Trekking in Nepal is on the wish list of many trekkers around the world. While the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the popular treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit are other incredible options. With their unique charms, the long-distance walk routes of the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit both enchant hikers with the Himalayas’ bursting magnificence.
Both treks offer stunning mountain scenery, a taste of Nepalese and Tibetan culture, and plenty of challenges for adventure seekers. But when it comes to choosing between the two, which one is the best fit for you? In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences, helping you decide which route is the best choice for your next trekking adventure.
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
| Feature | Manaslu Circuit Trek | Annapurna Circuit Trek |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Elevation | 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) | 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) |
| Duration | 17 Days | 16 Days |
| Difficulty Level | Challenging, Tough | Challenging, Tough |
| Accommodation | Tea Houses | Tea Houses |
| Best Time to Visit | March to May; September to November | March to May; September to November |
| Group Size | 2 to 20 | 1 to 20 |
| Trek Start/End Points | Starts and ends in Kathmandu | Starts in Kathmandu and ends in Pokhara/Kathmandu |
| Scenic Highlights | Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Larkya Pass, Tibetan monasteries, lush forests | Thorong La Pass, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, Muktinath Temple |
| Cultural Experience | Rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, remote villages | Diverse cultures, including Gurung and Thakali people |
| Trail Characteristics | Off-the-beaten-path, less crowded, Special permits required | Well-established, popular route, more crowded |
| Accessibility | No road access; limited basic infrastructure. | Road access, well-equipped and modern accommodations, and additional amenities. |
| Side Trips | Serang Gompa, Birendra Lake, Pungen Gompa | Ghorepani Poon Hill, Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Base Camp |
| Permit Requirements | Special permits and local guides are required | TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) required |
| Mountains | Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Annapurna II, Himchuli | Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri I |
Overview of the Manaslu Circuit
Location and Geography
Manaslu Circuit is a circular route passing the high Himalayan Lake known as Birendra and around Manaslu, the 8th highest peak of the globe, towering above at 8163 meters (26781 ft). In the Gorkha District of Nepal, this remote trek is renowned for its rugged, untrodden terrain. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges and remote villages to eventually cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m (16,930 ft).
What sets this trek apart from others is its remoteness—it’s not like getting on the well-trodden track of the Annapurna Circuit. Instead, you will be hiking through forests and walking in isolated little ancient villages where daily life is not much different from what it was hundreds of years ago.
Main Attractions of Manaslu Circuit
Across the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers encounter diverse terrain ranging from tropical forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows and moraine-dammed glacial lakes higher in altitude. From Larkya La Pass, the panorama of Mount Manaslu and its neighbors gives great satisfaction. You will also make your way through holy Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaon, where monasteries and prayer wheels add an old spiritual ambience to the trek.
Trek Length and Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek, generally taking between 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization days. The trek reaches high altitudes, with significant elevation gain every day, especially near Larkya La Pass. It’s more physically demanding than the Annapurna Circuit, so trekkers should be in good physical shape and prepared for steep ascents and long walking days.
Cultural Experience
The trek is not just about nature—it’s also a cultural journey. The Manaslu region is home to Tibetan Buddhist communities, and you’ll visit several monasteries along the way. Unlike the busier trekking regions, the villages here see fewer trekkers, offering more intimate and authentic cultural exchanges. For cultural exploration, you can stroll around the local market on the day of acclimatization and talk with locals.
Permits and Regulations
One of the main logistical differences with Manaslu is that it’s a restricted area, which means you’ll need special permits. A registered guide must accompany Trekkers, and there are restrictions on independent trekking. Additionally, you’ll need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card.
Overview of the Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trek in Nepal for good reason. This vintage trek encircles the Annapurna Massif and offers views of many of the highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna I (8,091m/ 26,545ft) and Dhaulagiri (8.167m /26795 ft). The trail meanders through varied terrain, from lush subtropical woods at lower elevations to high-altitude deserts above Thorong La Pass.
Main Attraction of Annapurna Circuit
Annapurna Circuit – If you are looking for varied treks in Nepal, then Annapurna Circuit is the best. Each day offers something new, from the verdant river valleys of the lower Marsyangdi River to Mustang’s surreal desert-like landscapes; every journey is an adventure. Must-see highlights include the sunrise views from Poon Hill over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus & Buddhists.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769ft): The Shangri La: Crossing the Thorong-La is the highlight of the Annapurna Circuit. The journey is grueling and begins with a pre-dawn hike, but once you are at the top, surrounded by high ranges, it feels like an achievement.
Trek Length and Difficulty
The Annapurna Circuit typically takes 12 to 20 days, depending on where you start and finish and how much time you spend acclimatizing or exploring side trails. While it is still a high-altitude trek, it’s generally considered less strenuous than the Manaslu Circuit due to its more gradual ascent and the availability of amenities along the way.
Cultural Experience
The Annapurna region is a broad, melting pot of culture with Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities all along the trail. Those on the Annapurna Circuit loop will encounter more frequent villages (Manang and Jomsom to name a few) than those trekking through some of the isolated village life along the Manaslu Circuit, providing hikers with ample opportunities for cultural interactions, diverse cuisine tasters, and lessons about local customs of countless ethnic groups.
Permits and Accessibility
Unlike the Manaslu Circuit, the Annapurna Circuit is more accessible and does not require a guide, though many trekkers still choose to hire one for safety and cultural insight. You will need the ACAP permit and a TIMS card, but the lack of restricted area permits makes it easier to organize.
Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit: Which trek to choose?
For Adventure Seekers
If you’re seeking a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Manaslu Circuit is the trek for you. It offers more solitude, raw wilderness, and a deeper connection with nature.
For First-Time Trekkers
The Annapurna Circuit is ideal for first-time trekkers or those looking for a more comfortable experience. The availability of amenities and a well-established route make it easier to plan and execute, even for those with less trekking experience.
For Cultural Enthusiasts
Both treks offer rich cultural experiences, but if you’re looking for a more intimate encounter with traditional Tibetan culture, the Manaslu Circuit will be more rewarding. On the other hand, the Annapurna Circuit offers a broader variety of cultural interactions with different ethnic groups.
Practical Considerations
Best Time to Trek
Both treks are best done during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons when the weather is stable and the views are clear.
Cost Comparison
The Manaslu Circuit tends to be more expensive due to the need for a guide and special permits. The Annapurna Circuit can be more budget-friendly, especially if trekked independently.
Physical Fitness
Both treks require a good level of fitness, but the Manaslu Circuit is generally more physically demanding due to its remoteness and higher altitude gain. It is always a good idea to start with less challenging routes and work on your physical fitness before thinking of trekking in both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits, as both of the trekking routes are challenging.
Conclusion
While enjoying the wonderful trekking experiences along with the difference between the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit. If you are looking for a quiet, challenging trekking experience as well as an opportunity to culturally immerse yourself in a very intimate environment, then the Manaslu Circuit could be perfect. For a more diverse landscape, better infrastructure, and a good old-fashioned trekking route, the Annapurna Circuit will do just that.
No matter which trek you decide to undertake, the experience of a lifetime awaits as both circuits take you through the heart of the Himalayas with our knowledgeable team by your side every step along this journey into an unforgettable life-altering trip!
Check out the packages for Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit by Amazing Himalaya Trekking.
