Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the underrated remote trekking routes in Nepal. The trek offers beautiful mountain views, including Mount Manaslu, a rich cultural experience, and an adventurous journey. However, choosing the best seasons for the Manaslu Trek for a safe and enjoyable trip is important. The best times for the Manaslu trek are spring and autumn. The season offers stable weather, clear skies, and a view of snowcapped Himalayas.

Trekkers should understand the seasonal variation to choose the perfect time for a good trekking experience. Each trekking season has distinct characteristics that make your trails of Manaslu perfect and adventurous according to your choice. Here, we will explore the ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal that you can select according to your travel preferences.

Best time to trek Manaslu: Spring season and Autumn season

Spring and Autumn are the peak trekking seasons in Nepal. During these seasons, the surroundings of the Manaslu region are filled with optimal weather conditions, breathtaking views, and comfortable trails. The trails of the Manaslu region in these seasons provide an unforgettable experience to every kind of trekker, such as photography enthusiasts or nature lovers.         

Manaslu Trek in Autumn

Autumn is the peak trekking season for the Manaslu Circuit, which attracts adventurers from around the world. The season lasts from September to November. Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in autumn offers stable, dry weather with crystal-clear skies, making it the best time to trek the circuit.

September is the early month of the Autumn season. At this time of the year, you can still experience some rain due to the post-monsoon atmosphere. Trekking in Manaslu during this time is not crowded but can have the risk of rain and Muddy trails. The trails of the Manaslu Circuit are filled with greenery, vibrant flora, and flowing waterfalls due to the recent rain of the Monsoon season. By mid-September, the sky became clear and blue, providing the best visibility of the Mountain view.

October is the best month to trek the Manaslu Circuit. It is the best time for trekking because of its dry weather and blue skies, which are attached to the peak of the Himalayas. During this time, Nepal also celebrates big festivals like Dashin, Tihar, Chhath, etc. So, the Manaslu Circuit trek in October enhances the beauty of the Manaslu region, which provides a cultural experience with adventure. Due to its dry and stable trails, trekking in the Manaslu region is comfortable and can be crowded.

November is also one of the best times to trek to Manaslu. This Month, the Manaslu trail offers clear skies with colder temperatures due to the upcoming winter season. Snow may begin to appear at higher altitudes near Larkya La Pass. For Trekkers who are interested in snowfall and photography, this is the best time for the Manaslu trek. However, Snowfall at higher altitudes can make your journey challenging for Manaslu Circuit Trek in November.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring

Spring is the best time to trek in Nepal. Spring lasts from March to May month. This season makes the trek enjoyable with its blooming rhododendrons, sunny and warm weather, and excellent visibility of peaks around the Manaslu region.

March is the early month of the Spring season, with cool temperatures and snow due to the winter atmosphere at high elevations. The skies are generally clear, especially in the morning. The trails are dry and manageable but have icey patches at high altitudes. The trails are not as crowded as in later spring due to colder temperatures and snow-related challenges at height.

April is considered the best month for the Manaslu Trek. This month offers stable weather with longer daylight hours and warm temperatures. This time for the trek is comfortable because the snow in the higher regions starts to melt, making the Larya La Pass more accessible. So, the trek in April has perfect weather for trekking and is the best time for photography.

May is another best time to trek in the Manaslu region. This month shows its weather heading towards Monsoon with warm temperatures and sometimes pre-monsoon showers. The trails at a lower altitude may become humid, but at higher altitudes, they remain comfortable. The snow in the height area is minimal, making it easy to access Larkya La Pass. So, it is the best time to visit for the trek to the Manaslu region.    

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter 

Winter is one of the off-season trekking seasons in Nepal. It spans from December to February. Trekking in winter is Challenging as well as beautiful because of snowfall and snow-capped mountain views. Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter offers unique weather conditions and provides an adventurer’s trekking experience.

December is an early winter month with moderate conditions, but temperatures drop significantly as the month progresses. Embarking on the Manaslu trek is easier in early winter, but snow blocks higher passes by the end of the month.

January is the coldest month, with extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfall. The trails are covered with snow, which makes trekking challenging. However, you can enjoy a crystal-clear mountain view and snowfall experience. Due to the harsh cold, embarking on the Manaslu circuit can be risky.

February is the end of the winter season, and temperatures are slightly warmer due to the upcoming spring season. The higher altitudes remain cold and snowy, but the lower altitudes start to become comfortable for trekking. Clear skies and longer daylight offer better trekking conditions than in January.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon

Monsoon or summer season is another off-season time to embark on a trekking journey. In Nepal, the Monsoon Season lasts from June to August. This season brings heavy rainfall and humidity, which turns the trekking area green and sometimes makes the trekking conditions difficult. June is the early monsoon season, with some dry days, but rain increases as the month progresses. This month, the trek offers greenery and peaceful trekking routes. The trails can be slippery and muddy, which makes trekking challenging. The skies are filled with clouds in the afternoon, and leeches in forest areas are common.

