Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

Do you know that the number of trekkers in the Manaslu Circuit Trek has increased drastically? Yes, since 2023 trekkers are choosing the Manaslu region as their number one priority for trekking in Nepal. This has led in the increase of trekking facilities in the trails of the region. Therefore, it is now the most talked about trekking destination of Nepal. With this, there are few inquiries that people have made about the possibility of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter season.

Please note that the ideal times to do the Manaslu Trek are during the months of spring season and winter season. However, people may not get holidays during this time of the year and they wish to do the winter trek. Today’s blog will give you correct information about the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter. Go through all the details in this blog regarding this idea and decide yourself. Note down that trekking in the winter season can be tricky and challenging which requires immense planning and preparations.

Spring Season Trek in Manaslu

March to May is spring season here in Manaslu. The blooming flowers, lush green forests, clear skies, and stable weather conditions have made this season the ideal time to do the trek. In addition, the cost of the special restricted permit for spring season is just 75 $ for 7 days with additional 10 $ for each extra days. It is about 25 $ cheaper than the autumn season permit. The trail is full of trekkers from across the globe and it is always bustling due to presence of trekkers, guides, porters, and locals. If you are looking for an adventure where you get to meet people, then choose the months of spring season.

Autumn Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

Special restricted area permit cost for the months of autumn season (September – November) is 100 $ for 7 days and additional 15 $ for each extra day. The price is higher during this time of the year which means that you get to enjoy the best moments during the season while doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Moreover, the season is also the time when Nepal celebrates its two biggest festivals. They are Dashain festival and Tihar festival. Similarly, the season is equally ideal like spring season in terms of clear skies, stable weather conditions, and bustling trail full of trekkers, porters, guides, and locals.

Why Monsoon Season is the worst time to do Manaslu Trek?

The geographical terrain of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is complicated and diverse. The trail traverses through river valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and terraced farmlands. During monsoon season, heavy rainfall fills almost all streams and waterfalls. It is so difficult to cross the streams and rivers during monsoon season. Moreover, the risk of the floods and landslides is very high during this time of the year. The visibility is poor and you may not get the best view of the mountains. Therefore, it is wise to avoid the monsoon season (June – August) for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

Well, it is entirely impossible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter. This statement can be untrue because the climate change has affected greatly in the mountains of Nepal. Interestingly, the month of December is becoming an ideal time to do the trek leaving the month of September which is the autumn month. If you are planning to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter season, then choose December and avoid January and February. Normally, the Larke La Pass is closed during the heavy snowfall. It becomes extremely hard to trek beyond Samdo Village during winter season.

Is it possible to cross Larke La Pass in winter season?

If it snows heavily, then it is nearly impossible to cross the Larke La Pass (5106 m). Remember that the Larke La Pass is one of the longest passes of Nepal. There are lots of crevasses in the trail formed by snow. It is so risky to cross the pass during winter season. In addition, you may have to encounter snowstorm making it extremely hard to comfortably navigate through to Bimthang Village. Note down that the day of the Larke La Pass Crossing is the longest day of the trek covering about 25 kilometers from Dharmasala to Bimthang Village. Therefore, it is wise to avoid the Larke La Pass crossing if it is snowing heavily.

Where to trek in Manaslu without crossing Larke La Pass in winter season?

The blogger is from the Manaslu region of Nepal. Therefore, I can suggest you many alternative places inside the Manaslu region to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter. If you are unable to cross the Larke La Pass, then you can simply choose to explore other magnificent places inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. Interestingly, you don’t have to obtain the ACAP permit if you are not crossing the pass. It saves about NRs. 3000.

Explore places like Tsum Valley up to Nile Village, Serang Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) from Samagaon, and lower elevation villages. Similarly, you can choose to do the community home stay trekking inside the various Gurung, Magar, Nubri, Brahmins, and Chhetris villages. The most popular village trek that you can do after returning from Samagaon during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter is the Ganga Jamuna Trek.

• Tsum Valley Trek
• Serang Gompa Monastery
• Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake
• Low Altitude Manaslu Village Trek like Ganga Jamuna Trail and Barpak Laprak Village Trail

How to prepare for winter Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu Winter Trek requires lots of physical fitness and mental stability. Build up the proper fitness level and make sure that you have proper cardio – vascular abilities. Walking while it is snowing or in the cold temperature can be tiring and you must build up your body for this. Pack the essentials and be open for sudden change in the itinerary. Keep reserve days and be practical without underestimating the geography and climate.