Manaslu in May

May is one of the best times to trek in the Manaslu region, offering warm temperatures, stable weather, and vibrant natural scenery. The high trails of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley are fully accessible, with the snow at Larkya La Pass largely melted, making for safer and more predictable crossings. Lush rhododendron forests and alpine meadows are in full bloom, and the longer daylight hours allow for more flexible trekking schedules. While occasional pre-monsoon showers may occur, they are typically brief and do little to hinder the overall experience. 

Teahouses are fully operational, and the trail sees a moderate number of trekkers—enough to foster camaraderie, but not so crowded as to diminish the remote and peaceful atmosphere the region is known for. May combines the beauty of spring with high pass accessibility, making it ideal for completing both the Manaslu Circuit and the Tsum Valley Trek.

Why Trek the Manaslu Region in May?

• Stable Weather & Comfortable Temperatures

May offers consistent weather with warm days and cool nights, making trekking conditions ideal. The skies remain mostly clear, providing spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal. The trails are accessible with minimal snow at higher elevations, creating a smooth trekking experience.

• Lush Green Landscapes & Blooming Flora

Spring is in full swing, with rhododendrons, wildflowers, and dense greenery covering the lower trails. Rivers flow steadily with fresh glacier melt, adding vibrancy to the region. The contrast between lush valleys and towering, snow-capped peaks is breathtaking.

• Optimal Trail Conditions

With melting snow and dry paths, challenging sections like Larkya La Pass (5,106m) become easier to navigate. Most teahouses are fully operational, ensuring comfortable stops along the trek.

• Rich Cultural Experiences

Villages like Samagaun, Namrung, and Chumling are lively, with locals engaging in farming and trade. Monasteries hold ceremonies, and trekkers can experience authentic Himalayan traditions, including prayer rituals and community interactions.

• Moderate Crowds & Availability

May sees a balanced number of trekkers—it’s not as crowded as peak autumn months, yet lively enough to meet fellow adventurers. Teahouses are welcoming, and the region remains peaceful without excessive foot traffic.

• Incredible Photography Opportunities

May offers bright skies, vibrant landscapes, and perfect lighting for photography. The combination of green valleys, snow-dusted peaks, and flowing rivers creates stunning visual contrasts.

Weather and Temperature in May in the Manaslu Region

May brings warmer temperatures and stable weather, making trekking conditions ideal across the Manaslu region. Snow continues to melt at higher elevations, while lower-altitude trails are dry and lush, offering comfortable trekking with clear skies.

Above 3,500 meters, areas like Larkya La Pass (5,106m) still retain some snow in shaded sections, but crossings become much more manageable. Lower-altitude villages such as Machha Khola and Jagat enjoy mild mornings and warm afternoons, with rhododendron forests in full bloom, adding vibrant colors to the trek.

May presents comfortable daytime temperatures with cool nights, making it one of the best months to trek in the Manaslu region. Proper preparation for high-altitude temperature drops and occasional strong winds ensures a safe and rewarding journey.

Quick Overview of May Temperatures

The warmer, pleasant May weather enhances the dramatic Himalayan scenery, offering stunning views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal against a vibrant spring backdrop.

Above 3,500 meters, lingering snow patches remain in shaded areas, but melting snow clears most trails, making crossings like Larkya La Pass (5,106m) easier to navigate. Lower-altitude villages, including Machha Khola and Jagat, enjoy comfortable trekking conditions, with blooming rhododendrons and thriving vegetation transforming the region into a colorful paradise.

Daytime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations: Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
• Higher elevations: Daytime temperatures stay between 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F)

Nighttime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations: Can drop to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
• Higher elevations: Often fall to -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F)

Manaslu Region Trail Conditions in May

May brings warmer temperatures and stable weather, making trekking conditions much more accessible compared to winter. Lower-altitude trails are dry and lush, with blooming rhododendrons adding color to the landscape.

At higher elevations (above 3,500m), melting snow improves trail visibility, though some sections near Larkya La Pass (5,106m) may still have patches of ice in shaded areas. River crossings may be swollen due to snowmelt, requiring careful navigation.

With comfortable daytime temperatures and cold but manageable nights, May offers ideal trekking conditions, blending stunning scenery, cultural immersion, and improved accessibility across the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley.

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Arughat	600m	Dry, clear trails with warm afternoons	Humid mornings, occasional haze
Soti Khola	730m	Mostly dry forested paths	Damp stone steps, mild humidity
Machha Khola	890m	Comfortable trekking conditions	Rising river levels at crossings
Jagat	1,400m	Dry trail with scenic views	Increased foot traffic, occasional light rain

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Deng	1,860m	Forest trails, occasional wet patches	Possible muddy sections after rain
Namrung	2,660m	Melting snow, improving terrain	Slippery stone steps in shaded areas
Lho	3,180m	Snow receding, clearer paths	Wind exposure, occasional icy sections
Chumling (Tsum)	2,386m	Blooming forests, dry trails	Unexpected drizzles, chilly evenings
Chhokang Paro	3,031m	Snow patches shrinking, better accessibility	Wind exposure, damp trails near water sources
Nile (Tsum)	3,361m	Clear paths with occasional wet sections	Remote, colder nights, icy patches in shade

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Samagaun	3,530m	Snow melting, trails improving	Cold nights, strong wind chill
Samdo	3,875m	Some snow remains in shaded areas, clearing in sunlight	Wind exposure, occasional avalanches
Dharmashala	4,480m	Mixed terrain, occasional muddy patches	High winds, basic shelter conditions
Larkya La Pass	5,106m	Clearing snow, but icy sections remain	Challenging ascent, unpredictable weather shifts
Mu Gompa (Tsum)	3,700m	Isolated, clearing snow patches	Hard-to-access, minimal facilities

Local Culture and Experience in Manaslu (May)

May brings vibrant village life as locals resume farming and trade, creating a lively atmosphere in places like Samagaun and Namrung. The warmer weather allows trekkers to interact more with the Tamang and Tibetan communities, witnessing festivals, prayer rituals, and traditional Himalayan lifestyles. Monasteries remain active, offering glimpses into spiritual ceremonies. With blooming landscapes and welcoming locals, May is an enriching time for cultural immersion in Manaslu.