Manaslu Trek in December

December is the first month of the winter season in the Manaslu region. Although colder than other months, going for the Manaslu Trek in December is still possible. The trails will remain challenging, but with adequate preparation, you can have a great experience. Trekking the Manaslu trek in winter has its own challenges, but it is ideal for those who want an added dash of adventure.

December is the transition month when the Autumn weather gradually turns into Winter. There are weather-related difficulties, but if you trek early in the month, you can have an easy trek. Trekkers will traverse through the serene trails in the quiet atmosphere of the region. Therefore, December is the best season for trekking in a peaceful condition.

However, in late December, the area can get quite cold with heavy snow, making the trek quite challenging. Hence, it would be best if you trekked in the early part of the month as far as possible. This month is also ideal for backpackers who travel on a budget. The meals and accommodation are also available at a bargain price during this month.

Moreover, you should also get the best trekking gear and equipment, as it is pretty cold in the region. There is chilly weather and atmosphere, especially at night when the temperature drops. Hence, you should carry warm clothes in layers and a sleeping bag to tackle the extreme cold.

Besides that, there are many cultural aspects that you can explore in the region in December as well. The Buddhist monasteries, heritages, and other landmarks look stunning in the area. Overall, the Manaslu Trek in December is quite an incredible experience in the region.

You can contact us if you want to learn about the Manaslu Trek in December in detail and other bookings. Happy Traveling!

Highlights of the Manaslu Trek in December

• Natural trails traversing in the Manaslu region
• Traveling across the Larkya La Pass (5,213m) and exploring around
• Exploring the local settlements of the Tibetan and other ethnic communities
• Observing the Himalayan mountains, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Nemjung, Kan Guru, etc
• Observe the rare and endangered species of wildlife in the Manaslu Conservation Area
• Experiencing the local culture and lifestyle of the people
• Incredible hospitality during your stay

Manaslu Region Weather in December

December marks the cold and freezing winter season along the trail. You will trek through the beautiful terrains during this trek that provides you with quite an adventure. You will pass through multiple landscapes at the beginning of the winter season.

December is usually cold, with daytime temperatures around 5 to 10 °C (41 to 50 °F). The nighttime temperatures can be below-freezing levels in the region. There are high chances of snow, especially at high altitudes.

The cold weather in the region can prove to be quite tricky in the area. In this month, you will generally get the vista of the Himalayan mountains. The weather conditions in the region can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping as you move high in the trails.

The night can be especially chill, with the temperatures dropping below freezing conditions. The mild temperatures make it ideal for all sorts of daytime trekking that require uphill climbs. December in the Manaslu trek is, therefore, possible even though there are some of the environmental challenges.

The temperatures also get determined as per the elevation, that is, as it decreases rapidly as you move higher. It is quite cool in the daytime, whereas temperatures get freezing as you cross above 4000+ in altitude. In the higher points like Larke La Pass and  Sama Gaon, you will also experience snowy conditions.

December is a dry month with fewer chances of rain. It can snow at a higher altitude later in the month. The trails get slippery along the path with a foggy atmosphere, especially in the morning.

During December, you will need to be highly prepared for the cold. It would help if you carried an insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and others for the trek. Good preparation and precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable tour.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Trek in December?

Manaslu trek in December is quite challenging with various difficulty factors. The trails will lead you through tough terrains, cold weather, and possible snowfall. However, the trek’s difficulty also depends upon the trekkers’ experience, skill, and fitness level.

December is winter, so temperatures can go below freezing at higher altitudes. The trek trails will get snow-covered, making walking strenuous, slippery, and dangerous. Since it is the off-season, you can get shorter days and fewer trekkers. Preparing for the weather with proper winter gear, such as warm clothes, a good sleeping bag, and a reliable trekking agent, is essential.

A local guide will help you with everything you need for the trek, including navigation services. Overall, the Manaslu trek in December is a lovely journey with magical views of snow-capped peaks and adventurous trails.

Reasons to Trek the Manaslu Region in December

Crowd free trails

The Manaslu region has off-the-beaten landscapes, which makes the trails quite off-the-beaten. The fantastic trails have fewer crowds which ensures a great tranquil trekking adventure. The teahouses in the area are quiet, with a peaceful atmosphere all around. Hence, it is quite a spiritual experience walking up and down the beautiful terrains in the Manaslu region. There are very few trekkers on this off-the-beaten trek. You will pass through the serene terrains of the region.

