Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February: Weather, Conditions and Complete Guide

Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek possible in February?

Yes. February is the second of the two winter months on this route, and conditions are close to January with a gradual easing as the month goes on. Tsum Valley below about 3,700 metres remains fully walkable with a proper winter kit and stays one of the quietest, clearest times of year to visit its monasteries and villages. Larkya La at 5,106 metres is the deciding factor for a full circuit attempt: it can still hold deep snow and see periods where guides judge it unsafe to cross, though late February sometimes shows the first small signs of the pass becoming more manageable ahead of March. February suits the same kind of trekker as January: someone who wants Tsum Valley in genuine winter quiet, or an experienced, well equipped trekker travelling with a guide who has real winter route knowledge and a flexible schedule.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February at a glance

Weather varies by elevation, exact location and year. Figures above are general patterns for a typical February, not a forecast for any specific date. Checked as of 14 July 2026.

Who should consider this month

February suits a similar profile to January. It works well for trekkers focused on Tsum Valley itself rather than the full loop, since the valley’s monasteries at Chhokangparo, Nile and Mu Gompa are fully accessible and unusually quiet this month. It also suits experienced winter trekkers who have handled snow and cold on a previous high altitude trip, travel with a guide who treks this route through winter, and can accept a flexible schedule around the pass. Trekkers hoping specifically for a Losar or Sonam Lhosar cultural experience often target February, since one or both of these Buddhist New Year festivals frequently fall in this month, though the exact date shifts with the lunar calendar each year.

February is a poor match for anyone who needs a guaranteed Larkya La crossing on a fixed date, or a first time high altitude trekker without cold weather experience.

Main reasons to choose this month

Crowds remain at their lowest point of the year, matching January. Teahouses that stay open have space and time for guests. Daylight is slightly longer than January, which gives a small but genuine improvement in usable walking hours on longer stages. Air quality is typically still excellent, since agricultural burning has not yet begun in the lower valleys and monsoon humidity is still months away. For trekkers with flexible dates, late February sometimes offers an early hint of the pass softening before the March transition, though this varies considerably by year.

Main reasons not to choose this month

Cold remains the central issue. Nights at Samdo, Dharmashala and Larkya La are still frequently well below freezing, and a fresh snowfall can close the pass for several days with no real warning. Teahouse numbers above Samagaun stay reduced through most of the month. A common mistake is assuming February must be safer than January simply because it comes later in the winter calendar. In practice the two months behave similarly, and the deciding factor each year is the specific weather pattern, not the name of the month.

Weather overview

February continues the dry winter pattern established in January, with generally stable high pressure interrupted by occasional cold fronts. The lower Budhi Gandaki valley and lower Tsum Valley stay comparatively mild, while elevations above Namrung and upper Tsum see the full effect of winter. Compared with January, February typically brings a very slight warming trend as the month progresses, most noticeable in the final one to two weeks, though this is a gradual shift rather than a sudden change.

Expected temperatures by altitude

As a general pattern, daytime temperatures in the lower Budhi Gandaki valley below 1,500 metres run roughly 11 to 17°C in direct sun, with nights around 3 to 8°C. In Tsum Valley proper, daytime highs typically sit between 3 and 13°C, with nights commonly falling to minus 4 to 3°C. At Samagaun and Samdo, daytime temperatures often hover from roughly minus 4 to 6°C, with nights routinely dropping to minus 9 to minus 17°C. At Dharmashala and Larkya La, night and early morning temperatures have been reported below minus 14 to minus 19°C in multiple independent trekking sources for this route in late winter, only marginally milder than January.

Lower Budhi Gandaki Valley conditions

This section remains comfortable in February, with dry, stable trail conditions and pleasant daytime walking temperatures. Terraced fields are still in their winter lull, and the route from Machha Khola or Soti Khola through Jagat and Philim poses no particular seasonal difficulty.

Tsum Valley conditions

Tsum Valley remains the most reliably walkable part of the route in February. Villages between Chumling and Chhokangparo catch good midday sun, and while shaded sections and early mornings are cold, the valley rarely sees snow heavy enough to disrupt travel. This is a strong month for visiting Tsum Valley specifically, with clear light and near total solitude on the trail.

