After recent events, Nepal is back to normal and ready to share its cultural and natural wonders with you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek In May

Manaslu Circuit Trek in May

Manaslu Circuit trek in May is the best month to plan the journey to the popular restricted region of Manaslu. It provides you with a great experience of the stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek lets you enjoy the calm and peace of nature. May occurs at the spring’s end, providing the perfect weather and temperature. Many visitors prefer to trek in May as this month is peaceful and there is less crowd. Spring brings colorful rhododendron blooms and green forests, creating a peaceful environment.

May is the warmest and driest month, with perfect weather and clear skies. It is also the month of longer hours of sunshine, which allows you to enjoy scenic landscapes and remote villages. The Manaslu Circuit trek in May offers the best view of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu, and other surrounding peaks like Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

Why Choose May for Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

Perfect Weather

Perfect Weather At Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek in May offers pleasant weather with clear skies that offer majestic views of the snow-capped mountains. May is the best time to start the trek, as it provides you with more hours of sunlight. The warm and stable weather makes it easy for the trekkers to ascend during the day. May offers the perfect weather with a temperature of 15°C to 20°C, but the temperature drops in the morning and night.

Clear Mountain Views

May offers pleasant weather with clear skies, no clouds, and haze, which allows you to witness clear mountain views of the tallest mountains. In the pre-monsoon season, the skies are clear, giving you panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Cheo Himal, Naike Peak, Shringri Himal, Larke Peak, and the Boudha ranges. It is great for taking photos of the mountains and beautiful landscapes.

Less Crowded 

May is less crowded than the other months of peak season or spring season. The route is quieter than other popular trekking routes. It is the most peaceful trekking experience where you can immerse yourself in nature and local culture. No more people are in the tea houses, so you don’t have to worry about the limited accommodation. You can have better interaction with local people.

Accessibility of Larkya La Pass

Larkya La Pass(5,106m) is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas and the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Reaching the Larkya La Pass is very challenging, but it is more accessible in May. Stable weather makes crossing easy and safe, and there are fewer snowfalls than in the winter, reducing the risk of blocking the path.

Longer Daylight hours

Manaslu Circuit in May offers longer daylight hours as it falls between the post-winter and pre-monsoon seasons. There is early sunrise and late sunset, so you can get sunshine all day and extend trekking hours. There will be more time to explore the small, beautiful villages and monasteries. You can enjoy the beauty of nature without rushing the time.

The weather in the Manaslu Region in May

May has the most favorable weather conditions in the Manaslu region. It offers a stable and mild temperature with clear skies. There will occasionally be clouds, but the skies will mostly be clear. You can see snow-capped peaks and stunning landscapes in the Manaslu region. The sunshine lasts 6 to 8 hours daily, keeping trekkers warm all day.

May has light to moderate winds in the lower region of Manasalu but slightly stronger winds near the higher altitude of Larkya La Pass. It is a dry month that offers good trekking trails, making it easier for trekkers to walk. As May falls in the pre-monsoon season, rainfall can occur in the lower region of Manaslu, and snowfall at the higher altitude ranges at the end of the month.

The temperature is warm in the lower area and cold in the higher region, which is manageable. May offers the perfect weather for trekking in the Manaslu region; you can enjoy the trek comfortably.

Temperature of Manaslu Region in May 

The temperature of the Manaslu region in May is warm during the day and slightly colder at night. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C per day in lower altitudes ranging from 700m to 1500m. At night, the temperature drops to 8°C to 12°C. In the mild altitude area(2500m to 3000m), the average daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the temperature drops from 2°C to 8°C at night. At the higher altitude(4000m-5106m), the temperature is freezing cold where the daytime temperature is -2°C to -10°C and drops to -10°C to -5°C at night.

Here is the temperature table of the area the Manaslu faces at key points in the region.

S.NLocation ElevationMin Temp (Day/Night)Max Temp (Day/Night)
1Soti Khola730m20°C/10°C  25°C/12°C
2Jagat1340m18°C/8°C22°C/10°C
3Namrung2660m12°C/4°C18°C/8°C
4Larkya La Pass5106m-2°C/10°C5°C/-5°C
5Bhimthang3720m10°C/15°C0°C/5°C

Is it hard to trek to Manaslu Circuit in May? 

No, it is not that hard to trek to Manaslu Circuit in May. Though this time is one of the favorable months for trekking in the Manaslu Circuit, some factors make it challenging to trek in the Manaslu region. One of the major challenges most trekkers find is crossing the trek’s highest point, which is Larkya La Pass at 5106m. Thus, this makes it difficult for those who do not have a good fitness level.

