Manaslu Circuit Trek, is one of the best walks in Nepal’s Himalayas. Perched in front of the world’s eighth tallest mountain, magical natural beauty and vibrant cultural geography endows the Manaslu Region. The region fascinates many off-the-beaten lovers nowadays, just like it fascinated you.
When should you plan it? Is May good for Manaslu Trek? Following blog post will, hopefully, answer all of that.
Doing the Manaslu Trek in May is worth compared to any other months. As one of the spring months, May has so much to offer, including a weather pattern that is equally as great as March/April. Sunny days, clear weather, dry trails, exposed mountains, vibrant vegetation, warm climate and blue skies are all part of the spring experience. Such conditions only prevail for a few months, and May is one of them. If you do Manaslu trek in May, you can experience these beautiful conditions firsthand. Choose Manaslu if you’re someone who hates extreme cold weather!
In addition to being a warm and optimal season, May is the ideal month to climb Larkya La Pass (at 5,106 meters), which is Nepal’s most dramatic mountain pass. The climate offers only comfortable conditions and makes reaching the top easier. If you have been dreaming of climbing the Larkya La Pass, which is over 5000 meters, May is an excellent month to do so.
However, the Manaslu Trek, which goes to Larkya La Pass, is rated as moderately challenging. You will face adversities such as cold weather, high-altitude walking, rugged trails, steep hiking, and more. Of course, you can only reach the summit of Larkya La Pass, which is the ultimate point of the trek, by overcoming these challenges.
The month of May provides an excellent opportunity to make the trek successful. One essential requirement is being in good physical shape to walk the untraveled and rough terrain. Don’t worry about the weather conditions, as May does not disappoint travelers. Focus on preparing your body, mind, and backpack for the trek. Everything else will fall into place.
In summary, the Manaslu Trek in May is entirely doable and worthwhile. You can learn all the reasons why by reading the entire blog.
Table of Contents
Major Highlights of Manaslu Trek in May
- Enjoy the Best Colors of Spring Weather on Manaslu Trek in May.
- Ramble on Peaceful Trails in Manaslu that Take You to the Mountains.
- Explore one of the Best Hidden Treks in the Himalayas.
- Trek along Routes Adorned with Dense Woods, Resonating Rivers, Freshwater Waterfalls, Cultural Villages, and More.
- Spot Breathtaking Mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Others.
- Trek under Sunny and Blue Skies almost Every Day.
- Learn About the Local and Unique Culture, History, and Art of the Place.
- Heal Your Lungs by Walking in the Fresh Air of the Manaslu Region.
- Walk on Trails Adorned with Colorful Rhododendrons.
Weather and Conditions of Manaslu Trek in May
May is the last month of spring before the monsoon takes over. In Nepal, the monsoon usually starts around the third week of June. May is the ideal month to book the Manaslu Trek due to its excellent weather conditions. This is a perfect chance to be on the trails of the Nepalese Himalayas. Once May is over and mid-June arrives, the monsoon takes over, and rain showers make the trails slippery. There are various other after-effects of rain as well. Simply put, May is one of the best months for the Manaslu Trek.
The days are sunny, similar to the prior months of spring like March and April. Under the bright sun, you will enjoy a good walk in the Manaslu region. In addition to that, you can take in beautiful views of snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, breathtaking landscapes, and much more. As it is a month of spring, you can also expect to see colorful woods in the forest. The picturesque trail of Manaslu becomes even more scenic due to these scenarios.
Talking about temperature, the temperature in the region ranges from about minus 4 degrees Celsius (at the highest altitude during the night) to 28 degrees Celsius (at the lowest altitude during the day) in the month of May. The higher areas like Larkya La Pass, however, are always chilly. The temperature during the midnight and dark hours can be pretty much similar. In terms of temperature, May has what most trekkers need to enjoy this amazing trek comfortably. By selecting the month of May for Manaslu, there is no chance that you will regret it even once.
