The best time to do Manaslu Trek is Autumn and Spring while talking about the views and weather. This trek can help traveler to understand the real Nepalese history and Life style of Tibetan people in Himalayas. This trek can be completed within 11 to 14 days easily. Some years back it was started from Sotikhola but nowadays this trek starts from Machhakhola.
An overview about the trek
If you are planning for raw and authentic Himalayan adventure we’re very much pleased to guide you with The Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most mint and spectacular trekking route. It offers eye catching views of wilderness and mesmerizing experiences of remote Himalayas of Nepal. The circuit surrounds the eight highest mountain of the world mount Manaslu, which heights 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level and is located in Gorkha district of Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded trekking trails than Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. This offers one of the best off-the- beaten trekking trail and a blend of unique natural and cultural adventures.The route starts from SotiKhola and ends at Dharapani. The trek may be physically challenging when you reach the climax of trek which is Larkay La Pass (5,160 m) but ascent is gradual and rewarding as you can get 360- degree views of snowcapped peaks, including Himalchuli (7,896 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422), NgadiChuli (7,871). The landscape makes us much amazed as it shifts dramatically from green lowlands and terraced farms to alpine forests, glaciers, and high mountain passes.
Apart from aesthetic mountainous views and attractive landscapes you can explore ethnic and cultural diversities of different Himalayan community’s like Gurung Community, Tibetan- Origin (Nubri and Tsum). The trek leads you through ancient, very holy and spiritual monasteries like Sama Gompa and Pungyen Gompa.This region itself is considered as sacred and mount Manaslu is regarded as a spiritual deity. The people of this region celebrates different festivals like Loshar (Tibetan New Year), Dashain and Tihar. They still practice transhumance activities to rare animals.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek falls under a restricted trekking area in Nepal, which is meant to preserve fragile and unique cultural heritage of this region. There are some governmental requirements you must be aware of before planning a trek. But don’t you worry about those things we are here to guide you throughout you trek in order to make it easier, comfortable and safe. Trekkers are not allowed to do solo trekking, they must trek in a minimum group of two with a government- licensed guide and must get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) processed through a registered trekking agency.
So, Manaslu Circuit Trek is one the adventurous and exhilarating trek. A trail which is less touristic and more peaceful. It is ideal for those trekkers who are seeking solitude, stunning scenery, and culturally rich adventure. This trek provides you raw landscape and dramatic Himalayans panoramas throughout the journey.
Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
It is very much crucial to choose the correct season for any trek that you are planning to do as, season plays very vital role in overall experiences of trekking journey. Manaslu Circuit Trek is bit challenging and high altitude trek, which takes more than a week to complete. It is very substantial to select the best season for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here are details information about best season for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why spring is best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek (March-May):
Spring is known as the best season for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It offers very pleasant weather, warm and clear skies, slightly hazy afternoons, mesmerizing mountainous views. Trekking is also about collecting memories and experiences so, choosing best season makes your journey comfortable, memorable and adventurous.
Spring is the time when nature speaks louder than anything else, it offers blooming rhododendrons all around forests, wilderness covered with different varieties of flowers, pleasant temperature, and you can hear chirping of birds which makes forest musical and magical. The rivers flows calmly with the melted snow from beautiful mountains. This creates aesthetic scenery of Manaslu Circuit trek.
The trails turn into garden with different flowers lining through. The vibrant rhododendrons make forest shine brighter and perfect The daytime temperature is 5°C at higher altitude and 15° C at lower altitude, dropping to 0° C at higher altitude but remains mild in lower elevations, this makes days very pleasant and night still and cool. We can see breathtaking sights of snow- capped mountains against clear blue bright skies. Since, this is the peak season for trekking so you might face difficult to find accommodations if you don’t book it in advance.
So, spring would be the best choice for Manaslu Circuit Trek, it offers splendid scenery, panoramic mountainous views, bright and vibrant wilderness.
Why autumn is best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek (September-November)
Autumn is peak for Manaslu Circuit Trek, undoubtedly offering you stable weather conditions and perfect post monsoon clarity in skies. Spanning from September to November, right after monsoon rains, the weather becomes rejuvenating and spreads the stunning sight of beautiful mountains. The skies crystal clear, and the landscape lush and vibrant.The visibility is at its peak, offering you spectacular views of Manaslu Circuit.
The season starts just after monsoon, which washes away dust and pollutants and makes circuit worth exploring. The sharp mountain peaks, streaming waterfalls, and verdant valleys take on an almost miraculous clarity of landscapes in autumn. This is the best trekking season as there is minimal rainfall, less vegetation which allows you to spot wild animals and birds in large numbers. The trekking route becomes dry and safer, making your journey comfortable and easier.
The temperature in daytime is 10°C to 20°C at lower altitudes dropping at night up to -5°C to 10°C at higher elevations. This makes trail dry, firm, safe, and ideal for long days’ hike and night cool and calm with freezing air. We might experience light snowfall at late November, making landscape majestic.
Since, this is peak of trekking season, you may face difficulties in getting accommodation, if you don’t book in advance. The trails can get crowded and cost for accommodations may cost higher, so getting proper guide and following best itinerary is highly recommendable. So it is true that autumn can offers you breathtaking views and memorable experiences of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why Monsoon and winter seasons are Off-Season for Manslu Circuit Trek:
Monsoon and winter are generally considered as off- seasons for any trek in Nepal including Manaslu Circuit Trek. The months June to July and December to February are not so recommendable months for trekking.
With the start of monsoon, we experience heavy rainfall all over Nepal. These wet months may increase dangers in trekking trails. The trails become slippery and muddy, and increase the risk of landslides and cause difficulties crossing rivers. Weather becomes so unpredictable and you may face poor visibility making it difficult to enjoy the beauty of landscapes. But this season transfer landscapes into lush, you can see vibrant flora and greenery all around.
Though, monsoon season is not recommendable for trekking but if you are planning to experience trek during this season, you have to be more cautious. You have to be more careful packing up your trekking gears, and you have to be much flexible with your itinerary as it might take longer days than your expectations.
On the other hand, winter season is very challenging season for Manaslu Circuit Trek, as this is high altitude trek where you experience heavy snowfall and freezing temperature during winter. Larkya La Pass is often closed during winter because of snow and ice and trekking routes are often obstructing with snow. Some lodges may shut down due to harsh weather conditions. So, for beginners’ winter is not advisable for Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, winter offers you attractive scenery covered with snow all around, and tranquil trails, mountains burrow themselves with white glittering snow. You must get yourself experienced guide and proper trekking gear and preparation for safety and precautions.
Conclusion
So, summing up journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek, choosing season depends solely on your interest and preferences. If you want to explore vibrant wilderness, sparkling rivers, colorful flora and lively natural scenery, Spring can surely meet your expectations and if you want clear skies, panoramic sights of mountains and different kinds of fauna, autumn is highly recommendable and monsoon and winter seasons are not advisable for Manaslu Circuit Trek because of unpredictable and harsh weather conditions. But if you are considering it, you have to have experienced guide and proper preparations.