Upper Manaslu conditions

Between Namrung and Samagaun, forest sections continue to hold ice in shaded patches through most of February, and the open valley above Lho remains exposed to wind. Conditions here are close to identical to January, with only a marginal easing expected as the month progresses.

Samagaun and Samdo conditions

Samagaun continues to function as the main acclimatisation stop, with a reduced but real set of teahouses open. Samdo sees fewer operators running through most of February, similar to January, though a handful of additional lodges sometimes reopen in the last week of the month in anticipation of the March season. This should not be relied upon for any specific date.

Dharmashala conditions

Dharmashala remains the most exposed stop on the route in February, a basic shelter rather than a proper village, and entirely dependent on the pass being safe for case-by-casethe following morning. Guides continue to make case by case decisions about whether to overnight here or push through from Samdo on a clear weather day.

Larkya La Pass conditions

Larkya La in February carries essentially the same risk profile as January. Snow depth, wind chill and the possibility of avalanche risk or whiteout conditions all remain live concerns, and no operator can honestly guarantee the pass will be open on a specific February date. Some years show a softening trend in the final week of the month; other years do not. The safe planning assumption is that February requires the same guide judgment and schedule flexibility as January, not a materially easier crossing.

Bhimtang descent conditions

Once over the pass, the descent to Bhimtang at around 3,590 metres behaves the same way it does in January: steep and icy on the upper switchbacks, improving quickly with descent, and noticeably milder than the high pass area by the time you reach the village.

Weather by zone

Rain expectations

Rain remains uncommon across the route in February. This is still a dry season month, and any precipitation at higher elevation typically falls as snow rather than rain.

Snow expectations

Snow above roughly 3,800 metres remains the defining hazard, with fresh snowfall events possible at any point in the month and generally unpredictable more than a few days ahead. Tsum Valley and the lower route see comparatively little snow, rarely enough to affect walking.

Wind and cold exposure

Wind chill above Samagaun continues to matter as much as raw air temperature, particularly on the exposed approach to Dharmashala and around Larkya La itself. A windproof outer shell remains a core piece of kit rather than an optional extra.

Visibility and mountain views

February typically maintains the excellent long distance visibility of January on clear days, thanks to dry winter air with little haze. Storm systems can still bring sudden drops in visibility at altitude, and this risk should be planned around rather than dismissed.

Daylight hours

Daylight in February runs slightly longer than January, typically around 10.5 to 11 hours between sunrise and sunset by the end of the month. This modest gain helps a little on longer stages but does not fundamentally change the need for early starts on crossing day.

Suggested daily walking schedule

As in January, plan early starts to make the most of daylight and to clear exposed sections before afternoon wind builds. Below Samagaun, a typical day runs from around 7:30am into early afternoon. On the Dharmashala to Bhimtang crossing day, guides commonly start before sunrise by headlamp, aiming to be over Larkya La and descending well before midday.

Trail conditions

Trail conditions in February are close to identical to January: dry and stable below Samagaun with occasional icy patches in shaded forest, and packed snow and ice above Samagaun, particularly near Dharmashala and on both approaches to Larkya La. Trekking poles and, depending on conditions that week, microspikes or light crampons remain useful.

Road conditions

The road from Kathmandu to the trailhead at Machha Khola or Soti Khola is generally in reasonable shape in February, consistent with the dry season pattern. Some sections remain rough and unsealed, but landslide disruption of the kind seen in monsoon is not a factor this month.

Transport reliability

Jeep and local bus services continue to run on their normal dry season schedule. As in January, confirm current departure times directly with your operator, since lower winter demand can mean less frequent services on some routes.

Teahouse availability

• Tsum Valley and the lower Budhi Gandaki route keep a healthy set of teahouses open throughout February, since local life continues regardless of trekker numbers.
• Above Samagaun, teahouse numbers stay reduced for most of the month, similar to January.
• A small number of additional lodges sometimes reopen in the final week of February ahead of the March season, though this varies by year and should not be assumed.
• A guide with direct, current contact with lodge owners remains the only reliable way to confirm what is actually open on your travel dates.

Room and bed availability

Room availability is rarely an issue in February given the low trekker numbers, and a private room is the norm rather than the exception even at lodges that would be fully booked in autumn. Fewer total lodges operating means route planning should focus on which villages have any open accommodation at all.

