One of the most rewarding and spectacular high-altitude treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek orbits the majestic Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters. A rich tapestry of natural beauty and culture, the trek takes trekkers through pristine alpine forests, river gorges, isolated Tibetan-style settlements, and over the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Since this trek takes you into high-altitude and remote land, choosing the right season is of very importance for your safety and enjoyment.
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Both seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and dry trails, the ideal conditions for trekking in rugged mountainous terrain. The hills are covered with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers in the spring, and the snow peaks sparkle in the warm sunlight under pleasant temperatures. The Autumn Season in Nepal provides some of the best views of the clear peaks, with post-monsoon clarity in the air and settled trail conditions for high pass crossing.
On the other hand, the monsoon (June to August) is followed by heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor visibility, making the trek hard and even risky in lower altitudes. Similarly, winter (December to February) may make the higher sections, especially in the areas around Larkya La Pass, snow-covered areas, which may require technical gear or make pass closure. While not impossible, the winter treks are best reserved for extremely experienced trekkers or those accompanied by guides familiar with the route and the weather.
Regardless of whether you prefer the blossoming beauty of spring or the crystalline clarity of autumn, getting the timing of your Manaslu trek right equals a safer, more scenic, and rewarding experience on one of Nepal's remaining great wilderness trekking routes.
Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek In Nepal.
Stunning views of the Himalayas along the route to the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn (September to November)
The autumn season is the ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. With the summer monsoon having purified the air, the heavens open to reveal the stunning Himalayan skyline of Nepal in all its glory. The weather conditions along the route dry up and stabilize to make it easy to cross both the lower green valleys and the high alpine slopes near the Larkya La Pass. Throughout, you'll have good, crisp air and excellent visibility, ideal for unimpeded photographs of giants like Manaslu, Himlung, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. During the daytime, temperatures remain moderate, especially in mid-hills, but the high point evenings can be cold, but can be endured with proper gear.
Culturally, autumn also overlaps with Nepal's biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, infusing a unique religious character to the trek, especially passing through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaun and Lho. You will be witnessing villagers preparing for or celebrating these festivals, giving you an up-close glimpse of their high-altitude way of life.
The established weather conditions during the autumn season minimize snowfall risk at higher altitudes and minimize the potential for delay owing to altitude at the Larkya La Pass. It is therefore a perfect window for both first-time Himalayan trekkers and seasoned adventurers seeking a proper balance of challenge, comfort, as well as unobstructed visual exposure.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn.
- Predictable weather and dry paths on the trek, ideal for comfortable and secure trekking.
- Panoramic views of the Manaslu range and adjacent peaks are unobstructed.
- Daytime cool and comfortable temperatures and cold nights at higher altitudes.
- Cultural diversity, with Dashain and Tihar celebrations taking place in nearby villages.
- Optimal conditions for the crossing of Larkya La Pass, minimum snow, firm ground, and a smooth crossing.
- Increased daylight hours for trekking with early morning sunrise and longer visibility.
Wonderful Serang Gompa view during the springtime, en route to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring (March to May)
Spring is also an excellent time to trek the Manaslu Circuit, when its natural color is so rich and its increasingly good weather makes everything possible. With winter receding, the whole trail from tropical foothills to high alpine passes is suddenly awash with rhododendron, magnolia, and wild flowers. The lower valleys sprout greenery, and further up, the melting process starts slowly, presenting a resplendent spectacle of hues and snow-covered peaks.
The mornings tend to be clear blue skies with wonderful mountain views, especially of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth highest peak, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Shringi Himal. Spring is slightly warmer than autumn by day, although not hot, so the trek is usually comfortable, particularly in the higher reaches to Samdo and Dharamsala before crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m).
Spring is less crowded than autumn in the Manaslu region, with a more peaceful and immersive trekking experience. It is also the best season for nature lovers and bird watchers, as the vegetation and wildlife along the Budhi Gandaki River valley are in full bloom. Though occasional brief clouds in the afternoons and gentle pre-monsoon rains may occur in late May, these are usually transient and rarely disrupt trekking arrangements.
The combination of lush contrasts, mild temperatures, and extended daylight hours all make spring a favourite season to visit the Manaslu area for trekkers who want to experience both the natural and cultural riches of the region.
Highlights Manaslu Circuit Trek during Spring.
- Rhododendron forests and alpine flowers in bloom create stunning trekking scenery.
