Manaslu Circuit Trek in Different Seasons

Manaslu Circuit Trek, a novel trek, boasts unparalleled natural and cultural beauty. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is one of the most challenging trails in Nepal.

Opened only in 1993, Manaslu Circuit Trek has gained so much in popularity that it is possible to do teahouse based trek and its not mandatory to setup tents any more to enjoy Manaslu Circuit Trek.  Best seasons to trek in Nepal is Spring and Autumn. It is not impossible to trek Manaslu during winter or monsoon but it is going to be far more challenging. However, with enough preparation, you can easily choose to do this trek in different seasons. Keep on reading and if below information can’t help you make decision  about Manaslu Trek in Different Seasons then please get in touch with us, we will help you plan to do it

So, for all wanting to know when best to trek to Manaslu or if it is possible in the unusual months of January or July, read the following. It is a detailed information on the condition of Manaslu Circuit trek in different seasons.

In Spring

Spring lasts from March to May. It is one of the peak seasons. The sky clears and a temperature range from warm to moderate, a perfect time to go trekking. All sorts of colorful flowers and rhododendrons blooms, Nepal’s national flower, make for a pleasant trek.

Spring follows winter. Therefore, lodges may get closed for the winter and may not have opened early in March; so get up-to-date information before heading for the trek. However, the weather is good– not too hot below nor too cold at the heights.

In April, the temperature starts to rise but rhododendrons are now in full bloom. Early to mid-April must be the best time, even in spring.

May is still a peak time. The only problem is that it gets hot in the lower regions and mountain views can be blurry because of the haze. This is not a good enough reason to not do Manaslu Circuit trek though if you happen to come in May.

Spring is considered the second-best season in comparison to autumn and is less crowded. So for those who prefer a quieter vacation, I’d say spring is for you.

In Monsoon

Monsoon is beautiful. Lush green forests and pretty flowers greet you. Rain, however, may create some problems. Like, leeches, landslide risk, slippery trail and dark clouds that can block the amazing Himalayan views.

Monsoon in Nepal begins around mid-June and continues till August. If you don’t mind the rain that may fall on you anytime, you could get a glimpse of the lovely mountains early in the morning. This is at the beginning of June.

In July, it rains heavily. It may rain nonstop for days. This is also the time when landslides occur. Monsoon may decide to stay till early September. Weather is a little unpredictable these days.

But, during this time you get to enjoy the surrounding in the lush green bloom and cool weather. This is the best time if you want to explore the budding nature in a clean surrounding. And the spectacular views of the terraced paddy fields in lower elevations is much enticing.

In Autumn

Autumn is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trekking. It is also the most crowded, which is still lesser when compared to Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek.

Autumn falls in September, October, and November. First two weeks of September may still see some rain. Light clouds may cruise the sky. Go in October and November if possible. No rain and no clouds. Also, paddies turn golden and oranges cover the trees in October.  November is equally best month, starts to get a bit chilly in late November but that means drier and cleaner air.

In Winter

Mountains are in their best in winter and the sky turns a perfect blue. However, winter at higher altitudes is extremely cold. So, you must be well-prepared with the proper gears and clothing. You may face difficulty in finding the rooms for a night stay as tea houses may get closed due to cold and heavy snow. So, it is always a good option to pre-informed about the tea houses en route.

You must take extra clothes and camping gear but all this will be for nothing if Larkya La Pass becomes impassable due to ice and snowstorm. The possibility of having to trace back your steps should be kept in mind.

We suggest not to opt for this trek if this is your first trek. Especially in the winter and monsoon because the weather is quite hostile and you must walk cautiously.

So, if you are a beginner you can rather choose to do short treks in Nepal like Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Chisapani-Nagarkot trek, Siklesh trek, and so on. Or, you can trek to rain-shadow parts like Upper Mustang trek, Muktinath trek to escape the extreme weather conditions in the trek route.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is, without a doubt, one of the most gratifying treks in Nepal. Its rich flora and fauna, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and traditional Hindu and Buddhist settlements make all your hard work worthwhile. No need to push it in winter though.