October and November are the best months for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026/27, with spring as a lower-cost second option. See the full month-by-month conditions, seasonal permit fees, and when to avoid the route.
October and November are the best months for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026/27. The post-monsoon window delivers stable weather, clear mountain views of Manaslu (8,163m), and dry trail conditions on the Larkya La approach at 5,106m. Spring (March to May) is the second best window, at a lower restricted area permit rate. Avoid the monsoon (June to September) and winter (December to February) unless you have significant cold-weather trekking experience.
October and November are the best months for the Manaslu Circuit in 2026/27. The post-monsoon window delivers stable weather, clear mountain views of Manaslu (8,163m), and dry trail conditions on the Larkya La approach at 5,106m. Spring (March to May) is the second best window. Everything else involves trade-offs worth understanding before you book.
One factor most seasonal guides do not mention: the Manaslu restricted area permit fee changes seasonally. The best trekking conditions (October to November) coincide with the higher permit rate (USD 100 per week). Spring offers nearly comparable conditions for less – USD 75 per week from December to August.
| Month | Rating | Trail Conditions | Permit Rate | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | Snow on Larkya La. Closure risk. | USD 75/week | Not recommended |
| February | Poor to fair | Improving. Cold. Snow risk on pass. | USD 75/week | Experienced cold-weather trekkers only |
| March | Good | Rhododendrons blooming lower trail. Pass open mid-month. | USD 75/week | Good budget option |
| April | Very good | Warm lower trail. Clear skies. Reliable. | USD 75/week | Best spring month |
| May (early) | Good | Afternoon cloud builds. Humidity rising. | USD 75/week | Complete by May 15 |
| June | Not recommended | Rain. Lower Budhi Gandaki hazardous. | USD 75/week | Avoid |
| July | Not recommended | Heavy rain. Landslide risk. | USD 75/week | Avoid |
| August | Not recommended | Same as July. | USD 75/week | Avoid |
| September | Poor to fair | Clearing late month. Trail muddy lower section. | USD 100/week | Late September with caution only |
| October | Best | Dry, stable, clear. Larkya La optimal. | USD 100/week | Book 3 to 4 months ahead |
| November (early) | Excellent | Clear skies. Cold above 4,000m. | USD 100/week | Excellent – fewer trekkers than October |
| November (late) | Cautious | Snow risk on Larkya La after the 15th. | USD 100/week | Confirm conditions before departing |
| December | Poor | Snow risk on pass. Very cold nights. | USD 75/week | Not recommended |
The monsoon ends in late September and leaves the Himalayan atmosphere exceptionally clear. In October, Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), and the surrounding massif are visible for most of the trek. The Larkya La crossing in October is the most reliable window of the year – the pass is dry, the approach is firm, and departure conditions before dawn are cold but stable.
Early November matches October for quality with fewer trekkers on the trail. From the 15th of November onwards, snow risk on the Larkya La increases and overnight temperatures at Dharamsala (4,460m) can reach minus 15 degrees Celsius. A sleeping bag rated to at least minus 15 degrees is essential for all November departures.
Spring offers near-equivalent mountain visibility at a lower permit rate. The lower Budhi Gandaki approach in March and April carries rhododendron bloom that the autumn season does not – vivid colour on the forested sections between Machhakhola and Namrung. April is the best spring month: open pass, clear skies, warm on the lower trail.
May is viable in the first two weeks. Pre-monsoon conditions build from mid-May: afternoon cloud reduces summit visibility above Samagaon and humidity increases on the lower approach. Complete the trek with Larkya La crossed before May 15 on a May departure.
| Permit | Peak Season (Sep–Nov) | Off-Peak (Dec–Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 100 per person per week | USD 75 per person per week |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,390 (~USD 25) – flat rate | NPR 3,390 (~USD 25) – flat rate |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) – flat rate | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) – flat rate |
| Total (approx, 12-day trek, 2 weeks RAP) | ~USD 240 per person | ~USD 190 per person |
All permits are included in the Trekking Guide Team Adventure package and arranged before your departure. The seasonal difference in the restricted area permit is approximately USD 50 per person on a 12-day trek.
For a full permit breakdown across all Nepal routes, see the Nepal Trekking Permits 2026/27 guide.
The lower Budhi Gandaki approach between Jagat and Deng is prone to landslides in sustained monsoon rain. Mountain visibility above Samagaon is near-zero on most days. The primary reason to do the Manaslu Circuit – views of the Manaslu massif – is largely inaccessible during monsoon. Avoid June through mid-September.
The Larkya La carries meaningful snow risk from mid-December and periods of closure in January to February. Overnight temperatures at Dharamsala (Larkya La base camp, 4,460m) reach minus 20 to minus 25 degrees Celsius in January. Winter Manaslu is possible only for experienced cold-weather trekkers with appropriate gear and flexibility around the pass crossing.
See the full 12-day and 15-day itineraries and 2026/27 departure dates at Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 Days. For the combined 20-day route connecting Manaslu to the Annapurna Circuit, see the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
October. Post-monsoon skies are at their clearest, the Larkya La (5,106m) is reliably snow-free, and mountain visibility is at its annual peak. Early November is equally strong with fewer trekkers. Both months operate on the higher permit rate (USD 100/week). Book 3 to 4 months ahead for October departures.
Yes. The restricted area permit is USD 75 per person per week from December to August, versus USD 100 per week from September to November. On a 12-day trek requiring approximately two weeks of permit, the spring saving is around USD 50 per person. April offers near-October quality conditions at the lower rate.
Only with significant cold-weather trekking experience. The Larkya La carries closure risk from mid-December and temperatures at Dharamsala reach minus 20 to minus 25 degrees Celsius in January. Not recommended as a standard guided trek itinerary.
Year-round, the Manaslu Circuit is the least crowded major Nepal circuit – approximately 10,000 trekkers annually versus 60,000-plus on EBC. Within the year, early November and April are quieter than October while maintaining good conditions.
