Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek (2025) – Seasonal Guide

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most dramatic and diverse journeys — a 12 to 17-day circuit around the world’s eighth-highest mountain (8,163m). It is one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan circuits — remote, challenging, and visually spectacular. But success depends heavily on when you go.

The best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek is during Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May) with mid-October offering the most stable and rewarding conditions.

• Peak Ideal Window: Mid-October — unmatched stability and crystal-clear skies.
• Alternative Prime Window: Early April — vibrant rhododendron bloom and fewer crowds.

However, choosing the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not merely about comfort or convenience; it directly determines your safety, success rate, and overall experience.

Because the trail climbs from lush subtropical valleys (700m) to the icy Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the weather shifts dramatically with the seasons. The right timing ensures:

• Stable weather and safe pass conditions
• Stunning mountain visibility
• Comfortable temperatures
• Lower risk of avalanches or altitude sickness

This guide reveals everything you need to know — season by season — including weather patterns, trail conditions, pass safety, cultural highlights, and expert recommendations based on field-tested data.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather by Season (At a Glance)

Why Choosing the Right Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek Matters?

The Manaslu region is one of Nepal’s most weather-sensitive trekking areas. The circuit crosses five climatic zones, starting from the humid subtropical forests near Soti Khola (~700m) and rising to the arctic wilderness of Larkya La Pass (5,160m). Temperatures can vary by over 30°C between the valleys and high passes.

Selecting the right trekking season means:

• Maximizing safety and pass success rate
• Reducing risks like landslides, avalanches, or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
• Optimizing visibility for stunning Himalayan panoramas
• Balancing cost, crowd, and cultural experience

Manaslu Circuit Trek During Autumn

Why is Autumn the Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Autumn is universally considered the best time to trek Manaslu Circuit. Any of the best trekking company in Nepal will let you know that autumn offers the most stable weather, clear visibility, and highest success rate for crossing Larkya La Pass.

It is the most popular and safest season for trekking the Manaslu Circuit. The air is dry and crisp, providing razor-sharp mountain views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal.

Why Is It Ideal?

• Dry and stable weather — perfect for the Larkya La crossing
• Best visibility for panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal
• Cultural festivals (Dashain and Tihar) enhance village life and atmosphere

Month-by-Month Breakdown for the Autumn Season

September – Transition from monsoon

Early September sees lingering monsoon humidity and occasional landslides in the Budhi Gandaki valley, but conditions improve sharply by mid-month.

• Best for: Trekkers seeking fewer crowds and fresher post-monsoon greenery
• Tip: Plan Larkya La crossing in late September onward for optimal safety

October – The Peak of Perfection

• Temperature: 10°C–16°C (day), cool nights
• Trail: Dry, safe, and stable
• Visibility: Unparalleled – the best mountain clarity of the year
• Note: Peak crowds; book permits, guides, and teahouses early

November – Late Autumn Cool & Quiet

Stable weather continues, but nights become much colder — dipping to -10°C at high camps.

• Pros: Fewer trekkers, crisp visibility
• Cons: Requires warmer gear for frost and icy mornings

Cultural Highlights

Autumn coincides with Nepal’s Dashain and Tihar festivals, adding cultural richness to your trek as villages fill with prayer flags, music, and rituals.

Summary

Choose October for peak stability, or early November for quieter trails and near-identical scenery.

Manaslu Circuit Trek During Spring

How is Manaslu Circuit Trek during the Spring Season?

Spring is the second-best season for the Manaslu Circuit. Spring brings warmer days and vibrant colors to the Manaslu region. The hillsides burst into rhododendron bloom, while snow still caps the higher peaks creating stunning contrasts.

Why is Spring Great?

• Moderate temperatures: 5-15°C (41-59°F) in the lower section and 0-10°C (32-50°F) in the mid-section
• Long daylight hours: more time for exploration
• Lower permit cost: RAP: USD 75 vs USD 100 in Autumn
• Quieter trails: compared to October
• Clear skies: winter clouds clear providing breathtaking views

Month-by-Month Breakdown for the Spring Season

March – The Transition Month

• Gradual warmth returns, though nights remain cold.
• Some snow and ice persist on Larkya La early in the month.
• Ideal for trekkers comfortable with light technical gear (microspikes/crampons).