Everything in spring is at its best during this month, particularly during the first three weeks. The month is also quieter than the other months of spring. More peace means you can have some “you or we time.” For all these reasons, May gets a green signal from our side as an experienced local tour operator organizing treks for about 50 to 60 trekkers every month of May.
See also:
High sides of Manaslu Trek in May
Here are some excellent reasons why we encourage Manaslu Trek in May.
Walking in light clothes
Manaslu is warm in May, so you don’t have to wear heavy down and layered clothes. You can just walk in your light gear, such as light shirts and trekking pants, making the trek relatively easy and relaxing. Instead of sweating in bulky and thick down jackets, you will wander light and free in Manaslu in May.
Vibrant landscapes and mountains
The Manaslu region is abundant in natural diversity, including mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, woods, valleys, and terrains, all worth experiencing. For the best exploration, May is one of the ideal months. The breathtaking landscapes and towering peaks look rich and vibrant. Mount Manaslu, the eighth tallest mountain in the world, remains heavily snow-capped, providing an eye-widening view.
Pleasant weather conditions
Bright sunny days, dry weather, undisturbed mountain views, and comfortable temperatures are rewards of spring, including the month of May. If you choose May for Manaslu Trek, you will get a chance to enjoy these favorable conditions, which are just fabulous for any trek. Every trekker would love to walk under these weather patterns. Hence, May is the right time for you if you are also looking for such.
Colorful timbers all around
March through May is the blooming season for the Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. There is a wide variety of flowers across Nepal, and the Manaslu region’s vegetation is lucky enough to have an excellent collection of them. The flowers are scattered all over the terrains in the Manaslu region, especially at lower altitudes. Traveling to the region in May will give you a worthy view of them every time.
Best time for Larkya La Pass
Larkya La Pass (5,106m) is one of Nepal’s most famous mountain passes, and it’s also the highest point of the trek. Some also deem Larkya La Pass as the most dramatic pass. It’s the ultimate point of the walk, which takes so much energy. You obviously would want to experience Larkya La Pass when the weather is excellent, and May is a fabulous time for that. The comfortable conditions of May will lead you to Larkya La Pass pleasingly.
See also:
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
- Manaslu Circuit Trek in Different Seasons
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Low sides of Manaslu Trek in May
May also has some challenges that you have to face. What are they? Please go through them below.
Cold nights and morning hours
Although the daytime temperature is mild, the Manaslu Region in May can be freezing during the night and morning hours. The higher places also experience negative temperatures. If you are not used to cold temperatures, you might fidget quite a lot while walking. Or you will need warmer and thicker clothes for such hours.
Slight chance of hazy clouds
May is the fall season of Spring. While the monsoon usually doesn’t start before mid-June, due to the pre-monsoon season, the last weeks of the month might turn cloudy. Primarily, the last few weeks of the month can have more chances of getting some cloudy weather conditions with light rain. Those clouds may come and block the mountain views at times. If those clouds come, you might miss one of the best parts of the Manaslu Trek. Hence, there are slight odds. Get extra days and book a custom itinerary to keep buffer days if you don’t want to miss the views.
Mountain sickness
Altitude or mountain sickness is one of the common challenges that can happen in the Himalayas. It may happen in other months too, but it’s worth mentioning here as a disadvantage. When your body does not acclimatize to altitudes, you might get the illness. The Manaslu Trek reaches up to 5,106m at Larkya La Pass. The trek will go above 5000m by beginning from 700m. During this whole escalating walk, you can get the sickness. As you know, sickness problems are prone during a walk above 3500m altitude. Hence, the chances are there, so always take precautions and speak to your guide if you notice any symptoms of altitude-related sickness.
Tips for Manaslu Trek in May
Going on a challenging trek like Manaslu Circuit Trek can have its share of difficulties, but with the right approach, you can overcome them. Here are some tips to make your trek in May a memorable experience of a lifetime.
Pack your best warm clothes
Although the daytime temperatures in May are mild enough to trek with light clothing, the nights and early mornings on the trek can be quite cold. If you’re not well-covered with thick clothes, you’ll get cold quickly or shiver hardly. To avoid these situations, pack good quality warm clothes in your backpack. Keep in mind the weight limit that porters are allowed to carry.
