Best time to trek Manaslu Circuit in 2025 for clear views

One of the challenging but spectacular trekking destinations for the adventure seekers who are passionate about testing their strengths is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The weather conditions vary vastly in different seasons. To get the clear views of the breathtaking sceneries and make a safe expedition, you need to be enlightened with the weather variations throughout the year. So, let’s get into the insights of the optimal seasons, challenges, and tips to make the Manaslu Circuit Trek a lifetime memory.

Seasonal overview for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu region experiences different weather conditions throughout the year with different seasons. Spring and autumn seasons are the most optimal seasons for hiking in the Manaslu Circuit, whereas summer and winter are considered the least favorable. Although every season offers its different advantages and disadvantages, as spring is the season of the rhododendrons, autumn offers you clear skies, and summer and winter, being the seasons of rainfall and freezing temperatures, still have the pros of getting more options for accommodation, and that too at low prices in comparison with other seasons.

Detailed conditions of Seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Spring (March to May)—Season
of colours

One of the most favorable seasons for trekking, this season spans from the months of March to May, and this is the season of bloom. The temperature during this season at lower altitudes on average would range from 10°C to 15°C, and at higher altitudes would be 5°C to 10°C. The stunning landscapes with the rhododendrons blooming around become the most captivating aspect of this season.

• Pros of trekking in Spring
• Minimal rainfall and clear skies offering the best scenery
• Beautiful flora and increased wildlife activity (Rhododendrons in the highest peak of blooming)
• Trails are less crowded in comparison to Autumn season
• Clear views of the snow-capped mountains
• Cons of trekking in Spring
• Trails can be quite crowded being the popular season, making it difficult to trek unperturbed
• Overcrowding at tea houses limits accommodation, causing problems for you
• Sudden rainfall and snowfall in the higher altitudes make the trails slippery and dangerous due to possible avalanche
• More prone to Altitude sickness because of rushing on the trails to capture the best views of Manaslu region
• Being the post monsoon season, the melting of the snow can cause overflowing rivers and streams, making it challenging for you

Autumn (September to November)—the golden season

This is considered the best season by most of the trekkers, as it stabilizes the monsoon season, offering you the clear skies and the dry conditions. This is an ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025, with the daily mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50-59°F). This season occurs during the biggest festivals of Nepal, which are Dashain and Tihar, which can give you a rich nourishment with the cultures and cuisines of Nepal. So, better plan early with the accommodation facility, as teahouses will be overcrowded with the national and international trekkers.

Pros of trekking in Autumn

• Clear skies offering you the best views of the towering peaks, including the Mount Manaslu itself
• Lower humidity and favourable conditions of this season makes your Manaslu Circuit Trek a pleasant and less physically taxing
• Less rainfall and no muddy trails with no risk of landslides
• Beautiful landscapes with the vivid colours of the fall
• Availability of the essential services at teahouses along with the guides and porters
• Dashain and Tihar (Biggest festivals of Nepal) will engage you in the unique traditions and cuisines of Nepal

Cons of trekking in Autumn

• Sudden rainfall and early snowfall at higher elevations can be the potential risks due to slippery trails
• Risk of getting Hypothermia due to low temperatures, especially at night
• Accommodation issues and the resources management can be one of the major drawbacks of this season because of the extreme rise of the trekkers
• Risk of slipping on the wet rocks while hiking at higher elevations
• Acclimatization can be impacted due to the changing weather conditions

Autumn season is the prime time to trek the Manaslu Circuit in overall aspects like safety, stunning views, and cultural nourishment, making it the golden season.

Winter (December to February) - (For the Adventure lovers)

If you are very passionate about doing challenging adventures and testing your strengths, then winter is the best time for you to trek the Manaslu Circuit. This season offers you the optimal visibility for the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Manaslu region, but the extremely high temperatures and the deserted conditions require you to make early and good preparations. The temperature during this season can drop to around -10℃ (14℉) at higher elevations, especially at night. So, you must be aware of the weather unpredictability and weather forecasts to ensure your safety.

Pros of trekking in Winter

• Less crowded trails offering good experience for the solitude lovers and give you more personal time with the exotic views of Manaslu
• Clear visibility offers you the stunning view of Mount Manaslu itself
• Snowy trees and snow-capped mountains give you the best view for the photography
• Activation of the wildlife in the cold weather, such as Snow leopard and Himalayan Tahr

Budget friendly accommodation fees and favorable options for the guides

Cons of trekking in Winter

• Snow accumulation at the trails makes it challenging for you to trek smoothly and safely
• Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160 metres) in winter will be extremely challenging
• Freezing temperatures at higher elevations can give you frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses if precautions are not taken.
• Alteration of the itineraries due to heavy snowfall can stress you and actually put you at high risk while trekking in the dark.
• Limited services and amenities due to off peak season Winter means shorter days. So, this season will give you less time for trekking due to the shorter daylights

Summer (June to August) - (Better avoided)

This season coincides with the monsoon season in Nepal, spanning from the months of June to August. It is warm during this season, but at higher altitudes it will still be cold. This season will offer you the solitary experience, as it is in contrast with the peak seasons of spring and autumn. Although the weather condition of this season with the heavy rainfall will be challenging for you to trek, in the slippery trails and trek in risk of landslides, and you can see more activity of the insects or worms like leeches in the trails.

