The Best time for Manaslu circuit trek
Punam Phuyal
Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most popular treks in the world. It is 13 days trek on the off beaten trail of Hindukush Himalaya. The scenic beauty of the eighth highest peak in the world, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu landscape has attracted millions of trekkers since its establishment in 1991 AD. The trek goes through restricted places in Manaslu conservation area. A trekker should know the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek before planning for it.
Manaslu circuit trek best time
The right time is always fruitful to explore nature and enjoy every moment during trekking. If you are planning for trek in Manaslu region then it is very important to choose the best time to do the Manaslu trek. Spring and autumn are the best times for trekking on the mountains and base camps. The open skies for mountain views, moderate temperatures, and tea house availability make trekking less difficult.
- Spring
- Autumn
- December
Spring
Spring comes after winter in Nepal. March, April and May are the months of Spring that is favorable for Manaslu circuit trek. Early March remains snowy in Manaslu circuit; it is always better to plan the trek from Mid-March to mid-May to enjoy the great view of the Manaslu region. The Manaslu circuit trek weather changes from lower to higher elevation. The temperature of day and night remains different in different elevations. The pleasant weather of Manaslu in spring is always best for the trek.
Manaslu circuit trek temperature in March, April, May
| Elevation zone | March (℃) | April (℃) | May (℃) | |||
| Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | |
| Lower (700 – 1500 m) | 15 to 20 | 5 to10 | 18 to 25 | 7 to 12 | 20 to 28 | 10 to 15 |
| Mid (2000 - 3500 m) | 8 to 12 | -4 to 2 | 10 to 15 | 0 to 5 | 12 to 18 | 3 to 7 |
| High (3500 – 5160 m) | -2 to 5 | - 10 to -15 | 2 to 8 | -8 to -12 | 5 to 10 | -5 to -8 |
The temperature gradually increases from March to May. The day temperature remains below minus in higher altitudes (3500 to 5160 m), i.e., from Samagaun to Larke La pass. We will only spend 4 days within this elevation. Thus, trekking will be moderately diffcult in these places.
Autumn
The months of September, October and November are the months of autumn in Nepal. After the rainy monsoon, the clear sky is seen in autumn. Even though the monsoon can prolong and ruin the trek in early September. So, we should always choose early September to November for trekking to Manaslu. The pleasant weather and moderate temperature in autumn worth the trek to Manaslu.
Manaslu circuit temperature in September, October and November
| Elevation zone | September (℃) | October (℃) | November (℃) | |||
| Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | |
| Lower (700 – 1500 m) | 20 to 28 | 12 to 18 | 18 to 25 | 10 to 15 | 12 to 20 | 5 to 10 |
| Mid (2000 - 3500 m) | 15 to 20 | 5 to 10 | 12 to 18 | 2 to 8 | 8 to -15 | -2 to 5 |
| High (3500 – 5160 m) | 5 to 10 | - 2 to -8 | 0 to 8 | -6 to -10 | -2 to 5 | -10 to -15 |
The Manaslu circuit trek in October and November is best to escape the rainy weather of Manaslu. Also, we can prolong the trek to December after starting it in late November to enjoy the trek in the best weather.
Manaslu circuit trek in December
The temperature in December is relatively lower than November but we can enjoy the mind-blowing view of the Manaslu landscape. The amazing mountain view, terraced farming from off the beaten trail take us to the heavenly beauty where we will detach ourselves from the busy schedule. We may experience snowfall in December and night temperature fall below 0 ℃. So, we need warm clothing and more carefulness regarding the common cold during this time.
Temperature in December
| Elevation zone | December (℃) | |
| Day temp. | Night temp. | |
| Lower (700 – 1500 m) | 10 - 20 | 2 to 8 |
| Mid (2000 - 3500 m) | 5 – 12 | -3 to 3 |
| High (3500 – 5160 m) | - 5 to 5 | -10 to -20 |
Manaslu circuit trek in winter (January and February)
Winter is the coldest season where the freezing water and snow topped trekking route become challenges for trekkers. Most of the tea houses remain closed and it will be difficult to get accommodation sites during the months of January and February. Therefore, we advise to avoid trekking in winter.
Manaslu circuit temperature in winter
| Elevation zone | December (℃) | January | February | |||
| Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | Day temp. | Night temp. | |
| Lower (700 – 1500 m) | 10 - 20 | 2 to 8 | 10 to 18 | 0 to 6 | 12 to 20 | 2 to 8 |
| Mid (2000 - 3500 m) | 5 – 12 | -3 to 3 | 3 to 10 | -5 to -2 | 5 to 12 | -3 to 2 |
| High (3500 – 5160 m) | - 5 to 5 | -10 to -20 | -5 to 3 | -15 to -25 | -2 to 5 | -10 to -20 |
Both day and night remain cold in winter. The clear sky and stunning view of mountains are better to explore in winter, but the low temperature and snowy environment will make it difficult. Manaslu Trek in December is comparatively easier than in January and February.
Conclusion: Best time for Manaslu circuit trek
The Manaslu trek covers amazing trekking routes to Larke Pass. The mountain ranges, remote life and untouched beauty of Himalaya offers amazing places to spend our holidays. It is always best to choose the months of March, April, May, September, October or November for trekking.
