When to Trek in Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu circuit trek is a hidden gem on Nepal’s trekking routes. It is now second only to the Annapurna circuit in terms of popularity. During your trip, you can look forward to beautiful mountain trails and scenic routes that haven’t been changed much by cities. On this off-the-beaten-path trek, you can see eight of the world’s tallest mountains, like Mt. Manaslu, which is 8163m tall (26,781ft). The Larkya La Pass, at 5106m (16,752ft), is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is also one of the longest passes in Nepal.

When making plans to go trekking in the Manaslu region, we need to think about when is the best time to go. We can’t change the weather, but we can help you choose the best time to hike to Manaslu base camp. So, here is a list of the best time of year to do your Manaslu Trek.

• Spring (March-May)

Manaslu, like all of the best trekking routes in Nepal, is full of amazing plants and animals. The best rhododendron blooms, lush greenery, and beautiful mountain views can be seen in March, April, and May.

In the spring, you can go trekking on sunny days with cool mountain breezes. Early in March, the weather is cool but not too cold, and lodges start opening to get ready for the busy season.

The month of April is the best time to hike the Manaslu circuit during the spring trekking season. The temperature ranges from 6oC (42.8°F) to 12oC (53.6°F), which is nice and warm. This sunny weather will last until the middle of May. Even on the more remote parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are people trying to climb nearby peaks and other trekkers enjoying the beautiful mountain trails in the spring.

Nepal’s plantation season is also in April, so you can get a glimpse of how people live and work in the country during your trek.

• Summer/ Monsoon (June-August)

The monsoon winds blow in Nepal during the summer, which makes June, July, and August the wettest months of the year. The monsoon is the wettest season, and it makes it more likely that it will snow at altitudes above 4500m (14,764ft) and that there will be the occasional rainbow.

The rain brings bugs, leeches, and the clearest skies of all the seasons, which makes it easy to see far away. Also, the monsoon season has its fair share of natural disasters like floods and landslides that block roads. We advise you to be extra careful because wet and slick trails make it harder to walk. Even though it might be inconvenient to get wet on your hike, with the right gear you can make it just another part of your memorable adventure.

During the summer, there aren’t as many people around, so you can easily find a place to stay and see nature as it is. The monsoon season is a great time to trek to Manaslu base camp if you want to avoid the crowds of the high season.

• Fall (September-November)

Instead of being the scary season, fall is the best time to trek in Nepal, including the Manaslu base camp trek. The best time to finish your trek is in September, October, or November, after the monsoon has given the beautiful circuit a good wash.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is best done in, October is also Nepal’s holiday month, and temperatures range from a mild 15°C (59°F) to a colder -2°C (28.4°F) at higher altitudes. Even well into November, you’ll still be able to see things that will blow your mind. Also, because of the summer rain, the rivers, streams, and waterfalls are at their best.

In November, which is the driest month of autumn, you can watch or even join the Manaslu Trail Race. Since fall is the best time to hike the Manaslu circuit, it’s also when the most people do it. The only problem you might have is figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you can easily fix that by pre-booking with us and letting us create the perfect adventure for you.

• Winter (December- February)

Winter treks are usually harder to finish than those in the summer or fall. Early December is still a nice time to trek along the lower Manaslu circuits, but higher altitude treks need more care. With some determination and our Manaslu Trek Packing List, you can spend as much time as you want in this winter wonderland.

The winters in upper Manaslu are quiet because people leave for warmer places. Most people don’t want to go through the bitter cold and somewhat dangerous trails to see the beautiful snow-capped mountains. Because of this, the trail is much less crowded, and if you call ahead, it’s easy to find a place to stay. Look at the beauty of the Manaslu Base Camp and all the things you can learn about it during the off-season.

To sum up, you can have one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal if you plan your trek for the fall (especially October) or spring (especially April). The trek to Manaslu Base Camp is something you will never forget.