Manaslu Circuit Trek in March: Weather and Temperature
If you want to learn more about Manaslu Circuit Trek in March, you’ve just clicked the right blog. What you’ll learn in-depth in this blog is the weather and temperature in Manaslu Circuit in March. Moreover, you’ll learn about trek difficulty, permit cost, trekker crowd, and more.
Manaslu Circuit Weather in March
March, the first Spring month, marks the resumption of trekking in Nepal. Manaslu Circuit, being the best Off the beaten path trek in Nepal, welcomes peaceful trekkers. Thus, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in March gets exciting and panoramic. The snow-capped mountains, vibrant landscape, rhododendron blossom, and cheerful weather elevate your trek experience.
The most striking fact about Manaslu in March is the all-day clear weather. You’ll be able to enjoy panoramic vistas and the walk itself, supported by the pleasing weather.
Precipitation in March
March is a less humid month. Thus, there’s a faint chance of rainfall during your trek to Manaslu. There’s also a chance that you may experience occasional fleeting drizzles.
Samagaon and other regions throughout March of 2023 experienced 4 mm of rainfall. It indicates that there was almost no rainfall in March.
Snowfall in March
Manaslu Circuit Trek in March, and it snows. How beautiful does it sound?
To experience the snowfall at high altitude places, including Larke Pass, is a lifetime experience. If you trek to Manaslu in March, there’s a 100% probability that you’ll get to enjoy the snowfall.
Today, as of March 2, 2024, there’s ongoing snowfall in Manaslu region. Sama Gaon recorded a 30 cm snow deposit on a single day today. Also, till mid-March, it’ll snow in Manaslu and other high-altitude places in Nepal.
Statistically, Samagaun recorded 80 cm of snowfall in total in March 2023. And throughout March 2024, the snow deposit will be over 100 cm.
Be extra cautious and carry premium trek gear for a safe walk down if you’re trekking to Manaslu Circuit in March. It’d be better to bring waterproof trekking boots and ice spikes (crampons). It’ll be handy while crossing snowy and icy Larke La. Moreover, a poncho or a raincoat with a rain cover for a backpack is a must if you’re trekking in March.
Crisp weather in March
The weather in March remains stable with maximum visibility. Hence, while on Manaslu Circuit Trek in March, you’ll get all-day-long viewing pleasure of beautiful panoramas.
The most striking, Mt. Manaslu, stands tall, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. On your acclimatization stop at Sama Gaon, it’ll be best to hike to Manaslu Base Camp. With clear weather, you’ll behold an exciting panorama of Mansiri mountain range, Birendra Lake, and Sama Gaon village.
Moreover, the stable weather in March favors trekkers while crossing Larke La. With crampons on, mountains in sight, and wholesome adventure, you’ll rejoice in the clear weather of the month.
Manaslu Circuit Temperature in March
While writing this temperature section, on 2nd March 2024, there is ongoing snowfall in the Manaslu region. Also, the lower places are experiencing drizzles. Hence, with snowfall, there’s been a significant drop in temperature.
Samagaon, a close settlement to Manaslu Base Camp, where you’ll acclimate for a day, has a daytime temperature of -8˚C. At night, this temperature drops to -16˚C. Bimthang, another high-altitude region in the Manaslu region, is also experiencing snowfall now. The maximum daytime temperature was -4˚C and the lowest expected was -12˚C.
However, with no snowfall, the daytime temperature in higher regions like Sama Gaon and Bimthang averages around 2-3˚C. Likewise, the nighttime temperature averages around -8˚C.
With less snowfall past mid-March, the temperature on Manaslu Circuit Trek starts getting warmer.
The lower regions, Soti Khola and Machha Khola, however, remain warmer in March. The average daytime temperature averages 25˚C. Also, the nighttime temperature at lower regions in Manaslu Circuit averages around 13˚C.
