Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
Spring Season is considered one of the ideal times for trekking. The stable weather, excellent visibility, and delightful atmosphere have made the Spring season stand out as the perfect time to trek the Manaslu Circuit. You can see the beautiful views of the snowy peaks during the spring. In addition, the landscapes are decorated with blooming flowers, and the environment is vibrant. The forests covered by vibrant rhododendrons create mesmerizing scenery that pleases your soul and enhances your traveling experiences. The favorable weather conditions of the spring allow you to get the maximum perks throughout the journey, which makes the season the perfect time to Trek Manaslu Circuit. The average temperature of the Manaslu Region during daytime in spring can range around 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. Here, let's learn in detail how the region is like in each spring month.
March
The first month of spring, March, is the time when you will feel the rise in temperature after the cold winter season ends. The weather starts to warm up, but the air still feels fresher and cooler. During early March, there may be some snowfall in the higher zones, so you should be well prepared and pack warm clothes. The clear views of alluring mountains like Cheo Himal, Samdo Peak, and Naike Peak can be seen in March, which makes the entire journey fascinating.
April
The month of April is preferred by many trekkers to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The temperature gradually rises and brings warmth to the surroundings along with the cool breeze. The weather is pleasant, and the surroundings are decorated by vibrant blooming rhododendrons, which makes the whole environment lively and beautiful. This month is the perfect time to capture pictures of rhododendrons blooming in lush forests with an amazing backdrop of alluring snow-capped mountains.
May
May is the last month of the spring season and is a good time to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The month is warm, but the fresh air of the atmosphere is refreshing. The days are brighter with the maximum amount of sunlight. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, which helps you have an enjoyable walking experience along with uninterrupted views of the unique landscapes of the Manaslu Region.
Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
- Spring is the peak season for trekking, so it is recommended to book the accommodation early to ensure a convenient stay.
- Make sure you have included warm clothes, as the weather in the higher zones is mostly cold.
- You should pack comfortable hiking boots and carry trekking poles, which are important when traversing.
- Trek gradually by incorporating rest days during the trek, letting your body get accustomed to the changing altitudes.
- You can include Strength Training, Balance, and Cardiovascular exercises into your routine some months before trekking for developing stamina and endurance.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn
Autumn is the peak season for trekking and expeditions. The air is fresh in autumn, and days are usually sunny, which makes the season one of the best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The days are brighter and the atmosphere is pleasant, which makes the whole journey rejuvenating. The average temperature of the region in autumn ranges around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. In the daytime and at night time, it can drop up to 0 to -2 degrees Celsius in the higher areas. Let's learn more about what the Manaslu Region is like in the autumn months.
September
September is the first month of autumn and also a transitional period from monsoon season to autumn. Embarking on a trek to Manaslu in autumn allows you to have two different experiences. During the early days of September, there are chances of occasional rainfall, and the landscapes are nourished because of it, which presents the beautiful lush green scenery. In later days, the rainfall stops, and you can notice the leaves changing color in different shades, so trekking in the month of September will be a unique experience for trekkers.
October
The month of October is considered as the peak time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The weather is moderate, and you can see clear and mesmerizing views of the snow-covered mountains. As it is a time when many trekkers choose to embark on the journey, you will find many of them along the way. You can have an interactive and immersive trekking experience while getting soaked in the pristine beauty of the Manaslu Region.
November
November, the last month of autumn, is also one of the best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The visibility is excellent in November. The trails are dry, and it creates favorable walking conditions, making the journey convenient for the trekkers. As it is the last autumn month and winter comes immediately after, the temperature can drop in later days. The mornings and nights can get colder, especially in the higher zones. However, the views of the pristine landscapes and snow-clad peaks are the most beautiful this month.
Gain Insights On:
Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn
- Book the trip early to secure good accommodation.
- There is a chance of occasional rainfall in the initial weeks of September, so it is important to carry rain gear.
- Make sure to pack warm clothes as the mornings and nighttime can get colder, especially in the later days of November.
- Maintain proper hydration throughout the Trek.
