Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 Jul 2024 Himalaya Trip

Introduction

The months of Autumn and Spring are the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek.  These seasons offer the best conditions for trekking in the Himalayas. Manaslu Trek allows you to trek in one of Nepal’s most off-the-beaten trekking trials. This circuit trek will allow you to witness the scenic views of the entire Manaslu region. You will need a special area permit to trek in this region. This region receives limited trekkers throughout the year. 

It is a long trek that covers a distance of around 180 kilometers and takes around 3 weeks to complete. Mount Manaslu, which stands at 8163 meters from sea level, is the major attraction of this trek.  This peak lies in the central part of Nepal. Larkya La Pass is the highest point in this trek at 5,106 meters. You can find the perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist communities while trekking in this region. Sherpa, Magar, Gurung, etc., are the indigenous people of this region. These innocent people provide extremely warm hospitality while you trek in this region.

You cannot simply trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Despite being a moderate-level trek, it presents you with several challenges. You’ll need to understand these challenges and prepare for a safe and sound trek. Manaslu Trek lasts nearly around three weeks, so it is a must for you to plan your itinerary and prepare yourself accordingly. 

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit  

Like every other trek in Nepal,  Spring and Autumn offer the best conditions for trekking in the Manaslu region. It is the peak season in Nepal when thousands of trekkers trek in Nepal. The temperature is moderate during these seasons, making it one of the best times to trek in the Himalayas. Moreover, the weather in the Himalayas is stable during these seasons, which is also another main factor in attracting many trekkers in this region. 

Fall season (September to November)

Autumn is one of the best trekking seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu Trek in Autumn receives several trekkers in this area. The months of September, October, and November fall under this season. September marks the beginning of the Autumn season. You might experience slight rainfall during the early September. The weather is stable throughout September. The average temperature ranges from 7 to 21 degrees Celsius in September. 

October is the best time to trek in Nepal. The weather is clear, and the temperature is ideal for trekking in the Himalayas. The average temperature ranges from -1 to 25 degrees Celsius during this month. Moreover, it is the festive season in Nepal. You can experience festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, etc., during the October month of Autumn season.

November is another transition month that offers favorable conditions for trekking around the Manaslu region. You get to witness the majestic views of the Himalayas during this month. During this month, the average temperature around Manaslu region ranges from around 12 to – 3 degrees Celsius. 

Spring season (March to May)

Spring is known as the best time for Manaslu circuit trek. The forest turns green during the spring months. Wildflowers, including Nepal’s national flower, Rhododendron, bloom during Spring. This makes the entire forest look colorful. Trekking during the Spring month is the safest time of the year. March indicates the beginning of the Spring season. The trials are quiet and peaceful during this month. Winter will have just finished, and the temperatures in March will be pretty cold. The temperature ranges from 2 to 8  degrees Celsius.

April is the best month for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The entire forest looks colorful during this month. The skies are clear, and the weather is stable throughout April. This month, you can witness the breathtaking views of the Manaslu mountain ranges. The temperature ranges from 4 to 10 degrees Celsius during this month. 

May is the last month of the Spring season. You can enjoy the last blooms of spring flowers while trekking in the Manaslu region. The month of  May brings out the best of the Spring season.  You can even experience the pre-monsoon rain if you trek during late May. The temperature ranges from 4 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Summer season (June to August)

Summer or Monsoon season is another adventurous season for trekking in the Manaslu region. This season offers a favorable temperature for trekking in the Himalayas. However, monsoon rain becomes an obstacle to exploring the beauty of the Manaslu region. If you’re an adventure lover and an experienced trekker, the Monsoon season is also the trekking season in Nepal. June marks the start of the Summer season. You will experience slight rainfall while trekking in June. If you love panoramic views of the Himalayas, passing showers,  rainbows, less crowded trials, etc., June is also the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek or Manaslu Base Camp trek. 

July is the peak monsoon month in Nepal. It is not an ideal time for the Manaslu trek. Traveling to the Manaslu Circuit can be risky during this month. Natural calamities like landslides, floods, etc., might disturb you during the trek. However, as soon as the rain washes up, the skies clear, allowing you to witness the best view of the Manaslu region.

August is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek compared to June and July. The temperature is ideal during this month. This month receives very little rainfall compared to the other two months. The trails are empty. You can witness the best views of the Manaslu mountain range. 

Winter season (December to February)

Winter is the coldest season in the Manaslu region. You can trek or trip to the Manaslu Circuit during the winter months. The temperature during the day is quite warm around the freezing point, but the temperatures at night quickly go below -20 degrees Celsius. Very few trekkers can be found during this season on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. December marks the beginning of the Winter season. The locals start to migrate towards the lower altitudes to escape the cold. Very few tea houses or guest houses are open during  December. 