Pros of trekking in Summer

• Foot traffic is reduced, giving you the relaxing trekking experience
• Low prices at tea houses—you might save a lot or might make it due to your low budget during this season
• More options with the guides to choose the best one. The most experienced guide can enhance your trekking experience and make it even more enjoyable and safe.
• Vibrant greenery and blooming flora with the lush valleys, waterfalls and forests
• Summer means longer days. So, longer daylight will give you more time for the photography session and to see the serene beauty of Manaslu

More occurrence of the local festivals give you the best time to immerse in the rich culture of Gurung and Tibetans

Cons of trekking in Summer

• Heavy rainfall leading to muddy and slippery trails can increase your risk of getting injured and falling
• Persistent rainfall increases the risk of occurrence of landslides
• Thick clouds during the daytime obstruct your view of the majestic Manaslu region and you may find difficulty in navigation of the route, especially for those ones who are unfamiliar with the route
• High heat and humidity of this season may make you suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion during the trek
• More activity of insect like mosquitoes and leeches making you prone to insect borne diseases
• Unpopular season might offer you limited services at tea houses

Key considerations of Summer Trekking

1. Being aware of the changing weather conditions by checking weather forecasts to be safe from frequent heavy rains and landslides
2. Essential supplies such as proof gear, weather resistant jacket, quick dry clothing, water resistant trekking shoes and trekking poles for smooth navigation at the slippery trails should be taken
3. Drink 3 to 4 liters of water a day to prevent dehydration in the heat. So, carry water purifier or purifying tablets to prevent dehydration due to excessive sweating

Key considerations of Winter Trekking

1. Be aware of the weather as this season is characterized by heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures
2. Trails can be very challenging to pass because of snow and ice. So, acclimatization is even more crucial in winter season
3. You must be well equipped with essential items such as warm layers, waterproof clothes, waterproof boots and trekking poles
4. Keep hydrating yourself even when you do not feel thirsty while trekking in the freezing temperatures
5. Have nourishing meals to maintain energy throughout the trek

Key considerations of Spring Trekking

1. Plan your trekking schedule to avoid afternoon rain and snowfall
2. Although there is a mild temperature, it will be chilly cold at night. So, take warm clothes to ensure you are not cold
3. Take warm layers to prevent from getting cold
4. Early booking of accommodation might be better, as this is one of the peak seasons

Key considerations of Autumn Trekking

1. Checking weather forecasts to be aware of the sudden changes in temperatures with sudden rain and early snowfall
2. Hydration is vital. So, keep drinking water or electrolytes to maintain energy throughout the trek
3. Take waterproof jackets, trekking boots and waterproof bags—essential items to take

NOTE: FIRST AID KIT INCLUDING ESSENTIAL MEDICATIONS FOR EMERGENCIES AND INJURIES IS VITAL FOR ANY TREKKING YOU HIKE ON.

Best months for Manaslu Circuit Trek

March to May

These months fall under the spring season, as they are before the monsoon season, with less humidity and stable weather conditions. The blooming rhododendrons are the best highlights at this time. During these months you will see clear skies, and it is the ideal time for the photography enthusiasts to get spectacular views of the breathtaking landscapes.

September to November

This time marks the autumn season, when there are clear skies with fewer rainfall showers, being the post-monsoon period. October will mark clearer skies, offering the best vistas of the Manaslu Circuit. The visibility is enhanced by the clear skies, making it the best time for capturing the jaw-dropping landscapes of Manaslu. Also, this is the time to get enriched with the local cultures, cuisines, and the most celebrated festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar.

Best photography tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Plan your photography session in the early mornings or late afternoons, as the natural lights are better at these times. The midday time might not be favorable for the captures because of the harsh sun rays. On the other hand, night photography can be quite difficult but can be perfect with the right techniques. So, you should identify your vantage locations at daytime to not lose the best sites for capture. Additionally, take a headlamp with a red light so you do not have to compromise your night vision, and take spare batteries for the camera to ensure you do not miss out on capturing stunning moments. Also, waiting for the sky to be clear of clouds can offer you jaw-dropping views to capture the celestial bodies at night, and include the shots of nature as well to give depth to your photography. At last, the photographers should be more careful during the monsoon and winter seasons at the trails and be aware of the weather forecast to know about the flooding and landslides.

Conclusion

Trekking during the best time is not only for the enjoyment but also for your own safety. March to May and September to November are the best times for the clear skies and witnessing the breathtaking scenery of Manaslu with the stable weather. As they will be the best time to nourish yourself with the local cultures and cuisines, be respectful with the locals. So, choose your best trekking time according to your interest, budget, and fitness to make the most out of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

FAQs for Manaslu Circuit Trek

1. Is Larkya La Pass possible to cross during the winter season for people who are not really into hiking experiences?

It is freezing in winter, but with the proper gear, porter, and good guide, someone with a decent level of fitness or someone who is not into hiking can also cross Larkya La Pass during the winter season.

1. What month is the best to get clear skies during the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

October is the best month for clear skies and getting stunning views of the Manaslu region.

1. How much rain can I expect during the monsoon season?

On average 1500-3000 mm can be expected. During this season there is significant rainfall almost every day, but there are heavy rains in July and August.

1. Will I suffer during the off-peak seasons while trekking the Manaslu Circuit?

Off-peak seasons may offer you more options with the accommodation facilities and guide, but there might be a possibility that the services might be limited due to fewer visitors. You will not suffer but may need to compromise with the limited services that are available at tea houses, especially with the food variety.

1. Can I customize my trekking itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit trek with Himalayan Hero Adventures?

Absolutely. Himalayan Hero Adventures specializes in customizing your trekking experiences with your personal preferences, interests, budget, and fitness. They ensure that your journey is exciting and safe by providing you with the best guides, who are experts in this field, to make sure that you do not regret your trust in them.

If you need any further information, contact us through email at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +9779801127073.

https://himalayanhero.com/manaslu/package/manaslu-circuit-trek/