Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

If you want to start the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter, read this blog for the preparation guide, gear, and packing list. Also explore the difficulty, weather, food, and accommodation of the Manaslu Circuit trek in Winter.

Nepal is a small country, but it is one of the most popular countries for tourists to experience natural beauty. You can experience the raw and pure emotions through your journey while enjoying the adventure of gathering unforgettable memories. Nepal holds many rivers, forests, and 8 of the world’s tallest mountains, including the tallest, Mount Everest, standing tall at the height of 8,848 m above sea level.

Nepal is popular for trekking to explore the hidden beauty of the Himalayan region. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and isolated trails to explore the hidden adventure with raw and natural emotions. It might not be as commercial as other trekking circuits, so you have to travel yourself to experience the natural beauty hiding inside the isolated northern land of Nepal.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is most suitable during the spring, so the place draws the biggest crowd during spring and autumn, but winter opens a completely different world and journey for adventurers. Many trekkers are afraid and assume that it is impossible, extreme, and unsafe during the winter.

But the truth is, with the right preparation and an experienced guide, your winter expedition can be the most rewarding season for trekking. The lands are covered with a thick layer of snow, which attracts the peaceful rhythm, and every step feels like it belongs to you.

This blog will explain all the challenges on the trail, the changing weather, safety on the trail, and the equipment you need for a safe journey. Since you won’t have access to the information regarding your accommodation, vehicle, weather, and meals.

The travel guide will help you get a glimpse of what you might have to face during your journey. We will help you to get the knowledge to reduce the potential risk and help you trek comfortably during your journey.

Why Manaslu in winter?

People talk about winter trekking like it is a harsh test meant for people who seek pain. That is the usual line. It is not the full story. If you do not mind cold air on your face, or if you like the sharp chill that wakes you faster than coffee, winter feels different. It feels calm. It feels personal.

Winter on the Manaslu Circuit does not feel like a grand adventure. It feels like you walked into a quiet picture that no one finished. Snow sits on the hills in a thin layer. It makes the landscape look clean and simple. The mountain covers itself with the light dusting of snow, making the entire environment pleasing. The rays of the sun reflect the mountain, creating a breathtaking beauty that consumes all the thought forms in your brain.

Many people choose winter to avoid the autumn and spring crowds to enjoy the journey in peace while exploring the landscape transformed by snow. To experience the wild and raw adventure of the Himalayan region. Pass through a quiet and peaceful village to explore the culture and tradition to the fullest. Most trekkers force themselves to be calm and controlled in challenging environments.

Trekkers go through the harsh journey in winter, which offers them the clearest view of the sky and the mountain, which is perfect for taking photographs to capture the unexpected views and sceneries. A journey with a strange mix of soft and hard drinks at the same time.

Understanding the Manaslu region and its trekking difficulties

A trek along the Manaslu Circuit not only has destination points but also offers you the ability to circle around Mount Manaslu, an incredible sight of the eighth-tallest mountain in the world at the height of 8,163 m. The most isolated journey due to the rules of the government to preserve its beauty. Manaslu Conservation Area protects the wildlife, Buddhist culture, and the trails for unexpected journeys.

The Manaslu Circuit is known for its remote terrain with less population and bad infrastructure. You need special equipment and a proper guide to access its beautiful journey. Restricted area with strict rules and regulations to avoid any casualties to its natural beauty. A place influenced by Tibetan culture with diverse climate zones.

It is not as popular as the Everest and Annapurna regions, but because of its unique character and unnamed adventure, it attracts trekkers and tourists. The trails are rougher, and there is low tourism compared to other commercialized places, which makes the journey comfortable and peaceful. In winter, all of these elements become sharper and create a different perspective for admiring their beauty.

Weather during winter in the Manaslu Region

From September to November, the trekking season starts; during spring and autumn, the places are more crowded and chaotic. But as the winter stretches from December to February, the temperature starts to fall and can reach -20°C or below, which makes the trails more peaceful, which is better to enjoy every step of your journey.

You can feel the chill and cold air rushing towards you and crystal clear skies. You will even have the opportunity to see the snowfall, which might occur anytime. Trekkers have to climb the intense high altitude during the cold and keep a good pace because of shorter days and longer nights.

Despite the cold weather, it is surprisingly stable compared to the monsoon or early spring. But trekkers fear the heavy snowfall, which might create problems during their journey and be the main reason for casualties.

How Hard is the trek in the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter?

