Manaslu Circuit Trek in November

Manaslu Circuit Trek in November can be an exciting adventure in the Himalayas. Ideal weather conditions throughout the month, rain-free days, fewer trekkers on the route, and the picturesque panorama of mountains in Manaslu are why you must trek to Manaslu in November. The only downside of trekking in November is the decrease in nighttime temperature. But, with warm body wear and a sleeping bag, you’ll feel warm and cozy all night.

The best thing to do is to know Manaslu Circuit Weather and Temperature in November before planning the trek. The weather and temperature remain stable during this month. However, if the weather changes, like in Autumn 2022, you may need many preparations beforehand.

In particular, you should take care of certain things while planning Manaslu Trek in November. From hiring a local agency and trek guides to carrying ice spikes and sleeping bags, you should prepare well. Also, you should pack essential trek gear and body wear for Manaslu’s freezing nighttime and cold daytime temperature.

Manaslu Circuit Weather in November

The best weather on Manaslu Circuit Trek in November can elevate your off-beat trek experience. You’ll have acceptable hiking conditions and an opportunity to gaze at the unobstructed mountain panorama, including the world’s eighth-highest, Mt. Manaslu.

The days in Manaslu Circuit in November are cold, and nights are freezing. Also, the cold and dry air can make your skin dry.

Instead of sweating like in other warmer months, in November, your body heat while hiking balances the cold, dry air outside your jacket. Thus, with proper body layering, you’ll feel warmth while walking.

Manaslu Circuit Temperature in November

As the days remain drier and colder, the daytime temperature at Manaslu Circuit in November decreases. The places like Sama Gaun and Samdo experience a daytime temperature of 4-5 °C during daytime. Moreover, the nighttime temperature at these places falls below freezing, around -12 to -14 °C.

While crossing Larke Pass on a given day in November, you’ll feel cold. As the temperature falls around -1 to -2°C at this place, your fingers, nose, and ear often experience numbness from the cold.

Bimthang remains warmer, with a daytime temperature of 8-10°C. Also, the nighttime temperature here averages -1 to -2°C.

The low-altitude seated places like Dharapani, Soti Khola, and Jagat remain warmer with a daytime temperature of 20°C.

Rainfall in Manaslu Circuit in November

November days are drier and colder in Manaslu. It is the last Autumn month before three freezing winter months, from December to February.

With little humidity, it barely rains in November. But, it’s always to carry a poncho or raincoat in the backpack to stay dry.

The lower regions often experience the November rain. With this rain, the temperature decreases to some extent. However, the upper parts experienced faint to heavy snowfall during this month.

However, if it rains by the time you start this trek in November, you’ll experience the slippery trails. And with a few days of continuous rain in November, you’ll hike past some landslides.

But, in most cases, it barely rains for days in the Manaslu region in November.

Crowd-free Manaslu in November

November is among the silent month in Manaslu Circuit as it sees very few trekkers scaling the route. Most trekkers prefer October to hike here, so the only peaceful hikers are left for November.

The primary reason for decreased number of trekkers is November’s cold and dry weather conditions. As higher regions’ temperatures fall below freezing, below -15 to -20°C, it becomes challenging to hike and sleep.

Having said this, you’ll be with others while hiking. But comparatively, the number of trekkers decreases to some extent than in September and October.

Benefits of crowd-free Manaslu Trek route in November

There are several benefits of trekking to Manaslu in November.

Empty tea houses

In November, as not much trekker hike here, the tea houses en route remain relatively empty. Unlike September and October, finding a decent room at the tea house won’t be an issue. Plus, you can ask for any number of blankets for overnight sleep.

Peaceful trails

Trekking with a few trekkers is more peaceful than hiking in a group. With very few trekkers in November, you can have a gentle hike throughout this trek. It’ll be you, your trek guide, your trek porter, another trekker in the group, and mother nature.

You’ll enjoy the chirps of birds, rushing rivers, dancing waterfalls, and aeolian tones. If you hike here in early November, you may encounter some people returning from the Mt. Manaslu expedition.

Risk-free

With no rain, there’s no risk in Manaslu Circuit. Being known for dangerous landslides and hiking through deep valleys for several days, Manalsu, when it rains, is a nightmare.

But, with rain-free days in November, you’ll be safe on the trail. Also, the water volume on rivers and mini streams decreased in November. So, you don’t need to take off your trekking boots while crossing such streams.

Ultimate panorama throughout Manaslu Circuit

Deep valleys, forests, towering hills, mountains, and high passes on Manaslu are always elegant. However, your viewing experience can be exquisite with pitch-perfect weather in November.

As Mt. Manaslu is the focal attraction of this trek, Larke Pass, Larke Lake, Birendra Lake, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna massifs are aesthetically on par. For a better viewing experience, you can also hike to Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaun. But, it gets windy past mid-day. However, the beautiful view of Sama Gaun and Birendra Lake from Manaslu Base Camp is worth the hike.

On a clear weather day in November, you’ll get the best glimpse of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Moreover, while hiking down from Larke Pass to Bimthang, you’ll see the humungous glacier, icefalls, and Ponkar Lake.

Essential gears to carry for Manaslu Circuit Trek in November

One thing is unavoidable in November while trekking in Manaslu Circuit. It’s cold and dry days and freezing nights. Plus, the wind can catch up some decent speed past midday.

Apart from regular trekking gear, there are a few essential gears you should carry, especially while trekking in November. A sleeping bag up to -20 °C is necessary gear for your backpack. Another essential gear is a decent down jacket, particularly for early morning, evening, and night.

Another essential but not mandatory gear is ice spikes. The occasional snowfall during November can make the trail slippery. Past Larke Pass, hiking down to Bimthang is an almost steep descent. And if it snows, walking without ice spikes (crampons) will become almost impossible.

Don’t shower at higher altitude places

One thing you shouldn’t do at tea houses at higher altitudes is shower. Even though you’ll get hot showers at most tea houses, you’ll get cold for the rest of the trek. The most common issue you’ll carry is the repeated cough all day.

It makes it very difficult while hiking. You’ll have trouble breathing with faint oxygen at higher altitudes while coughing repeatedly. Thus, we don’t recommend you take hot showers once you cross 3,500 meters altitude. It means that you can take a shower till Lho or Sama Gaun.