The Manaslu circuit trek in February gives the perfect vibe of the snowy and blooming flowers. During February, flowers start to bloom, and there is also snowfall on the trails due to the cold and harsh weather conditions of January. During the month of February, the skies are clear and crisp. The nights and mornings are freezing, but the daytime weather is perfect for trekking. The trails are also not so crowded, due to which your trek will be peaceful and you can enjoy nature.
The higher altitudes may have a little snowfall and sometimes become chilly. As the winter is at its end, you will witness the wildlife biodiversity during the trek as well. If you are lucky enough, you may witness snow leopards, bears, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, lammergeier vultures, and more. The trek might be a perfect time to explore the Manaslu region.
Table of Contents
Why trek the Manaslu Circuit in February?
Trekking in the Manaslu Circuit in February gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the less-explored trekking destinations of Nepal with fewer crowds. The trek will be peaceful and filled with serenity. You will be rewarded with a beautiful sunrise over snow-capped mountains like Manaslu Peak, Ganesh Himal, Kang Gru Himal, and other surrounding ranges. During this time the tea houses are not crowded, which allows you to interact with the locals and know about them.
You will also explore the day-to-day life of the local people living there. You will also witness the frozen waterfalls, rivers, and water streams all over the trails. You will walk via pine forests, which are often used to make decorating items, and they also have medicinal value. You will trek with the perfect feeling of the quiet, snowy, soul-stirring Himalayan journey.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Detailed Itinerary for February
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel to relax and prepare for the trek.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m)
Enjoy a scenic drive along hills, rivers, and traditional villages as you journey toward Soti Khola. The route offers your first glimpses of rural Nepal and the mighty mountains ahead.
Day 3: Trek to Machha Khola (900 m)
Begin your trek by crossing suspension bridges and walking through lush forests and terraced fields. Reach the peaceful village of Machha Khola by the riverside.
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m)
Trek through narrow trails, rocky ridges, and small Gurung settlements. You’ll arrive at Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village with a charming atmosphere.
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1,860 m)
Pass through dense forests and cross suspension bridges as you gain altitude gradually. Deng offers a quiet resting spot with mountain views and Tibetan-influenced culture.
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2,630 m)
Today’s trail climbs through alpine forests and picturesque landscapes. Namrung welcomes you with panoramic views of mountains and Buddhist mani walls.
Day 7: Trek to Lho (3,180 m)
Trek through rhododendron forests and quaint villages to reach Lho. This village is famous for its beautiful monasteries and views of Mt. Manaslu.
Day 8: Trek to Samagaon (3,530 m)
Ascend gradually to Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced village nestled beneath Manaslu’s towering presence. The trail is dotted with prayer flags and stone chortens.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun
Spend the day exploring Samagaun and letting your body adjust to the altitude. You can hike to the Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint or visit the local monastery.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,860 m)
A short and steady hike brings you closer to the Tibetan border. Samdo is a high-altitude village with yak pastures and stunning Himalayan vistas.
Day 11: Acclimatization Day in Samdo
Rest and enjoy the serene mountain surroundings while preparing for the higher-altitude trek ahead. You may hike to a nearby ridge for breathtaking views of the peaks.
Day 12: Trek to Tilije (2,300 m)
Today you cross the challenging Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek, and descend to Tilije. The landscape shifts from snow-covered peaks to greener valleys.
Day 13: Drive from Tilije to Kathmandu
After a scenic drive through hills and river valleys, return to the bustling city of Kathmandu. Enjoy your final evening in the capital reflecting on your trek. If you want to combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, then we can do the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek as well, starting from Tilije to Chame and ending in Jomsom.
Day 14: Departure
With unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Circuit, it’s time to say farewell. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey or international flight.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Distance in February
Trekking in the Manaslu circuit during the month of February can be a tough idea to do. During this period of time, your itinerary is not fixed, as your itinerary may not work according to the plans. Due to the climate, accommodations, and trekking trail conditions, your trek distance will be increased.
And it also varies from the starting point of the trek. Suppose you start your trek from Macha Khola; then the distance will be 192km round trip. Starting from Soti Khola, you can go up to 222 km, and starting from Jagat, the distance can go up to 162km. Not only that, but your total trekking distance depends upon the side trip, accommodations, routes taken, and ending spot.