April – The Prime Spring Window

• Best overall spring month: clear skies, moderate temperatures, fewer crowds than October.
• Rhododendrons in full bloom — especially between Deng and Namrung.
• Stable weather and safe pass conditions make April a top contender for best overall trekking month.

May – Pre-Monsoon Warmth

• Warmest days of the season, stable for the pass.
• Increasing humidity may bring brief afternoon showers and occasional haze.

Bonus: Lower Permit Cost

Spring falls under the off-season RAP rate (USD 75 instead of USD 100), making it a financially efficient choice for equally rewarding conditions.

Summary

Trek in April for the best balance of weather, scenery, and affordability. Spring provides the scenic peak of the Manaslu Circuit.

Manaslu Circuit Trek During Winter

How is Manaslu Circuit Trek during the Winter Season?

Winter (December - February) in Manaslu is breathtakingly beautiful — with snow-covered peaks and silent valleys — but also brutally cold and logistically challenging.

The Manaslu Circuit becomes a realm of snow, silence, and solitude — but not without risk. Most teahouses above Samdo close, and Larkya La Pass often becomes impassable.

What to Expect

• Temperature: as low as -20°C at high altitudes.
• Larkya La Pass: often blocked by deep snow or avalanches.
• Teahouses: many close, requiring camping or full self-sufficiency.

Risks

• Frequent trail closures
• Frostbite and hypothermia risk
• Delayed emergency evacuation due to bad weather

Suitable For

Experienced trekkers or mountaineers seeking solitude and adventure — fully equipped with winter-rated gear and technical experience.

Summary

Beautiful but brutal — only attempt the circuit in winter if highly experienced and guided.

Manaslu Circuit Trek During Monsoon

How is Manaslu Circuit Trek during the Monsoon Season?

The monsoon (June - Early September) brings life to Nepal’s forests but also turns the Manaslu Circuit into a muddy, leech-infested challenge.

Trail Conditions

• Heavy rain and dense fog obscure mountain views.
• High risk of landslides in the Budhi Gandaki valley.
• Trails are slippery, swollen rivers difficult to cross.
• Visibility: extremely poor from July–August.

Upsides

• Lush green forests and waterfalls.
• Solitude and off-season discounts.

Gear Must-Haves

• Waterproof shell jacket and pants
• Anti-leech socks
• Flexible schedule for delays

Summary

Avoid July and August unless you’re an off-season explorer ready for unpredictable weather and muddy trails.

Expert Tips for Planning Around the Best Time

Permit Costs by Season

MCAP and ACAP fees remain constant year-round (~USD 27 each).

Seasonal Gear Adjustments

• Winter: Heavy down gear, balaclava, gaiters, crampons
• Spring/Autumn: Layered clothing, microspikes for early spring
• Monsoon: Waterproof shell, gaiters, quick-dry layers

Acclimatization Tips

• Always rest at Samagaun and Samdo for AMS prevention.
• Carry Acetazolamide (Diamox) for emergencies.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a gradual ascent.

Month-by-Month Snapshot Table for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Conclusion

The “best time” for Manaslu isn’t just about weather — it’s about aligning your trek with what you value most: clear skies, solitude, cultural immersion, or affordability.

If you want the most rewarding experience, plan your Trek to Manaslu Circuit for mid-October or April. You’ll enjoy the perfect balance of weather, visibility, and authentic Himalayan charm.

Choose wisely, prepare meticulously, and the Manaslu Circuit will reward you with one of the most unforgettable Himalayan adventures on Earth.

If you’re unsure and want professional guidance, feel free to reach out to Everest Thrill. Our expert guide will help you plan the best trip whether it’s for a standard package or a customized itinerary.

Let Everest Thrill’s local experts handle logistics, permits, and safety — so you can focus on the experience.