Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek: Month by Month Guide
The best time for the Manaslu Circuit is autumn (late September to November) or spring (March to May). October is the best all-round month, with dry trails, clear views and the most reliable conditions for crossing Larkya La at 5,160m. November can be just as clear, but it gets colder and snow on the pass becomes more likely late in the month.
April is the best spring month, with warmer days, flowers in the lower forests and a cheaper restricted area permit. December to February is much colder, and heavy snow can make Larkya La impassable. June to August is monsoon, and we don’t recommend it.
Whatever the month, your guide checks the weather and pass conditions before you cross.
- Best month: October
- Also excellent: November, colder later in the month
- Best spring month: April
- Possible: March, May, late September and December, depending on conditions
- Hard: January and February, with deep snow possible and some lodges closed
- Avoid: June to August (monsoon)
- The deciding factor: conditions on Larkya La, 5,160m
- Restricted area permit: USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November, USD 75 from December to August
- Crowds: busiest in October, but still much quieter than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit
Last updated: October 2026
In this guide
Manaslu Month by Month
| Month | What to expect | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| January | Very cold. Heavy snow can make the pass impassable | Experienced trekkers only |
| February | Cold. Snow and lodge closures still possible | Hard |
| March | Spring begins. Snow may remain near the pass | Good, quiet |
| April | Warmer, flowers lower down, pass usually in good shape | Best spring month |
| May | Warm, but cloudier as the monsoon gets closer | Possible, go early |
| June to August | Monsoon rain, leeches, landslides, fresh snow on the pass | Generally avoid |
| September | Wet early, often improving later | Late September only |
| October | Dry, clear and stable | Best all-round month |
| November | Clear and quieter, colder, more snow risk late | Excellent |
| December | Cold and quiet. Crossing depends heavily on conditions | Possible with care |
Why Larkya La Decides the Season
On most treks, the season is about views and comfort. On Manaslu, it’s mostly about one day: crossing Larkya La at 5,160m. It’s the longest and hardest day of the trek, about 24km and 8 to 9 hours on our itinerary, from Dharamsala over the pass and down to Bimthang.
In autumn the pass is usually at its most reliable, with dry weather and good visibility. April can also be excellent, though snow may linger from winter. In winter, heavy snow and ice can make the crossing unsafe or impossible. In the monsoon, rain and landslides hit the lower trail and the road in, and snow can still fall up high.
There’s no easy way round if the pass can’t be crossed safely. Your guide checks conditions before you set off, and will wait, change the plan or turn back if needed. See our guide to Manaslu Circuit difficulty.
Autumn: September to November
September starts wet. The lower trail along the Budhi Gandaki is muddy, and leeches are common from Machha Khola to Deng. Things usually improve later in the month, and late September lets you beat the October crowds.
October is the best month for most people. The monsoon has gone, the air is clear and Larkya La is usually in good condition. It’s the busiest month on Manaslu, but still far quieter than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit.
November is just as clear and a bit colder, especially at Dharamsala before the pass. Snow on Larkya La becomes more likely late in the month. For clear views and fewer trekkers, early to mid November is excellent.
Spring: March to May
March is the quiet start of spring. Mornings are often clear, but snow may remain near the pass early in the month. Gaiters help.
April is the best spring month. It’s warmer, the pass is usually in good shape and the lower forests come alive with flowers.
May is warm, but haze and afternoon cloud build as the monsoon gets closer. Go early in the month if you can.
Spring has one extra plus: the restricted area permit is cheaper than in autumn. See below.
Winter: December to February
Winter brings cold, quiet trails and often clear skies. But the upper Manaslu Circuit gets much harder as temperatures fall and snow builds up around Larkya La.
December can work in good conditions. January and February bring a greater risk of deep snow, ice and temporary closures. Dharamsala can drop below -15°C, and some lodges above Samagaon close for part of the season, so rooms and food need checking in advance.
Microspikes or crampons help on icy ground, but carrying them doesn’t make an unsafe crossing safe. Your guide assesses the snow, weather and route before deciding whether to go on. If the pass is unsafe, you may need to wait, change plans or turn back. Winter suits experienced trekkers with good cold-weather gear and a flexible schedule. For most people we recommend autumn or spring.
Monsoon: June to August
We don’t recommend Manaslu in the monsoon. The lower trail is wet and slippery, leeches are common from Machha Khola to Deng, and landslides can hit the trail and the road in. Fresh snow can also fall on Larkya La, even in summer.
If summer is your only window, see our guide to trekking in Nepal in the monsoon.
Permit Costs by Season
Manaslu is a restricted area, so you need a special restricted area permit. Its price depends on the season and how long you stay:
| Season | First 7 days | Each extra day |
|---|---|---|
| September to November | USD 100 | USD 15 |
| December to August | USD 75 | USD 10 |
You also need two separate conservation permits, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and ACAP, which cost the same all year. A licensed guide is required. All permits are included in our trek. See our Manaslu Circuit trek cost and Nepal trekking permits guides.
Which Month Suits You?
| If you want… | Go in |
|---|---|
| The most reliable Larkya La crossing | October |
| Clear views with fewer people | Early to mid November |
| Flowers and warmer days | April |
| A cheaper permit in good conditions | March or April |
| The trail almost to yourself | December, with good gear and flexible dates |
| Your first high pass trek | October or April |
Our 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek runs in autumn and spring. Ask us about winter dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month for the Manaslu Circuit?
October. The weather is usually clear and stable, and Larkya La is at its most reliable. November is almost as good, but colder.
Can you trek Manaslu in spring?
Yes. March to May is the second-best season, and April is the best spring month. The restricted area permit is also cheaper than in autumn.
Can you trek the Manaslu Circuit in winter?
It’s possible, but hard. Heavy snow can make Larkya La impassable, some lodges close above Samagaon and you may need to wait or change plans. It’s best for experienced trekkers with flexible dates.
Is Larkya La open all year?
Not reliably. Heavy snow can make the pass unsafe in winter, and fresh snow can fall even in the monsoon. Your guide checks conditions before you cross.
Is the Manaslu permit cheaper in spring?
Yes. The restricted area permit is USD 75 for the first 7 days from December to August, compared with USD 100 from September to November.
Is Manaslu crowded in October?
It’s the busiest month, but much quieter than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit.