January is the coldest month of the year. The trails get covered with snow, making it tough to trek. You will need equipment like crampons to trek in the snow-covered paths. The temperature is below the freezing point throughout the month. January is not the best time for Manaslu circuit trek. 

Likewise, February has weather conditions similar to those in January. The trails are covered with snow. The guest houses and tea houses are almost closed this m2onth. You must carry your sleeping bags and a tent for trekking this month. However, you can experience slight weather changes in late February. A few guest houses or Tea houses might open, but it still is not the ideal month for the Manaslu trek. 

Average Day and Night Temperatures

Average Day and Night Temperature

All Seasons Monthly Temperature Chart

Tips for the Best Manaslu Trek

• Be ready for unpredictable weather changes.
• Daily up-to-date weather forecasts.
• Pack the appropriate gear according to the trek seasons.
• Make sure to pack a rain poncho and umbrella during the Monsoon.
• Get Manaslu Trek’s comprehensive packing list from tour operators.
• Only pack essential clothes and gear to minimize backpack capacity and a comfortable trekking experience.
• Get brief ideas and tips from a tour operator regarding the Manaslu trek.
• Don’t forget to carry a water purification kit to prevent waterborne diseases, and medicines to use for altitude sickness.
• Make sure shoes are strong and comfortable to trek for long hours.

Manaslu Trek Packing List

Manaslu is a remote region which means the availability of resources is limited. The elevation gain is higher and weather and temperature are unpredictable. We suggest packing warm but light seasonal clothes and only packing essentials to minimize backpack capacity. You can take a comprehensive packing list from the tour operator for ease. Manaslu Trek packing list is mentioned below:

Essential Gear:

• Trekking boots (break them in to prevent blisters) 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 and regular trousers/skirt.
• Running shoes/sandals for camp.
• Sunhat, polarizing sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 20+).
• Water purification method (iodine, tablets, or filter).
• Pocket knife, insect repellent (for lower elevations), and emergency kit.
• Earplugs, backpack, and duffle bag.
• Sleeping bag with silk liner, water bottle, torch with spare batteries.
• Gaiters, trekking poles, quick-drying camp towels, and daypack.
• Plastic bags (for clothes separation) and personal medical supplies.
• Rain Poncho and Umbrella (Monsoon season)
• Spikes in Spring season

Optional Gear:

• Camera, memory card, and charger
• Altimeter, GPS unit, binoculars
• Books/magazines, small duffle bag for Kathmandu
• Backpack cover (waterproof), small pillow/headrest (optional)
• Notebook, pen, pencil, personal entertainment items
• Thermarest inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, passport photos

Distance and duration of Manaslu Trek

It is one of the long-distance treks in Nepal. The total distance to be covered during the Manaslu trek is around 180 km. Your trek begins from around 1000 meters and reaches an elevation of around 5,100 meters. The distance and duration make your trek one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It will take around  17 days to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trails offer several steep ascents and descents, adding extra challenge to the trek. 

You need to hike for around 6-8 hours each day, where you will be covering a distance of around 12-15 km. This walk can be a challenging experience for first-time trekkers. Hiking up and down for around 180 kilometers is not an easy feat. You will need proper fitness and follow a good high-calorie diet routine to prepare for this trek. 

Read More: Manaslu Trek Distance

Altitude Sickness in Manaslu Trek

Altitude sickness is a common concern while trekking in the Himalayas. Anyone can experience altitude sickness above 2500 meters from sea level. Meanwhile, the Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the high-altitude treks in Nepal. The trek begins at an elevation of around 1000 meters and reaches the trek’s highest point, Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 meters. 

Generally, you will hike above 3000 meters from sea level in this 17-day-long trek. The oxygen level decreases at higher altitudes, making it difficult to breathe. Altitude sickness can happen to anyone of any age. If you experience the symptoms of altitude sickness, you need to descend to lower altitudes and seek medical attention quickly. The symptoms include headache, nausea, breathing difficulty, vomiting, sleepless nights, etc. Ignoring these symptoms can worsen your health and even risk your life. 

Conclusion

The best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the Spring and Autumn seasons. September to November and March to May are Nepal’s best months for trekking. During this ideal time, the weather is stable, and the temperature is moderate in the Manaslu region, allowing you to witness the majestic beauty of the Manaslu mountain ranges. Even if you’re trekking solo, you will find many fellow trekkers in this region. 

However, choosing the ideal time for the trek is your personal preference. You don’t need to wait for the right time to trek the Manaslu Circuit. You can also trek to Manaslu during the winter or monsoon season, but it is guaranteed that the trek route will present you with multiple challenges during this off-season. The Manaslu region’s beauty and the local people’s unique culture will never disappoint you, no matter what season you trek in. It is almost certain that trekking to the Manaslu Circuit will give you a feeling of accomplishment that you will cherish throughout your life. 

Also Read If you are really serious about trekking Manaslu Trek: Manaslu Trek Difficulty

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