Best time to trek Manaslu, Kanchanjunga and Makalu: autumn or spring?
The short version
All three treks run in the same two windows: September–November and March–May. Autumn is the most popular and the most reliable for the high passes; spring adds rhododendron blooms and slightly warmer nights.
Manaslu, Kanchanjunga and Makalu share the same two seasons. The choice between them comes down to what you want to see and how you handle cold nights.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is the most popular window. 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 your priority is the best odds on a pass day, this is the 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 would rather walk the forest stretches in flower than have the most predictable pass conditions, this is the 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 issues Restricted Area Permits only within set seasonal windows. Booking outside the two seasons above usually is not possible, whatever the weather is doing. Because the permits are issued by the government, dates can shift, so confirm yours with us before you book flights.
Pack for the season
- A sleeping bag rated to at least −15°C on the higher nights.
- Gaiters if you are crossing near the shoulder of either season: early or late snow near the pass is possible.
- UV-protective sunglasses on pass day. Glacier-rated are recommended.
Ready to pick a route? Compare them in Manaslu, Kanchanjunga or Makalu: 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 and March to May. Autumn is the most popular window and the most reliable for the Larkya La; spring adds rhododendron blooms in 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 issues Restricted Area Permits only within set seasonal windows, so booking outside the two seasons is usually not possible regardless of weather.
Is autumn or spring better?
Autumn has the clearest post-monsoon skies and the most stable conditions above 3,500m. Spring has slightly warmer nights and rhododendron blooms. Both are stable.