Food options

Menus remain simplified at higher elevation lodges in February, similar to January. Dal bhat continues to be the most reliable, freshest option throughout the route and a sensible default at altitude in any season.

Drinking water

Water sources can still freeze overnight at higher villages in February. Carry a wide mouth bottle that tolerates partial freezing, and treat boiled water from lodges as the primary source with a purification method as backup.

Charging and internet

Solar charging remains less reliable in February than in the warmer months, and generator hours at higher lodges are often limited. A fully charged power bank is essential, and mobile signal above Namrung stays patchy at best.

Crowd level

February ties with January as the quietest month of the year on this route. Daily trekker numbers in the main villages are commonly in the single digits, a striking contrast to the autumn peak.

Permit requirements

February permit costs follow the same December to August rate schedule as January. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is USD 75 per person for the first seven days, then USD 10 per person per additional day. The Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is USD 30 per person for the first seven days, then USD 7 per person per additional day. The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are each a flat NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers, and a one time local municipality fee of NPR 1,000 is collected on the trail. These figures reflect the rates published on our own permit guide as of July 2026 and should be reconfirmed with your agency before booking. See our full Manaslu trekking permits guide for the complete breakdown.

Restricted area trekking rules

Manaslu and Tsum Valley remain government designated restricted areas requiring a licensed guide at all times, February included. As of a rule change on 22 March 2026, the Department of Immigration removed the old minimum of two trekkers per group in restricted areas, so one trekker with one licensed guide now satisfies the requirement. See our full writeup in Solo Trekking in Manaslu: New Government Rule Update. Confirm current rules with your agency before booking.

Guide requirements

A licensed guide is mandatory in every month, and February calls for the same winter specific experience as January: real judgment about snow conditions at Larkya La, not just general Manaslu guiding experience gathered in the busier seasons.

Recommended itinerary

A February full circuit attempt typically runs 19 to 23 days including Kathmandu transfers, similar to January once winter contingency days are included. Our 19 day Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek and 23 day Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek can both be adjusted with extra winter buffer days. Trekkers who want Tsum Valley without crossing the pass can complete a shorter 14 to 16 day itinerary entering and exiting through the lower Budhi Gandaki. Those focused purely on the classic loop can compare against our main Manaslu Circuit Trek package.

Suggested acclimatisation plan

Standard acclimatisation principles apply regardless of month: no more than roughly 400 to 500 metres of net sleeping elevation gain per day above 3,000 metres, with a rest day around Samagaun before continuing toward Samdo and Dharmashala. Cold weather can mask early altitude symptoms, so a disciplined pace matters as much in February as at any other time of year.

Suggested contingency days

Build in three to five spare days around the Dharmashala to Bhimtang stage for a February full circuit attempt, the same allowance as January. Tsum Valley only itineraries need a smaller buffer of one to two days.

Packing list for this month

February packing needs are close to identical to January: a wide temperature range from comfortable low valley days to severe cold at Dharmashala and Larkya La. For a full item by item breakdown that applies year round, see our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek packing list.

Clothing and layering system for February

• Base layer: moisture wicking thermal top and bottom, two sets.
• Mid layer: fleece or synthetic insulating layer for evenings and cold mornings.
• Outer layer: expedition weight down jacket for Samdo, Dharmashala and the pass crossing.
• Head and neck: warm hat covering the ears, plus a neck gaiter or buff.
• Hands: liner gloves for daily wear, plus a heavier insulated outer glove or mitten for crossing day.

Footwear for snow and ice

• Insulated, waterproof trekking boots with a sole stiff enough to take microspikes.
• Two pairs of thick trekking socks, rotated daily to keep feet dry.
• A snug but not tight fit to protect circulation in cold conditions.

Rain and wind protection

• A waterproof shell used mainly for wind protection, since rain itself is unlikely.
• A hooded, fully waterproof outer layer for occasional wet snow at lower elevation.
• Waterproof trousers as a secondary layer against wind chill at altitude.

Snow and ice equipment

• Microspikes: the practical choice for most February conditions, especially near Dharmashala and Larkya La.
• Full crampons and an ice axe: occasionally needed in a heavy snow year, a call made by your guide on the day.
• Gaiters: keep snow out of boots on the Dharmashala to Bhimtang stage.

