Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
PUBLISHED ON 14 February, 2025
One of Nepal’s top hidden hiking paths leads to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which rewards visitors greatly. The trek routes visitors to remote villages and high mountain passes while presenting untouched natural beauty distinguishing it from the Annapurna and Everest regions. The trek offers spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) because it presents an exceptional fusion of cultural attractions and natural wonders.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit gives anyone interested in discovering rare destinations a perfect trekking experience. This trekking area preserves its pure character and serenity because popular tourist traffic has not invaded it yet.
The path meanders past towns influenced by Gurung people and Tibetan culture where you can encounter both their ancestral traditions and their ancient Buddhist customs. Throughout the trek one passes through the wildlife-rich Manaslu Conservation Area where Himalayan tahr snow leopards and red pandas coexist.
Are you looking for the Manaslu region trek? Then you can check the following package.
Trekking Route and Itinerary
A normal walking pace with proper acclimation needed during the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires between 14 and 18 days to finish the journey. The trek starts from Soti Khola where hikers follow the Budhi Gandaki River as it ascends through forested areas with agricultural terraces that lead into deep gorges and finally reaches the elevated terrain near Larkya La Pass which stands at 5,160 meters elevation.
Standard Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive and Overnight Stay)
Day 3-4: Trek to Machha Khola and Jagat
Day 5-6: Trek to Deng and Namrung
Day 7-8: Reach Samagaon, Acclimatization and Explore Manaslu Base Camp
Day 9-10: Trek to Samdo and Dharmasala
Day 11-12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and descend to Bimthang
Day 13-14: Trek to Dharapani and drive back to Kathmandu
Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides visitors with an exceptional path across Nepal which features isolated terrains and beautiful mountain views together with multiple cultural experiences while presenting demanding route conditions.
When planning a trek one needs to select the correct period because this decision affects both comfort and safety. The following article provides comprehensive information on when to undertake the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Autumn (September to November) – The Prime Trekking Season
Most travelers agree that the Manaslu Circuit trek reaches its peak in autumn because the skies are clear and temperatures are perfect along with stable weather patterns. The hiking trails endure their optimal seasonal state with abundant vegetation showing below and breathtaking mountain views beyond along the ascent.
Lower elevations experience daytime temperatures from 10°C to 20°C but freezing temperatures occur during nights in the higher altitude regions.
Advantages: Excellent visibility, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant cultural experiences due to various festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
The paths become crowded during peak times and visitors should book their rooms ahead of time.
During Spring between March and May
The trekker experiences a period marked by natural flourishing together with spectacular beauty.
Spring constitutes a wonderful period to explore the Manaslu Circuit Trek. During spring the rhododendrons across the landscape develop flowers that create an attractive color path through the region. Larkya La Pass becomes more manageable because the weather remains consistent during this season.
The lower elevations maintain pleasant weather conditions between 12°C to 22°C yet during nighttime temperatures at higher altitudes become chilly.
One can experience unobstructed mountain vistas together with gentle temperatures and several varieties of blooming flowers.
The trails become densely populated during the times spanning late April and May.
Winter (December to February) – A Challenging Yet Peaceful Trek
A winter trekking adventure in the Manaslu region exists primarily for those enjoying cold environments and wanting serenity during their travels. Heavy snowfall covers all terrain to form a winter fairy dreamland. Excessive winter cold and heavy snow will present considerable obstacles to the trekking experience.
Altogether the mountain climate features cold and clear chilly days which reach temperatures down to -15°C and below at the highest elevations.
Advantages: Fewer trekkers, stunning snow-covered scenery, and peaceful trails.
The Larkya La Pass may get blocked by snow which leads to the need for adaptable trek schedules.
Monsoon (June to August) – The Least Favorable Season
- Heavy monsoon rainfall turns the trails into dangerous conditions because it makes them both slick and causes frequent landslides. The area commonly has thick clouds that impair views of the mountain ranges.
- At lower elevations, the weather brings heavy rain and warm temperatures in the range of 15°C to 25°C alongside strong humidity.
- Advantages: Lush green landscapes, fewer trekkers, and unique cultural interactions.
- Properties against the trek during this season include steep slopes prone to landslides filamentous worms near the path and limited mountain visibility.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in spring delivers an everlasting journey that unites beautiful transitory landscapes as well as perfect climates and lively natural scenes. Nepal’s Manaslu Circuit Trek stands as a favorite trekking experience since mounting up around the 8,163m high Mount Manaslu grows much more appealing with nature awakening during the spring season.
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring?
The duration between March to May marks the best time to experience the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Peninsula-like conditions prevail during this timeframe because clear skies allow pleasant temperatures to appear. The pathways attract viewership because they display gorgeous rhododendrons alongside green tree habitats and spectacular snowy mountain summits in their backdrop during spring.

Weather Conditions in Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
Spring has the most desirable weather conditions as the primary benefit for hikers. Temperatures between 12°C to 22°C prevail at the lower elevations but fall to -6°C to 5°C in the mountain heights. Daytime conditions in spring bring warm sunlight that allows great mountain visibility across the landscape. Proper clothing enables travel even in night temperatures which do not become uncomfortable.
Scenic Beauty and Flora in Spring
The Manaslu region displays breathtaking spring scenery because trails are filled with enormous numbers of rhododendrons magnolias and many other types of wildflowers. The novel combination of green valley scenery with white mountain peaks creates breathtaking visual moments during a photographic session.
The rivers along with the waterfalls receive vigorous power from snow melt during this season which creates amazing surroundings for the trek.

