Manaslu Circuit Trek in June: Late Spring & Monsoon Reality Check
24 Mar 2026 Mr. Ramesh Gurung
Quick Answer:
| You can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in June. But you need to go in with clear eyes. Early June, before the monsoon strengthens, gives you the best. Lower trails are wet, humid, and leech-heavy. Above 3,000 metres, the trail dries out. The Nubri Valley sits in a rain shadow. Larkya La Pass is crossable. The biggest risks are landslides on the lower road sections and slippery gorge trails near Jagat. With a licensed local guide, the right gear, and a realistic mindset, June is a tough but worthwhile choice for the right kind of trekker. |
You have seen the photos. Now you are checking whether June is a good idea.
Maybe June is the only week you have. Maybe everyone you ask tells you to wait for October. And maybe you are starting to wonder if they are right.
Here is what most travel blogs do not tell you. June on the Manaslu Circuit is not a single experience. It is two very different treks in one. The lower route, from Soti Khola to Namrung is filled with rain, mud, and leeches. The upper route, from Samagaun to Larkya La, is genuinely stunning. Drier, quieter, and wilder than anything you will find in October.
This guide gives you the honest picture. We have run this route since 2015 and we are not going to sugarcoat what June asks of you. But we are also going to show you why the right trekker, with the right team, can make June work.
If you want us to look at your specific dates and tell you honestly whether June is right for you, reach out for a free planning call. We will give you a straight answer, even if that answer is ‘wait.’
Early June vs Late June in Manaslu Circuit Trail
Most people treat June as the season. It is not. There is a real difference between June 1 and June 25 on this trail.
Early June (first two weeks), sits in the transition zone between late spring and full monsoon. You will find rain in the afternoon. The trails are drier in the morning and wet by 2pm. You can manage this with smart scheduling.
By the third week of June (late June), the monsoon settles in. Rain becomes less predictable. It can fall at any time. Lower trail sections stay wet all day. The trail between Machha Khola and Jagat feels completely different from what trekkers experience in April.
| Worth Checking: Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring |
When to Start Your Manaslu Trek in June
If your schedule is flexible within June, start before June 10. You catch the end of the spring. Rain still comes, but mornings give you solid walking time before the clouds build.
Starting after June 20 means committing fully to monsoon conditions from day one. It is still doable. But you need more experience, better waterproofing, and a guide who has done this specific route in wet season more than once.
Temperature by Altitude in June
| Section | Altitude | Daytime Temp | Conditions in June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machha Khola to Jagat | 900 to 1,400m | 22 to 26°C | Hot, humid, heavy afternoon rain |
| Namrung to Lho | 2,600 to 3,100m | 14 to 18°C | Cooler, manageable showers |
| Samagaun to Samdo | 3,500 to 3,800m | 8 to 14°C | Rain shadow, significantly drier |
| Dharamsala | 4,460m | 4 to 8°C | Cold, night temps near 0°C |
| Larkya La Pass | 5,160m | 0 to 4°C | Wind is the main risk, not rain |
What Manaslu Circuit in June Actually Looks Like
Here is what real June days look like on this trail, based on groups we have guided.
Trail Conditions Near Jagat
The trail between Soti Khola and Jagat is the most technically demanding in wet conditions. The trail hugs steep cliffs above the Budi Gandaki River. Rain makes the rock surface slippery. Wooden bridges can be submerged or unstable after heavy overnight rain.
The Upper Route Is Different
Once you pass Namrung in day 4 of trek and climb into the Nubri Valley, the character of the trek changes completely. The rain shadow effect is real and measurable. Where the lower trail gets 300mm of rain in June, the upper sections receive a fraction.
Samagaun on a June morning is cold, clear, and silent. You look up at Manaslu at 8,163 metres with no clouds and no other trekkers. That view in October asks you to wake up at 5 am in the morning.
Landslides on the Lower Road 2023
In June 2023, the road between Arughat and Soti Khola was blocked for six hours due to a landslide above the road. We held the group at a tea stall, had dal bhat twice, and pushed. No one was in danger. The delay added half a day.
This is the typical risk. Not trekkers caught in a slide. Roads blocked for hours, occasionally a day. You need a buffer day in your itinerary for exactly this. Build one in from the start.
Who Should and Should Not Do June Manaslu Circuit Trek
We have turned clients away from June. It is something we do when it is the right call.
June Is Right for You If
- You have completed at least one multi-day Himalayan trek before. Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Langtang or any similar in your country as well. Something above 3,000 metres.
- You understand that comfort is not guaranteed. You can handle a wet tent, a muddy trail, and a teahouse that smells like damp socks.
- In June, you will often be the only group at a teahouse. That is either magic peace or miserable depending on who you are.
- Budget matters to you. Off-season teahouse rates are 20 to 30 percent lower. Permits cost the same, but guide and porter day rates are more negotiable.
If you want the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek and you are short on time, June is actually a practical choice. Fewer crowds mean faster logistics. Our 12-day Short Manaslu Circuit covers the core route without pushing past Samagaun, keeping you in the drier upper section for the bulk of the trek.
June Is Wrong for You If
- This is your first multi-day trek. Do not make the Manaslu Circuit in June.