Sleeping bag rating for February

• A four season bag rated to at least minus 20°C comfort for nights at Samdo, Dharmashala and near the pass.
• A liner adds extra warmth and keeps the bag cleaner over a multi week trip.
• Teahouse rooms above Samagaun remain unheated, so the bag is your main source of overnight warmth.

Electronics and power management

• Carry batteries and power banks close to your body to slow cold related battery drain.
• A power bank of at least 20,000mAh is sensible given limited solar and generator charging.
• Keep spare headlamp batteries for pre dawn starts on crossing day.

Health and altitude concerns

Altitude sickness risk is driven by elevation gain and pace rather than the calendar month, so standard acclimatisation practice applies in February exactly as in January. Cold weather adds frostbite risk on exposed skin during the pass crossing and can accelerate deterioration in a trekker who becomes wet or exhausted at altitude. For a detailed look at how guides respond to illness on this route, see our guide to getting sick on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Main safety risks

The same two risks dominate February as January: cold injury at altitude, and the judgment call around crossing Larkya La in marginal snow conditions. Both are manageable with an experienced guide, appropriate gear and a flexible schedule.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance covering trekking above 5,000 metres and including helicopter evacuation remains essential for February. Confirm your policy’s altitude limit covers 5,106 metres and that rescue and evacuation are explicitly included. This is general guidance, not a recommendation of any specific insurer, and you should read your policy’s exact terms before departure.

Suitability for beginners

A beginner with reasonable fitness can manage the Tsum Valley portion of this trek comfortably in February with a good guide. The full circuit including Larkya La remains a harder proposition for a first time high altitude trekker in winter, and a shorter Tsum Valley itinerary or a spring or autumn departure is usually the better choice for a genuine first timer.

Suitability for experienced trekkers

Experienced trekkers who enjoyed January’s combination of solitude and clear cold air will find February offers much the same, with a small daylight advantage and, in some years, a hint of easing conditions late in the month.

Suitability for solo travellers

Independent trekking without a guide remains prohibited in both restricted areas. Since March 2026, one trekker travelling with one licensed guide satisfies the group requirement, making solo travel more practical than before. February’s quiet trails suit this kind of one on one guided trip well.

Guide and porter advice

A porter remains useful in February for managing the additional weight of winter gear over a long itinerary. Confirm your porter has adequate winter clothing and footwear, a basic welfare standard that reputable agencies provide as a matter of course.

Photography conditions

February offers photography conditions very close to January: dry winter air, sharp long range visibility on clear days, and strong morning light on snow covered peaks above Tsum Valley. Gloved hands and faster battery drain in the cold remain the main practical challenges.

Cultural events and festivals

• Losar and Sonam Lhosar: the Tibetan and Tamang New Year celebrations frequently fall in February, though the exact date shifts each year with the lunar calendar and can sometimes fall in January instead.
• Tsum Valley’s Buddhist communities often mark Losar with visible celebrations in monastery villages, a genuine bonus for trekkers whose dates happen to align.
• Confirm the current year’s festival calendar with your operator rather than planning around a fixed date, and treat any overlap as a welcome bonus rather than a itinerary anchor.

See our roundup of major festivals in the Manaslu region for the wider annual calendar.

Advantages and disadvantages of trekking in February

Seasonal extra costs

As in January, February can bring extra costs from contingency days if a storm delays the Larkya La crossing, plus possible gear rental if you do not already own suitable winter equipment. Permit fees remain at the lower December to August rate, and package pricing is typically below the September to November peak.

Comparison with the previous month

January and February behave similarly overall, with February showing a small, gradual easing rather than a clear break in conditions. See our full Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in January guide for the detailed comparison.

Comparison with the next month

March brings a more noticeable shift, with rising trekker numbers, warming temperatures and a gradually improving Larkya La, though early March can still carry winter leftovers. See our full Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in March guide for the detailed comparison.

Month comparison

Better alternatives if conditions are poor

If Larkya La is unsafe during your window, completing Tsum Valley as a standalone loop through the lower Budhi Gandaki remains the practical fallback, delivering the cultural core of the trek without the highest risk section. Trekkers set on the full circuit specifically should consider shifting to April, May, October or November for a more consistently passable pass.

