Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather & Temperature by Month
The Manaslu Circuit trek is a high-altitude trek where weather can change significantly as you gain elevation, so understanding the conditions before choosing the trekking month is important.
The trail passes from the relatively warm and humid lower Budhi Gandaki Valley into cooler mountain villages and eventually the cold alpine environment around Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters/16,752 feet. This means that the weather you experience at the beginning of the trek can be completely different from what you experience near the highest point.
Manaslu Circuit Trek weather matters for trail conditions, mountain visibility, safety, and the difficulty of crossing Larkya La. Lower sections can be warm and rainy, while higher elevations can experience freezing temperatures, snow, and strong winds.
Among all sections, the weather around Larkya La is particularly important because trekkers normally cross the pass early in the morning, when temperatures are at their lowest and snow or ice can make the crossing more challenging.
Why does the Manaslu Circuit weather change so much?
The Manaslu Circuit has a wide range of weather conditions because the trail gains thousands of meters in elevation while passing through different landscapes and climate zones.
Huge Elevation Gain
The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki Valley from the lower foothills toward the high Himalayas before crossing Larkya La and descending toward Bimthang. The changing elevation is one of the biggest reasons the weather varies so much along the route.
At lower elevations, the climate is warmer and more humid, while temperatures gradually become colder as you approach the upper Nubri Valley and the pass. This elevation difference also means that rain in the lower valley can occur at the same time as snow at higher elevations.
Major Climate Zones
The Manaslu region covers several distinct climate zones, ranging from subtropical to alpine to nival environments.
At the lower part of the circuit, trekkers experience warmer conditions, vegetation, and relatively humid weather. As the trail climbs, forests gradually give way to alpine landscapes, sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, and eventually snow and ice. The sub-alpine and alpine areas can receive significant snowfall during winter, while the highest nival environment remains dominated by permanent snow and ice.
Temperature Drops With Altitude
The higher you climb, the colder it becomes. Average temperature decreases by approximately 6°C for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain. This is a general environmental lapse rate rather than a guaranteed temperature change on every trekking day, but it provides a useful way to understand the effect of altitude.
A temperature that is comfortable at a lower village may be far too warm to describe conditions near Larkya La.
Seasonal changes
Spring, monsoon, autumn, and winter have very different weather patterns. For example, autumn is generally dry and clear, while winter brings much colder temperatures and possible snowfall at higher elevations.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Temperature by Month
The temperature on the Manaslu Circuit trek can vary depending on altitude, weather, and time of day, and also considerably throughout the year.
| Month | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature | General Conditions |
| January | 0°C to 10°C | -15°C to -5°C | Very cold, snow at high elevations |
| February | 2°C to 12°C | -12°C to -4°C | Cold with possible snowfall |
| March | 5°C to 15°C | -8°C to 0°C | Cold mornings, gradually warming |
| April | 8°C to 18°C | -3°C to 5°C | Mild days, cold nights at altitude |
| May | 12°C to 22°C | 0°C to 8°C | Warm days, cooler at high elevations |
| June | 15°C to 25°C | 2°C to 10°C | Warm with increasing rainfall |
| July | 18°C to 27°C | 5°C to 12°C | Warm, wet, and cloudy |
| August | 18°C to 26°C | 4°C to 11°C | Warm and rainy |
| September | 12°C to 22°C | 0°C to 8°C | Gradually becoming cooler and drier |
| October | 10°C to 20°C | -5°C to 5°C | Clear, dry, and colder at altitude |
| November | 5°C to 15°C | -8°C to 2°C | Dry but increasingly cold |
| December | 2°C to 10°C | -12°C to -3°C | Cold, with snow possible at high elevations |
January: Colder and Snowier Month
January is one of the coldest months on the Manaslu Circuit trek. In lower sections like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng, you can expect cool daytime temperatures. At the same time, higher areas like Samagaon, Samdo, and Larkya La Pass can reach freezing, with snow possible around the Pass. Shorter days, icy trails, and harsh conditions make January better suited to experienced winter trekkers.
February: Cold winter conditions
February remains cold across the Manaslu region, although temperatures begin to rise slightly toward the end of the month. Higher sections can still have significant snow and freezing nights, around Larkya Phedi and Larkya La Pass. Trekkers should be prepared for winter conditions and snowy trails.
March: Beginning of spring
Temperatures begin to rise, daylight increases, and conditions in the lower and middle sections become more comfortable. However, winter does not disappear immediately at high altitude. Snow can remain around Larke La during the early part of the month.
Late March is generally more favorable than early March because temperatures are also improving and winter snow has more time to melt.
