If you are thinking about doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek you need to figure out when to go. The time of year you choose Trek for the Manaslu Circuit can make a difference. You might get weather with clear skies when you are on the Manaslu Circuit or you might run into bad snowstorms on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
We are people who organize trekking trips. We are based in Kathmandu. We have taken people on treks in the Manaslu region. In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why Timing Matters on the Manaslu Circuit
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is quite special. It has the peak called Larkya La Pass. This pass is then 5,100 meters above sea level. The Larkya La Pass is very exposed to the elements. This can cause trouble if the weather conditions turn bad. The Manaslu Trek is different from the Everest and Annapurna regions. It is an area in Nepal.
If you choose to go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek you might get stuck due to rains in monsoons or heavy snowfall in winters. You will also face winds when you go to higher altitudes.
So it is very important to know about the weather of each season, on the Manaslu Trek.
Spring (March to May): The First Best Season
Spring is one of the two peak seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and for excellent reason.
From March to May the temperature on the trail is really nice; it is between 10°C and 20°C during the day. The higher parts are cold. You can still handle it. The sky is usually clear so you can see Mount Manaslu and the other big mountains in the Himalayas well. It is a sight.
The rhododendron trees on the trail start blooming. They look amazing. They add a lot of colour to the area and make it look even nicer.
The Larkya La Pass is generally safe to cross from mid-March onward, though early March crossings can be icy. By April and May, trail conditions are ideal, and visibility tends to be excellent.
From a Manaslu Circuit Trek cost perspective, spring is a peak season, so teahouse prices and permit fees apply at standard rates but you get full value for what you pay. The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek -16 Days is a popular spring choice for those targeting the pass in optimal conditions.
Best months in spring: April and the first half of May.
Autumn (September to November): The Second Best Season
Autumn is a time to go trekking in Nepal especially in October and November. The Manaslu Circuit is really nice during this time. The sky is very clear after the monsoon season so you can see the mountains well. It is not too hot or too cold. The trails are dry. The landscape is also very beautiful and green.
This is the time to go trekking in the Manaslu Circuit if you like taking pictures if you need time to get used to the high altitude or if you just want to have a comfortable trek. October is the month because the temperature is just right, it does not rain much and there is a lot of daylight. November is also very good.It gets really cold at night. If you want to go trekking in November you need to be prepared for cold temperatures in the high areas. The Manaslu Circuit is a place to visit in the autumn especially, in October and November.
This is also the busiest time on the trail, so teahouses fill quickly booking in advance through a registered operator like Kathmandu Summit Adventure is strongly advised.
For those who want to extend their adventure, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – 23 Days and the Manaslu Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek– 25 Days are excellent autumn itineraries that combine the circuit with remote sacred valleys.
Best months in autumn: October and early November.
Monsoon (June to August): High Risk, High Reward
The summer monsoon season is from June to August. It is a rainy time. This is a bad time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Furthermore, Trek to Manaslu Circuit is a lot harder, during this time because of all the landslides and leeches and rivers that are very hard to cross and the trails are really slippery. The Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes very difficult during the summer monsoon season.
There is some good news for people who have a lot of experience with trekking. The Manaslu region gets more rain than other places because it is in a special area that blocks some of the rain. This means that the higher parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek the parts beyond Samdo get less rain than the lower parts. So some people who are very prepared and experienced can still do a version of the Manaslu Trek during this time. However you should be very careful. Have a guide who is licensed to help you.
We do not think it is an idea for most people to do the whole Manaslu Trek during the peak monsoon season. Although Manaslu Circuit Trek is just too hard and dangerous, at this time.
Winter (December to February): Cold but Possible
Winter on the Manaslu trail is really cold and quiet. It is also very beautiful. The snow makes the Larkya La Pass very dangerous. In years when there is a lot of snow you might not be able to cross the Larkya La Pass from January onwards.
The best time to go in winter is December. The sky is very clear. You can see everything. The teahouses are empty so you get to have a personal experience. The cool and dry air makes the high altitude of the Manaslu trek feel a little better. However it can get very cold at the Larkya La Pass, sometimes as cold as -20°C.. The nights are very cold all, along the Manaslu trail.
If you do consider a winter trek, pair it with our Manaslu Region Trek Nepal page for guidance on available packages and acclimatisation strategies.
Viable winter month: Early to mid-December only.
