The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is autumn (late September to November) or spring (March to May). Both seasons give the most settled weather for crossing Larkya La at 5,106m. October is the most reliable single month, while April is the best month in spring.
Avoid the monsoon from June to September, when rain brings landslides to the lower valley. Winter is possible, but snow can close the pass. Below, we go through each season and what it means for your trek.
What’s Inside This Guide
- The seasons at a glance
- Autumn
- Spring
- Monsoon
- Winter
- How the season changes the trek
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Manaslu Circuit Seasons at a Glance
| Months | Season | Our view | Main thing to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Sep – Nov | Autumn | Best | Clear skies and stable weather; October is busiest |
| Mar – May | Spring | Very good | Warmer days; snow can linger on the pass in March |
| Jun – mid Sep | Monsoon | Not recommended | Rain, landslides and cloud; road access often disrupted |
| Dec – Feb | Winter | Possible, with flexibility | Very cold nights; snow can close Larkya La for days |
Autumn: The Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit
Autumn follows the monsoon, so the air is clean and the views are at their clearest. Days are mild in the lower valley, while nights get cold above Samagaon.
September
Early September is still wet, and the lower trail can be muddy. By the end of the month, the rain usually eases off. Late-season floods and landslides are still possible, so allow some flexibility if you start in September.
October
October is the most reliable month for the pass and the most popular. Lodges in Samagaon and Samdo fill up, so book early. Even so, snow can fall at any time high up. In early October 2026, for example, a storm blocked Larkya La for several days before groups could cross again.
November
November is often just as clear as October, with fewer people on the trail. However, it gets noticeably colder, especially at Dharamsala before the pass. Bring a warmer sleeping bag, and expect icy patches near the top late in the month.
Spring: The Second Good Season
Spring is the other dry window before the monsoon. The lower valley turns green, and rhododendrons flower in the forests below the pass.
March
Days warm up, but snow from winter often lingers on the approach to Larkya La. The crossing can take longer, so March suits trekkers who have walked in snow before.
April
April is the best spring month. Most of the winter snow has usually melted off the pass by then, and the weather holds steady. Haze can soften the mountain views compared with autumn, though.
May
Early May is still good. Later in the month, heat in the lower valley and afternoon cloud build as the monsoon gets closer. Aim to cross the pass early in the month if you go in May.
Monsoon: June to September
The monsoon brings most of the region’s rain between June and September. In the lower Budhi Gandaki valley, that means slippery trails, leeches and landslides that can cut the road. Cloud also hides the mountains for days at a time. For these reasons, we don’t recommend the Manaslu Circuit in the monsoon.
Winter: December to February
Winter brings clear, cold days and very few trekkers. The problem is snow. Heavy falls can close Larkya La for days, and some high lodges close for the season. December is the most workable winter month. In January and February, plan for the chance that you may have to turn back.
How the Season Changes the Trek
Larkya La conditions
Autumn and late spring usually make the pass a long walk on a clear trail. In March, late November and winter, snow and ice can slow the crossing and sometimes close it. Your guide decides on the day, based on the weather and the snow.
Permit cost
The restricted area permit costs more in autumn. On our route, it comes to USD 130 from September to November, against USD 95 the rest of the year. Our package price doesn’t change with the season, though. See our Manaslu permits guide for the details.
Temperatures
The trek climbs through very different climate zones, from warm farmland near Machha Khola to snow at the pass. Lower valley days are warm in autumn and spring. Above Samdo, nights drop well below freezing in every trekking season, so bring a sleeping bag rated for real cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not usually, but it depends on how the monsoon ends that year. The last rains can linger into late September, and landslides are more likely then. If you start late in the month, keep a spare day or two in your plans.
It is the busiest month, but Manaslu stays far quieter than Everest or the Annapurna Circuit. The main effect is that lodges in Samagaon and Samdo fill up, so book well ahead if you want October.
Yes. Spring and autumn both work for the combined trek. Tsum Valley sits lower than Larkya La, so its season is a little longer. See our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek for dates.
October and November usually give the clearest views, because the monsoon has washed the dust out of the air. Spring views can be just as good early in the day, but haze often builds by the afternoon.
Related Planning Guides
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary — the 13-day route, day by day
- How Hard Is the Manaslu Circuit? — and how snow changes pass day
- Packing for the Manaslu Circuit — the warm gear you need in each season
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits — why autumn permits cost more
- What the Manaslu Circuit Costs — the full budget
- Teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit — which lodges stay open in winter
Pick Your Month and Trek With Us
Our 13-day Manaslu Circuit package costs $1,099 to $1,699 per person, at the same price in every season. If you are torn between October and April, tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll suggest the better fit. See the full Manaslu Circuit Trek package → Or message us on WhatsApp with your travel window.
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