July is the peak monsoon season of the year in Nepal. Heavy rainfall occurred almost daily in this month of the season. The skies are filled with clouds and obstacles to the mountain view. The trail has blooming wildflowers and allows experiencing the rain shadow area. The rain makes the routes challenging and could cover the beautiful view of that area. August is the last month of the monsoon season in Nepal. The rainfall has begun to slow down, and the skies have started to become clear and blue. The trails have started to dry out and become greenery in that area. Due to a few trekkers on the trails, you can enjoy the trekking journey during this month.

Temperature chart of the season for the Manaslu Circuit

Challenges during Trek in Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking paths because of its natural beauty and adventurous journey. But, it comes with its challenges due to various natural and artificial problems. You can reduce the challenges by knowing the difficulties that can come while traveling, which helps you have a safe journey. Some challenges that can come to you during trekking are:

High Altitudes Challenges

The Manaslu Base Camp Trek includes a route above 5000 meters (Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters). Due to this, altitude sickness is a major problem during this trek. The oxygen level is reduced at high altitudes, which causes different kinds of symptoms, including headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

Acclimatization days can prevent the risk of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is the process of adjusting your body to a lower oxygen level, which takes 3-4 days. If you avoid the proper rest day or acclimatization days, the risk of altitude sickness increases, risking your life.

Weather Conditions in Manaslu region

The weather conditions in this region are very unpredictable due to sudden changes in weather, including snow storms, wind, and rain. The temperature range drops very low at high altitudes during nighttime, especially in winter. Heavy rainfall and clouds reduce visibility.

During monsoon time, when trekking in Nepal, you should be ready for a muddy and slippery trail. The trails also have the risk of leeches and insects, especially in forest areas. So, you should choose the best time to trek Manaslu.  

Health risk

Trekking in higher altitudes can lead to physical and mental fatigue among trekkers. Dehydration is a major problem among trekkers due to the long-distance walking in cold weather. Walking toward high altitudes also increases the risk of altitude sickness and their lives.

The difficult, muddy, and slippery trail can injure the trekkers. The icy path makes the walk difficult. So, it is important to carry first aid and prepare for trekking.    

 Permit and Regulation to trek the Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Trek passes through various Restricted areas of Nepal. You should get permission from the government of Nepal to trek. You should have the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to walk in this area.

You should also hire a licensed guide to trek in this area. Due to various restrictions, you cannot plan the trekking and costs on your own. So, you must follow proper rules and regulations for comfortable trekking in this area.

Wildlife and Natural Calamities

Snowstorms, Landslides, and Rockfall are the common natural calamities in the Manaslu area, especially during the monsoon. Nepal is an earthquake-prone area that also causes various natural disasters that sometimes create hindrances in the trails. 

The trek passes through different forests that make the encounter with the wild animals. The insects bite during walks in wet conditions is common during the Summer season.

Lack of Accommodation

Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a remote region of Nepal, which means it lacks basic facilities for trekkers. Accommodation in this area is basic, with shared rooms and minimal facilities. During peak season, you should book this accommodation in advance because it is difficult to find space.

Food options are very limited at higher altitudes, and the quality and cost of food depend upon the remoteness of the area. The internet is difficult to access everywhere and sometimes becomes slow due to frequently changing weather conditions. So, you should be prepared for these conditions and try to reduce these challenges.  

Tips For the trek to Manaslu

The Manaslu trek is a challenging adventure and a hidden gem in Nepal. Proper preparation and awareness are needed to make a safe and comfortable journey. Here are some important tips to enhance the enjoyment of the trekking itinerary. 

• You should have planned rest days or acclimatization days to avoid Altitude sickness problems.
• You should be hydrated during the whole trip, which also helps to adjust the body in that region.
• You should be prepared with first aid kits and other medication that can be needed during the trek.
• You should have waterproof layered clothing and footwear, which are essential for colder times.
• You should have trekking poles and sleeping bags for -10°C to -15°C temperatures.
• You should hire porters and licensed guides for the trek under your trip budget.
• You should get permission in advance for restricted areas.
• You should choose a time that is convenient for trekking according to your preferences.
•  You should get training before the trek and be flexible regarding the weather conditions in that area.
• You should respect the culture of local people and should carry essentials with you.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable experience that combines nature and adventures. You can trek during the vibrant autumn season or the blooming spring, according to the weather and your travel preferences. I concluded this by assuming that each season has its unique benefits, but with proper preparation, any time of the year can be adventurous.

FAQS