Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek: Ultimate Seasons Guide 2024/25

  • Ganesh Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Jun 25, 2024

The best time for Manaslu Circuit trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). By weighing factors like favorable climatic conditions and a smooth trekking journey, Spring and Autumn are considered to be an ideal time to head for the journey.

It is because trekking during this time ensures you a safe and secure journey while letting you have a wonderful experience. Along with that, the journey will present you with the clear and unobstructed beauty of the pristine Himalayas while the region oozes out a pleasing weather and atmosphere.

This incredible journey includes Himalayan exploration, cultural excursions, exhilarating activities, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, all of which combine to create an unforgettable experience for you. The journey to the heartland of the Himalayas is not a walk to the Park, but it encompasses difficulties and obstacles along the way. Factors like climatic conditions, navigating trails, trekking hours, and ascending in altitude may pose difficulties along the way, which is why planning for the Manaslu Circuit Trek during a suitable time is crucial. This magical experience can be magnified by twice or thrice if you plan the journey during a suitable time.

By embarking on the journey to the lap of the 8th tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8163m), during Spring or Autumn, you’ll be able to catch the stunning Himalayan vistas while exploring numerous village settlements at a safe and steady pace. The journey tunes the thrilling aspect by letting you navigate the challenging path and reach Larkya La Pass (5106m), the highest point of the trek, by conquering forthcoming challenges while paving a safer and easier path during Spring or Autumn. While the trek can be done during the off-season (Monsoon and Winter) as well, but the quality of Himalayan experiences you receive when climatic conditions are favorable is magnificent.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Trek Manaslu

Spring (March to May)

This is considered the best time for Manaslu Trek to hop on the riveting journey. With the arrival of Spring, the Manaslu Circuit transforms into a vibrant paradise, presenting the magnificent beauty of the region. The temperature during this time ranges from 10-30 degrees Celsius on average during the day, while the night has moderate temperature. Besides just accessing the clear and transparent beauty of the mountains, the journey tends to be smooth, with fewer challenges along the way. With stable climatic conditions, you’ll experience a safe and secure journey without issues like rainfall, snowfall, and extreme coldness. The ideal atmosphere of Spring provides you with glimpses of wandering Himalayan wild species.

Weather and Temperature

Stable climatic conditions with 10-20 degrees Celsius.

 Nighttime can be colder at 5-10 degrees Celsius.

As you ascend in altitude, the temperature can be different and reach -10 to 0 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes.

Challenges

Stable climatic conditions usually won’t pose many challenges, but the higher altitude can sometimes result in snowfall and coldness.

Not often, but sometimes the trails can be slippery and snowy.

The hot weather of Spring can summon insects like mosquitoes and leeches in low-altitude

Festivals

Holi in March

Nepali New Year in April

Ghode Jatra in Late May

Lhosar in February or March

Butter Lamp Festival in February or March

CrowdingOnly Peak season
Scenic beauty

Clear and Unobstructed beauty of the Himalayan peaks

Clear skies and good visibility

Snow-capped mountains

Blooming rhododendrons and lively flora.

Himalayan wild species like Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Eagle, Himalayan Monal and others.

 Cascading waterfalls, elevated hills, magical glaciers, tranquil lakes, and thundering rivers

Reasons to Choose Spring for Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Spring encounters tourism at its peak due to the favorable climatic conditions. The stable weather conditions and moderate temperature during this time invite thousands of people from all around the world to witness the magical beauty of the Manaslu region. Due to the stable weather conditions, you’ll be able to pass through a cluster of sightseeing places at ease and conquer the forthcoming challenges in the presence of a pleasing atmosphere.
  • Spring is also the best time to trek Manaslu because the daylight hours are longer than in any other season. This is a perfect time for you to explore the Himalayan region and seek nature’s beauty at peace. While the journey itself is smooth and secure, the longer daylight hours create a space for further explorations. You can join in the exploration of Manaslu without issues like heavy rainfall and risks of floods, landslides, and avalanches.
  • Another major reason for you to choose Spring is the lively atmosphere around. Spring tends to have moderate temperatures as the environment starts to settle after the coolness of winter. As time passes by, the favorable atmosphere summons wildlife species around, and as you embark on your journey through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Eagle, and others while passing through the blooming rhododendron forests.
  • Factors like favorable Manaslu weather Temperature conditions, opening of lodges and teahouses, a blooming environment, and longer daylight hours, Spring offers you excellent beauty in exchange for ease and a smooth journey. This ultimately provides you with spectacular beauty and a wonderful experience while also alleviating the risks of cancellation or postponement of the journey.