Wildlife Encounters
During spring time many diverse wildlife species exist in the Manaslu Conservation Area where animal spotting is especially productive. Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and the rare snow leopard might appear in front of trekkers throughout the higher elevations. Bird watchers discover a bird-watching paradise during this season because the Himalayan monal along with other bird species become most active.
Trekking Challenges and Preparation
- The trekkers experience great weather conditions in spring yet the high-altitude walk needs appropriate training before starting. These important points guide your thinking:
- The hike needs acclimatization days at 5,160 meters due to Larkya La Pass’s high altitude.
- Take warm clothes, waterproof equipment, and durable trekking boots when traveling to this area. Wearing sun protection and using quality sleep gear along with sunglasses will make your expedition more enjoyable
- Before the trek starts physical fitness training such as jogging or hiking will help trekkers build endurance.
Cultural Experience Along the Trail
Due to strong Tibetan influence, the Manaslu region has plenty of traditional villages monasteries, and prayer flags showing their way of life. Samagaon and Samdo provide perfect opportunities to explore the villages where people show their welcoming hospitality while maintaining their religious customs.
You Will Enjoy the Top Locations During Your Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek brings adventure seekers an amazing journey through rural villages and scenic landscapes. You will walk around the eighth-highest peak Earth has to offer in Mount Manaslu which stands at 8,163 meters elevation. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers amazing destinations that trekkers should experience.
- Soti Khola
The trek begins at Soti Khola which provides stunning views of the river, natural landscapes, and small ancient townships. The hiking path from Soti Khola takes you through the woods of subtropical plants and cultivated farm terraces to the beginning of your expedition.
- Machha Khola
The Nepalese village of Machha Khola sits beside the Budhi Gandaki River where people enjoy peaceful living in a pleasant environment. The area features both suspension bridges and waterfalls that complement the natural beauty.
- Jagat
Jagat serves as the first town where visitors enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and enjoy its scenic views of stone-paved streets. The community consists of traditional stone constructions and stone houses that blend with multicolor Buddhist prayer flags. Visitors can appreciate splendid views of mountain slopes and river edges.
- Deng
Deng serves as the first introduction point for trekkers who want to experience Tibetan cultural influence. You will find this stop interesting because it shows you its special buildings painted with prayer wheels and shows how people do farming based on old methods.
- Namrung
Visitors who explore Namrung can see Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Siringi Himal from their vantage points. The village contains religious places known as monasteries combined with the local[]”Mani walls” and original “stone houses”.

- Samagaon
At Samagaon travelers find their biggest village and an ideal spot to adjust to the high altitude. Visitors can see Pungyen Monastery before strolling through yak meadows and reaching Manaslu Base Camp on an optional excursion.
- Samdo
Samdo resides near the Tibetan border where trekkers can learn about Tibetan village traditions and community ways. The village serves well for preparing your body to high altitudes with scenic hikes to mountain outlooks.
- Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
The hike reaches its peak point at Larkya La Pass where trekkers discover its main attraction. Passing through Larkya La Pass gives trekkers superb views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and surrounding mountain tops that gleam in the snow. Pass crossing demands tough effort to bring a long-awaited inner satisfaction.
- Bimtang
As trekkers leave Larkya La Pass they find the valley of Bimtang with its impressive glaciers and wild landscapes of forested meadows. Bimtang offers a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy the amazing scenery surrounding it.
- Dharapani
At Dharapani hikers join the Annapurna Circuit Trail after their Manaslu Circuit Trek. The village features both Tibetan and Gurung residents who run quality mountain lodges that provide quality rest options before trekkers finish their journey.
Required Permits and Regulations
To enter the Manaslu trail area a traveler needs specific permission due to regional limits. The required permits include:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (for the final section of the trek)
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
Groups heading to the Manaslu territory must work with licensed local guides while groups need at least two people to access their permits.
Trek Difficulty and Preparation
The Manaslu Circuit trek demands medium-level physical fitness as a prerequisite. The extensive walking plus steep hills and high altitudes require extensive preparation. To prepare for the trek:
- Perform cardio workouts such as sprinting, climbing hills, or riding a bike for your fitness routine.
- Lunges and squats will help you build stronger leg muscles
- Spend extra time climbing in high-altitude zones before trekking.
- Take warm garments, and appropriate trekking equipment along with a sleeping bag made for cold conditions.
Accommodation and Food in Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
This trail uses local tea-house lodging farms to provide cooking and staying areas for hikers. The tea houses offer basic accommodations with shared bathrooms and serve dal bhat rice and lentils together with noodles momos Tibetan bread and other local specialties. Your hike will be made easier when you bring additional food supplies for extended walking sessions.
Here you can explore about the Teahouse lodges on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Click Here
Conclusion
You’ll cherish springtime in the Manaslu Circuit because of its beautiful natural outlooks, ideal climate conditions, and authentic cultural meetings. Anyone who loves hikes will discover that spring offers the perfect time to visit Manaslu because of the excellent weather. Making suitable preparations and staying mentally ready leads to enduring memories for your lifetime.