Incredible scenic trek

The scenic trek of the Manaslu Circuit will lead you through some of the most beautiful landmarks, both naturally and culturally. You will love trekking through the green hilly area and other outstanding trails. Moreover, there are enchanting trails that include some serene trails. For these reasons, the Manaslu trek in December is quite beautiful.

High Safety

The Manaslu trek in December is of high safety standards. There are hiking trails that are completely safe. You will get to trek leisurely as there are no external threats in the region. The sudden profound change in altitude can get tackled with acclimatization. There are no challenging routes that are extremely threatening in any sections and are generally moderate. Hence, this high safety factor makes the trek quite desirable.

Budget price

Manaslu trek is also preferred by trekkers as you will get the best of adventure at a budget price since it is the off season. Unlike the EBC trek, you can drive straight to your destination without the need of a domestic flight. You can arrive at the destination without any challenges. You will trek in the beautiful trails where you will get standard facilities of meals, accommodation, etc at a budget price.

Food and Accommodation in the Manaslu Trek in December

The tea houses is where you will have your meal and where you will stay during this trek. Although not fancy in terms of facilities, you will get a comfy stay with nutritious meals. The tea houses are generally empty because of the off-seasons. And most tea houses also offer free accommodation if you eat at the tea houses as well.

The typical Nepali ‘Dal Bhat’ will ensure a full tummy and enough energy to trek through the tough terrain. Nepalese love eating Dal Bhat, and you will get the strength to trek through the incredible terrain. Trekkers can also have the best warm drinks in the teahouses to tackle the cold.

There are other continental cuisines in the lower region trails. As trekkers gradually climb up the trail, you will find the facilities to get diminished. The accommodations in the region include a bare room with a bed and blankets. The tea houses have rooms with basic facilities that will help you with a warm night’s sleep.

Guide and Porter for the Manaslu trek in December

A guide for any high-altitude trek is a must which is also the case in the Manaslu region. The beautiful Manaslu trek in December takes you through the beaten trails, which if not difficult, can be quite intimidating. Traveling through these beaten landscapes will make you test yourself in the high altitude.

The guides will ensure your safety in the region. They can help you navigate the route and take you to the region in a safe and comfortable manner. There are good first aid facilities with them, and they provide you with any emergency facilities on the trails.

Traversing through the Manaslu Trail will also require hiring porters. They will carry your luggage and take the weight off your back. Overalls, the guides, and porters will ensure personal safety and comfort along the trails.

Altitude Sickness on the Manaslu trek in December

The Manaslu trek in December will challenge you due to altitude sickness. The trails will lead you through the incredible area, providing you with the best adventure. But you will have to trek in the high altitudes of the region. It can be tough to tackle altitude sickness and trails.

You will pass through the incredible terrains where you will love trekking. The weather in December adds to the cold weather in the region. You must adapt to the region through acclimatization, rest, and hydration. You should also slow and steady trek and rest at the lower in the trails. You will then be able to tackle acute mountain sickness through these measures.

The trekkers should descend into the region and stay there until altitude sickness symptoms subside. You can also get immediate medical attention if altitude sickness gets severe in the region. Trekkers should also avoid alcoholic beverages in the area and caffeine to tackle altitude sickness.

You may also like:

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

Things to Pack for the Manaslu Trek in December

Clothing:

• Hiking pants
• Fleece jacket
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Underwear
• Insulated jacket or down jacket
• Gloves (liner and waterproof)
• Hiking socks
• Sun hat
• Trekking boots (broken in)
• Sports bras (for women)
• Sandals

Equipment:

• Backpack (50-60 liters)
• Sleeping bags
• Headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Sleeping bag (-10°C comfort rating)
• Water purification tablets
• Water bottles
• Trekking poles
• Sunscreen with high SPF
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Personal first aid kit
• Lightweight towel
• Toiletries
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent

Miscellaneous Items:

• Camera with extra batteries
• Memory cards
• Portable charger
• Books
• Entertainment devices
• Board games
• Snacks (energy bars, chocolate bars, etc.)

Essential Tips – Manaslu Trek in December

Prepare and pack well for the trek

Since you will be traveling at the beginning of the winter season, you must prepare well for the trek and pack warm clothing. The clothes should get packed in layers so that you will get comfort while trekking in unpredictable changing conditions. Another thing that a trekker should not miss in their packing is a good sleeping bag that warms you in the cold night.