Spring is the best time to do Manaslu Circuit. While it may have thousands of positive aspects that may appeal to travelers, there are a few cons as well. Ultimately, Spring ensures you a safe and amusing experience, as the advantages of Spring completely outweigh its disadvantages.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Disadvantages of Spring for Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • The early days of Spring may ooze post-winter effects, which can be alleviated by proper packing and planning the trek in the mid-winter. Also, the later days of Spring can be hotter than expected as the days will be closer to summer. While the weather won’t be much of an issue during Spring, it can somewhat fluctuate at the higher altitude and lead to snowfall. Witnessing snow-capped mountains is excellent, but passing through snowy trails needs proper attention.
  • Another weak point is that the Spring is the peak time for trekking, and this may result in a shortage of suitable accommodation facilities. This also increases the costs of trekking and food and accommodation compared to other off-seasons. Also, the trails of the Manaslu Circuit will be traveled by many travelers, which can result in environmental degradation, including damage to the exosystem and trails. This is why it is important to be a responsible person and relish the beauty of nature by also preserving it for future generations.
  • The bustling paths and teahouses can take away from the feeling of seclusion and peace that hikers seek when seeking a closer relationship with nature. If you are a beauty seeker and want to indulge in the mesmerizing crowd but also during suitable climatic conditions, consider heading for the Manaslu Circuit Trek during early Spring. Along with that, consult our team to make a faithful Manaslu trek, and our experienced guide will present you with an alternative route that is less crowded.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is considered to be another favorable time for you to hop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is because the climatic conditions during autumn tend to be stable, presenting you with a safe and secure journey. Embarking on the high Himalayan journey is amusing and fun, but considering the climatic challenges like rainfall, slippery tracks, landslides, and floods is essential. The weather during this time tends to remain stable with moderate temperatures. The temperature during this time ranges from 5-15 degrees Celsius on average during the day, with cooler nights. We’ve discussed how Spring tends to be a favorable time with its detailed description. In the same way, Autumn has its own positive aspects that invite thousands of people from worldwide.

Weather and Temperature

Stable climatic conditions with 10-20 degrees Celsius.

Nighttime can be colder at 5-10 degrees Celsius

The higher region of the Manaslu Circuit can be colder, ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius during the day and  -10 to 0 degrees Celsius at night.

ChallengesFavorable weather conditions with fewer climatic challenges.
Sometimes, the trails can be slippery and snowy due to fluctuating weather in the higher Himalayan region.
The nighttime tends to be colder than Spring.
CrowdingPeak season and Less crowded
Scenic beauty

Clear and Unobstructed beauty of the Himalayan peaks

Clear skies and good visibility

Vibrant autumn atmosphere.

Himalayan wild species like Himalayan Tahr, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Eagle, Himalayan Monal and others.

Cascading waterfalls, elevated hills, magical glaciers, tranquil lakes, and thundering rivers

Festivals

Dashain in October

Tihar/Deepavali in November

Mani Rimdu in October or November

 Lhabab Duchen

Reasons to choose Autumn for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • The weather conditions of the autumn seasons are favorable, with less precipitation, snowfall, and extreme coldness. While the night can be a bit cooler with moderate daytime temperatures, the season is completely suitable for embarking on the journey. Autumn is the best time to see the Himalayan communities and travel to Mt. Manaslu's heartland because of the relatively mild temperatures compared to spring.
  • Autumn season arrives by bidding farewell to the Monsoon season, and the clear skies during this time will present you with the marvelous beauty of the Himalayan vistas. On top of that, fall's bright skies offer breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding areas, making them ideal for photography and general enjoyment of the scenery. Along with that, the vibrant environment of Autumn also summons Himalayan wild species that you’ll be able to catch glimpses of.
  • Another major reason for pursuing the Manaslu Circuit Trek during Autumn is the vibrant atmosphere of autumn. Autumn is known for its vivid foliage, and the trek is made much more beautiful by the harvest season and bright leaves. The season oozes out a vibrant atmosphere around and makes it fun to traverse through the dry trails. On top of that, autumn is climatically favorable while less crowded than the Spring season, which makes it an ideal time to travel in Nepal.
  • The major reason for autumn to be considered the best time for Manaslu Trek is that autumn encompasses a cultural and festive atmosphere. The major festivals of Nepal, like Dashain, Tihar, and Mani Rimdu, fall under autumn, and this lets you enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan while also letting you immerse in the distinct culture and festivals. On top of that, during this time, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh-grown fruits and vegetables.

