Manaslu circuit is a pristine exploration of the rich culture and stunning landscapes in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It is an unforgettable journey for most the travel enthusiasts and backpackers alike. Therefore, a lot of curious travelers have queries regarding the Weather.
Travelers gather necessary information about the weather before they commence their exceptional and endearing. It is because your trekking experience will largely depend on the time of the year you trek.
The Manaslu Circuit weather condition is unpredictable and varies throughout the year. Therefore, you must prepare yourself for the changing weather conditions to enhance your trekking experience.
You will hike to altitudes over 5,123 meters, so you will experience unpredictable weather changes on the high-altitude trek. The weather at Manaslu quickly interchanges between sunny moments, rain, humidity, and strong winds throughout the trek.
The temperature slightly rises during the summer in the monsoon season in the Manaslu region. So, you will experience sunny weather conditions during the day and cold rainy weather during the night. On the other hand, the temperature may fall below 0°C during the months of December to February.
Nonetheless, you will enjoy the magnificent landscapes and striking mountains throughout the year. You can spectate the majestic peaks like Ngadi Chuli 7,871 m, Mount Manaslu 8,156m, Himal Chuli 7,893m, Ganesh Himal 7,422m, and throughout the trek
Facts about the Manaslu trek
- The name Manaslu translates to “ Spirit of the Mountain in Nepali”
- Mount Manaslu (8,156 m) is the 8th highest mountain in the world.
- There are 19 types of forest in the Manaslu region.
- The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to endangered species like snow pandas and red pandas.
- Ethnic communities inhabit the Manaslu region, and some of them date back to the 8th century.
- The Manaslu region lies 64 km east of Annapurna.
- The spectacular Manaslu trek passes through Larkya La Pass, Budhi Gandaki Valley, and beautiful Buddhist monasteries.
You will trek through six climatic zones in various landscapes and elevations within the trek. You will experience tropical, subtropical, sub-alpine, temperate, alpine, and arctic, climatic conditions.
The various Climatic weather conditions range from 1000 to over 5000 meters in the Manaslu region
You will hike along the tropical and Subtropical zone at an altitude of over 710 meters. On the other hand, you will feel the consistent arctic climate at altitudes over 5,000 meters.
Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect blend of various weather conditions.
The Manaslu region experience 4 seasons throughout the year. Seasons like Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Spring graces the Manaslu region with their own individual charm.
Furthermore, the following detailed information about the season will help you better understand the Manaslu Circuit Weather condition.
Manaslu circuit weather Spring
The season of Spring is the best time to commence the trek. It is a great time to experience the peace and tranquility of the Manaslu region. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and hills along the trail.
The month from March to May falls under the Season of Spring in the Manaslu region. The early month of March graces the magical pathway with blooming flowers and crisp exquisite weather conditions.
The tea houses remain closed during the winter season. So, the spring season embarks the opening of all the tea houses and lodges in the Manaslu region. The tea houses reopen to serve and cater to the needs of trekkers and mountaineers.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in March
March marks the beginning of the Spring season in Nepal. The month of March falls just right behind the winter season. So, you will experience comparatively cold weather conditions in March.
The temperature ranges from -6 °C to 10°C during trek.
Therefore, you will experience neither too cold nor too hot temperatures on your trek expedition.
Besides, the flora and vegetation bloom during the early season of Spring. So, you will be hiking along the beautiful Rhododendron forest for most of the part of trek.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in April
The temperature rises gradually in the month of April. It usually ranges from 4°C to 15°C so trekking in the Manaslu region is favorable during this time around.
Moreover, you will experience a more vibrant color and lively vegetation on your trek.
The month of April is considered the best month for the Manaslu trek among the other month of the Spring season.
The exotic flowers blooming on the trails certainly give the routes a heavenly ambiance.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in May
May is the last month among the three seasons so it marks the end of the Spring Season in Nepal. Besides, May is also the comparatively of warmest month among the other trio.
So, you will most certainly break a lot of sweat during your trek.
However, you will still feel cold weather conditions at higher altitudes. The temperature falls to a maximum of 4 °C and rises to a maximum of 18°C.
May offers a stable climate and weather conditions for trekking enthusiasts. Besides, the number of trekkers decreases during the late season of Spring.
Hence, Spring has to be one of the best seasons to plan the trek.
Manaslu Circuit in Summer
The month of June, July, and August fall under the season of Summer. The Summer season is also commonly known as Monsoon in Nepal. You will experience a lot of rainfall and constant temperature decline on your trek.
You will have to face some difficulties due to heavy rainfall in the Manaslu region. Most of the trails are muddy and slippery during most of the trekking days. The constant rainfall might lead to mishaps like landslides and floods on the trekking route.
Therefore, the season of summer is certainly an unpopular trekking option for most travelers. However, the rainfall clears the dust and pollutants from the surrounding and unleashes crisp views of the surrounding mountains.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in June
June is the start of the summer season in Nepal. The summer heat gradually starts to kick in after the month of June.
So, casual rainfall will start to grace the lands of the Manaslu region. Despite the rain, you can still appreciate the beauty of the Manaslu Circuit trail.
The temperature slightly rises to about 25°C in the tropical zone. Whereas, the temperature declines to 10°C at an altitude of over 4000 meters.
Besides, due to the rainfall, the humidity keeps on increasing during the month of June. However, you will experience less rainfall as you ascend to a higher elevation on the trek.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in July
There is a high chance of heavy rainfall during the month of July. The rain falls almost on a basis this time of the year. The amount of rain is comparatively less so the land dries out after the sun comes out.
Besides, the trails are blooming with colorful flowers and lush green vegetation. You will also glance at the majestic mountains and impressive rainbows.
