Manaslu Trek gives the unmatched trek experience in Autumn and Spring. The perfect weather and temperature accompanying the utter beauty of the Manaslu region indeed take you to another serene dimension. Those with little high-altitude trekking experience plan their trip in these months.
The fresh outlook, comfortable hike to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and less strenuous hike to Larke Pass are ideal for Autumn. The greenery, blossoms of wildflowers, and even the bushes turn green at Larke Pass, making it the true heaven of Manaslu.
But, till mid-spring, you'll encounter snow that adds extra difficulty on a hike for those who don't have previous experience of hiking on snow at high altitudes. Those with prior knowledge of ice and snow gear even hike to Larke Pass in late winter and early spring.
Here we'll take you through the best times for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Trek in Autumn - September, October, and November
Manaslu Circuit Trek route gets trekkers most in Autumn. Undoubtedly, it's the best time for Manaslu Trek to see the fresh outlook, greenery, clear mountains, lakes, and streams.
Autumn also marks the end of rainy days, so you can hike all day without worrying about rain showers. Manaslu expedition happens in September and October.
If you hike to Manaslu Base Camp, you'll get the chance to see climbers and expedition teams settling on the base camp, with Manaslu and Birendra Lake as a backdrop.
Manaslu Trek in Spring- March, April, and May
Spring will be the best time for Manaslu Trek if you love to see melted Birendra Lake and Ponkar Lake. Also, the snow on the trails starts melting in mid-spring, making it comfortable for a day hike.
The best of Spring in Manaslu Trek is the welcoming greenery of landscapes, terrace farmlands, blooming rhododendrons, and an occasional snowfall. On top, the hike is best, with the mild temperature, rain-free days, utterly visible weather, and the serenity of the landscape.
It's also a time when tea house owners near Larke Pass return to resume their business. Hence, you'll not have any issues finding tea houses at Dharamsala.
Manaslu Trek in December, January, and February
December to February are not the best time for Manaslu Trek, if you're an inexperienced trekker. Even tea house owners at Dharamsala and some above Namrung descend to lower altitudes to escape the cold.
The lakes and waterfalls freeze in these months. If you are a well-experienced trekker and have the expertise of using snow and ice gears with crampons, crossing Larke Pass will be a thrilling adventure for you.
If you can cross the Larke Pass in one day and reach Bimtang, it takes 13 hours of a strenuous hike, but worth it. The only problem you'll have is a closed tea house, which you must hike down to Bimtang in a single day. Manaslu Trek in Winter is for you if you can cope with the cold, cross Larke over 5,100 metres, and hike for 13 hours on snow-filled terrain.
Manaslu Trek in Summer- June, July, and August
The Summer months, June, July, and August, are not the best time for Manaslu Trek. It rains heavily; hence, the Manaslu Trek Routes at low altitudes often receive landslides. The trails become slippery.
The main issues of trekking Manaslu in rainy months are leeches, bugs, mosquitoes, and rain. There's a meagre chance of seeing Manaslu and other mountains while trekking on rainy days due to overcast and clouds.
Due to these reasons, Short Malasu Trek in Summer is not a recommended time in the year.
Temperature table for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Month | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
March-April-May | 16 ℃ | -2 ℃ |
June-July-August | 18 ℃ | 8 ℃ |
September-October-November | 16 ℃ | 0 ℃ |
December-January-February | 4 ℃ | -10 ℃ |