As winter starts, the temperature starts to fall constantly throughout your journey. Your rooms will be colder, reaching near the freezing point. You can even expect to cover the trails with snow, which costs more energy to take each step and makes your walking slower and tiring.

Due to shorter daylight, trekkers have to start their journey early to cover the planned distance. Due to their difficulty, the trails are more peaceful, but it also means fewer people to observe the trails’ condition ahead.

Winter makes crossing Larkya La Pass more demanding due to snow, cold wind, and low information. Winter does not make the trails dangerous, but you have to be stronger physically and mentally to tackle the problems ahead of you.

If you have experienced Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp, you will be able to handle the high-altitude routes comfortably with the proper instruction from your travel guide.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Trails Conditions During Winter

Manaslu has diverse climate zones, and winter affects each of them differently. Lower elevations have dry trails and dusty sections. Even the morning frost might occur due to a sudden drop in temperature. The flow of the river is lower and slower than in the monsoon due to freezing temperatures.

Meanwhile, you can expect to see snowfall from around Deng, which is the middle elevation of your journey. The occurrence of icy patches in the morning, where we can feel the slippery trails and stones covered in snow. But the sun will melt the snow during midday.

From 3,300 to 4,900 m, you will notice the heavy frost on the ground due to the increase in altitude. When you start to notice heavy frosted ground and bridges covered in snow. You can assume you have reached the high elevation of your journey. Strong winds and the temperature drop sharply after sunset. Making the trekkers face the unexpected weather changes.

After reaching near the Larkya La Pass, the areas are covered with a thick layer of snow, enough to cover your knees inside it. Slippery inclines, frozen lakes, and exposed ridges make this the most difficult part of your entire journey.

Accommodation and Food Options During Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

Everyone has the misconception due to unauthorized rumors that everything is closed during the winter, but that is not entirely true. Tea houses are open up to Dharmasala. You might notice fewer lodges, but you will find enough room to make your stay comfortable.

Due to low temperatures, dining rooms are heated with a fire stove to keep you warm and make sure you can rest peacefully. They will provide you with a hot shower and enough electricity to keep your fatigue away and prepare you for the next day’s journey.

You will find the common food and menu remain similar to peak season. You will not find fancy dining, but you will be able to taste the traditional way of the people living in the mountains. Foods like Dal Bhat, boiled and fried potatoes, eggs, tea, coffee, Tibetan bread, soups, and hot water. These are more than enough to keep you energetic and make good decisions for your entire journey.

Winter Gear for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Compared to other seasons, winter requires enhanced gear that is especially made to keep you warm through your journey. You should always purchase a thermal base layer set and a fleece jacket to keep you warm. Insulated down jackets are heavy, but they are important to keep you protected from heavy winds.

Trekking pants and thermal inner wear to keep the lower part of your body warm and comfortable. A warm hat, wool socks, and insulated trekking boots with microspikes are mandatory to travel the slippery trails.

During the night, the temperature can fall to -20°C, so you need to purchase a sleeping bag that can keep you warm even during harsh weather changes and an additional small blanket as backup if the temperature keeps dropping. You will face dryness, and heavy wind can affect your vision, so make sure you carry the moisturizer and sunscreen.

You can even carry lip balm for your dry lips and gloves to keep your hands warm. Make sure you carry a headlamp because of short days, a reusable hot water bottle, and a waterproof backpack cover to make your winter trek smoother.

Daily Itinerary for a Winter Manaslu Trek

The routes you are going to travel are going to be the same, but the difficulty is different due to weather changes. On day 1, you will drive to Machha Khola, a bumpy ride but filled with beauty. The nights are warmer in winter compared to higher settlements.

On day 2, you will travel to Jagat, reaching 1,340 m above sea level, but the trails remain clear of snow.

On day 3, you will reach Deng. Now you will start to notice more cold mornings, and snow starts to appear above 1,800 m.

On day 4, you will reach Namrung, the most beautiful part of the journey, where the prettiest forest with frozen leaves on trees makes the view even more magical.

On day 6, you will reach Samagaun; the trails feel wide and airy, even at a height above 3,500 m. Finally, you will take a day break in Samagaun to rest and will do a short trip to Birendra Lake.

On day 8, you will travel to Samdo, a short but windy section where you will notice snowflakes drift across the valleys. And on the next day, you will stay at Samdo to explore the Tibetan viewpoints.

On day 10, you will start your journey to reach the height of 4,460 m in Dharmasala, a very cold area with limited tea houses, but enough for winter trekkers.

