February in the Manaslu region brings slightly milder weather, though higher elevations remain cold and snow-covered. This month offers trekkers crystal-clear skies, allowing unobstructed views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and surrounding peaks like Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli.  

You can experience the warmth of local hospitality in villages like Namrung and Samagaun, where Tibetan-influenced communities provide insight into their heritage. February trekking offers fewer crowds, serene trails, and the beauty of snow-draped landscapes—a perfect choice for those seeking solitude amidst the Himalayas. Proper preparation is key to managing cold conditions and ensuring a rewarding adventure.

Why Trek the Manaslu Region in February?

• Secluded Trails and Teahouses

February in the Manaslu region offers peaceful trails with fewer trekkers. The quieter paths and less-crowded teahouses create an intimate experience, helping trekkers connect deeply with the untouched wilderness and the local culture.

• Stunning Mountain Vistas

Clear February skies provide spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), along with Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Ngadi Chuli. The breathtaking landscapes, accentuated by snow-capped peaks and sunlit valleys, are a visual delight.

• Snow-Covered Trails

While high-altitude routes like Larkya La Pass are still blanketed in snow, February brings slightly more stable conditions, making trails both challenging and magical. Frozen streams and pristine white landscapes create a dreamlike trekking environment.

• Cultural Immersion

The Manaslu and Tsum Valley treks allow meaningful cultural encounters with Tibetan-influenced communities. Villages like Namrung and Samagaun showcase rich traditions, serene monasteries, and authentic hospitality that leave a lasting impression.

• Photographic Opportunities

February’s crisp weather ensures vibrant panoramas of snow-clad mountains, charming villages, and serene monasteries. The interplay of light and shadow during sunrise and sunset offers incredible photo opportunities for capturing the Himalayan beauty.

Weather and Temperature in February in the Manaslu Region

February in the Manaslu region is marked by cold but slightly milder weather, with clear skies and snow-covered landscapes that showcase the Himalayas in their full glory. The pristine environment offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, and surrounding peaks, making it ideal for photography and peaceful exploration.

Snowfall remains common above 3,500 meters, particularly near Larkya La Pass, where trails can be challenging and require proper gear like crampons for safe navigation. Lower elevations, such as villages like Machha Khola and Jagat, are cold but accessible, with mornings and evenings still frosty.

Quick Overview of February Temperatures

February offers cold weather with slightly milder winter temperatures, accompanied by clear skies and snow-covered trails at higher elevations. The crisp air highlights the region’s stunning Himalayan landscapes, showcasing Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal in all their glory.

Snowfall remains common above 3,500 meters, with areas like Larkya La Pass requiring additional equipment for safe navigation. Lower elevations, including villages like Machha Khola and Jagat, experience chilly conditions with frosty mornings and evenings, but remain accessible.

Daytime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations: Average temperatures range from -3°C to 10°C (27°F to 50°F).
• Higher elevations: Daytime temperatures drop to around -4°C to 2°C (25°F to 35°F).

Nighttime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations: Temperatures can dip to 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F).
• Higher elevations: Nighttime temperatures often fall to -12°C to -18°C (10°F to 0°F).

February trekking in the Manaslu region balances solitude and challenging conditions, offering remarkable Himalayan vistas and rich cultural experiences for those prepared for the colder season.

Challenges of Trekking Manaslu in February

February brings a gradual transition toward milder weather in the Manaslu region, but winter conditions still dominate most of the trail. Trekkers can expect clearer skies than in January, yet the terrain remains demanding and requires thorough preparation.

Manaslu Region Trail Conditions in February

Trekking in February presents similar winter challenges to January, but with slightly more stable conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures still define the experience, especially beyond 2,500 meters. Lower elevations remain accessible, while higher passes and villages near the Tibetan border often face deep snow and limited teahouse services. Well-planned acclimatization and flexibility in your itinerary are key to a safe and rewarding trek.

1. Lower Manaslu (Below 2,000m) – Arughat, Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Arughat	600m	Dry trails, mild afternoons	Occasional fog, chilly mornings
Soti Khola	730m	Mostly dry, forested paths	Cold mornings, damp stone steps
Machha Khola	890m	Clear and cool, occasional frost	Icy bridges, shaded sections, slippery
Jagat	1,400m	Dry trails with exposed rocky terrain	Frosty mornings, fewer open teahouses

2. Mid-Manaslu (2,000m – 3,500m) – Deng, Namrung, Lho, Tsum Valley

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Deng	1,860m	Forest trail, patches of ice	Cold river crossings, fewer trekkers
Namrung	2,660m	Frosty mornings, snow-dusted paths	Icy stone steps, limited teahouse options
Lho	3,180m	Snow accumulation in shaded areas	Freezing temperatures, strong winds
Chumling (Tsum)	2,386m	Light snow along narrow village trails	Chilly air, frozen springs
Chhokang Paro	3,031m	Snow-covered stone paths	Wind exposure, minimal infrastructure
Nile (Tsum)	3,361m	Compact snow and ice on trails	Remote, frozen water sources, icy stairways

3. Upper Manaslu (Above 3,500m) – Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala, Larkya La Pass, Mu Gompa

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Samagaun	3,530m	Deep snow, occasional clear patches	Strong wind chill, frozen paths, limited services
Samdo	3,875m	Heavy snow, exposed terrain	Extreme cold, limited teahouses
Dharmashala	4,480m	Snowbound ascent, avalanche-prone sections	High winds, basic shelter, low temperatures
Larkya La Pass	5,106m	Deep snow, occasional whiteout conditions	Technical sections, wind-exposed, high avalanche risk (-22°C)
Mu Gompa (Tsum)	3,700m	Snow-covered, remote, rarely traveled	Hard to access due to snow, minimal facilities

Local Culture and Experience in Manaslu (February)

Himalayan communities embrace traditional winter practices. Villagers rely on firewood and yak dung for warmth, while handwoven woolen garments remain essential for braving the cold. The quiet winter season fosters an intimate trekking experience, allowing visitors to observe daily life without the bustle of peak trekking months.

In villages like Samagaun and Namrung, Buddhist monasteries stand as peaceful retreats where monks dedicate themselves to prayer and meditation, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Trekking through Jagat and Deng, visitors experience the hospitality of the Nubri people, who warmly welcome travelers despite the challenging weather.

Festivals are rare in February. Yet, the simplicity of Himalayan life shines through, offering trekkers a genuine cultural connection. Those seeking solitude and authentic encounters with the mountain communities will find February an enriching time to explore Manaslu.