What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Favorable in Spring? (March, April & May)
16 Feb 2026 Chandra Gurung
If you are a trek enthusiast and have ever searched for a favorable time to trek in Nepal, you must have read about the spring season. So, have you ever wondered why trekkers wait for this particular season to explore the Himalayas, including the Manaslu Trek? If yes, this blog will answer your curiosity.
Spring in Nepal spans the three months of March, April, and May. The Manaslu Circuit Trek in spring is especially stunning, with its perfect natural beauty and ideal trekking conditions. During the season, expect stable weather, clear skies, and clear mountain views, along with rhododendron blossoms. Likewise, the temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, makes the trek in the Manaslu Circuit in spring ideal. Also, crossing high passes, including Larkya La, is easier during spring than in other seasons.
In addition, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the stunning and less crowded Himalayan routes in western Nepal within the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trek on the Manaslu Circuit encircles the world’s eight highest peaks and takes you through Tibetan-influenced culture, remote villages, and high mountain passes. Moreover, the trek takes 10-14 days, starting at Machhakhola and ending at Dharapani, connecting to the Annapurna Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring By Months (March – April- May)
As already mentioned, the spring season consists of March, April, and May. No doubt, spring itself is favourable for the Manaslu Circuit trek, but each month during the season has its own unique highlights. But common experiences you’ll face while trekking in the season are moderate temperatures, comfortable weather, and clear mountain views.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in March
- Time: Early Spring
- Weather: Cool yet stable
- Daytime Temperature: 8°C to 15°C (lower elevations)
- Nighttime Temperature: -6°C to -10°C (higher elevations)
- Crowd Level: Low (fewer trekkers)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flora and Fauna: Blooming rhododendrons
- Key Highlights: Clear mountain view and rhododendron blossom
March marks the start of spring. During the season, the trail in the Manaslu region begins to dry out after winter, and the weather slowly stabilizes. Lower sections, such as Soti Khola-Machha Khola, experience temperatures of 20-25°C during the day and 10-13°C at night, making trekking days generally warmer. Around Samagoan, the temperature ranges from 5-8°C during the day to around -8°C or lower at night, so evenings at higher altitudes are cold even in spring.
However, the temperature in March is cooler compared to April and May. So, if you prefer crisp mountain air, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in March is ideal for you. Additionally, starting the walk to Manaslu Circuit through the rhododendron blossom forest is the highlight of trekking in March.
Here’s a simple comparison (advantages and disadvantages) of trekking the Manaslu Circuit in March:
| Points | Advantages in March | Disadvantages in March |
| Weather | Clear visibility, clear skies, and mountain views | Nights are cold in higher locations |
| Temperature | Warm and comfortable to walk in the lower and mid areas | Freezing near and above Samagoan and Larkya La Pass |
| Crowd Level | Fewer trekkers due to the just beginning of spring | Less social atmosphere if you like busy routes. |
| Trail Condition | The lower section’s trail is dry and easy to walk | Snow and ice near the pass |
| Larkya La Pass | Good chance to cross with clear weather | Still quite hard physically; risk of snow and ice |
Manaslu Circuit Trek in April
- Time: Peak
- Weather: Stable, dry, and mild
- Day Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (lower elevations)
- Night Temperature: -3°C to -8°C (higher elevations)
- Crowd Level: Moderate to High
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flora and Fauna: Abundant rhododendron blossoms
- Key Highlights: Crystal clear mountain views and lively atmosphere
April is the peak month of the spring season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. During the time, days are longer, forests are lush, and rhododendron and other wildflowers are in full bloom, especially between Jagat and Deng. Sights of mountain peaks, including Mount Manaslu, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks, are stunning due to clear sight, especially in the morning.
In April, the route condition is favourable, and crossing Larkya La Pass is safer and pleasant compared to other spring months. However, the pass can still have snow and ice early in April, but by mid-late April, it gets better and safer. Due to peak season, there will be more crowds than at other times so you need to be a little quicker to secure the best rooms in the accommodation point as per your itinerary.
Here’s a simple comparison (advantages and disadvantages) of trekking the Manaslu Circuit in April:
| Points | Advantages in April | Disadvantages in April |
| Weather | Stable and clear | Some afternoons can turn cloudy or windy |
| Temperature | Warmer days and slightly milder nights than March | Still cold at night in high villages and at the pass |
| Crowd Level | More trekkers and easier to meet people | Busier lodges and less quiet than in March |
| Trail Condition | Less snow and ice on many sections compared with March. | Some snow and icy patches near Larkya La |
| Larkya La Pass | Usually good chance to cross | Some risks due to high altitude and unpredictable weather |
Manaslu Circuit Trek in May
- Time: Late spring (pre-monsoon)
- Weather: Warm and mostly stable
- Day Temperature: 15°C to 22°C (lower elevations)
- Night Temperature: -2°C to -6°C (higher elevations)
- Crowd Level: Moderate
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flora and Fauna: Vibrant greenery and remaining rhododendrons
- Key Highlights: Lush green valleys with clear morning views of Mount Manaslu
May is the late-spring month, bringing a warmer, greener environment. The landscape remains stunning this month, but occasional pre-monsoon clouds appear in the afternoons. Likewise, higher sections like Samagoan and Samdo are warm due to the slow arrival of the summer season. Thus, May is an ideal month in spring among those who enjoy warmer conditions and longer daylight hours,
Furthermore, due to warm weather, the Larkya La Pass will be quite easy to cross, but strong sun and soft snow in the afternoon can still make the approach tiring. Similarly, in late May, pre‑monsoon showers or thunderstorms are more likely to occur in the late afternoon. Starting the trek early and finishing it by 3-4 PM will help you complete it safely during the month.