- Mild and warm temperatures, ideal for high-altitude trekking.
- Excellent mountain views, especially in the morning.
- Smaller groups than in autumn, offering a more peaceful trekking experience.
- High biodiversity levels, making it perfect for bird watching and photography.
- Safe Larkya La Pass conditions as snow gradually melts.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek during the monsoon season.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon (June to August)
Monsoon, which lasts from June to August, is generally considered the worst time to trek the Manaslu Circuit due to persistent heavy rain, especially in the lower valleys. At this time, there is warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean dominating the climate, resulting in frequent showers, slippery paths, leech-infested trails, and reduced visibility due to dense cloud cover. Landslides and trail obstructions also happen more often during this period, particularly in the Budhi Gandaki River gorge and the lower section of the trek.
All the same, for seasoned trekkers or researchers who aren't bothered by rain and are game, monsoon trekking in Manaslu does offer a very special experience. The landscape is at its most verdant, with dense vegetation and tumbling waterfalls. The air, though damp, is heavy with the scent of moist soil and monsoon blooms.
At the higher elevations, for example, in and around Samagaun, Samdo, and Larkya La Pass, precipitation is significantly lower because of the rain shadow. This means that while lower hills might be rainy, alpine areas can still offer relatively dry day trekking, although mountain scenery might be shrouded by fog and cloud.
Culturally, it is the snowing season in most villages, giving visitors an opportunity to see local life intensely reliant on agriculture. Nevertheless, very few trekkers choose this time, and lodges can manage with reduced staff or even be shut in remote areas.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Monsoon.
- Green-hued landscapes, waterfalls, and monsoon flowers in full bloom.
- Very few other trekkers on the trail, ideal for those seeking solitude.
- Unique cultural experience because villages are full of farming activity.
- Rainfall havens near Larkya La can offer dry windows for trekking.
- Possibility of dramatic cloudscapes and brooding mountain landscapes.
Note: If trekking during the rainy season, it is very important to be well prepared with rainproof equipment, flexible itineraries, and knowledge of trail conditions.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Winter season.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter (December to February)
Winter is a drastic transformation of the Manaslu region. It turns into a serene, snow-covered landscape. From December to February, the higher sections of the Manaslu Circuit, such as the villages of Samagaun and Samdo and the Larkya La Pass, get lots of snow and very low temperatures, especially over 3,500 meters. Daytime temperatures in lower altitudes can be comfortable and sunny, but nighttime temperatures in higher altitudes regularly fall below -10°C (14°F) or even lower.
It is feasible to hike the Manaslu Circuit in winter for seasoned and well-prepared trekkers who are experienced in cold-weather hiking and are flexible with itinerary changes caused by snow-covered trails. There are very few visitors to the area during the season, so the trail is quiet and serene, suitable for solitude and uninterrupted mountain views on clear days.
One of the biggest challenges during winter is the chance that the Larkya La Pass might be shut because of bad weather and heavy snowfall. In case the pass is shut, the tourists must wait for it to open or turn back. Tea houses and lodges, especially higher ones such as Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), may be closed down or operate with limited facilities, so arrangements need to be made in advance.
The snowy villages, chill air, and icy waterfalls provide a magical setting. Lower-altitude sections, such as Machha Khola to Namrung, are still accessible, offering an enjoyable winter trekking experience with appropriate cold-weather gear and a carefully planned team.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter.
- Cold and crisp blue skies with beautiful mountain views on clear days.
- Sharp, clear skies with excellent mountain vistas on clear days.
- Quiet and peaceful trail with minimal trekkers.
- Deep and authentic cultural experience due to less crowds and friendly locals.
- Ideal for photographers and isolation seekers.
Note: Winter treks require careful planning: warm gear, expert guides, monitoring of weather, and flexible schedules in the event of snow-blocked passes.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek Summary.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Package is a great Himalayan experience with different experiences at different times of the year. The best time is autumn (September–November) with clear skies, stunning mountain vistas, and comfortable temperatures. Next best is spring (March–May) with blooming rhododendrons and good weather. While winter provides empty trails and snow-covered scenery, it also equates to cold and more difficult conditions. Monsoon (June–August) is the worst due to heavy rain and landslides, though fearless trekkers can still enjoy the lush scenery in the lower regions.
Choose your season based on your priorities: scenery, weather, solitude, or adventure, and the Manaslu Circuit Trek will not disappoint.