April: One of the Best Months
April is one of the best months for the Manaslu Circuit. Spring weather is generally pleasant, mountain visibility is often good, and the trails are much more comfortable. The lower section becomes warmer while the high-altitude areas remain cold, especially in the mornings and at night.
April is also a beautiful month for landscape because the forests are full of rhododendrons and other spring flowers, adding color to the lower and middle sections of the route.
May: Warm Spring & Pre-Monsoon Weather
May is generally warm in the lower sections and remains comfortable for trekking through the middle elevations. High-altitude areas are still colder, particularly after sunset.
As the month progresses, however, the atmosphere gradually becomes more humid and unstable ahead of the monsoon. Afternoon clouds and occasional pre-monsoon showers can become more noticeable toward late May.
June: Beginning of Monsoon
In June, the transition starts toward the monsoon season. Rain becomes increasingly important, especially in the lower Budhi Gandaki Valley. Trails can become wet and slippery, while clouds may begin hiding the mountain views.
The upper Manaslu region can be comparatively drier than the lower parts because of its geography, but the trek still involves passing through areas affected by monsoon weather.
July: Peak Monsoon
July is one of the wettest and least favorable months for the Manaslu Circuit. Heavy rain can affect the lower valleys, creating muddy and slippery trails and increasing the possibility of landslides. Clouds, fog, and rain can also significantly reduce mountain visibility.
Although high-altitude sections can experience different conditions from the lower valley, reaching them requires traveling through the wetter parts of the circuit.
August: Late Monsoon
August remains firmly within the monsoon season. Rainfall, cloud cover, and wet trail conditions continue, particularly in the lower sections. The mountains may remain hidden behind clouds for much of the trek, reducing the spectacular views that are one of the main attractions of the Manaslu Circuit.
Conditions can begin improving toward the end of August, but trekkers should not assume that late August will automatically be dry.
September: Transition from Monsoon to Autumn
September is a transition month, so conditions can vary significantly between the beginning and end of the month. Early September may still bring monsoon rain and cloudy weather, while conditions usually become progressively drier as autumn approaches.
By late September, visibility often improves, trails begin drying, and the main autumn trekking season starts to take shape.
October: Best Overall Month
October is generally considered the best overall month for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The monsoon has usually withdrawn, leaving clearer skies, drier trails, and excellent mountain visibility. Conditions around Larkya La are also generally much more favorable than during winter or monsoon.
November: Clear, Cold & Less Crowded
November continues the excellent autumn trekking conditions, but temperatures begin dropping as winter approaches. Days can remain pleasant under clear skies, while mornings and nights become noticeably colder at higher elevations.
The later in November you trek, the more important it becomes to consider the possibility of snowfall and freezing conditions around Larkya La.
December: Beginning of Winter
December marks the beginning of the winter season. The lower parts of the route can still be relatively comfortable during sunny daytime hours, but temperatures fall sharply at higher elevations.
Snow and ice become increasingly important around the Larkya La section, and the combination of freezing temperatures, shorter daylight, and winter weather makes the pass more challenging.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Temperature at Different Altitudes
The Manaslu Circuit Trek temperature changes significantly with altitude. The route begins at around 900 m in Machha Khola and gradually climbs above 4,000 m before reaching Larkya La Pass at around 5,106m/16,752ft. As you climb higher, the air becomes colder, and weather conditions can change more quickly.
| Location | Approx. Elevation | General Temperature Conditions |
| Machha Khola | 900 m | Warm to mild, especially during the day |
| Jagat | 1,340 m | Mild and gradually cooler |
| Namrung | 2,630 m | Cool days and cold mornings/nights |
| Lho | 3,180 m | Noticeably colder, especially after sunset |
| Samagaon | 3,530 m | Cold, with freezing nights possible |
| Samdo | 3,860 m | Very cold, particularly at night |
| Dharamsala | 4,460 m | Freezing conditions are common |
| Larkya La Pass | 5,106 m | Very cold, windy, and potentially below freezing |
| Bimthang | 3,590 m | Colder than lower valleys but warmer than the pass |
Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather by Season
The Manaslu Circuit passes through several climatic zones, so each season changes more than just the temperature. Weather affects trail conditions, mountain visibility, pass crossings, transportation, and the overall trekking experience. The four seasons offer distinctly different experiences, from colorful spring landscapes to clear autumn panoramas and more demanding winter or monsoon conditions.
| Season | Weather | Mountain Visibility | Trail Conditions | Main Highlight |
| Spring | Mild and gradually warming | Good to very good | Generally dry and stable | Rhododendron blooms and green landscapes |
| Monsoon | Wet, humid, and cloudy | Often limited | Wet, muddy and slippery | Lush green landscapes and fewer trekkers |
| Autumn | Dry, stable and clear | Excellent | Mostly dry and favorable | Clear Himalayan views and pleasant trekking conditions |
| Winter | Cold with snow at higher elevations | Can be excellent on clear days | Snow and ice possible at higher elevations | Quiet trails and winter scenery |
Packing Lists for Manaslu Circuit Weather
Your packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek will depend upon the season that you are trekking. Weather conditions vary from warm and rainy conditions in the lower valleys during monsoon to freezing temperatures and snow around Larkya La in winter. You therefore do not need to carry the same combination of clothing and equipment in April as you would in December.