Autumn is the ideal time to consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek. While it may have thousands of positive aspects that may appeal to travelers, there are a few cons as well. Ultimately, Autumn ensures you a safe and amusing experience, as the advantages of Autumn completely outweigh its disadvantages.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Disadvantages of Autumn for Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • One of the major cons of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn is crowded. Being a peak season for high Himalayan trekking, many people travel to this region during this time, and this results in a competition to acquire suitable accommodations. This will lead to busy trails and crowded teahouses.
  • While autumn is a favorable time due to stable weather conditions, the weather can still fluctuate in the higher region. This can lead to coldness and snowfall in the upper Himalayan region, which isn’t a big deal if you are equipped with the necessary clothing and essential trekking gear. Also, the nighttime temperature of the autumn can range up to -5 degrees Celsius, making the night colder compared to the Spring season.
  • The days of autumn are relatively shorter than the days of Spring. An additional significant worry during this period can be the body’s inability to adjust to the shifting atmospheric pressure and lowering oxygen concentrations. This time of year's chilly nights might make it more difficult for your body to adjust to the new environment, which could worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Off-Season Trekking

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done in the off-season as well, it comes with a lot of challenges and considerations. Trekking this time marks a testament to your strong strength and sheer determination. The off-season is considered to be Winter and Monsoon when the journey will get way more challenging than the peak time. You’ll have to navigate the path while ascending in altitude and reach Larkya La Pass by conquering the Monsoon and Winter challenges. The climatic conditions during this time pose challenges, but with proper preparations, well-planning, and necessary trekking gear, the journey can be done, and it can be a rewarding experience.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Winter (December to February)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter can be a thrilling, rewarding, and adventurous journey, but due to the unstable climatic conditions, it isn’t considered the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit. While the journey can be challenging compared to peak seasons like Spring and Autumn. The tough journey demands proper preparations and extensive packing to deal with the fluctuating weather conditions and temperature during this time. Dealing with the fluctuating temperature during winter is a major issue. The temperature in the lower region can be stable and range around 0-10 degrees Celsius but as you ascend higher in altitude, the temperature ranges around -10 to 5 degrees Celsius. It is important to be mindful of the weather conditions while trekking during the off-season and proceed with the journey with essential equipment, clothes, and necessary planning.

Weather and Temperature

Unstable and fluctuating climatic conditions with fluctuating temperatures.

The lower region can range from 0-10 degrees Celsius during the day, with -5 to 5 degrees Celsius during the night.

The higher region can range from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius during the day and -20 to - 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Challenges Heavy winter effects result in frostbite and hypothermia
Heavy snowfall in the higher Himalayan region will make it challenging to accomplish the destination of the trek.
Cancellation or postponement of flight and trekking journey.
Scarcity of needed supplies and services
Festivals

Maghe Sankranti in mid-January

Lhosar in February

Garden Ngamchoe in December or January

Butter Lamp Festival in February or March

CrowdingOff-season and not Crowded
Scenic Beauty

Sometimes, foggy atmosphere.

Excellent mountainous beauty

Frozen waterfalls and rivers

Snow-capped mountains

Clear skies and good visibility

Cascading waterfalls, elevated hills, magical glaciers, tranquil lakes, and thundering rivers

Pros of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

  • Planning your Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter will let you have a peaceful and tranquil time in the presence of nature as the trails will be less crowded this time. This creates space for further Himalayan exploration, cultural immersion, and sightseeing majestic mountains in the presence of less adventurer souls.
  • Another advantage of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter is that the costs during this time are relatively cheaper compared to the peak seasons like Spring and Autumn. Along with that, embarking on the high Himalayan trekking journey during off-season challenges your sheer determination and strong physical strength as the journey serves you with adrenaline-pumping experiences.
  • Moreover, the winter atmosphere serves you with the clear beauty of the mountains. The Himalayas, breathtaking magnificence is still accessible because of the persistently dry and clear weather. It's a wonderful feeling to be in a calm environment and see the snow-capped mountains clearly.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Cons of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