Location |
Altitude | Avg. Daytime Temperature |
Avg. Nighttime Temperature |
Sama Gaon | 3,691 meters | 2-3˚C |
-8˚C |
Bimthang |
3,890 meters | 4˚C | -6˚C |
Soti Khola | 730 meters | 24˚C |
13˚C |
Trekking gears for Manaslu Circuit Trek in March: Brief overview
You must bring proper trekking gear if you’re about to trek to Manaslu Circuit in March. Mentioning trekking gear, you must pack some premium gear like a down jacket, ice spikes, trekking pole, sleeping bag, and more. The primary reason for bringing premium trek gear is that March is a cold month with snowfall till mid-month. Due to snowfall, you’ll experience cold during the day and freezing temperatures during the night.
For comfortable day treks and warm overnights, you need to have at least the following trek gear.
Upper Body
- Thermals for layering and quick-drying t-shirts.
- Windproof and waterproof GoreTx pullovers
- Woolen gloves, beanie, neck buff, face mask, and a cap.
- Down jacket (up to -10˚C)
Lower Body
- Sweat absorbing underwears
- One waterproof trekking pants, a few regular trekking pants
- Thermal for the lower body, more like trousers.
- Woolen socks and ankle warmers
- Waterproof trekking boot
- Ice spike (Crampons)
Other accessories
- Sleeping bag (up to -15˚C)
- Thermos for hot water
Please note that these are the most essential trekking gear you’ll need while trekking to Manaslu in March. However, for a complete backpacking idea, you can read our Ultimate Backpacking Items for trekking in Nepal.
Manaslu in March: Absolute Crowd-free
It hasn’t been long since Manaslu Circuit Trek became the next ultimate trekking in Nepal. Once an off-beat path trek, which still is to some extent, is now more explored than ever before. In 2023, Manaslu Circuit saw the rapid flow of trekkers.
Not many trekkers trek to Manaslu in March. For various reasons, the trekker’s flow starts in April. Hence, March is the ideal time for those who love to trek with almost no trekker en route. If you love snow, some cold, and the sheer beauty of snow-occupied mountains, you must plan Manaslu Circuit Trek in March. With almost no trekker, you’ll experience yourself immersed in serene nature, ethnicity, and a wholesome adventure.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost in March
There are two special permits you’ll need before trekking in the Manaslu region. One is the Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit. Another permit is the Manaslu Restricted Area Project permit.
The cost of conservation area permits(MCAP) remains the same throughout the year. For foreign nationals, this permit costs Rs. 3000 (equivalent to USD 30). However, in Spring the restricted area permit (MRAP) costs Rs. 7,500 (equivalent to USD 750) which otherwise costs Rs. 10000 (when trekked from September-November).
Permit | Cost |
Validity |
MCAP |
Rs. 3000 (USD 30) |
One year upon purchase date |
MRAP |
Rs. 7500 (USD 750) |
7 days in restricted area |
You can learn more about Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, cost, and validity here.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty in March
Manaslu Circuit Trek distance is 110 miles long. Considering this whooping distance, it’s among the lengthiest trek in Nepal. Moreover, you’ll cross a 5,106-meter-high Larkya La, the highest you’ll reach on this trek. Hence, for novice trekkers, Manaslu is always a challenging trek.
In March, Larkya La gets blanketed by snow, making it difficult to traverse for trekkers. Moreover, the trek from Dharamshala to Larkya and Bimthang on a snowy trail in a day tires trekkers a lot. Not to mention, the snow adds extra difficulty.
The serene walk along the terrace and beautiful landscapes favors a day-long trek. Also, if you prepare yourself physically and technically, you’ll be able to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek in March comfortably.
Have plans for Manaslu Circuit Trek in March?
We are a Nepal government-registered trekking agency in Nepal. For Spring 2024, we have exciting trek packages, including Manaslu region. Send us a message if you want to trek to Manaslu Circuit in March with our fantastic trek guides.
You can write us at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com or message us at +9779818553880 (WhatsApp).