You can also the blog on topic: Manaslu Circuit Trek in January
Manaslu circuit trek cost In February
The trek will cost you around USD 1000 to 1400 per person. It also depends on the itinerary that you choose. Since the permits are a crucial part of the trek, it will cost you around USD 135. You will have to take 3 kinds of permits, which include Manaslu Conservation Area Permits, Annapurna Conservation Area Permits, and Manaslu Restricted Area Permits. Permits will cost you around USD 10 to 30 per day. You can apply the permit at: National Trust of Nature Conservation. Talking about the guide, the guide is also a very important factor in the trekking world.
A government-licensed guide and a good English-speaking guide will cost you USD 20 to 35 per day. A porter will cost you around 17 to 20 dollars USD, which will help you to carry your bags and luggage. You can hire the guide and porter with us. And the accommodation and food will cost you around 20 to 40 dollars per day. Transportation prices can also be decreased during this time of the season, which would cost you around 5 USD to 10 USD for public vehicles. If you use a rented private vehicle like a Scorpio, Jeep, or any other vehicle, then the cost can be 200 USD to 250 USD per day.
Vehicle cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in February
Vehicle cost for the Manaslu circuit trek depends upon the options you are choosing for transportation. During this time, the public and private vehicle prices are on the lower side. If you are getting a public vehicle for traveling, then you will need to reach the Gongabu bus park area, from where you can take a public bus and jeeps for Macha Khola, Soti Khola, and Jagat. The price of the vehicle is low, ranging from 10 USD to 15 USD, which is approximately NPR. 1000 to NPR 1500. However, traveling in a public vehicle may be uncomfortable due to the small sitting area and a crowd of local people. So we suggest renting a vehicle for transportation.
The Manaslu region lies in a remote area, due to which there is no facility of proper roads, so you will need to have a 4WD SUV vehicle like a Scorpio. The Scorpio will cost you around 2000 USD to 2200 USD, which is NPR20,000 to 22,000 per vehicle. If you have a group, then you can divide the price equally. Renting a private vehicle will give you the opportunity to travel comfortably without any hassle, and you can do some side trips and stop according to your preference.
Additional packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek During February
The packing list for the Manaslu circuit trek is the same for every trekking destination in Nepal. You can read our blog in detail explaining the packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek; however, the blog is designed for peak seasons like autumn and spring, so you may need an additional packing list. Which includes 2 thermals to keep you warm from the inside. You will also need a base layer, which is a down jacket or sweater, one waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, insulated trekking boots, and gaiters for mud and snow, which will keep your legs dry. You will also need warm caps mufflers and warm gloves.
Not only that, you will need more trekking equipment like crampons, which will help you to walk in the snow, and a thermos to store warm or hot water. A sleeping bag as one blanket may not make you warm in the teahouses, or they may not give you enough blankets to warm yourself up. You will need to bring the moisturizer to cover your dry skin. Bring face creams to avoid any kind of sky-drying or skin-cracking.
Remember Mansalu circuit trekking needs different permits check Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit and Cost.
What is the weather conditions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek during February?
February is the extreme winter in the Manaslu region. The temperatures are cold, windy, and freezing at night and in the day as well. However, sometimes snowfall may occur at a higher altitude. Daytime temperatures hover between 5°C to 15°C, and nights can drop to 0°C or lower. For the lower altitudes like Jagat, Namrung, and Samagaun. But the higher-altitude daytime temperatures remain between -5°C and 5°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -15°C or even lower, especially near Larkya La Pass.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map for February
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map in February follows the same classic map of the region, beginning at Macha khola or Jagat and ending in Tiliche or Dharapani. However, due to path blockages, your trekking paths may change during the trek. In normal conditions, we follow the same Manaslu Circuit Trek Map given below.
You know about trekking Manaslu in February, but do you know the Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek? Check our 20 Stunning Manaslu Circuit Trek Photos and know yourself when can you take good photos?
Why not trek the Manaslu Circuit in February?
Trekking in the Manaslu circuit has some advantages and disadvantages as well. As everything in the world has pros and cons. Trekking in the Manaslu circuit in February can be challenging due to the heavy snowfall in the Larkya La pass, which may cause blockage of the trails. The temperatures can be chilly in the daytime and freezing at nighttime. Trekking in Larkya La Pass may require more experience and technical gear support.
Due to the cold weather, the higher-altitude teahouses are closed, making it difficult to find accommodations. Frequent storms and snowfall may increase your itinerary, and you may need to acclimate more. Also, in case of emergency help, the help may be delayed due to the low visibility and snow all around the region.
Tags: larkya la pass trek, manaslu, manaslu circuit trek, manasluregion, nepal