Manaslu in November

November is the final month of autumn trekking in the Manaslu region, offering crisp air, golden landscapes, and stable weather before winter sets in. Trekkers experience breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Ngadi Chuli, all framed by vibrant autumn foliage fading into winter hues.

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek remain accessible, with trails firm and dry, though higher elevations start to feel the bite of winter cold. Villages like Samagaun and Chumling remain welcoming, with locals preparing for the winter months ahead. The trekking season slowly quietens, offering peaceful trails and a deeper connection to the land and its people.

By late November, snow begins to dust the high-altitude passes, including Larkya La (5,106 m), adding an extra layer of adventure. With the changing landscapes and fewer trekkers, November offers a chance to witness the transition from autumn’s warmth to winter’s solitude, making for a truly unforgettable Himalayan journey.

Why Trek the Manaslu Region in November?

November is the final golden stretch of the autumn trekking season, offering clear skies, crisp air, and peaceful trails before winter sets in. As the crowds thin and the landscapes shift from autumn hues to snowy peaks, trekkers experience breathtaking Himalayan beauty with a perfect mix of adventure and solitude.

• Stable weather and excellent visibility

November brings minimal rainfall and dry trails, ensuring a stable and enjoyable trekking experience. The crisp air and clear skies allow trekkers to witness uninterrupted views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) and neighboring peaks.

• Comfortable trekking conditions

Daytime temperatures remain mild and pleasant, making it easy to maintain a steady trekking pace. Nights, however, become chilly at higher elevations, requiring proper layering to stay warm.

• Peaceful trails with fewer trekkers

The peak autumn trekking rush fades, making trails less crowded and more tranquil. Teahouses along the route remain open, but with fewer visitors, trekkers can enjoy a quieter and more personal experience.

• Late-autumn landscapes transitioning to winter

Lower elevations are still filled with golden autumn foliage, creating stunning scenery along the trek. In contrast, higher-altitude passes like Larkya La begin accumulating fresh snow, offering a dramatic seasonal shift.

• Authentic cultural experiences

Villages along the route start preparing for winter, with locals harvesting crops and stocking supplies. Trekking during this time provides an opportunity to witness traditional Himalayan life and warm Sherpa hospitality.

Weather and Temperature in November in the Manaslu Region

November offers crisp autumn air, dry trails, and excellent visibility, making it one of the best months for trekking. As autumn fades, higher elevations experience colder nights, while lower sections remain mild and comfortable. Trekkers are treated to spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal, all under clear blue skies.

While snowfall is rare below 4,000 meters, Larkya La Pass (5,106m) may start accumulating light snow, requiring warm gear and careful navigation. Teahouses remain open, but fewer trekkers mean a quieter and more peaceful experience across the route.

Quick Overview of November Temperatures

November brings cool temperatures, stunning autumn landscapes, and fewer crowds, making trekking conditions ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty. The transition toward winter introduces colder nights in higher altitudes, but trekking remains comfortable with proper layering and gear.

Daytime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations (Machha Khola, Jagat): 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) – mild and perfect for trekking.
• Higher elevations (Samagaun, Larkya La Pass): 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F) – crisp and refreshing mountain air.

Nighttime Temperatures:

• Lower elevations: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) – comfortable evenings with occasional chills.
• Higher elevations: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) – requiring warm sleeping bags and insulated clothing.

Challenges of Trekking Manaslu in November

November offers ideal trekking conditions with dry trails and crisp air, but as winter approaches, trekkers face cooler temperatures, fewer daylight hours, and occasional snow at higher elevations. Below are the key challenges that come with trekking Manaslu in November.

Manaslu Region Trail Conditions in November

November is one of the best months to trek in Manaslu, offering dry trails, crisp air, and stunning visibility before winter fully sets in. The lower elevations remain mild, while higher-altitude areas start transitioning into colder conditions, with occasional light snowfall near Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Below is a detailed breakdown of trail conditions across the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley during November.

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Arughat	600m	Dry trails, crisp mornings	Some early fog, cooler evenings
Soti Khola	730m	Mostly dry paths, clear air	Cold mornings, occasional dampness in shaded areas
Machha Khola	890m	Cool and pleasant, minimal rainfall	Chilly nights, mild winds
Jagat	1,400m	Dry trail with firm footing	Lower temperatures, fewer teahouses as the season slows

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Deng	1,860m	Dry trails with crisp air	Decreasing temperatures at night
Namrung	2,660m	Autumn colors fading, cooler mornings	Stronger evening winds
Lho	3,180m	Mostly dry trails with excellent visibility	Nights are becoming colder, requiring warm gear
Chumling (Tsum)	2,386m	Clear skies, comfortable trekking conditions	Occasional morning mist in the valleys
Chhokang Paro	3,031m	Dry trails with scenic views	Fewer visitors, and teahouse supplies are limited
Nile (Tsum)	3,361m	Crisp air, remote and peaceful routes	Colder mornings, proper layering needed

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

Location	Altitude	Trail Conditions	Challenges
Samagaun	3,530m	Dry, cool air with clear skies	Cold mornings, strong winds developing
Samdo	3,875m	Mostly stable conditions, minimal snow	Nights are getting colder, and layering is required
Dharmashala	4,480m	Crisp air, dry but exposed terrain	Strong winds in open areas
Larkya La Pass	5,106m	Clear skies, early signs of snow	Chilly winds, higher-altitude acclimatization needed
Mu Gompa (Tsum)	3,700m	Remote trails remain accessible	Colder temperatures, fewer available teahouses

Local Culture and Experience in Manaslu during November

November in the Manaslu region offers a rich blend of Himalayan traditions, changing landscapes, and peaceful trekking trails as autumn transitions into winter. Villages remain active with harvest preparations, and locals begin storing supplies and reinforcing homes for the colder months ahead. Trekkers can witness authentic daily life, where people gather around warm fires and wear handwoven garments to protect against the dropping temperatures.

Buddhist monasteries in Samagaun and Namrung continue to be vibrant centers of prayer and meditation, with monks offering blessings to travelers before winter deepens. As the crowds start to thin, trekking in Jagat, Deng, and Lho provides more intimate encounters with the Nubri people, who welcome visitors with stories of their Tibetan-influenced heritage and seasonal traditions.

Though major festivals like Dashain and Tihar have passed, small religious gatherings in villages keep cultural life alive. The changing colors of the landscape, clear skies, and peaceful trails make November an ideal time to explore Manaslu, offering both scenic beauty and a deep cultural connection to the region’s resilient communities.