Manaslu in June
June marks the arrival of monsoon season in the Manaslu region, transforming the landscape into lush greenery with blooming wildflowers and mist-covered valleys. The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek remain breathtaking, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. You can witness the towering Mount Manaslu (8,163m) alongside Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal, as valleys flourish with fresh vegetation.
Traditional villages like Sama Gaun and Chumling become more vibrant, with locals actively engaged in farming and trade, creating an immersive cultural experience. Buddhist monasteries, still central to village life, offer spiritual encounters amid the changing seasons.
While June’s monsoon rains bring occasional challenges, including muddy trails, swollen rivers, and mist-covered passes, the stunning scenery and serene atmosphere make trekking a unique experience. Proper preparation, including rain gear and careful route planning, ensures a rewarding journey through the monsoon-washed landscapes of Manaslu.
Why Trek the Manaslu Region in June?
- Secluded Trails & Teahouses
June brings fewer trekkers due to the monsoon season, allowing for quieter trails and less-crowded teahouses. Despite the rains, the off-season atmosphere provides a peaceful trekking experience, with intimate connections to nature and local culture.
- Verdant Mountain Vistas
The landscape transforms with lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and mist-covered valleys. Views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Ngadi Chuli become surreal as clouds weave through the peaks, creating a dramatic effect.
- Misty Trails & Waterfalls
June’s monsoon enhances waterfalls and river crossings, making the trek visually stunning but occasionally challenging. Some lower trails may become muddy, requiring extra caution, while higher elevations remain accessible with refreshing mountain air.
- A Unique Adventure
Trekking in June requires adaptability, as rainfall influences trail conditions and visibility. Trekkers embracing the seasonal shift can enjoy a lush, remote experience, far from the busy trekking months.
- Cultural Immersion
Villages along the route become lively as locals engage in farming and daily trade, offering trekkers a deeper glimpse into traditional Himalayan life. Monasteries remain active, hosting prayer rituals even amidst the changing weather.
- Photographic Opportunities
With dramatic skies, lush hillsides, and mist rolling over mountain peaks, June offers stunning, atmospheric photography. The vibrant green landscapes and occasional clear mornings create memorable trekking moments.
Weather and Temperature in June in the Manaslu Region
June brings warm temperatures and frequent rainfall, especially at lower elevations. The landscape transforms into lush greenery, with waterfalls and mist-covered valleys adding to the dramatic scenery.
Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C in lower elevations, such as Machha Khola and Jagat, making trekking comfortable but occasionally humid. Higher-altitude areas, like Samagaun and Larkya La Pass (5,106m), experience cooler temperatures between 2°C and 12°C, with occasional lingering snow patches.
Rain showers are frequent but mostly in the afternoon, creating muddy and slippery trails in forested areas. River levels rise due to snowmelt and rainfall, making crossings more challenging. Despite the weather shifts, the lush landscapes and refreshing mountain air offer a unique trekking experience in June.
Quick Overview of June Temperatures
The monsoon season, brings warmer temperatures, lush greenery, and frequent rain showers. The valleys transform into vibrant landscapes, with waterfalls flowing at full strength and mist-covered peaks creating a dramatic atmosphere.
Rainfall increases, especially in lower elevations, making trails muddy and slippery. Despite the challenging conditions, early mornings often offer clear skies, allowing trekkers to catch breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal.
Daytime Temperatures:
- Lower elevations (Machha Khola, Jagat): 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F) – warm and humid with occasional rain.
- Higher elevations (Samagaun, Larkya La Pass): 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) – cool but manageable, with patches of lingering snow.
Nighttime Temperatures:
- Lower elevations: 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) – comfortable but damp due to humidity.
- Higher elevations: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F) – colder nights with potential strong winds.
Challenges of Trekking Manaslu in June
Manaslu Region Trail Conditions in June
June brings monsoon rains, transforming the Manaslu region into lush landscapes with vibrant greenery and flowing waterfalls. However, frequent showers can lead to muddy trails, slippery paths, and unpredictable river crossings. Below is a breakdown of trail conditions across different elevations:
1. Lower Manaslu (Below 2,000m) – Arughat, Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat
| Location | Altitude | Trail Conditions | Challenges |
| Arughat | 600m | Wet, green trails, occasional sunshine | Humid mornings, foggy evenings |
| Soti Khola | 730m | Forested paths, mild rain showers | Slippery stone steps, leeches in damp areas |
| Machha Khola | 890m | Rain-washed trails, misty surroundings | Unstable river crossings, increased humidity |
| Jagat | 1,400m | Rocky terrain, moderate rainfall | Muddy sections, potential delays due to landslides |
2. Mid-Manaslu (2,000m – 3,500m) – Deng, Namrung, Lho, Tsum Valley
| Location | Altitude | Trail Conditions | Challenges |
| Deng | 1,860m | Wet forest trails, blooming vegetation | Leech presence, occasional landslides |
| Namrung | 2,660m | Misty mornings, moderate rainfall | Muddy paths, damp teahouse conditions |
| Lho | 3,180m | Rain showers, limited visibility | Wind exposure, landslide-prone sections |
| Chumling (Tsum) | 2,386m | Green valleys, occasional sunshine | Slippery village trails, swollen streams |
| Chhokang Paro | 3,031m | Light rainfall, cloud-covered peaks | Limited trekker foot traffic, muddy routes |
| Nile (Tsum) | 3,361m | Wet, secluded trails, occasional clear skies | Remote access, unpredictable weather shifts |
3. Upper Manaslu (Above 3,500m) – Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmashala, Larkya La Pass, Mu Gompa
| Location | Altitude | Trail Conditions | Challenges |
| Samagaun | 3,530m | Occasional sun breaks, damp trails | Wind-chilled rain, muddy footpaths |
| Samdo | 3,875m | Cloudy skies, rainfall increases | Reduced visibility, potential flooding |
| Dharmashala | 4,480m | Wet and challenging terrain | Cold rain, slippery ascents |
| Larkya La Pass | 5,106m | Fog-covered, icy patches remain | Unstable footing, unpredictable monsoon storms |
| Mu Gompa (Tsum) | 3,700m | Remote and misty trails | Difficult access, minimal facilities |
Local Culture and Experience in Manaslu (June)
June in the Manaslu region is full of vibrant energy as villages come to life with farming, trade, and community gatherings. Locals engage in agriculture, tending to terraced fields and preparing for the seasonal harvest. The warmer weather makes daily life more active, allowing trekkers to witness traditional Himalayan practices firsthand.
Monasteries in Samagaun and Namrung remain central to the community, with monks performing prayer ceremonies and maintaining sacred sites. The Tibetan-influenced customs of the Nubri people are deeply woven into daily interactions, offering trekkers an immersive cultural experience.
With the monsoon season settling in, festivals become less frequent, but local hospitality remains strong. Trekking through villages like Jagat and Deng provides a chance to engage with warm and welcoming communities, making June a rewarding time for cultural exploration in Manaslu.