On day 11, you will finally reach your destination, crossing Larkya La Pass at the height of 5,160 m, the toughest and most beautiful day of the journey of your entire adventure.

On day 12, you will gradually descend up to 1,860 m, reaching Dharapani from Bimthang. You will notice snow disappears as you drop altitude. And finally, on the last 2 days of your journey, you will reach Kathmandu, depending on road conditions.

Challenges to cross the Larkya La Pass in winter

The toughest and most highlighted part of the trek during winter, due to the shorter days, you will wake up at 4 am, prepare your gear, and start the climb at 5 am. The strong wind and temperatures drop below -15°C.

You will travel the trails filled with thick snow, enough to cover your knees after storms. You will have no problem with visibility, and your eyes are protected by goggles that avoid direct contact with the cold wind with your eyes.

It is the most important and dangerous part of your journey, so you have to follow your guide’s instructions properly while crossing the trails. Start early so you can travel a greater distance and have time to rest for a few minutes. Drink hot water before starting your journey and keep yourself warm throughout the journey.

Use sunglasses to prevent snow blindness. Make sure to keep your pace steady and slow; don’t rush through the trails. Guides will check the wind conditions and snow thickness, giving you an update about the difficulties you might face ahead. They are experts at predicting the conditions of the journey, so make sure to keep listening to your guide’s orders.

Altitude Sickness During Winter in the Manaslu Region

During your journey, you will reach above 5,000 m above sea level. So it is common to face major issues like breathing problems because of low oxygen. The route gains height faster and steadily, so most of the trekkers face dizziness because of high air pressure.

Altitude sickness issues do not disappear in winter; in fact, the cold makes things more complicated. Make sure to drink hot water constantly to keep your body hydrated and avoid lack of water. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which can affect your breathing problem. Make sure to take slow steps and don’t rush through slippery trails. Rest while keeping your body warm cold can make your sleeping schedule bad. Eat high-carb meals like dal bhat, which is perfect for good digestion. Winter trekking is safe with discipline and awareness.

Cost and Permits

As you know, you need many permits, like RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, and most require a traveling partner to apply for the permit. Solo travelers are not allowed to apply for permits due to high altitude and unpredictable trail conditions. But you don’t have to worry; agencies will take care of all the logistical things so you can enjoy your journey to the fullest.

Seasons do not affect the cost; the trekkers have to pay around $1200-$1800, but the group size, transportation, porter, and guide wages—these factors can affect the cost of your journey. Winter costs are slightly lower due to fewer trekkers.

Pros and Cons of  the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter

Every season has its pros and cons; here are a few pros and cons of trekking the Manaslu Circuit in Winter:

Pros

• You will get the opportunity to see the snow-covered lands and peaceful trails because of fewer trekkers. The clear view of the sky and the mountain covered with snow. Fresh and cold breeze to touch your heart. Authentic village experiences and fewer trekkers make the journey comfortable.
• Generally, there are fewer trekkers in the winter season, as it is not the peak trekking time, so you get the opportunity to communicate a lot with the locals and the teahouse owners. Learn about their daily life, traditions, and culture. The busier months don’t often provide this experience.

Cons

• You have to travel through very cold temperatures and snowy trails. The days are shorter, and you have to travel through hard trails. Due to the lower tourist season, you will find fewer tea houses. You have to carry heavy gear compared to the summer and autumn seasons.
• The nighttime temperatures in the Manaslu region decline below -20°C, which makes it extremely cold.
• Larkya La Pass, which is a very challenging section, becomes even tougher during winter because of extreme snowfall and ice.
• There is a higher risk of altitude sickness, especially trekking in the Manaslu region in the winter season. The extreme cold weather makes it critical in terms of acclimatization, so you should acclimatize properly.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Possible in Winter?

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is absolutely possible in winter, and every year, dozens of trekkers complete it with the help of locals. However, you need proper guides and a well-planned itinerary with the help of experienced guides. You can hire an experienced guide with the proper knowledge of trails and the weather conditions. You will not have any problem with food and accommodation during your journey.

Has Anyone Done the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Winter Season?

Yes, many people have done the Manaslu Circuit in the winter season, especially in late December and early January. You can check out the real sources and real traveler-reported evidence here:

Manaslu Circuit ( late dec-early jan)
byu/Soggy-Elevator1223 inNepalSocial

Manaslu Circuit (late Dec and early Jan)
byu/Soggy-Elevator1223 inhiking