Manaslu trek is one of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal. Are you planning to walk on these exotic routes this year? Wondering when the best time for Manaslu Trek is?
Our article helps you get more information on the weather, difficulties, etc., of Manaslu Trek. Among the four seasons, travelers consider spring and autumn the best time for Manaslu Trek.
Spring and Autumn are the primary trekking season in Nepal. During spring and autumn, the weather and temperature are stable, showcasing the marvelous beauty of nature.
You can learn more about the best time for Manaslu Trek from below:
About Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Trek, also known as Manaslu Circuit trek, is a fantastic trek in Nepal’s Himalayas. This trek lets you circuit around mount Manaslu while experiencing the rich culture and traditions.
Mount Manaslu is the major attraction of this circuit trek. This mountain lies in the west-central part of Nepal at an elevation of 8163 m above sea level. It is the highest peak of the Gorkha district that lies about 64 km east of Annapurna.
Larkya la Pass is the highest point you will be visiting while going on this trek. This pass lies at an elevation above 5000 m. The routes of the Manaslu trek pass through Manaslu Conservation Area.
The trail passes through several forest paths filled with unique flowers and plants. You also get to see various animals living in these jungles, such as leopards, red pandas, etc.
Walking through the trials, you view several magnificent peaks such as mount Manaslu, Himchuli, Baudha, Ngadi Chuli, and many more. People from different backgrounds, such as Gurung, Sherpa, lama, etc., live here. You will be experiencing the warm hospitality offered by the people of this region.
Manaslu trek is about 17 days long, taking more than two weeks of your schedule. So, prepare your belonging according to the season you are traveling in.
Highlights of Manaslu Trek
- Less-crowded routes
- Tea house trek through wild and remote areas
- Cross several rivers, streams through suspension bridges and wooden bridges.
- Fantastic scenarios of your surrounding
- View various peaks such as Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, etc.
- Reach Larkya La, the highest point
When is the Best time for Manaslu Trek?
According to trekkers, Spring and Autumn is the best time to trek Manaslu. During spring and autumn, the weather and temperature are worth traveling around Nepal.
The beauty of nature outshines the Manaslu Circuit Trek best time in these seasons. To know more about these seasons, read further below:
Manaslu Trek in Spring
Spring is known as Basanta Ritu in Nepal. It is the starting season of the year that brings the hills and forests’ hidden greenery. It is a new start for nature that fills the forest paths with buds of flowers.
There are no chances of avalanches, landslides, or floods during this season. The month of March, April, and May comes during in spring season.
In March
The entire region greets spring from March as it’s the first month of this season. The winter has just finished, so new buds of flowers are seen in the lower region’s forest paths.
The trails will be quiet and peaceful during this month, allowing you to enjoy the untouched beauty. You get to take amazing pictures of nature without any disturbance. This month is perfect for those looking forward to tranquility as well as scenery.
The frozen lakes begin to melt, filling the streams during this time of the year. Also, many villagers will have to trek down near the cities during winter will be returning.
Weather and temperature
The weather is stable, and the temperatures are mild, giving out clear visibility of the surroundings. The clear blue sky with bright and sunny days is to look forward in March.
The temperature is cool and keeps on increasing with elevation. The temperature ranges from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius during this month in the higher elevation. As the cold season is just over, the weather will still be chilly during this month. However, the lower regions are warmer than the upper areas.
In April
By April, the entire region of Manaslu will be covered in colorful flowers. The second month of this season, where flowers will have already bloomed, adds flavor to your trip.
During this month, the routes will be swarming with trekkers from around the globe. The views of the peaks, landscapes, and valleys look breathtaking along the way.
The Nepali New Year also falls in April to be festive and fun all around the country. You get to be a part of an important festival if you travel during this month. You will be experiencing vibrant colors and lively vegetation during this time.
Weather and Temperature
In April, the temperature rises gradually, making it warm and sunny. The weather is similar to March clear skies with no obstruction while seeing the scenarios. The walks are quite comfortable in April.
The temperature ranges from 4 to 5 degrees Celsius during this month. The upper regions are warmer than in March, making it favorable for trekking in April.
In May
May indicates that spring is coming to an end. You will see the last blooms of spring flowers on the hillside. As the month moves from spring to summer season, there is a possibility of pre-monsoon rain in late May.
You get to enjoy both spring and monsoon at a similar time in May. The routes are as crowded as in April till mid-may, so there is less privacy. But by the month’s end, the crowd lessens.
May is the month for the expedition as well, so both trekkers and climbers walk these trails. It is the best time to trek Manaslu.
Weather and Temperature
The weather is variable during the Manaslu trek in May. Suppose you enjoy walking in slight rain while trekking, this month is the right time. The mornings are clear, and the afternoons are cloudy.
The weather is a bit humid as it’s pre-monsoon season. You need to bring along rain gear while traveling in late May. However, it is also the hottest month in the spring season.
The temperature ranges from 4 to 25 degrees Celsius in May. It can reach up to 25 degrees in the day and drop up to 4 degrees at night. The climate is stable, offering adventure to enthusiasts travelers.
Level of Difficulty in Spring
The level of difficulty is moderate during spring. The weather can be harsh during earlier March and late May, but other than that, everything’s fine. You won’t be needing snow gears, so it’s suitable for trekkers with no technical experience.
Manaslu Trek in Autumn
Autumn is the peak season for trekking in the routes of the Manalsu region. It is also known as Sharad Ritu in Nepal. Monsoon has ended blooming new species of flowers in the forest path.
During this season, people celebrate the major festival of this country. There is no harvesting in Autumn, so farmers are free as well. The land of Manaslu graces with a pleasing aura of dramatic beauty in this season.