 Not only physically, but you have to face the mental challenges that make the trek difficult. You must walk daily on a rugged trail for over 6-8 hours. You have to ascend steeply in the remote area. One is likely to have altitude sickness above 3000m from the sea level. Generally, the temperature is warm in the day but slightly cold in the night and morning, and it is freezing cold at the higher altitude of the trek.

Necessary Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek while trekking in May 

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in May gives a memorable experience with breathtaking views of the highest mountains and stable weather. The journey is pretty challenging for beginners. Here are some necessary tips for the Manaslu Circuit trek while trekking in May to help you prepare:

  • Practice some physical exercises and build your fitness level
  • Stay motivated for challenging trekking days
  • Pack layered clothes like thermal, inside fleece clothes, waterproof jackets, Down jackets, etc.
  • Hire guides and porters
  • carry the first aid kit, trekking footwear, and necessary gear
  • Slow your pace to prevent fatigue
  • Take proper rest at the acclimatization stop 
  • Stay hydrated and consume high-energy foods
  • Get updated about the weather conditions of the trails before heading up
  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Carry the local SIM for emergency communication. 

What will you experience during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in May?

During the Manaslu Circuit trek in May, you can expect stunning views of snow-capped mountains, landscapes covered with dense forest, rocky trails, and glacier paths. You will encounter the local culture, witness rare flora and fauna, and experience crossing the adventure Larkye La Pass. Here’s what you will experience in detail:

Snow-capped mountain views

One of the significant things you will experience during the Manaslu trek in May is witnessing the perfect view of snow-capped mountains because May offers clear skies during the month. This includes the world’s eighth-tallest mountain, Mount Manaslu. The trek also offers panoramic views of other mountains, including Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna ranges. The trail of the Manaslu circuit takes you to scenic landscapes, glaciers, and rocky terrains, where you can enjoy nature with perfect weather in May. 

Larkya La Pass adventure

Larkya La Pass

May is the best time to trek the Manaslu circuit, which provides favorable weather conditions for crossing the Larkya La pass, the longest pass in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is one of the challenging highlights of the Manaslu circuit trek, giving you a thrilling lifetime experience. May is the right month for the Manaslu trek, where there is a low possibility of snowfall, which reduces the possibility of blocking the path, making it easier to reach the Larkya La Pass.

Cultural Immersion

You get to encounter the warm hospitality of the Tibetan-influenced communities of the Manaslu region. Enjoy the Gurung people’s local foods, unique traditions, and culture. May offers sunny days with long daylight hours to explore remote villages like Samagaun and Namrung. You may also experience the major festivals and events of the local people and be a part of their celebrations. Manaslu circuit trail allows you to visit ancient monasteries like Ribung Gompa and Pungyen Gompa.

Witness the Flora and Fauna

Spring is the best time to trek Manaslu, from March to May, when you can witness the blooming rhododendrons and green forests. You will hike through the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you can see rare flora and fauna. May is the ideal month for seeing wildlife like Himalayan Thar, snow leopards, pika, eagles, etc., which is the beauty of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek in May different from other treks?

Manaslu Circuit trek in May makes the best out of popular trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek. May is the peak trekking season, but it also makes the route peaceful and solitary, unlike Nepal’s busy EBC or Annapurna Treks. You can have the best cultural immersion in the local culture in May when locals are more active on warmer days. You can experience the authentic rural village life.

Trekking in May provides dry and good trails, making walking more comfortable and safer. The stable weather conditions in May provide the best unobstructed views of the snow-capped mountains. This protected area is restricted, and you need a permit to make your trek. Trekking in May in this protected area ensures a less-crowded adventure than the other popular treks, making the Manaslu Circuit Trek different from other Treks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, May is the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek, which offers the best weather and temperature to explore the Manaslu region. One should begin the trek in May because the pleasant weather and open views of the snow-capped mountains, including Mount Manaslu, make the journey comfortable and safer. 

The route is less crowded in May, and the Manaslu region receives longer hours of sunshine, where you can explore the natural beauty, culture, and local foods. May is the ideal time for the Manaslu circuit trek, so consider visiting the Manaslu region in May.

Dibesh Pudasaini
Our trekking guide, Mr. Pudasaini is a licensed trekking guide who looks out for the best experience of our trekkers and is also responsible for their safe journey. He is also was born in Gorkha district of Nepal. He helps trekkers in decision-making when it’s tough in the places with high altitude. Although he has 9 years of guiding experience, he’s been a part of our team since 2015. Mr. Pudasaini has been guiding treks around places like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek & Upper Mustang. He is an active team member with a lot of stories to share about The Himalayas.