Best Time For Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek is arguably one of Nepal’s most popular hiking trails. It’s a trek unlike any, with a bit of excitement, adventure, challenges, and more. This nearly 111 miles hike from Soti Khola is as exciting as it’s stunning, with mountainous scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and beautiful wilderness.

Manaslu Trek gives hikers a great experience and pride from navigating challenging circumstances. It surprises visitors with jaw-dropping scenery that lasts throughout the year. Hence, there’s no wrong time to visit Manaslu, especially when the trail never reaches extreme altitudes.

There’s not much change in the weather, as the temperature remains persistent unless you take on the summit. Manaslu has more sunny days in spring, but the better and cooler weather comes during Autumn.

Its varied geography with unique land formations notices a quick shift in the climate. The region experiences longer winters with an average alpine temperature for the most part. But you also get to enjoy plenty of sunshine, especially in April and September.

It provides very humid summer weather, which can be hard to withstand when trekking. With the temperature soaring, winter begins to relinquish by the end of March. The weather starts to get warmer, as the sun is out all day long.

Autumn has the finest climatic conditions in Manaslu. You’ll experience warm weather, but the humidity has already declined. Warm temperatures and less rainfall make spring an ideal time to trek Manaslu.

Like most mountainous regions, Manaslu also experiences brutal weather in winter. It receives heavy snowfall with winds, making the trek extremely difficult and risky. Trekkers may have to brave heavy winds and storms to reach the site. However, the low temperature with extreme cold makes hiking extremely difficult for trekkers.

The weather of Manaslu in Spring

Spring is Manaslu’s most predictable season. It’s labeled a peak trekking time, accredited to its consistent weather, milder climate, and scenic atmosphere. The season usually experiences warm and sunny weather with a more favorable environment for hiking.

Spring’s uniform temperature and pleasant weather conditions make the trek more accessible and less demanding. Due to the low humidity and precipitation, the climate across the Manaslu region is more likable during the season.

However, it’s not the case for all, as the Spring begins cold and dry. It has warm days and cooler nights with the possibility of windstorms. The weather is generally bitter in March due to the winter effect.

The weather is partly cloudy during the month. You may even witness light snowfall in higher elevations, which sometimes causes difficulty in trekking. However, this inconvenience lasts only until April as the temperature rises henceforth.

The snow slowly disappears, and the weather becomes warm again, providing trekkers a window of time to trek Manaslu. The month brings longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, facilitating the hike.

Spring endures its hottest days in May, when the summer is about to begin. You’ll experience warmer weather and temperature during this time, making it a bit intimidating to enjoy the hike, especially in the heat. Trekkers are likely to get uncomfortable hiking the steep trails during the month.

Apart from that, you’ll quite enjoy the Manaslu Trek in spring, as it offers a great view and atmosphere. Endless activities are happening in the seasons that keep the trekkers bustling. The season also provides a chance for trekkers to enjoy different festivals and events during their tenure at

Spring in Manaslu is characterized by iconic Rhododendron, which blossoms between April and May. You can see these full-bloom flowers along the Manaslu’s trail, providing a spectacular view. Hikers can watch a wide species of animals and birds during Spring as they migrate to the forest.

With the temperature rise, you’ll see more crowds in the later months. While this won’t affect you much in getting the hotels and flights, it impacts the prices of the lodges and food.

See more on: Manaslu Circuit Trek in April

The temperature of Manaslu in Spring

The average temperature of Manaslu in Spring ranges from -6 to 31 Degrees Celsius, depending on the term and altitude. It’s generally low at the beginning of the season and high by the end. The winter dominates the region to a large extent in March, giving trekkers a tough time.

There’s a noticeable temperature rise over the month. You can expect the temperature to go as high as 15 Degrees Celsius in the daytime while the nights are still cold, with temperatures falling up to 4 Degrees Celsius.

There’s an increase in the number of sunny days in the month, as you’ll get longer daylight hours. However, the weather in the evening is still cold, with below-freezing temperatures. Chilly wind and snowfall are expected in April, but past the month, and temperature becomes much warmer.

It rises continuously as the season approaches summer. May is naturally hotter than April as temperatures soar up to 18 Degrees Celsius and higher. The month is a good time to trek Manaslu if you want to avoid the summer heat.