Layering with thick but light clothes, gloves, down jackets, and thermal socks will help keep you warm.
Learn more on: Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List
Choose a trusted trekking company
A reputable trekking company in Nepal is licensed and provides the best service. It ensures that your entire journey is trouble-free and comfortable. If you choose to trek with one such company, you’ll have no trouble on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. They will book and arrange everything for you throughout the journey, leaving you to simply walk and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. At Mosaic Adventure, we have been organizing treks for more than a decade in Nepal, and our service is always of high quality.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Hire a knowledgeable and expert local guide
A local guide is familiar with the twists and turns of the trail. They can help you communicate with the locals, explain about the places and things, and make your journey so much easier. If you need accommodation, your guide will arrange it on time. If you need food, your guide will bring you the best food on your table. You cannot trek solo in the Manaslu Region, and hiring a local guide through a reputable agency like Mosaic Adventure is the way to go. Our tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced in high altitude trekking.
Take precautionary measures for altitude sickness
Trek slowly, drink lots of water, take frequent breaks, and enjoy the scenery around you. Rushing or not taking enough time is one of the main causes of altitude sickness. The more gradually you walk, the more acclimatized you will be. Only climb up to 500m a day if your body needs more time to acclimatize to the place. It’s also essential to drink enough water and eat well. A hydrated body stands strong against illness. Smoking and alcohol can also trigger sickness. Follow your guide’s instructions, and take medicine on the trek, like acetazolamide, paracetamol, etc. If you have booked your trek with us, our guide always carries the necessary medication. In a nutshell, do everything possible to avoid getting sick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Manaslu Region
Where is Manaslu located?
Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth tallest peak in the world, is located in the Mansari Himal range, which is a part of the Nepalese Himalayas. It is situated in the west-central part of Nepal’s Gorkha District, about 64 km east of Mt. Annapurna.
How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 12-day journey that begins and ends in Kathmandu. The trek starts from Soti Khola, reaches Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters, and returns to Kathmandu after an incredible adventure. If you are interested in arranging transfer to Pokhara instead of returning to Kathmandu, speak to us. You can also take a bus from Besi Sahar to Pokhara.
When should I trek Manaslu?
You can do the Manaslu Trek in any month. However, autumn and spring are considered the two best seasons for the Manaslu Trek. The best months to trek are May, March, April, September, October, and November. In these months, the conditions allow for better trekking conditions and good views.
Why is Manaslu called the Killer Mountain?
Sadly, more than 60 climbers have died during the climb of Mt. Manaslu. Hence, Manaslu is called the Killer Mountain. Otherwise, Mt. Manaslu is one of the most scenic peaks in the world. We are trekking around this mountain and not climbing it, so don’t worry :).
How hard is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate trek that involves high-altitude trekking. It goes up to 5,106m (Larkya La Pass). Some trek challenges include uphill climbs, steep trails, cold weather, and rough routes.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek costs USD $970 per person. The 12-day trek includes all required permits, accommodation, food, logistics, guide’s fees, porter’s fees, transportation, and other expenses.
Lastly:
Having done this trek myself a few times, I can say that doing the Manaslu Trek in May is a good idea. You will get to encounter the natural beauty of the region at its best. The rich cultural landscape of the area is also quite an experience. During the Manaslu Trek in May, you will find serenity, magic, heaven, diversity, and nature all in one place.
And we, a local Kathmandu-based company, could be the right choice to book your Manaslu Trek in May or any other season. We run this tour throughout the year. Our well-planned and organized Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you around the region in style. Our guide will be there to show you all the corners of the Manaslu Region that very few get to witness. Give us a call, send us an email or fill out the form below to let us know you are in for it!
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Raj is the co-founder of Mosaic Adventure who have immense knowledge of all the trail throughout Nepal. Working on the trekking industry for more than three decades Raj knows the country like back of his hands. If you need more information or help to plan any trips to Nepal, feel free to get in touch with Raj through his email [email protected] or whatsapp him on +9779851090836.
