Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is quickly becoming one of the best hiking trips in Nepal. It offers beautiful mountain views, a deep look into local culture, and a path that’s less crowded than the famous Everest or Annapurna trails. It’s a truly great escape. Most people go during the best seasons, which are Spring and Autumn.

But what if you want to go when it’s cold? Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek worth doing in the winter months of December, January, and February?

The short answer is yes, it can be, but only for people who are very well-prepared, have experience hiking, and are ready for big changes in their plans. This guide will explain the benefits and challenges of undertaking the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the winter season.
Why Some Hikers Love the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Winter
Even though it’s freezing, winter changes the Manaslu Circuit Trek into a quiet, clean, and beautiful place. Here are the main reasons why a few brave people choose this time:

1. You Get the Trail All to Yourself
In the peak seasons, you will see many other hikers. But in winter, the trails are almost empty. If you want a truly quiet trip where you can feel close to the mountains and the local Tamang and Gurung people without a lot of tourists around, the winter Manaslu Circuit Trek gives you amazing peace. It’s an authentic experience.

2. The Views Are Crystal Clear
The air in winter is very dry and crisp. This means there are fewer clouds and almost no haze. You get the clearest, most stunning views of the giant mountains, like Manaslu itself (the world’s eighth-highest peak). When the sun shines on the fresh snow, the landscape of the Manaslu Circuit Trek looks like sparkling diamonds. These views are sometimes better than in the busy seasons.
3. Place full of Snow
The sight of frozen waterfalls and the forests covered in a dust of snow is truly magical. As you climb higher, the valleys turn into a very beautiful frozen beauty. This unique snowy scenery is what makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek feel different and special in the winter.
4. It Might Cost a Little Less
These special permits needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are actually cheaper from December to August than they are in the autumn months. Also, because there are so few trekkers, you might be able to get a better deal on simple rooms in the teahouses that stay open. This can make the Manaslu Circuit Trek a slightly cheaper trip.
The Big Challenges of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
The beautiful snow comes with serious dangers and difficulties. You must know these before you plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure:
It is Extremely Cold at Night
This is the biggest problem. While the sun can feel warm during the day in the lower parts, the cold gets intense as you climb higher. At night, especially in January, the temperature in the higher villages can drop upto −20 degree Celsius. To stay safe and sleep, you must have a very warm clothes.

The High Pass is Very Difficult

The most important and hardest part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (which is over 5,100 meters high). In winter, this pass will almost certainly be covered in deep snow and ice.
Pass May Close: Heavy, new snow can shut down the pass completely for many days. This means your plans will stop, and you will have to wait or turn back.
Special Gear is Needed: You need special gear called micro spikes or crampons to wear on your boots to help you grip the ice. Without an experienced Manaslu trek guide, it is very dangerous to try to cross the pass. Longer Days: Because the trail is harder, the day you cross the pass will be much longer and much more tiring.
Finding Places to Sleep is Harder
The Manaslu Circuit Trek uses simple guest houses called teahouses for accommodation. Because of the extreme cold and lack of tourists, many of these teahouses, especially the ones very high up (like the one near the pass called Dharamsala), will be completely closed in the winter. You and your Manaslu trek guide must call ahead to make sure a place is open. You must be ready for very basic living conditions, perhaps with no running water and little heat.
The Day is Shorter
Winter days have much less sunlight. This means you have fewer hours to walk. You have to wake up very early, sometimes before dawn, to start walking and make sure you reach the next village before it gets dark. Walking on snow and ice at night on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is too risky.

How to Prepare for the Winter Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you decide the winter Manaslu Circuit Trek is for you, you need to be perfectly ready.
1. Get a Guide and Permits
You are legally required to hire a licensed Manaslu trek guide. Do not try to hike alone. In winter, a guide is your key to safety, helping you find open teahouses and knowing if the Larkya La Pass is safe to cross. You must get the three required permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
2. Wear the Right Clothes
Do not save money on your gear. You must have:
A very warm down jacket and a sleeping bag.
Waterproof and windproof outer layers.
High-quality thermal base layers (the first layer of clothing).
Insulated trekking boots and extra warm socks to keep your feet from freezing.
3. Add Extra Days to Your Plan
The normal Manaslu trek itinerary takes about 14 days. In winter, you must add two or three extra buffer days. This is just in case you get stuck waiting for the Larkya La Pass to open after a heavy snowstorm. This flexibility is vital for a safe Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the coldest months on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The coldest months are January and February. This is when the most snow falls and when the nighttime temperatures are the lowest, especially in the high villages and around the Larkya La Pass.
Do I need special shoes or gear to cross the Larkya La Pass in winter?
Yes, you absolutely need special gear. Because of the ice and deep snow, you must have microspikes or crampons that fit over your boots. You should also wear gaiters to stop snow from getting inside your warm hiking boots.
How much longer does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take in winter?
The basic trip is about 14 days. You should plan to add at least 2 to 3 extra days to your total Manaslu trek itinerary. These extra days are there to protect you from unexpected problems, like being forced to wait for heavy snow on the trail to clear up before you can safely continue the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Is there electricity or heat in the teahouses during the winter?
In the lower villages, most teahouses will have some electricity for charging your phone, but it might cost extra money. At the higher villages, there is usually a communal (shared) dining room with a central stove to provide heat in the evenings. However, the private bedrooms will not have heat, which is why your extreme sleeping bag is so important on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
What are the best seasons if I want less cold on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
If you want much better weather, the Manaslu trek best season is Autumn (September, October, and November) or Spring (March, April, and May). These times have mild temperatures and clear trails, making the Manaslu Circuit Trek much safer and more comfortable for most trekkers.