Manaslu Trek Weather: A Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Weather | Trail Condition | Recommendation & Notes |
| January | Very cold, snow | Poor at high altitude | Avoid- Trails are risky due to heavy snow and extreme cold. |
| February | Cold, improving | Marginal | Avoid – Conditions slightly better but still unsafe for most trekkers. |
| March | Mild, some snow | Good from mid-month | Possible-Trekking possible from mid-month; prepare for occasional snow. |
| April | Warm, clear | Excellent | Best-Idealtrekking conditions,clear skies, safe trails. |
| May | Warm, pre-monsoon | Very good | Best -Warm weather, very good trail conditions; one of the best months to trek. |
| June | Wet, hot | Difficult | Not Recommended – Heavy rain and slippery trails make trekking challenging. |
| July | Heavy rain | Poor | Avoid – Monsoon rains make trails dangerous and risky. |
| August | Heavy rain | Poor | Avoid-Similar to July, trekking is unsafe due to heavy rain and mud. |
| September | Improving | Good from late month | Possible -Trails improve later in the month;suitable for experienced trekkers. |
| October | Clear, ideal | Excellent | Best-Clear skies, perfect weather, excellent trails; one of the top trekking months. |
| November | Cold, clear | Very good | Best- Cold but clear weather; trails are safe and trekking is highly recommended. |
| December | Very cold, snow | Marginal | Avoid unless experienced -Snowy and cold, only for experienced trekkers. |
Manaslu Trek Itinerary and Seasonal Planning
A standard Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary spans 18 days from Kathmandu and back, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m. Your seasonal choice should influence not just your departure date, but also your acclimatisation schedule, gear list, and contingency planning.
Key considerations by season:
Spring: Pack for warm days and cold nights. Expect some afternoon cloud from late April.
Autumn: Pack for cold nights and windy pass crossings. October mornings are perfect for the pass.
Winter/Monsoon: These seasons require significantly more gear, experience, and flexibility.
Trekkers looking for a shorter option can explore the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek -16 Days, which focuses on the core circuit and Larkya La crossing.
Permits for the Restricted Area Trek Nepal
Manaslu is a trek that you can only do in a group with a guide. You need to have a permit to do this trek in Nepal. This rule is in place all year. To trek in Manaslu you need to get a permits.These permits are:
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – fees vary by season
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – for the trail’s final section
The cost of these permits is a little lower when it is not the best time to trek like, in the winter or when it is raining. This can make the whole Manaslu Circuit Trek cost a bit less.. Usually the money you save is not worth the problems you might have on the trail.
For current permit requirements and group arrangements, the Nepal Tourism Board provides official guidance, and theTrekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) maintains updated operator standards.
Expert Tip: Acclimatise Properly for Manaslu Trek Altitude
When you do the Manaslu trek you need to think about the Manaslu trek altitude. The Manaslu trek is a deal and the Manaslu trek altitude is really important. You see the Manaslu trek starts low around 700m in Arughat. It goes up and up to over 5,160m at Larkya La. So if you walk fast on the Manaslu trek the high Manaslu trek altitude can make you feel sick. You have to be careful, with the Manaslu trek altitude.
We think it is an idea to take a day off at Samdo, which is 3,860m high before you try to cross the pass. If you go on the Manaslu trek in the autumn the air pressure is steady which can help prevent altitude sickness on the Manaslu trek. This is better, than going in the spring when the air pressure keeps changing.
If you would like to combine this trek with other Himalayan experiences, check out our Annapurna Circuit Trek -15 Days and Everest Base Camp Trek -15 Days for comparison.
Conclusion: Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek Today
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is really great to do in October when the Manaslu Circuit Trek weather is like it is during autumn. It is also good to do the Manaslu Trek in April when the Manaslu Circuit weather is like it is during spring.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is good to do in these months because the Trek weather is stable and you can see the mountains clearly when you are on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Whether you have done the Manaslu Circuit Trek before or this is your time Kathmandu Summit Adventure can help you have a great time. They can plan a trip that’s just right, for you so you can have a lot of fun on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best times are in spring from March to May and in autumn from September to November. The weather is clear during these periods the trails are safe. The views of Manaslu are spectacular.
Q2: Is Manaslu harder than Everest Base Camp?
Yes Manaslu is more challenging. The trekking days are longer the altitude is higher. The trails are more remote compared to Everest Base Camp.
Q3: Can a beginner do the Manaslu Trek?
It is not ideal for beginners to do the Manaslu Trek. You need to have fitness and stamina as well, as some previous trekking experience. This helps you handle the altitude and long days of the Manaslu trek.
Q4: Is Manaslu or Annapurna Circuit harder?
Manaslu is generally tougher. It is more remote has passes and requires more preparation and endurance compared to the Annapurna Circuit.
Q5: How many days does the Manaslu Circuit take?
The Manaslu Circuit trek usually takes 12 to 18 days. This depends on your pace how well you acclimatize and the specific itinerary you choose for the Manaslu trek.