The most important approach is to pack in layers so you can add or remove clothing according to changing weather.
Clothing
- Base layers
- Fleece
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Thermal inner
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Warm socks
- Crampons if conditions require them
Weather Protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Rain cover
- Waterproof backpack cover
High-Altitude Equipment
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Headlamp with batteries
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters for snowy conditions
How to Prepare for Changing Weather on the Manaslu Circuit?
Weather on the Manaslu Circuit can change quickly. A clear morning can turn cloudy, windy, rainy, or snowy within a few hours. The best approach is not to rely on one forecast, but to prepare for several conditions during the same trekking day.
Check the Weather Before Departure: Check the weather forecast a few days before starting your trek and continue checking it during the trek.
Allow Flexibility Around Larkya La: Keep some flexibility in your itinerary for the Larkya La crossing. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, poor visibility, or trail conditions can make the pass unsafe or significantly slower to cross. Having an extra day gives you more options instead of being forced to cross in unfavorable weather.
Start Early for the Pass: An early start is particularly important on the Larkya La Pass day. Conditions are often more favorable in the morning, while clouds and winds can increase later in the day.
Carry Layers You Can Add or Remove: Instead of wearing one very thick jacket throughout the trek, use a layering system. A base layer, fleece, insulated jacket, and waterproof/windproof outer layer allow you to adjust your clothing as temperatures change during the day.
Keep Rain Protection Accessible: Weather can change suddenly, especially during the wetter months, so keep your rain protection somewhere you can reach quickly. Waterproof bags or dry bags are also useful for protecting clothes, electronics, documents, and other essentials.
Don’t Underestimate Sunshine at Altitude: Cold weather does not mean you are protected from the sun. At higher elevations, strong sunlight and UV exposure can cause sunburn and contribute to dehydration. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and lip balm, particularly around snow-covered areas where sunlight can reflect strongly.
Don’t Rely Only on the Weather Forecast: Mountain forecasts are useful, but they cannot always predict local conditions accurately. Clouds can develop quickly, wind can become stronger than expected, and snowfall can alter trail conditions within hours. Treat the forecast as a planning tool rather than a guarantee of what you will experience.
FAQs on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Weather and Temperature by Month
1. What is the weather like on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit has highly varied weather because the trail climbs from the warm, subtropical lower valleys to the alpine environment around Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Lower sections can be relatively warm, while temperatures at higher elevations can fall below freezing, especially at night.
2. What is the best month for Manaslu Circuit Trek weather?
October is generally the best month for stable weather, clear skies, excellent mountain visibility, and comfortable trekking conditions. April, November, and late September are also strong choices.
3. What is the coldest month on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
January is generally the coldest month. Temperatures can fall well below freezing at high elevations, and snow and ice around Larkya La can make the crossing considerably more difficult.
4. Does it snow on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. Snow is most likely at higher elevations during winter and early spring, particularly around Larkya La. Snow conditions can vary considerably from year to year, so trekkers should check current trail conditions before attempting the pass.
5. Does it rain on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes, particularly during the June-August monsoon period. Rain is more noticeable on the lower sections, where trails can become muddy and slippery and landslide risks can increase.
6. How cold is Larkya La Pass?
Larkya La is one of the coldest and most exposed sections of the trek. Temperatures can be below freezing, particularly in winter and early spring, and strong winds can make it feel considerably colder.
7. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek possible during winter?
It is possible for experienced and properly equipped trekkers, but December to February is challenging because of extreme cold, snow, icy trails, and potentially difficult Larkya La conditions.
8. Which month has the clearest mountain views?
October and November generally offer the clearest and most stable conditions, particularly after the monsoon has cleared the atmosphere. Spring, especially April, can also provide excellent visibility.
9. Should I check the weather forecast before crossing Larkya La?
Absolutely. Check the high-altitude forecast and current trail conditions before the pass day rather than relying only on the weather in Kathmandu or lower villages. Your guide can also provide valuable information about recent snowfall, wind, visibility, and trail conditions.
10. What happens if bad weather prevents the Larkya La crossing?
The safest option is usually to wait for a safer weather window rather than rushing across the pass. This is why allowing some flexibility in your itinerary is important.
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