Furthermore, the weather conditions are unpredictable at a higher elevations. In addition, at a higher elevation, you will experience almost the same weather patterns every season of the year.
You will experience temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C on the trek in July. Despite the monsoon rain, you will enjoy the fresh air and blooming flowers on the trail.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in August
August resembles the end of the Summer/Monsoon season in Nepal. You will come across roaring streams and throttling rivers during a trek in August.
You can enjoy the rainfall along the trail as it rewards you with the aesthetic of the lush green vegetation surrounding you.
It is a challenging time of the year but you can experience the adventure in every aspect of it. However, you should prepare yourself with proper gadgets to enjoy trek in the month of August.
Manaslu Circuit in Autumn
Autumn is the best season for a trekking expedition in any region of Nepal and the Manaslu region is no exception either. The season graces the land of Manaslu with a pleasant aura of theatrical beauty.
The surrounding atmosphere is clear of all the pollution after the heavy rainfall in the Monsoon season. The temperature is stable as it ranges from 8°C to 20°C for most of the part of the trek.
So, you will neither experience too hot nor too cold during your Manaslu Circuit expedition. Besides, you will hike along numerous streams and waterfalls admiring their beauty.
The season of Autumn ends with cold and dry weather conditions in the month of November. However, the scenery of natural beauty during the months of November is no less compared to October and November.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in September
September marks the start of the beautiful Autumn Season. You will experience slight monsoon rainfall in the middle of September.
So, the surrounding remains lush and green full of life throughout the trek. In addition, the weather condition is also stable crisp offering the most splendid mountain views.
Therefore, a lot of trekkers plan their trek at the beginning of the Autumn season. So, the trail the trek is mostly busy this time around.
The temperature remains constant at 7°C at an altitude of 3860 meters and rises to about 21°C in lower region areas like Bagat 1,290 m.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in October
The weather patterns are comfortable for a decent hike in the month of October. So, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains on most of the part of the trek.
Furthermore, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the snowy mountains at a higher elevation.
As the winter season is close, the temperature falls below -2°C at places above 4,00 meters. Whereas, places at lower elevation experiences temperature rising to an average of 20°C.
Due to the busy trails, it is a good idea to pre-book the accommodation for your Manaslu trek in the month of September.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in November
November is comparatively the coldest month in the Autumn season. Besides, the precipitation observed is really low during this month.
So, as you can spectate the splendid views of the surrounding mountains of the Manaslu region.
The temperature starts to decrease to 12°C at places like Arughat 3,087m, the starting point of your trek. On the other hand, the minimum temperature is as low as -3°C at places like Samagaon 3,530m and Samdo 3,690m.
Manaslu Circuit in Winter
It is an adventurous trek in the cold and dry weather conditions of the winter season. You can tackle the difficulties during the winter with the right set of gear and equipment.
So, despite the freezing temperature, you can still enjoy the magnificent snowy peaks and pristine views of the surrounding landscapes.
The season of winter lasts from December through January and February. You will hike under a clear blue sky for most of the days during this month.
The temperature remains warm at 15°C at the lower elevation of the Manaslu trek. However, the cold piercing air will certainly challenge you as you ascend to a higher elevation on the trek.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in December
December offers pleasant weather conditions for travelers who don’t mind cold to some extent. Besides, the weather patterns are quite similar to November's until it starts to get colder.
The temperature ranges from around 4°C to 12°C during the months of December. Despite the cold, you can spectate the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains further on your trek.
On the other hand, you can also enjoy a peaceful and quiet trek in December. Likewise, you won’t have to worry about busy tea houses either.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in January
January is the colder month a month the other two months of the Winter season. Therefore, few numbers of trekkers plan their Manaslu Circuit around this time of the year.
Hence, you will have a great opportunity to experience the serenity of the Manaslu region along the trek.
Besides, the temperature might be a problem as it usually ranges from -5°C to -10°C at a higher altitude region of the trek.
Therefore, we recommend you to pack extra blankets and sleeping baths with you for the trek ahead.
Manaslu Weather and Temperature in February
You won’t find any vast difference between the months of February and January regarding the weather conditions.
However, you can experience a noticeable increase in temperature in the lower regions. The average temperature ranges from a minimum of 8°C to a maximum of 15°C this time of the year.
So, you will witness a lot of flowers blooming and trees awakening from their winter slumber. In addition, the frozen lakes and streams start melting.
The sight of the thawing of snow along the trail will leave you speechless. In addition, the month of February resembles the farewell of the winter season.
So, the fogs and the mist won’t bother you from observing the majestic mountains anymore.
Some Extra Tips for Manaslu trek
- We highly recommend you to travel during the month of Autumn and Spring as you won’t have to face many difficulties.
- It is mandatory for you to pack Crampons to help you with your visibility during the trekking in the winter.
- You should add a tent, sleeping bag, and other equipment on your packing list for shelter during the off-season, particularly winter.
- You should pre-plan the choices for the clothing and equipment according to the season you are traveling in
- You should start training and focus on the cardio exercises prior to your ultimate expedition.
- During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is strictly prohibited to smoke and drink as it can worsen altitude sickness.
- You should always hydrate yourself on the trek and carry an extra bit of snacks like energy bars, and dry food with you.
Conclusion
Despite the extreme cold, winter offers a good opportunity for splendid photography of striking views of mountains and landscapes. So, you can still enjoy the exquisite Manaslu in winter with the help of proper guidance.
Likewise, the season of summer also has its traits with beautiful lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes. In addition, you can witness a variety of endemic flora and fauna along the Manaslu circuit trail.
Therefore, you absolutely cannot deny the possibility of a magnificent experience from any of these four seasons. Each of them has their own traits and you should prepare yourself to play by them.
Therefore, you can soak in the magic and beauty of this amazing trekking region throughout the year.