What Is the Best Time to Do the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?

8th Oct, 2026

The best time to do the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). October is the single best month, with the clearest skies and the most stable weather. These are the seasons when the Larkya La Pass is most reliably open and the views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, are at their best.

Manaslu is a remote, restricted-area trek, so timing matters more here than on many other Nepal routes. This guide covers each season and month, what the weather is like, and how to pick a departure date.

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek at a Glance

You can see the full itinerary, inclusions, and fixed departures on our Short Manaslu Circuit Trek page.

Autumn (September to November): The Prime Season

Autumn is the most popular season for Manaslu, and for good reason.

• Clear skies: The monsoon has washed the air clean, so Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal stand out sharply.
• Stable weather: Dry trails and settled conditions make the Larkya La crossing safer and more predictable.
• Comfortable temperatures: Days are pleasant at lower altitudes, while nights at Samagaon, Samdo, and Dharmasala are cold but manageable with proper gear.
• Festival season: Dashain and Tihar fall in this window, adding cultural colour to the villages along the trail.

Month by month:

• September: Lush and green, but occasional late-monsoon showers and leeches are possible at lower elevations.
• October: The best month overall, with the most reliable views and weather.
• November: Cooler, crisp, and quieter on the trail. Higher camps get cold, so a sleeping bag rated to -10°C is essential.

Even in autumn, the Manaslu trail stays far less crowded than the Annapurna or Everest routes.

Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons and Warm Days

Spring is the second-best season for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Blooming rhododendron forests colour the lower and middle sections of the trail.
• Warmer temperatures make the trek more comfortable, especially at lower altitudes.
• Good visibility across the Himalayas, though afternoon haze and clouds are more common than in autumn.
• Fewer trekkers than in October, so quieter lodges and trails.

Month by month:

• March: Cold at altitude with lingering snow near the pass. Better for experienced trekkers.
• April: Excellent balance of warm days, clear mornings, and flowering forests.
• May: Warmer and drier at lower elevations, with increasing pre-monsoon cloud in the afternoons.

Monsoon (June to August): Not Recommended

Heavy rainfall brings landslide risk on the Budhi Gandaki valley road and trail. Leeches, slippery paths, and cloud-covered mountains make for a difficult trek with limited views. Most trekkers and guides avoid this season for Manaslu.

Winter (December to February): Only for the Very Experienced

Winter on Manaslu is extremely cold, and heavy snowfall can close the Larkya La Pass. Even when the pass is passable, nights at altitude are severe and trail conditions are demanding. The lower valleys are quiet and clear, but a full circuit is not generally recommended in this season, so check conditions with your operator before booking.

Season Comparison

Permit Costs by Season

The Manaslu region is restricted, so a licensed guide and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) are mandatory. Costs vary by season:

• September to November: RAP is USD 100 for the first 7 days, plus USD 15 per extra day.
• December to August: RAP is USD 75 for the first 7 days, plus USD 10 per extra day.
• MCAP and ACAP: USD 20 each per person.
• Local municipality fee: USD 7 per person.

Fees are set by Nepal’s authorities and can change. Mountain Eco Treks arranges all permits for you, and they are included in our packages.

How to Choose Your Departure Date

• Want the best views and weather? Choose October.
• Prefer flowers and fewer people? Choose April or early May.
• Comfortable with cold and some uncertainty? Late November and March are options with guide advice.
• Short on time? The 11-day itinerary fits most schedules and still crosses Larkya La.

Mountain Eco Treks runs group-joining departures from October 2026 through May 2027, so solo trekkers are welcome, and private departures can be arranged on request. The standard package starts from US$1,485 per person and the budget package from US$1,050 per person. Check live dates on the trip page.

Preparing for the Trek

Whatever season you choose, a few things apply:

• Acclimatize properly. The itinerary includes a rest day at Samagaon (3,530 m) with an optional hike to Birendra Lake.
• Pack for cold. A down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof boots, trekking poles, and a -10°C sleeping bag are essential.
• Train in advance. Daily walks run 5 to 8 hours, so build cardio fitness and practise with a loaded pack for 8 to 12 weeks.
• Carry insurance. Choose a policy covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.

Related Treks to Consider

If your dates don’t suit Manaslu, or you want to extend your trip:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 days): A fuller, more relaxed version of the loop.
• Tsum Valley Trek: A hidden, sacred valley that can be combined with Manaslu.
• Short Annapurna Circuit Trek: A popular pass-crossing alternative.
• Everest Base Camp Short Trek: For trekkers wanting the Khumbu experience in less time.
• Upper Mustang Trek: Another restricted-area, rain-shadow adventure.

Explore more routes in the Manaslu region or browse all trekking in Nepal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?

October, thanks to clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views.

Can I trek Manaslu in winter?

It is possible in some conditions, but heavy snow can close Larkya La and temperatures are extreme. It is best for very experienced trekkers with expert guidance.

Is the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?

It is rated moderate to challenging. No technical climbing is required, but good cardiovascular fitness and some prior altitude experience are strongly advised.

Do I need a guide?

Yes. A government-licensed guide is mandatory in the Manaslu restricted area, and permits are issued only through a registered agency.

Can I trek solo?

You can join a group departure or go with a private guide, but independent solo trekking without an agency is not allowed.

More answers are on our FAQs page, and you can read real traveller feedback in our testimonials.

Plan Your Trek with Mountain Eco Treks

Mountain Eco Treks is a locally owned trekking company based in Kathmandu, founded by Ram Bahadur Tamang, with more than 15 years of trekking and expedition experience. We are registered with the Nepal Tourism Board and TAAN, and we handle permits, guides, porters, transport, and accommodation so you can focus on the mountains. Learn more about us.

Ready to go? Send an inquiry, book your Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, or message us on WhatsApp at +977 9803926665. You can also contact us directly.