The Weather of Manaslu in Autumn

Autumn in Manaslu is cool and breezy with high humidity and precipitation. The weather is warm and sunny in the daytime and frigid at night. Manaslu begins to cool off as summer transitions to autumn. It brings a temperate climate to the region, which offers trekkers a pleasant and relaxing walk.

Coming right past summer, September brings warm weather with longer daylight hours. Although light rainfall is likely earlier in the week, the weather generally remains bright and sunny. The days are much warmer than anticipated during the month, while the nights are cold and breezy.

At the start of October, the weather is notably warm, but not to an extent where the trekkers feel uncomfortable. As it moves further down, the temperature begins to fall. You’ll find the weather cooling off towards the month’s end, bringing chilly wind and storms.

October tends to be dry as there’s no rainfall during the month. You may still want to bring a rainproof jacket and a windcheater to protect against the weather. Cold conditions also continue to prevail in December, making the hike extremely challenging.

The weather will likely be mild and warm at the beginning of November. You’ll get more sunlight before the month, bridging the gap with winter. The number of sunny days starts decreasing towards the end as you’ll experience more cloudy days.

You’ll also see a gradual decline in temperature during the month. With winter around the corner, expect light snowfall and frost. The weather starts getting hostile as it progresses, with temperatures reaching below freezing.

High winds and snow are frequent from late November. The amount of sunshine decreases as the winter approaches the region. The trekkers disperse as the wind picks up, with most of them retracing their steps back. As a result, the trails are quite empty during the month. If you want to avoid the crowd, then November is the best time for Manaslu Trek.

The temperature of Manaslu in Autumn

The average temperature of Manaslu during Autumn is 7 Degrees Celsius at higher altitudes and 21 Degrees Celsius in lower areas. The temperature is quite warm at the beginning of the season, and by early October, the temperature starts to drop.

In the starting, the temperature of Manaslu is around 10 to 15 Degrees Celsius, but by the end of October, the temperature starts dropping gradually, reaching below -2 Degrees Celsius. The temperature at a higher elevation in Manaslu drops faster than you can think.

You’ll still get plenty of warm days around the month as the temperature refuses to fall. The start of November is relatively mild, with temperatures going as high as 13 Degrees Celsius. However, within a week of the month, the temperature averages 3.5 Degrees Celsius.

In November, the temperature is about 13 Degrees Celsius on average. The snow is likely at this point, especially in the higher altitude where the temperature is -6 Degrees Celsius. The season picks up cold and dry weather conditions throughout the month, making the trek

The Challenges of Manaslu Trek in Spring and Autumn

Spring, along with Autumn, is one of the best times to trek Manaslu. In most regions, the temperature rush lines, flower blooms, and the sky clear up during these seasons, providing a plain view. It embraces warm, sunny days with mild temperatures that make the trek worthwhile.

However, trekking Manaslu in Spring or Autumn has its own absences. You might experience unpredictable weather and temperature, which causes inconvenience in hiking. The frequent rainfall at the beginning of Autumn makes the trail wet and slippery. The lofty mountains and hills are overcast with the cloudy sky, preventing trekkers from catching the spectacular view.

Most trekkers visit Manaslu in Spring, so it’s pretty crowded. Prices of hotels and airfares are more expensive during the season than at any other time. Visitors will have difficulty getting the right deals in Spring as the hotel and lodges are fully booked. Trekkers even experience this difficulty in Autumn, especially those hiking from October to November.

The trekking trails of Mansalu are as tricky as they are rewarding, especially if you’re hiking in March. With the winter still in force, the courses are covered in fresh snow during the month. There’s chilly wind and storms, which renders the advancement of the trek.

The high altitude also makes breathing difficult and leaves trekkers struggling to catch their breath. The harsh weather conditions and uncertainty make the Manaslu Trek in Spring and Autumn more challenging.

You may also like:

• Manaslu Cirucit Trek Map
• Manaslu Trek without Guide
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Benefits of trekking Manaslu in Spring and Autumn

1. Spectacular View

With its snow-clad mountains, colorful trees, and grassy meadows, Manaslu is in a most picturesque state during Autumn. The visitors may experience a real-life natural charm at this time by exploring the classic trails of Manaslu. You can enjoy the breathtaking fall foliage and spring blooms prevailing throughout alleyways, on mountainsides, and along the river.

