons include spring and autumn, when the majority of the people from all over the globe come to Nepal for trekking. While it is the best time to do the Manaslu Trek, the trails can be a bit crowded during this time.
The off-seasons are summer and winter. Summer season also means monsoon, so expect consistent rain throughout the course of three months, which brings a lot of problems to navigate through. While winter is extremely cold, snow might make it harder to travel despite the clear views. But with a lesser crowd, it can be an intimate experience.
When it comes to mountain trekking, altitude plays a vital role. Acclimatization is very important for a good trekking experience. Gradual ascent with maintaining proper diet and hydration is the key to a successful trek without experiencing any acute mountain sickness.
Especially in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where you will reach heights above 5000 meters and cross the daring Larke Pass. Thus, one needs to acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness and enhance the overall trekking experience.
The weather and temperature are dependent on the season, as most places are. However, you cannot always predict the weather is going to be good one hundred percent, even in seasons like autumn and spring. The mountain climate is unpredictable, so much so that one minute it will be all sunny and the next the clouds are coming in and it starts to pour.
Thus, during the trek, you need to be ready for different situations, especially rain and snow. And at the same time, also prepare yourself according to how the climate and weather normally behave during the specific season you have chosen.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging one. The trekking days are long and the routes, because it is an off-the-beaten-path trail, can be hard to navigate if you are not prepared. Training prior to the trek is crucial as it helps to build your stamina and overall performance during the trek. Maintaining a proper diet and hydration while doing the right exercises will help to excel during the trek and complete the trek with ease.
Having the right gear and equipment makes a world of difference while trekking. The gear and equipment meant for trekking are light and functional, which makes your overall experience much smoother. Gear such as trekking boots, trekking poles, and trekking bags are functional items that aid your trek.
Making a packing list ensures that you do not forget anything important, including documents and gear. The small things that are easy to forget are the ones that make a huge difference. Thus, make a packing list and pack accordingly.
Hiring a trekking guide and porter will be the biggest help. Guides for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are mandatory and solo trekking is not allowed, as it falls under a restricted area. Having a trekking guide with you enhances your safety and your trek will be much more informative as they will know the ins and outs of the Manaslu Circuit. The porters will be a huge help, as you won’t have to carry all the heavy loads by yourself.
While we can offer factual information regarding which season can be the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, from the above information, it is revealed to be spring and autumn. The decision, however, depends purely on your own preference. While many people like to play it safe by choosing the peak seasons, there are some adventurous souls who want to experience nature in its more raw form and choose either summer or winter.
But ultimately what one should keep in mind is the preparation for the trek. Being well prepared will make you enjoy your trek to the fullest no matter which season or time you choose to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, if you want to plan a trek, we can make that happen. For more details, you can email us or contact us via WhatsApp at info@alpineramble.com or +977 9851175531.
