Are you planning on spending your next summer vacation exploring the Himalayan terrains of Nepal but also want to avoid the crowd? You're at the right place. We all know May is the most popular month among adventure seekers all around the globe to experience the thrill of trekking at one of the highest altitudes of the Nepalese Himalayas. So most hiking trails are flooded with trekkers in May, but that shouldn't be the reason to stop you from booking that dream adventure. A trek to Manaslu Circuit in May is the best option for solitude seekers like you.
This newly established hiking trail has opened doors for bold trekkers like you to immerse in the wilderness of the Himalayan foothills. Being situated in one of the restricted areas of Nepal, Manaslu Region receives comparatively fewer travelers, which makes it possible for you to witness the raw beauty of Nepal in its most natural form. Worry not about the area being restricted; an experienced guide and a few permits are all you need to take you to your dreamland.
Not a fan of the cold? The trek to Manaslu Circuit in May will quench your thirst for hiking in the high elevations without worrying about freezing cold Himalayan temperatures. May receives enough sun to keep you warm during the day, and a few layers of clothing will keep you cozy during the nights. Despite being one of Nepal's least explored trekking destinations, the Manaslu Circuit trail has enough teahouses to cover your meals and accommodation.
As you pass by the fully blown Rhododendron forests and scattered small villages of the Manaslu region, we guarantee that your heart will be filled with joy. The red of the Rhododendron with the backdrop of pristine white mountains take anyone's breath away. The simple but culturally rich Tibetan and Nepalese village lifestyle of the local inhabitants of the Manaslu region makes you feel welcomed, and that is the feeling to die for when you've crossed oceans to be there.
The Trek to Manaslu Circuit takes you around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, standing tall at 8,163 meters (26,780 feet). The trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5,106 meters (16,750 feet) at Larkya La Pass next to the Tibetan border, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
By now, you must have gotten a gist of what it's like to trek to the Manaslu Circuit in May. Keep reading the blog to gain an overall idea of the trek, which will help you decide if May is the ideal month to commence your journey to the outstanding Manaslu Circuit.
Highlights of the Trek to Manaslu Circuit in May
Spring, and Manaslu
Unlike western countries, Nepal experiences six seasons that change every two months. As a result, you will witness a difference in the aesthetic appeal of the landscape every alternate month. May, being the transitioning month from Spring to Monsoon, offers the best of both worlds.
The entire terrain is decorated with lush green flora giving a soothing feeling to your eyes. The red Rhododendrons blooming all over the forests provide a contrasting look against the clear blue sky, making it one of the crowd's favorite trekking seasons.
You might experience little to no rain in May, just the beginning of monsoon season. Just the right amount of occasional rain only helps you cool down the sweat and heat from hiking under the summer sun. It's better to have a good grip on your hiking shoes as the trail might get slippery with the pour. It's always advisable to carry a set of rain gears to be on the safe side.
Weather and Temperature
The weather and temperature conditions are optimal for the trek to Manaslu Circuit in May. The ice on the trail from the winter would have melted, but the mountain peaks are still covered with snow, making May the best month to experience the heavenly beauty of Nepal.
The days are long so that you can ascend slowly, making the most out of the mesmerizing views on the way. May's bright and sunny days require you to add some sunscreen to your backpack to prevent sunburn. But worry not; the sun isn't that harsh, and you will be flaunting that golden summer tan once you return from the trek.
May offers the most stable weather, with temperatures ranging from the minimum of 4°C to the maximum of 18°C. Keeping in mind that you will be ascending above 5000 meters above sea level, it doesn't hurt to be prepared and carry some warm clothes to layer up in case of unpredictable weather.
Mesmerizing Landscapes
As mentioned earlier, May is the season of Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, which adds to the already beautiful landscape of the region. The rainbow of colors from the full-blown Rhododendron cover the forests of the Manaslu region, blessing your eyes with the view that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
The skies are in their most transparent blue with a white tint of fluffy clouds adding coolness to the warm sunny days. Numerous waterfalls and suspension bridges above whitewater streams make the hike more pleasurable. The hypnotic Himalayan landscapes create the perfect backdrop to snap panoramic photos for the gram.
No matter how much we stress the beauty of the vast Himalayan territory of the Manaslu region, it will never be enough. Even the most expensive camera gadgets fail to capture the essence of the scenery. You will have to witness with your own eyes to get the real feel of this piece of heaven.
Quieter Trail
The Manaslu hike has gained popularity recently, making it known only in the circle of avid trekkers. As a result, only a fraction of trekkers chose to go to the Manaslu region, meaning fewer people on the trail.
Though it is nice to get to know some fellow travelers along the way, quieter trails open the room full of opportunities to interact with the locals and get introduced to the richness of their culture. You will be fascinated by the humbleness of these hospitable local folks.
May Festivities
May is when a series of festivals starts in Nepal's Hindu and Buddhist communities. One of the most auspicious Buddhist festivals, "Buddha Purnima," falls in May and is celebrated religiously all over Nepal.
Manaslu region, inhabited by a mix of Nepalese and Tibetan settlements, gives you the chance to celebrate the festival with the locals. Nepal is well known for its natural beauty, but its cultural significance adds more to the authentic Nepali experience.
Transportation
The starting and ending point of the Manaslu trekking journey is accessible to the capital city by road. So, you avoid the hassle of getting on risky local flights.
It takes about 7 to 8 hours of jeep ride to reach Seti Khola, which happens to be the beginning point of the hike. The roads are a mix of black topped and off-road, so you're up for the adventure even before the walk begins.
Accommodation and Connectivity
Like most high-altitude treks in Nepal, tea houses are the accommodation mode. You will have decent rooms with single beds to spend the night. The tea house owners prepare the food locally, mainly consisting of the standard Nepali meal "Daal Bhat."
Given the remote location of the Manaslu region, you might have trouble with mobile networks at higher altitudes. However, most teahouses have Wi-Fi connections to help you connect back home.
Permits and Guides for the Manaslu Region
It is mandatory to obtain entry permits to trek in this restricted region. Your travel company would take care of your permits, so there's nothing to worry about. You also need to be a group of at least two travelers in addition to a licensed guide to commence the trek.
Difficulty Level
The Manaslu Circuit Hike expands within the time frame of approximately two weeks, depending on personal preference. Walking on rugged terrain for an extended period can be challenging for first-timers, but it's doable. Considering all the factors contributing to the trek's difficulty level, the Trek to Manaslu Circuit is moderately challenging.
Things to consider before booking the trek
- Be sure that you're physically and mentally prepared for the trek.
- As the trek falls under a restricted area, it is mandatory to hire a guide, and there must be at least two travelers besides the guide.
- Carry rain gears and leech-repellent sprays.
- Double-check on all the essential trekking gear. You can purchase them in Kathmandu in case you miss some.
- Always book the trek with a trusted travel company.
As we end the blog, we're sure you're now well versed with the details of the trek to Manaslu Circuit in May. If May seems to be a good month for your next Himalayan adventure, don't hesitate to book your excursion with us. Here at Outfitters Nepal, we take pride in providing the best trekking and expedition experience you will cherish for a lifetime. Happy Trekking!
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