Best time to trek Manaslu, Kanchanjunga and Makalu: autumn or spring?
Written by our trekking team
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, 26 Mar 2023.
The short version
All three treks run in the same two windows: September–November and March–May. Autumn's the most popular and most reliable for the high passes; spring brings rhododendron blooms and slightly warmer nights.
Manaslu, Kanchanjunga and Makalu all share the same two seasons, so the real choice comes down to what you want to see and how you handle cold nights.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is the most popular window, and for good reason. Post-monsoon skies are clear, temperatures are cold but stable above 3,500m, and the Larkya La on Manaslu is at its most reliably crossable. If you want the best odds on pass day, this is your season.
Spring: March to May
Spring brings rhododendron blooms through the lower forested sections and similarly stable weather, with slightly warmer nights than autumn. If you'd rather walk the forest stretches in flower than chase the most predictable pass conditions, this is your season.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Clear post-monsoon skies. Cold but stable above 3,500m. Most popular. |
| Spring | Mar–May | Rhododendron blooms in the lower forest. Stable weather. Slightly warmer nights. |
The permit windows matter as much as the weather
The Nepal government only issues Restricted Area Permits within set seasonal windows, so booking outside the two seasons above generally isn't possible, whatever the weather's doing. Since the government sets these dates, they can shift a little, so it's worth confirming yours with us before you book flights.
Pack for the season
- A sleeping bag rated to at least −15°C for the higher nights.
- Gaiters if you're trekking near the shoulder of either season, since early or late snow near the pass is possible.
- UV-protective sunglasses for pass day. Glacier-rated ones are worth the extra cost.
Ready to pick a route? Compare them in Manaslu vs Makalu vs Kanchanjunga: which is right for you? or go straight to a trek page: Manaslu, Kanchanjunga or Makalu.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to trek Manaslu?
September to November, or March to May. Autumn is the most popular window and the most reliable for the Larkya La; spring brings rhododendron blooms to the lower forest.
Do Kanchanjunga and Makalu share the same seasons?
Yes, all three treks run in the same two windows: September to November and March to May.
Can I trek these routes in the monsoon or winter?
Usually not. The Nepal government only issues Restricted Area Permits within set seasonal windows, so booking outside the two seasons above generally isn't possible, whatever the weather's doing.
Is autumn or spring better?
Autumn gets you the clearest post-monsoon skies and the most stable conditions above 3,500m. Spring brings slightly warmer nights and rhododendron blooms. Both are good choices.