- Mountain views are your primary goal. Cloud cover is frequent below 3,000 metres in June. The upper sections deliver, but the lower gorge views are often hidden.
- You have a fixed itinerary with no buffer days because trek requires flexibility.
If this is your first time in Nepal and you want a gentle trek then, our Lower Manaslu Trek is a 10 days route that stays at lower elevations and fits beginner trekkers.
Go or No-Go Manaslu in June: A Framework for Your Decision
Stop trying to convince yourself either way. Answer these questions honestly.
- Have you trekked above 3,000 metres before on a multi-day route? If no, this is not the right starting point in June.
- Can you tolerate two to four days of wet, muddy, hot conditions at the start of the trek? If rain ruins your mood, June will be a hard experience.
- Does your schedule have at least one buffer day built in? If you have a flight home with zero margin, June is too unpredictable.
- Do you have proper waterproof gear, not just a water-resistant kit?
If you answer yes to all four, June is workable. If you answer no to any of them, either fix the gap or change your dates.
If you are still unsure, send us your planning dates, your fitness background, and your experience level. We have guided this route in every season and we will tell you the truth. If June is a bad idea for your specific situation, we will say so and suggest a better time.
Gear Strategy for Monsoon Trekking
Packing for June means solving two separate problems. You need monsoon protection for the lower trail. You need cold-weather gear for the upper route. The challenge is keeping the bag light enough to actually move.
What Earns Its Weight
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support. Fully waterproof.
- Gore-Tex jacket, waterproof trousers, Backpack rain cover.
- Down jacket and thermal layers, and Trekking poles.
Larkya La Pass in June
This is the question most trekkers ask first. Can you cross it?
Yes. Larkya La at 5,160 metres is generally clear of snow by early June. Winter snowpack melts by May in a normal year. The risk in June is not snow. It is wind.
By midday, wind speeds above the pass increase sharply. Gusts can drop visibility and make footing unstable on the descent toward Bimthang. This is why the timing rule is not a suggestion. You leave Dharamsala between 4 and 5 in the morning. You cross the pass before 9am. You are descending by the time the wind builds.
We have crossed Larkya La in June multiple times without incident because we follow this protocol without exception.
Manaslu in June vs September Comparision
| Factor | Early June | Late September |
|---|---|---|
| Lower trail weather | Wet, afternoon rain daily | Drying out, mostly manageable |
| Upper trail weather | Rain shadow, mostly dry | Post-monsoon, very clear |
| Mountain views | Good above 3,000m, limited below | Excellent across the full route |
| Crowds | Very low, often zero competition | High toward October peak |
| Teahouse prices | Off-season rates, negotiable | Pre-peak, still fair |
| Landslide risk | Real, lower road sections | Low, roads have dried |
| Larkya La | Crossable, wind caution | Excellent conditions |
| Green scenery | Peak green, vivid valleys | Green fading to autumn gold |
September wins on safety and visibility. June wins on solitude and price. If your priority is a safe, well-supported, view-heavy trek, September is better. If your priority is an off-the-beaten-path experience with almost no other trekkers, June can deliver something September simply cannot.
Different Manaslu Region Packages
If 12 days is all you’ve got, the Short Manaslu Circuit is worth a look. You still cross Larkya La, walk through the core valleys, and get up into proper mountain terrain. Same pass, less time, still a real Manaslu experience.
If you have 15 days and want a bit more comfort on the road, than choose manaslu circuit deluxe trek.
If you’ve done this kind of thing before and want to go deeper, the Nar Phu Valley extension takes you into two of the most remote valleys in the whole region. More days, more altitude, and a route most people in Nepal haven’t heard of. It’s the kind of trip you talk about for years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manaslu in June
Is June a good time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
June is challenging, not impossible. Early June gives you the best before the monsoon fully settles in. The upper route stays relatively dry. Lower trails are wet, muddy, and require proper waterproofing. Go with our experienced guide who has done the route in the monsoon season.
Can you cross Larkya La Pass in June?
Yes. Snow from winter has typically melted by June. Wind is the bigger concern. Leave Dharamsala by 4 or 5 in the morning and cross the pass before wind speeds build by midday. Never start a Larkya La crossing after 6am in any season, and especially not in June.
How bad are the leeches on the Manaslu Circuit in June?
Leeches are present in the lower forest sections from Soti Khola to roughly Namrung. They are not dangerous but they are annoying without preparation. Leech socks or repellent spray on your boots and trousers handles the problem. Above Namrung the issue disappears.
Is September better than June for this trek?
For most trekkers, yes. September offers post-monsoon clarity, drying trails, and good mountain views across the full route. June wins on solitude and lower cost. If you care about views and safety margins, September is the easier choice. If you want the trail to yourself and you have experience, June is worth it.
Do teahouses stay open in June?
Yes. Teahouses on the main Manaslu Circuit route operate through monsoon season. Crowds are very thin, which means rooms are easy to get and prices are lower. Smaller teahouses in June often offer discounts without being asked. The quality of hospitality does not drop.
Final Word: The Right Trekker, The Right Month
Most people wait for October. You don’t have to be like most people. The trail is quieter. The teahouses are yours. And the mountain doesn’t look any different just because it’s raining in lower altitudes.
June has a version of this trek that October will never offer. The question is whether you want it.
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