Apart from being one of the best treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Base Camp is a thrilling introduction to high-elevation trekking in Nepal. You can successfully trek the circuit during all four seasons, but the best time to trek the Manaslu base camp is during Spring (March, April, May) and Fall (September, October, November), respectively.
The Manaslu trekking circuit is a hidden gem in Nepali trekking, considered second only to the Annapurna circuit. During your adventure, you can expect beautiful mountain trails, and scenic routes largely untouched by urbanization. On this off-the-beaten-path trek, you will be able to behold eight of the tallest mountains in the world including Mt Manaslu standing at 8163m(26,781ft). The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La Pass at 5106m(16,752ft) and is one of the longest passes in Nepal.
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When planning for a perfect adventure, we need to consider all the variables. We cannot control the weather, but we can help you pick the best time to trek to Manaslu base camp. So here’s a breakdown of the best months to complete your Manaslu Trek.
| Month | Weather | Cloudiness | Crowd | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| February | Cold | Medium | Very Low | Can Consider |
| March | Slightly warm | Low | Medium | Recommended |
| April | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| May | Warm | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| June | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| July | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| August | Rainy | High | Very Low | Not Recommended |
| September | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Recommended |
| October | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| November | Pleasant | Low | High | Highly Recommended |
| December | Start Snowing | Low | Low | Recommended |
1. Spring (March-May)
Like all the best trekking routes in Nepal, Manaslu is teeming with incredible flora and fauna. The spring months of March, April, and May bring out the best of the rhododendron blooms, lush greenery, and magnificent mountain views.
The spring trekking season offers bright days complemented by cool mountain breezes. The temperature during early March is moderately cool, and lodges start opening up in preparation for the peak season.
The highlight of the spring trekking season for the Manaslu circuit is the month of April. The temperature ranges from a cool 6oC (42.8°F) to a soothing 12oC (53.6°F). This golden weather persists till mid-May. Even in the relatively secluded trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the spring season attracts aspiring mountaineers attempting nearby peaks and fellow trekkers enjoying the beautiful mountain trails.
April is also the plantation season in Nepal, which means you can get glimpses of the local lifestyles and rural practices during your trek!
2. Summer/ Monsoon (June-August)
Summer in Nepal is accompanied by the monsoon winds thereby making the months of June, July, and August the rainiest months of the year. The wettest of the seasons, the monsoon increases the possibility of snowfall in altitudes over 4500m (14,764ft) and the occasional dazzling rainbow.
The rain brings with it its share of bugs, leeches, and the clearest skies in all the seasons allowing for great visibility. In addition, the monsoon season sees its share of natural disasters and blocked pathways due to floods and landslides. We recommend exercising extra caution as trails get wet and slippery, making it harder to trek. While the rainfall may be inconvenient during your trek but with the right gear, you can turn these inconveniences into just another detail of your memorable adventure.
The summer season sees minimal traffic, so you can enjoy easy access to accommodation and experience nature undiluted. If you want to avoid the crowds of high season, the monsoon season is a great pick for your Manaslu base camp trek.
3. Fall (September-November)
Instead of the spooky season, fall is known to be the best trekking season in Nepal, and it’s no different even for Manaslu base camp trek. The best season to complete your trek falls during September, October, and November, after the power-washing that the monsoon gives to the stunning circuit.
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The best month for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, October is also Nepal’s festive month and temperatures range from a mild 15oC (59°F) to a chillier -2oC (28.4°F) in higher altitudes. Even strong into November you’ll still be blessed with stunning clarity and awe-inspiring views. Moreover, the rivers, streams, and waterfalls are at their best, replenished by the summer rain.
Besides the trek, you can witness (or even be a part of!) the Manaslu Trail Race held in November, the driest autumn month!
Due to fall being the best time to trek the Manaslu circuit, it is also the most crowded time. The only inconvenience you may face would be in making accommodations and arrangements, a problem easily remedied by pre-booking with us and personalizing the perfect adventure for you.
4. Winter (December- February)
Commonly regarded as the off-season, winter treks are comparatively harder to complete. Treks along the lower Manaslu circuits are still pleasantly cool during early December, higher altitude treks require extra caution. With some determination and our specifically curated Manaslu Trek Packing List, you can enjoy this winter wonderland to your heart’s content.
Winters are tranquil times as upper Manaslu locals pack up for warmer residence. Most visitors are reluctant to brave the bitter cold and relatively more dangerous trails to be surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped mountains. Due to this, the trail is significantly less crowded and you can easily get accommodations if you call ahead of time. Behold the beauty of the Manaslu Base Camp with all the advantages of the off-season revelations.
To conclude, scheduling your trek during the fall (especially October) or spring (especially April) can ensure one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. The Manaslu Base Camp trek is an experience of a lifetime. We hope this read has helped you! If you still have some queries about the best time to visit Manaslu Base camp or any other musings regarding your trek, you can connect with our travel experts or WhatsApp us at +1-410-307-0007.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Manaslu trek?
One of our most frequently asked questions on the Manaslu trail: the trek is 177km in length, roughly 110 miles, a distance covered over approximately two weeks. The Manaslu Trek itinerary varies upon different trekking agencies, and can even be adjusted according to personal preferences here at Himalayan Glacier. Despite this flexibility, we recommend the standard itinerary of 16/18 days to get the best experience out of this trek.
Do I need a guide for the Manaslu trek?
The Manaslu region was for a long time a restricted area, protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area. It was opened to foreign trekkers only in 1991, with strict regulations in place. As per government guidelines, trekkers can only travel with a government-licensed guide. Furthermore, the mandate requires trekkers to have at least two trekking partners excluding guides and porters to receive the required trekking permit.
And if you are thinking of trekking Manaslu solo, don’t fret- Himalayan Glacier can help you find a trekking partner based on your preferences when you plan your trip.
How difficult is the Manaslu trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a relatively unexplored route, due to which the terrain is still rough, some routes still sloppy. You’ll be covering an average of 10km (6miles) to 20km (12miles) every day, which translates to roughly 6 to 7 hours of walking. The highest point on the Manaslu trek is the Larkya La Pass at 5160m (16,752ft). Trekking at such elevation levels may bring bouts of altitude sickness. While it may seem physically daunting, with the right preparation, an experienced guide, and strong determination you’ll be able to get over the Manaslu trek’s difficulty and thoroughly enjoy your adventure.
A leading adventure & tour operator in the Himalayas since 1992, Himalayan Glacier Adventure & Travel Company® is the #1 guiding adventure travel company on Mount Everest Base Camp and beyond with 98% success rate. Each of our holidays is truly a tailor-made package which we design for all ages, groups, families & solo travelers.