But what about stuff that will protect you? Yes, you will need to carry such equipment as trekking poles too. You will be able to traverse through the tough terrain that is slippery and snow-covered. Besides your trekking clothes and boots, you will also need to carry toiletries, first aid, and other miscellaneous items.

Start early trekking in the region.

The long-duration trek can be a tough one to traverse if not prepared in time. The journey of each trekking day is around 7-8 hours which requires you to be up and ready for the trek early in the morning. This way, you will not only reach your destination early, you will also have enough time to acclimatize and explore.

Acclimatization and regular hydration

The acclimatization process is impactful and without any challenges. You will need to acclimate for a safe adventure during the Manaslu Trek. You will cover altitudes above 4000m above sea level. Acclimatization will play an important role in the low oxygen and atmospheric pressure where you find difficulty breathing.

Trek gradually at a pace that will allow you to reach your location in time. Hence, if you get acclimatized, you will get the best trekking opportunity in a tranquil atmosphere. Moreover, you can drink at least 4-5 liters of water or any other fluid to have a safe journey without acute mountain sickness.

Proper training preparation

One thing that is essential during the Manaslu trek in December is complete training. You will require good exercises that will ensure a fantastic adventure. Additionally, meals rich in protein and high fluid intake is a must. You can do aerobic exercises such as cycling, hiking, and swimming to help you with breathing and remain flexible in the area.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance in the high-altitude trekking adventure will cover you from injuries, cancellations, thefts, and other emergency conditions. This way, you will have the best adventure in a comfortable manner. Therefore, for these reasons, you should get travel insurance for this Manaslu Trek in December.

The Final Say

The Manaslu trek in December is ideal for all trekkers. While trekking through the cold conditions, you will get a unique experience in December. To tackle the cold conditions, you will need extra preparations. If you prepare well, you will have a great trekking experience even in December. There are challenges of extreme cold and snowfall, but a great trekking journey is only completed by tackling these challenges. Overall, you will get the best experience while embarking on this journey of discovering natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the weather like during the Manaslu trek in December?

Manaslu trek in December has cool, dry temperatures and occasional snow. The temperatures in the region include 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F), but nighttime temperatures have significantly low temperatures.

Is the Manaslu trek in December safe?

Yes, the Manaslu trek in December is ideal and safe with proper preparation. The weather-related and other related challenges like with the help of experienced guides and teahouses for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

What are some of the trekking gear and equipment required for the Manaslu Trek in December?

Yes, the Manaslu Trek in December is quite challenging in the region. The trail required warm clothing, sleeping bags, down jackets, thermal underwear, hiking boots, etc.

Are tea houses open in December in the Manaslu region?

Yes, you can find them open, but to be safe, you can book in advance.

Is some experience essential for the Manaslu trek in December?

No, the trek doesn’t necessitate experience, but you do need to be fit both physically and mentally for the trek.

Is December ideal for the Manaslu trek?

December is the beginning of winter in the Manaslu trek. While there are some weather-related challenges, you will need to remain fit for the trek both physically and mentally. It is peaceful and quiet trekking in the region.

Are guides required for the Manaslu trek?

The Manaslu trek guides are ideal for navigation. They will be a companion and can provide first aid and even motivate you along the trail.

Is altitude sickness a problem in the Manaslu region?

Altitude sickness is quite a problem at high altitudes. This can get tackled through acclimation, hydration, and other measures.

What is the difficulty of Manaslu Trek in December?

Manaslu Trek in December is challenging as the weather turns the winter side. Hence, you need to be careful and pack with warm clothes and gears to tackle the cold and occasional snowfall.

What are the permits required for the trek?

The permits required for the trek are Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

What are accommodations like in the teahouses?

The accommodations in the teahouse include basic facilities of beds, and blankets, in the rooms that are generally shared. There are other facilities but at added cost.

What are meal facilities in the teahouses?

The meal’s facilities generally include Nepalese Dal Bhat.. The staple dish is healthy, tasty, and nutritious. There are other cuisines like noodles, pasta, thukpa, chowmein, etc as well.

Are porters essential for the trek?

Porter will help with your heavy weight, releasing of the burden in your back. Hence, they are quite important.