  • The cons of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter outweigh its advantages. As the climatic conditions during this time tend to remain unstable, it poses weather-related challenges along the way. The harsh weather conditions can lead to temperature drops and cause extreme coldness, which can further result in frostbite and hypothermia.
  • The winter season also brings snowfall to the higher altitudes of the Manaslu Circuit. This results in snowy trails, which can pose challenges. Also, being off-season, the weather can be harsh, which can result in closing the accommodation and food facilities at a higher altitude.
  • The harsh weather conditions can also result in delaying or cancellation of the plan. The fluctuating weather can also result in environmental challenges like avalanches at higher altitudes. The Manaslu Circuit lies in a remote area and unstable weather conditions can result in limited facilities in the region.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is another off-season and challenging time to travel to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Monsoon poses numerous challenges along the way that make your journey challenging and riveting. During this time, you’ll have to deal with the changing weather patterns and their effects, which is why Monsoon isn’t considered the best time to trek Manaslu. Monsoon summons challenges like rainfall, snowfall, and windstorms, which pose further threats as well. It feels like an extra obstacle that you must get beyond in order to get to Larkya La Pass. Even if there may be obstacles ahead, overcoming them to complete the journey is a true testimonial of your unwavering resolve and mental toughness.

Weather and Temperature

Fluctuating climatic conditions with fluctuating temperatures.

The lower elevations can show the impact of summer, ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius during the day to 10-15 degrees Celsius during the night

The higher region can range from 5-20 degrees Celsius during the day, while the night can range around 0-10 degrees  Celsius.

Challenges

  Huge risks of heavy rainfall, slippery trails, snowfall, floods, landslides, avalanches and others

Unstable climatic conditions can lead to the cancellation or postponement of flight and trekking journey.

Closing of accommodation facilities.

Frequent rain and clouds obstruct the beauty of the mountains

Scarcity of needed supplies and services

Festivals

Gai Jatra in August

Nag Panchami in July or August

Chokhor Duchen in July or August

The Ladarcha Festival in August

CrowdingOff-season and Less Crowded
Scenic beauty

A cloudy atmosphere can obstruct the beauty of Himalayan peaks.

After the rain clears, the Monsoon presents you with magical and lively mountainous beauty.

Lush greenery

Misty atmosphere

Rising waterfalls and rivers

Pros of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon

  • Monsoon isn’t quite a favorable time to trek to the Himalayan region, but it does have its own merits. Planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon will let you relish the mountainous beauty in a relatively affordable. You can instill tranquility within when the fresh beauty of mountains after rain showers hit your nerves.
  • Another major advantage to the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon is that the journey will present you with the excellent beauty of the Himalayan range while letting you have a peaceful and tranquil time. The journey will be through off-beaten paths and being off-season, there won’t be many travelers during this time.
  • After the rainfall clears, the environment and skies, you’ll be astounded by the magical beauty of the Himalayan peaks. The journey will let you immerse in the lush greenery of the region while you witness the vibrant and lively landscapes.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Cons of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon

  • One of the major concerns of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon is the fluctuating weather conditions. This is the time of the year when the region experiences heavy rainfall and this causes major issues during the journey.  Heavy rainfall results in slippery tracks and an invitation to blood-sucking insects like leeches. This can further pose risks of floods and landslides during the journey.
  • The cloudy atmosphere during the Monsoon can obstruct the beauty of the region and keep you away from the transparent beauty. The journey can be tough to navigate the slippery tracks while being mindful of environmental challenges. On top of that, the challenging weather conditions of the region will hinder your journey by limiting access to accommodation facilities.
  • The challenging path has risks of posing a threat of injuries along the way. On top of that, services will be limited due to the remoteness and fluctuating weather conditions in the higher altitude region. Along with that, the journey during this time has risks of cancellation or postponement.

best time for manaslu circuit trek

Manaslu Trek Booking benefits with Ace Vision Treks

  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off by private transport. 
  • Local experts (All the trek leaders who led the trip to Manaslu Circuit were born and raised in the Manaslu region.)
  • Online trip briefing after booking confirmation, if needed. Ace Vision Treks will properly brief you about the Manaslu trek before departure. You will get a briefing from Ace Vision Treks Founder.
  • 100% Private Tour guaranteed 
  • Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Viber,)
  • 24/7 phone communication: +9779851025312 for WhatsApp and international calls. 
  • A complimentary arrangement of Ace Vision Treks Brand Sleeping bags, down jackets)
  • Free excess luggage storage at Ace Vision Office
  • Ace Vision Treks-brand waterproof duffle bags provided during your Nepal Trekking.

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Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh is an adventure outdoor enthusiast originally from Gorkha, Nepal. I hiked Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu region and the most famous teahouse trekking in Nepal.  Besides Hiking, I provide online travel packages for travelers to value their time with family and friends. As well, I always provide updated travel information about the Himalayas! what's Going on? let's keep and touch with me for an unforgettable travel experience in a lifetime. I organize private tours for hikers per your interest and time frame.

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