Manaslu Mountain
Eighth-highest Himalayan peak known for remote trekking
Manaslu, among Nepal's highest peaks, frames the Manaslu Circuit trek; visitors come for remote trekking, traditional villages and high-mountain scenery off the busiest trails.
Manaslu at a Glance#
About Manaslu#
Manaslu is an eight-thousander in west-central Nepal that attains 8,163 metres and is one of the world’s highest mountains. The peak is set within a massif of glaciers and high ridges and is an important climbing objective.
The surrounding area is known for the Manaslu Circuit, a multi-day trekking route that circumnavigates the mountain and has gained popularity as a high-altitude trek with culturally distinct villages. Climbing Manaslu requires technical skill and permits.
Manaslu sits in Gandaki Pradesh in west-central Nepal, distinct from the Everest and Annapurna regions but accessible via established trekking trails and seasonal transport routes.
- Height and trekking: Manaslu reaches 8,163 metres and is ranked among the world’s highest peaks; the surrounding region is the endpoint for the long Manaslu Circuit trek.
How to Get to Manaslu#
Typical access is from Kathmandu by road to Arughat or Soti Khola, then by jeep and foot into the Manaslu Conservation Area; long, multi-day approaches are required and guides are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Manaslu#
- Manaslu trekking requires a Restricted Area Permit; obtain permits in Kathmandu and account for local fees and required guide/crew policies.
- The Larkya La route is long and crosses high passes - factor in extra acclimatization days and plan for variable weather.
Best Time to Visit Manaslu#
Spring and autumn are the safest trekking and climbing seasons for Manaslu.
Weather & Climate near Manaslu#
Manaslu's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -29°C to -4°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -29° - -18° | -35° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 5.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Poor | -29° - -18° | -36° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 6.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.1h |
| March | Poor | -26° - -15° | -33° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 7.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -22° - -12° | -27° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 6.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| May | Poor | -18° - -9° | -24° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 8.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Poor | -14° - -5° | -20° | 0 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.8h |
| July | Poor | -11° - -5° | -16° | 98 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Poor | -11° - -5° | -15° | 89 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Poor | -14° - -7° | -19° | 47 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | -19° - -11° | -25° | 26 mm | some cloud | 77% | 6.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Poor | -25° - -15° | -29° | 4 mm | some cloud | 61% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.6h |
| December | Poor | -27° - -16° | -32° | 33 mm | some cloud | 50% | 5.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.2h |