Here’s a simple comparison (advantages and disadvantages) of trekking the Manaslu Circuit in April:
| Points | Advantages in May | Disadvantages in May |
| Weather | Warm and pleasant trekking condition | Chances of afternoon rain or thunderstorms |
| Temperature | Comfortable to warm but slightly cold at night | Can feel very hot and sweaty on lower sections |
| Crowd level | Moderate, as it is stilla favourable trekking time | Can feel busy in popular villages |
| Trail Condition | Most of the sections are dry and easy | Soft snow or slush near Larkya La |
| Larkya La Pass | Slightly easier than earlier in the spring | Weather changes quickly, and strong sun and wind are major challenges |
Manaslu Circuit in Spring vs Autumn (TWO Best Seasons in Nepal)
Spring and Autumn are the two best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Thus, many trekkers get confused about which one to choose between the best seasons. No doubt, both seasons are considered peak trekking seasons, but they have different qualities and atmospheres along the route.
Spring
Already described much about spring, which is a comfortable time to trek around Mount Manaslu. Characterized by stable weather, the red and pink colors of the rhododendron blossom, it is the year’s first favorable time for the Manaslu Circuit. However, spring can sometimes bring light fog in the afternoons, especially in late May. Also, pre-monsoon clouds slightly affect views of the mountains.
Autumn
Autumn, from September to November, is the best and peak season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The season is also known as a good time for trekking, as it follows the monsoon, which clears the air of dust and pollution. Likewise, compared to spring and other seasons, visibility of the mountains is much clearer and more stable in Autumn.
Similarly, the weather is more stable in autumn than in spring. During autumn, rainfall is also minimal, making the route dry and reducing the risk of landslides. Therefore, crossing Larkya La Pass is also safe during the season, with no risk of slippery walkways or trail blockages.
Another unique aspect of trekking in autumn is the festival atmosphere in Nepal at this time. Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar often fall during this season, which is celebrated in the lower regions. On the upper side, you can experience Tibetan Buddhist festivals, including Mani Rimdu and local harvest festivals.
| Aspects | Spring (March to May) | Autumn (September to November) |
| Weather | Dry and warm in daytime but cold at night and at higher altitudes. Snow is slowly melting. | Dry, cool, and very clear with warm days and cold and freezing nights. |
| Temperatures (approx.) | 10°C-20°C in lower areas and -5°C to 10°C in higher areas. | 5°C-18°C in lower areas and -5°C to -10°C in higher areas. |
| Sky and mountain views | Good visibility with clear morning views, but chances of fog in late spring at evening. | Exceptionally clear mountain views with deep blue skies. |
| Scenery on the trail | Green forest, rhododendron, and other wildflowers in bloom, along with melting snow. | Fresh, clean landscapes after the monsoon, golden harvest fields, and clear rivers. |
| Safety | Safe due to predictable weather and low weather‑related delays. | Also safe with very stable conditions, but colder at high passes, and chances of snowfall in the late season. |
| Best specific months | “April” due to dry trails, clear skies, and melted snow below 4,000 m. | “October and early November” due to clear skies and less risk related to weather conditions. |
Different Season Temperatures in Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Coldest months: December-February, with average lows down to about -13°C in January.
- Warmest months: May-July, with average highs around 15-18°C at altitude and much warmer lower down.
- Most comfortable for trekking: March-May and September-November, with moderate daytime temperatures and cold nights.
| Season | Region | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature | Notes |
| Spring (March to May) | Lower trail (700-2,000 m: Soti Khola–Jagat) | 15-25°C | 8-15°C | Days are warm and pleasant. |
| Higher region (3,500- 4,000 m: Samagaun-Samdo) | 6-15°C | -2°C to -8°C | Cool days and cold nights | |
| Summer / Monsoon (Jun-Aug) | Lower | 18-30°C | 12-20°C. | Hot but sticky with rain. Leeches and muddy trails at low altitude. |
| Higher | 10°C-18°C | 0°C-10°C | Pleasantly cool, but clouds/rain reduce views. | |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Lower | 12-24°C in Sept, closer to 12-20°C by Nov | 5-10°C in Nov, slightly warmer earlier in the season | Comfortable walking temperatures. |
| Higher | 6-16°C in Sept-Oct, 6-12°C in Nov | -2 to -10°C | Clear and crisp trekking weather, but freezing at night. | |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Lower | 5-15°C | -5°C to 5°C | Days are pleasant in the sun, but mornings/evenings are cold. |
| Higher | -10°C to -20°C | Very cold with snow and ice. |
Who Will Be Fit for Manaslu in Spring?
Unquestionably, spring is the best season to experience the beauty of the Manaslu region, but remember that it’s not for everyone. So, who will be fit for Manaslu in spring? Here’s your answer:
- If you are a nature lover and fond of photography, the spring season is for you, as the season comes with colorful landscapes, blooming rhododendrons, and fresh greenery that make the journey visually appealing.
- If you prefer moderate temperatures, spring is definitely for you, as the season offers comfortable daytime conditions that make walking pleasant.
- If you are a first-time trekker at high altitude but well-prepared, spring is a good time to trek.
- If you prefer fewer crowds, spring is ideal for you, as it is busy but not as packed as peak autumn.
If your criteria don’t match the above, you must go for an alternative season rather than the Manaslu Circuit in spring. Wondering who should consider the alternative season rather than spring? Here’s your answer:
- If you are seeking the clearest mountain view all the time, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in spring might not be suitable for you, as late afternoon brings fog and cloud.
- If you are sensitive to snow conditions, the spring trek in Manaslu is not for you, as early March can still have leftover snow at higher elevations.
- If you are looking for stable weather conditions, spring may not suit you for the Manaslu trek. Autumn comes with more predictable weather and offers more stable temperatures than spring.
