Normally, trekking in Nepal is best during spring and autumn season. These seasons are months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. During this time of the year the sky is clear and there is less rainfall. Therefore, many people plan their trip on this time. Moreover, trekking requires you to trek on rugged terrain through green lush forests and up in the mountains. The main reason behind doing a trek is to get splendid mountain vista. If the weather is not clear then there is no point in doing any kinds of trekking. Manaslu Circuit Trek in March is the best decision especially if you choose early March.
In this blog, we will dissect all the pros and cons of doing trekking in March. In addition to advantages and disadvantages, we will also be discussing about various requirements to do trekking in Nepal’s restricted trekking regions. By the end of this blog you will be able to plan the best trekking trip to the Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m). Do you know that after Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Trek is gaining lots of popularity despite it being the restricted trekking trail?
Why March is the best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek?
March month is at the end of winter and start of spring season. Therefore, you will still see lump of snow on lots of hills. The scenery of the landscape covered by snow is always mesmerizing to stare at. Moreover, waterfalls and streams start to get volume of water making it more beautiful as snow starts to melt slowly. The month of March is the beginning of spring season. The season is one of the peak season of Nepal Trekking. However, early weeks of March see very less number of trekkers. You can get the best price, a tranquil environment and good chance of getting best available lodging facilities.
March Climate and Weather Conditions
It is the start of spring season in Nepal. During this time of the year the winter has just finished but the temperature is not on high degree side. It is still around minus six degrees to ten degrees. During day time it is warm during sunny times but if it is not sunny then the temperature may be around 10 degree Celsius. At night and early morning temperature is about minus 6 degree Celsius. You will not encounter unpredictable rainfall or snowfall. The wind is okay with light breeze. In terms of climate and weather conditions March is an ideal time to do trekking in spring season too!
Does it get crowded in March?
Early March is less crowded but fourth week of March is very crowded. This is the first month of spring season in Nepal. In addition, this is the peak season to do trekking in Nepal. Peak season in Nepal is when lots of people flock for trekking activities. If you are planning to do 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal then plan it for first two weeks of March. During this time of the year you will have less number of people traveling thus giving chance to get ample opportunities for rooms. Tranquil environment and easy availability of tea houses make this time an ideal time to do trekking.
What are perks of doing Trek in spring season in Nepal?
Weather conditions, tranquil environment, easy availability of tea houses and pleasing overall trekking atmosphere are the perks of doing trek in spring season in Nepal. This is the time when new vegetation starts to appear after the daunting winter season. Winter season all vegetation wilts but spring season is when flower blooms and surrounding looks spectacular. Moreover, the price of early March trekking is less than the price of peak spring season.
Vegetation, Mountain Vista, and Waterfalls
March is when winter ends and spring starts in Nepal. Snow accumulated during winter season starts to melt. This results in the large volume of water in waterfalls and stream. It looks visually stunning. Early March trekking can provide untainted and unseen scenery of mountains and landscapes. Vegetation too looks stunning. Plants during winter season looks wary and barren. However, spring season is when it starts to bloom and spread its magic with green lush and blooming petals. In the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek route the rhododendron flowers start to bloom during this time of the year. The scenery is blissful to watch!
Advantages of Trekking in Early Spring Season
Here is the list of the advantages of trekking in early spring season in Nepal especially in Manaslu region:
– Less Crowded Trail
– Easy Availability of Tea Houses
– Increased Water Volume in Waterfalls
– Blooming Flowers and Lush Forests
– Unseen and Untainted scenery
– Clear Sky
– Comparatively fair price than of peak season
Preparation for Manaslu Circuit Trek in March
The journey of Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging. The highest altitude on this trekking is beyond 5000 m altitude. Therefore, it is challenging both physically and mentally. You must have strong mental stability in order to withstand sudden weather and itinerary changes. It is high altitude trekking so you must not have weak heart rather a strong will possessing person can feel the trek as a stroll in the park. Maintain your body well at least one month prior to the trek. Build up cardio vascular stamina by doing cardiac exercises like running, cycling, walking, and swimming regularly by avoiding greasy foods.
Maintaining a healthy diet helps in better preparation for the trek. If you walk regularly in the morning and take care of your health then it is not exasperation to say that your trek would be successful.
What are permits required to do Manaslu Trek?
The journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the restricted trekking regions. In order to successfully complete the trek you need proper physical fitness as well as an excellent trip planning. Besides these factors you need to fulfill legal obligations to do the trek. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits are required. Nowadays, you must get Tsum Valley Rural Municipality Entry permit. As for the restricted trekking region you must acquire special immigration permit too. Therefore, total of 4 permits are required if you are doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you include the Tsum Valley Trek in this itinerary then you need additional 35 $ dollar permit valid for 7 days.
Which are the best trekking agencies that operate Manaslu Trek in Nepal?
You are not allowed to go solo trekking without the services of a trekking agency in restricted trekking regions of Nepal. Therefore, you must buy the 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking package from valid trekking agency of Nepal. Do you know the ways to find out which trekking agency is valid and which is scam? Yes, the best way to find out legitimacy of any trekking agency is to ask their updated audit report, industry license, tourism certificate and trekking agency certificate. Always ask for valid documents if you are okay with any agencies quoted price for the trip. Please note that don’t book the trek if you are quoted very less and very high. Ask your trekking agency to provide in written form about the services they offer in the quoted price of the trek.
Do I need a trekking guide and porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It is mandatory to hire a trekking guide licensed by Nepal Government to do trekking in Manaslu region or any restricted trekking regions of Nepal. There is not such provision for porter but you must have a guide. Without a trekking guide you are not allowed to do any kinds of trekking activities inside the core Manaslu region of Nepal. Before you reach Machhakhola you are allowed to roam around or visit the places of Lower Manaslu region. Places like Ganga Jamuna Waterfall, Aarughat, Dhadingbeshi, Gorkha Durbar, Barpak the epicenter of 2015 earthquake etc. are okay without a guide. If you are to enter the Manaslu Circuit Trek then you need a proper guide.
Can I do solo trekking in Manaslu Region?
No, you are not allowed to do solo trekking in Manaslu region. In order to do trekking in this region you must have at least one fellow trekker. Thus, a group of at least 2 trekkers accompanied by Nepal Government licensed trekking guide is mandatory to explore Manaslu region of Nepal.
Look no further! Nepal High Trek is ranked 1st alongside another trekking agency in terms of number of groups operated for Manaslu region trekking in Nepal during 2024. We have team from the region and we always strive to provide immense services in an affordable rate. Our city team is always available for any kinds of support and our trekking crew members have more than a decade experience in the field of Manaslu trekking. Moreover, all our crew members are locals. This has helped us immensely in providing impeccable hospitality, prompt services and authentic information to our valued clients.
Doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek in March is a smart decision. If you want to do the best trekking and want to knit a beautiful trekking memories then look no further and contact travel planners of Nepal High Trek now!
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