Home › Destinations › Manaslu Circuit
Weather in Manaslu Circuit
Remote circumambulation of the eighth highest peak
—
Loading live weather...
About Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit circumambulates the world's eighth-highest peak through remote wilderness where Nepal's Buddhist traditions persist unchanged for centuries. This 18-day trek traverses the kind of isolation that modern trekkers rarely experience anymore—genuine emptiness punctuated by monk rituals.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
Nepali, Tibetan Buddhism, English
Things to do in Manaslu Circuit
14-18 day full circuit trek
Buddhist monastery visits and prayer ceremonies
High pass crossing (Larkya La) mountaineering
Photography of untouched alpine vistas
Local Newa culture village homestays
Glacial moraine and peak viewpoint climbs
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
-31C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
-30C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
-27C
Cold, with some rainy days.
April
-23C
Cold, with some rainy days.
May
-20C
Cold, with some rainy days.
June
-15C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
July
-13C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
August
-13C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
September
-16C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
October
-21C
Cold, with occasional showers.
November
-24C
Cold, and mostly sunny skies.
December
-27C
Cold, with occasional showers.
The Manaslu Circuit is the trek the Annapurna Circuit used to be — a remote, restricted-area route that loops around the world's eighth-highest mountain through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages, crossing the dramatic Larkya La pass at over 5,100m. With strict permit requirements limiting numbers, it offers an Annapurna-style high-mountain experience with a fraction of the crowds and a much stronger sense of Tibetan Buddhist culture in its upper reaches.
Best areas to stay in Manaslu Circuit
Soti Khola
The lower starting point of the trek along the Budhi Gandaki river, set among subtropical forest and terraced farmland.
Samagaon
A high Tibetan-influenced village beneath Manaslu's south face, used for acclimatisation days and side trips to Manaslu Base Camp.
Samdo
The last major village before the Larkya La crossing, close to the Tibetan border with strong Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Larkya La Pass
The trek's high point at 5,106m, a glaciated crossing offering views of Manaslu, Himlung and the peaks of the Annapurna range.
Getting to Manaslu Circuit
✈
Flights
Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Arughat or Soti Khola to begin the trek; the exit point near Dharapani connects to the Annapurna road network back to Besisahar and Kathmandu.
⏱
From London
~6–8 hours by road from Kathmandu to the trailhead, then 14–18 days on foot.
🚕
Getting around
The route is entirely on foot via teahouses and basic lodges; a licensed guide is required for the restricted section.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Manaslu Circuit take?
Most itineraries take 14–18 days, covering the full loop from the lowlands near the Budhi Gandaki river up to the Larkya La pass (5,106m) and down towards Annapurna's trail network.
What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit?
A Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are all required, and a registered guide is mandatory for the restricted section.
When is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?
October to November and March to April offer the most stable weather for crossing Larkya La, which can be closed by snow outside these windows.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit?
Challenging — the Larkya La crossing reaches over 5,100m, requiring proper acclimatisation, and trail conditions in the upper valley can be remote with limited rescue options.
What makes Manaslu different from the Annapurna Circuit?
Far fewer trekkers due to permit restrictions, a stronger Tibetan Buddhist cultural character in villages like Samagaon and Samdo, and closer views of an 8,000m peak throughout much of the route.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Crossing Larkya La with Manaslu towering above us was one of the most remote, dramatic mountain experiences I've had — and we saw maybe a dozen other trekkers in two and a half weeks.
Oliver S. · October 2023
★★★★★
Samagaon and Samdo felt like stepping into Tibet — monasteries, prayer flags and a completely different atmosphere from the lower valley. The permit hassle is worth it for this kind of solitude.
Pema D. · November 2023
★★★★☆
Tougher than the Annapurna Circuit in terms of trail conditions and altitude, but the lack of crowds and the constant views of Manaslu made it feel like a genuine adventure rather than a tourist trail.
Marco F. · April 2024
Ready to visit Manaslu Circuit?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