Go in early April, and you’ll see the entire forest dazzling with full-bloom rhododendrons and wildflowers. Those doing the trek in October will also be impressed by the colorful fall foliage. Its beautiful weather and crystal clear sky provides a splendid view of diverse landscapes and towering mountains.

2. Attending local Events and Festivals

Autumn is one of the few times Manaslu is in a super festive mood. Numerous celebrations and events are happening at this time, which you can also partake in. If you stop by the local village, join them in the Dashian and Tihar Hindu festivals. You can also visit their religious shrines and look around the monuments to learn more about Nepalese culture and history.

3. Sightseeing wild species

Trekking Manaslu in Spring and Autumn is always a significant and overwhelming experience. It allows trekkers to watch varied wild animals and birds along the trail. You can see local wildlife and migratory birds that have flown the region to avoid the winter blast.

4. The trails are less crowded

Have the trail to yourself by trekking in early Spring or Autumn. These are times when the crowd at Manaslu has thinned, and the trails are pretty empty. This makes hiking much easier and hassle-free. You won’t have to get into a needless dialogue or run into strangers, making the trek much more relaxing and enjoyable.

How to prepare for Manaslu Trek?

It’s a common sight that trekking Manaslu is considerably easier than hiking any other trek. Doing it at the best time makes it even better, as the trekkers won’t have to endure unpredictable weather and temperature.

They can relish the adventure despite avoiding most preventive measures. With some preparation and protective actions, trekkers will be ready to challenge the hike. Having a head-start on these kinds of walks is good, so start training a month before the trek.

Do the exercise that helps build up your stamina and improve your performance. Good aerobic exercise is a must to increase your stamina, so spend a considerable amount on exercise like jogging, cycling, and running.

If it’s possible, add squats, plunges, and push-ups to your workout routine. These will help strengthen your muscle and minimize the risk of injuries on the trail.

Apart from physical exercises, trekkers must also look after their health. There is always a risk of having mental distress on a trek like Manaslu, so boost your confidence. Stay motivated; don’t stress out, or it’ll derail your stride.

Make sure to rest well and get plenty of sleep before the hike. Manaslu Trek is a multi-day hike, so trekkers are bound to tire. You should fuel up your energy and ensure that you’re stacked up. Carrying your favorite snacks and chocolate bars on the trek is always wise on the trek. You must also stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to avoid concussion.

Essentials required for Manaslu Trek

Having the right essentials and equipment is a critical factor in determining whether or not your expedition will succeed. Hence, you must be well-equipped with all the necessary supplies and gear before the trek. The trekking equipment required for the Manaslu trek depends mainly on climatic conditions and temperature.

So, you must choose the right apparel, especially when trekking at the month’s beginning and end. Make sure to put on layers when hiking in March and November, as these are times when the weather is nasty. You might also want to carry a backpack with essentials like a duffel bag, trekking poles, and more. Here are some of the equipment that you might need when trekking Manaslu.

Clothing & Footwear

• Quick-drying t-shirt
• Down vest or jacket
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Fleece or wool trousers/pants
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Trekking shoes
• Wool socks

Headwear

• Summer hat
• Sunglasses & sunscreen

Other Essentials

• Water bottle & purification
• Heavy-duty duffel bags
• Journals and Papers
• Hiking poles
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Personal toiletries
• First-aid kit
• Camera with extra batteries

Food & Accommodations

Manaslu Trek offers the option of staying in a teahouse all along the way, which saves trekkers time and energy. It removes the stress of carrying food and tents en route, making the trek hassle-free. Teahouses are relatively convenient and budget-friendly options with all facilities required for the trek.

Teahouses are small, mostly single rooms with a bed, mattress, pillow, and blanket. If you’re fortunate, you can get an attached bathroom and hot shower, for which you’ll have to pay an extra amount. Trekkers must pay for internet and electricity, so you might not want to use the facility unless it’s not an emergency.

The food and drinks available in Manaslu are mostly typical Nepali food like rice, lentils, vegetable, and soup. You may also find western dishes like pancakes, noodles, sandwiches, and dumplings when you’re in lower regions.

It’s hard to get these many options when trekking at higher altitudes. And even if you manage to get them, the food is quite expensive. Drinks like tea and coffee cost around US$3 to US$4, depending on the place. You have to pay US$5 to US$10 for lunch and dinner, which normally has typical Nepali dishes.