Autumn is the best time to trek Manaslu. The months of September, October, and November come during the Autumn season.
In September
September indicates the beginning of the beautiful Autumn season. The month transitions from monsoon to autumn. Thus, you can experience slight monsoon rainfall in the earlier week, but it dries down mid-September.
The monsoon rain has left new and unique floras species in the forest paths, making them lively. Also, it has washed away the pollution giving a fresh look to the environment.
The routes are not much crowded during this month as autumn is just beginning, so there is privacy during this time. The epic scenarios will keep you on your feet throughout the trek.
Weather and Temperature
The weather is stable, with bearable temperatures in September. The crispy climatic conditions offer a splendid view of nature. You can experience slight rain in the first week but the weather stables by the end.
The temperature ranges from 7 to 21 degrees Celsius in September. It reaches about 21 degrees in the lower region and 7 degrees in the upper areas.
In October
October is the most fun and adventurous month in the Autumn Season. People celebrate the main festivals Dashain and Tihar during this time. By far, it is the best time to trek Manaslu.
It is also the busiest month of Autumn, offering the Manaslu region’s rare and undisturbed beauty. The routes and hotels will be filled with trekkers visiting these areas.
Weather and Temperature
The weather and temperature are the best things about October. It is neither too cold nor too hot, and the weather is mild throughout the month. The days bright with a clear sky.
The temperature ranges from -1 to 25 degrees Celsius, depending on the elevation. It fluctuates between 15 to 16 degrees during the day while reaches up to -1 degrees at night at high height.
In November
November is the ending month of the autumn season. This month indicates the transition from autumn to the winter season. It gets colder and drier as the days pass.
It is a perfect month for Manaslu Circuit trek best time. November is the driest month of Autumn, with no rainfalls or snowfalls. But also the coldest month compared to other months of this season.
You get to enjoy the trek with comfortable walks and no sweating. The splendid views of nature will surround you throughout the trip keeping you on edge with its beauty.
Weather and Temperature
In November, the weather and temperature transition from mild to cold. The earlier weeks are bright and hot but get sunny and cold by late November. It is because the winter begins right after November.
The temperature ranges from 12 to -3 degrees Celsius in November. It gets colder as you climb up in the trails. The climate is much warmer in the lower region.
Level of Difficulty in Autumn
Autumn is a peak season, but the level of difficulty is moderate. There are slight chances of rainfall in September, and the weather gets cold by the end of November. Also, the accommodation is hard to find and expensive during this time.
Manaslu Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (815 m) via Arughat (8 to 9 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola (900 m) (6 to 7 hours)
Day 5: Jagat (1370 m) ( 5 to 6 hours)
Day 6: Deng (1804 m) ( 6 to 7 hours)
Day 7: Namrung (2630 m) ( 7 to 8 hours)
Day 8: Samagaon (3530 m) ( 6 to 7 hours)
Day 9: Acclimatize in Samagaon
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3875 m) ( 4 to 5 hours)
Day 11: Rest day in Samdo
Day 12: Trek to Dharamsala (4460 m) ( 4 to 5 hours)
Day 13: Then to Bimthang (3590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5160 m) ( 7 to 9 hours)
Day 14: Tilije (2300 m) ( 5 to 6 hours)
Day 15: Trek to Tal
Day 16: Syange (1080 m) ( 6 to 7 hours)
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu (1400 m) (7 to 8 hours)
Day 18: Departure
Difficulties faced in Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Trek is a moderate-level trek suitable for novices and professionals. Traveling Manaslu Circuit Trek Best time can be fun and adventurous. But there are several difficulties you will face on this trip.
We have written below a few of the challenges faced in the Manaslu trek.
Distance and Duration
Distance and duration will always be the main difficulties when trekking in the Manaslu region. Manaslu circuit trek takes an average total length of about 177 km.
Each day you will be walking for about 5 to 7 hours, covering an average of 15 km. The walks might be challenging for beginners as they have no prior experience in the Himalayas.
Your standard Manaslu trek itinerary will be about 17 days, so that you will be walking for 10 to 12 days covering 15 to 20 km per day. The trail is a bit harsh in Budhi Gandaki Gorge due to its severe steepness.
Walking through steep routes will be difficult for new trekkers as well. If you have prior experience in trekking, then the challenges can be a bit less tiring for you.
Weather and Temperature
Weather and Temperature play a significant role in determining whether the trek is challenging or not. The climatic condition is never predictable in the Himalayas. The trails of Manaslu go through 6 climates, i.e., Tropical, subtropical, temperate, subalpine, alpine, and arctic.
The days are warm and dry, but nights can be chilly as you climb higher. Always pack clothes according to the season, but you can carry a light sweater as it gets cold during the night in higher elevation.
Weather is a major problem when trekking in winter and monsoon as it’s not stable at that time. You can face unexpected avalanches, floods, or landslides at these times.
Altitude Sickness
While going on a trek suffering from altitude sickness is the most common difficulty for any trekker. Altitude sickness does not consider your age as it can happen to anyone.
The air is thin at the higher level, so the oxygen level is also low, causing altitude sickness. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you might notice various symptoms. Some of them are headache, nausea, breathing difficulty, vomiting, sleepless night, etc.
Many trekkers don’t tell about their symptoms in fear of ending their journey midway. So, it is stupidity as it can risk one’s life if the case worsens. Thus, immediately seek medical attention if you are having a hard time.
Lack of Accommodation
A major difficulty faced in the Manaslu Circuit trek best time is lack of accommodation. Due to packed routes, the lodges are also filled during the best time.
The routes of Manaslu have come to highlights recently, so there not many lodges or tea houses. During peak seasons, you can see people from different countries visiting this region. So, it is better to make a booking in advance.