- Walk through the designated routes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Summer/ Monsoon
The downpours in the summer/ monsoon season make trekking relatively challenging in comparison to other seasons. The trails are wet, slippery, and muddy, so you have to be careful about every step. There are also possibilities of landslides or any unforeseen events occurring, so weather monitoring should be done before heading out for the trek. However, trekking in this season also has many advantages, as it is an off-season, there aren’t many people on the trails, and you can trek while feeling the peacefulness and calmness of nature. When the weather clears up after the rainfall, the beautiful views of lush hills and snowy mountains can be seen. The temperature of the Manaslu Region during the daytime in summer/ monsoon ranges from around 10 to 25 degrees Celsius in the daytime. It is important to note that while the weather can be warm in lower areas, it can still be chilly in the upper zones. Here is the breakdown of different summer months in the Manaslu Region.
June
June is a post-spring month and the first month of summer/ monsoon season. The weather is hot, especially in the lower elevations. The rainfall starts in the month of June, and when it rains, the weather starts to cool down. The upper elevations are usually cold, so warm clothes and rain gear are a must this month. You can also catch the sights of a beautiful rainbow in the sky which is fascinating to watch. The beautiful lush green scenery of the hills and forests can be seen in June, which makes the whole experience beautiful.
July
The month of July brings the highest amount of rainfall. When the days are sunny, the weather is warm, especially in the lower elevations. The environment becomes fresh after the rain washes the dust, and when it clears completely, the enchanting views of the green hills and mountains can be seen, creating a picturesque scenery.
August
The month of August is the last month of summer/ monsoon season. After the rain showers the region presents the most clear and scenic views of the verdant hills and snow-clad peaks. The unique and breathtaking scenery of misty mountains can be seen in the month of August, making the entire journey captivating and intriguing. You can witness the rare scenery of clouds that look like they are caressing the tips of tall trees in the course of passing by them. The enchanting scenery of mountains, lush hills, and floating dense clouds enhances your trekking experience.
Some Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Summer/ Monsoon
- Make sure to pack rain gear.
- Check the weather forecasts.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with decent ankle support while trekking.
- Make sure to pack insect repellent as during summer/ monsoon bugs and leeches can be found along the trail which creates unpleasant experiences for the trekkers.
- If flexible with adjusting your itinerary if it needs any modification because of the weather.
- Trek gradual ascents, and be careful when traversing through the steep sections.
- Always follow the advice of your guides when you are navigating through the challenging sections.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
Manaslu Region, in winter, is extremely cold, and many sections of the trail are covered with snow. It is off-season, so the trails are tranquil. The days are shorter, and nights are long during the winter. The temperature drops significantly low, which makes trekking challenging, so it is a less preferred time to trek the Manaslu Circuit. Crossing the Larkya La Pass is daunting during winter because of the thick layer of snow in the pathways. Because of the extreme cold weather, traversing can be difficult, and you need to be well-equipped with essential trekking gear for navigation. Even though there are numerous challenges in trekking to Manaslu in winter, there are some good sides, too. As the trails are less crowded, you can enjoy walking and feeling the serenity of nature. The daytime temperature in the winter can range around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, while it can drop up to -6 to -10 degrees Celsius in the nighttime. Similarly, the clear and unobstructed views of mountains covered with a thick layer of snow can also be seen during winter. However, it is important to be mindful and make an informed decision, being aware of all the challenges that come along when trekking in winter. Here, let's learn about what each month of the winter season feels like.
December
December is the first winter month and the temperature starts to drop significantly. It gets colder during the daytime and nighttime. During the last days of December, the upper zones are extremely cold, so the villages move towards lower zones or city areas, and many teahouses and stores are closed. So, it is important to be well-informed, conduct good research about the availability and arrangements for the accommodations, and be well-equipped with the essentials if you are up for this journey in December.
January
The Manaslu Region gets extremely cold in January. The trails are mostly covered with snow, and the cold, especially in the nighttime, can be difficult to handle. The days are cool, and the views of snow-clad peaks look ethereal, but the temperature can drop up to -10℃ at night. The trails are covered with snow, which makes navigation challenging. Many tea houses in the upper elevations are closed, which means finding good accommodation is also one of the major challenges of trekking in winter.
February
The month of February is the last month of winter. The region is cold in February, too, but during the last days of February, the temperature gradually increases. The crystal clear views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful hills can be seen this month. As the region is still chilly in February, you should dress in layers and keep yourself warm.
Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
- It is advisable to start the trek early in the morning as the days are shorter in winter.
- Check weather forecasts regularly.
- Make sure to pack warm clothes and wear layered clothing to have a secure journey.
- Be careful while navigating through the snowy slopes.
- Do not trek when the weather conditions don’t seem favorable.
- Make sure to properly communicate with your guides and follow their guidance properly when traversing through the challenging section.
- Maintain proper hydration and a balanced diet throughout the journey.
What Should You Pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Packing is important to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable journey. While trekking in Manaslu Circuit, you will trek for many days on uneven paths. You need to pack all the essentials to be well-prepared for the trip. The weather in the mountain regions can fluctuate rapidly so it is important to pack the Rain Gear to protect yourself from rain. It is not only a need in the Monsoon season but is important for all the seasons.
It usually gets colder in the mountain regions, so you should pack Down Jackets and Fleece Jackets for all seasons. Similarly, you must pack Thermal wear which helps you to stay warm in cold weather. Gears like Sleeping Bags, Trekking Poles, Flash Lights, and Headlamps are important items that you must pack. If you trek in winter, you should pack more warm clothes to deal with the cold weather and keep yourself warm and not catch the cold.
The backpack might feel slightly heavier in winter than other seasons as you need to pack thicker clothes. However, it is important to pack the down jackets in every season as the weather is not predictable in higher zones and changes rapidly. The other essentials that can be included in your backpack are a First Aid Box, Suncream, Lip Balm, a Small Mirror, Towel, Tissues, Wetwipes, Soap, basic medicines (Painkiller and Paracetamol), and Insect Repellents.
You also need to carry reusable water bottles, water purification tablets for maintaining hydration and high-energy snacks and bars to get enough energy that is needed while trekking. Make sure to also pack hiking boots, trekking pants, socks, and a pair of slippers.
When you pack essentials it helps you to be more prepared for the journey and you can get the required item when needed.
Accommodations and Food During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will be staying in tea houses and lodges. As the region is still remote, the facilities might be basic, and you will get a cozy room with a bed, pillow, and mattress. You should bring along a sleeping bag, as blankets may not be enough to keep yourself warm. The bathroom facilities also depend upon the teahouses, and you may have to use the bathroom on a shared basis. Most of the tea houses provide you with hot water for showers, for which you may have to pay extra.
Most of the tea houses also serve warm and freshly cooked meals, which will provide you with much-needed recharge. The most popular dish you will find along the trail is Dal Bhat. Along with that, many tea houses also provide Bread, Eggs, Noodles, Soup, Chapati, and many other dishes.
What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting the Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit?
Safety Factors
Safety should always be the first priority, and you should choose the time only after determining if it's safe to travel at your selected time. You need to be familiar with how the weather is like in each season before choosing a time. Because of the stable weather and trail condition it is recommended that you trek in spring and autumn for ensuring a safe and secure journey.
If you are planning to trek in monsoon or winter then a good level of preparation is needed, and you should also be ready to face the challenges that come along with it.
Interest and Goal
You can select your time to go for Manaslu Circuit Trek after determining your interest and goal. If you wish to witness the blooming flowers, a pleasant environment, and beautiful mountain views, then you can choose springtime. Whereas if you want to get distinct views of snow-covered mountains, and a delightful trekking experience, you can embark on the journey in the month of autumn. Every season has something unique to offer and you can choose the month on the basis of where your interest lies and what kind of scenery you have envisioned to see.
Experience and Physical Fitness
Experience is important when selecting a time for trekking. While trekking in Manaslu Circuit, you will walk in the diverse terrains and also cross the challenging Larkya La Pass. So, having a bit of experience in trekking is highly beneficial. If you have previous experience of traveling in even off-seasons then facing the challenges can be relatively easier. However, if you aren't familiar with the weather and trail conditions in the off-season, then trekking can be relatively challenging.
Similarly, your Physical fitness is another factor that you must consider when choosing a time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Trek requires you to walk in varied terrains and also cross the daunting pass. So, a good level of physical fitness is required when embarking on the journey, and you must be aware of the condition of the trail. In summer/ monsoon season, the paths can be wet and muddy, and in winter, the trails can be covered with snow and can require a lot of effort. So, it is important to pre-determine and make an informed decision considering your experience and physical fitness.