Final recommendation

February rewards trekkers who want the same winter quiet as January, with a small daylight advantage and a possible Losar cultural bonus in Tsum Valley. It is not the right choice for anyone who needs a guaranteed Larkya La crossing, and it should not be assumed automatically safer than January. Book with a guide who has genuine winter experience on this specific route, and build real flexibility into your return flight dates. For a month by month comparison across the full year, see our Best Time to Go on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek guide. Travellers who want one local team to organise permits, transport, guides and porters can contact Manaslu Treks, a specialist Manaslu trek operator based in Nepal.

Planning a February departure? Contact our local team to check current trail conditions, permit rules and itinerary options before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Can I trek the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February?

Yes. Tsum Valley and the lower and middle sections of the route are walkable in February with proper winter clothing and a licensed guide. The full circuit including Larkya La is also possible but depends on conditions at the pass that week, similar to January.

Is Larkya La Pass open in February?

Often passable but not guaranteed, carrying essentially the same risk as January. Some years show a softening trend late in the month, but this is not something to plan a fixed itinerary around.

How cold is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February?

Lower Tsum Valley and the Budhi Gandaki corridor are cool but comfortable, typically 9 to 17°C by day. Samagaun and Samdo see daytime temperatures near freezing and nights down to roughly minus 9 to minus 17°C. Dharmashala and Larkya La are colder again, with reported night temperatures below minus 14 to minus 19°C.

Is February milder than January?

Only marginally, and mostly toward the end of the month. Both months share the same core winter risk profile, particularly around Larkya La, and neither should be assumed safer than the other.

Does it snow on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February?

Snow remains common above roughly 3,800 metres, particularly at Dharmashala and Larkya La. Tsum Valley and the lower route see far less snow.

Does it rain on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in February?

Rain is uncommon. February remains a dry season month, with precipitation at higher elevation typically falling as snow.

Are teahouses open in February?

Yes in Tsum Valley and the lower Budhi Gandaki, where local life continues year round. Above Samagaun, several lodges stay closed for most of the month, with a small number sometimes reopening in the final week.

Is the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek safe in February?

It is manageable with the right preparation: a guide experienced in winter conditions, appropriate cold weather and snow gear, and a flexible schedule. The main risks are cold injury at altitude and poor pass conditions, both reduced substantially by good guiding.

Is travel insurance required?

Insurance covering trekking above 5,000 metres with helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended, as in every month on this route. Check your policy’s altitude limit and rescue coverage before booking.

Can beginners do this trek in February?

Beginners can manage a Tsum Valley only itinerary comfortably with a good guide. The full circuit including Larkya La is harder for a first time high altitude trekker in winter, and a spring or autumn departure is usually a better fit for a genuine first timer.

Can solo travellers do this trek in February?

Independent trekking without a guide is not permitted. Since a March 2026 rule change, one trekker with one licensed guide satisfies the group requirement, provided you book through a registered agency.

Is a licensed guide required?

Yes, in every month, for both the Manaslu and Tsum Valley restricted areas. For February, look for genuine winter route experience, the same standard that applies in January.

How many contingency days should I keep in February?

Three to five spare days built around the Dharmashala to Bhimtang stage for a full circuit attempt, the same allowance as January. Tsum Valley only itineraries need one to two days.

What sleeping bag rating do I need in February?

A four season bag rated to at least minus 20°C comfort, the same standard as January, for nights at Samdo, Dharmashala and near the pass.

Do I need microspikes or crampons in February?

Microspikes are useful for most February conditions above Samagaun. Full crampons and an ice axe are occasionally warranted in a heavy snow year, a call best left to your guide.

Is February a good month for mountain views?

On clear days, yes, with the same excellent long range visibility as January. Storms can still bring sudden whiteout conditions at altitude.

How crowded is the trek in February?

Very quiet, tied with January as the lowest trekker traffic month on this route.

Will I see Losar celebrations in Tsum Valley in February?

Possibly. Losar and Sonam Lhosar often fall in February, though the exact date shifts with the lunar calendar each year and can sometimes fall in January. Confirm the current year’s calendar with your operator.

Is February better than January for this trek?

Not decisively. February offers slightly longer daylight and a small chance of improving pass conditions late in the month, but the core winter risk profile, especially at Larkya La, is very similar to January.