When choosing between the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers are often torn between the allure of remote and rugged adventure versus the variety and convenience of a well-established trekking route. Both circuits are renowned for their breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion, but each offers a unique trekking experience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which trek is best for you:
Trekking Experience
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's more remote trekking routes. It sees fewer trekkers, which adds to its wilderness charm. The route remains relatively unspoiled, with fewer villages and less infrastructure.
The trek takes you through Tibetan Buddhist-influenced villages, especially in the Nubri Valley. The cultural immersion is profound, as you pass ancient gompas (monasteries), chortens, and Mani walls.
Due to its status as a restricted area, trekkers must obtain special permits and travel with a licensed guide and at least one other trekker. This adds to the sense of isolation but also requires more logistical planning.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular and well-trodden trekking routes in Nepal. Over the years, the trail has developed significantly, with teahouses, lodges, and restaurants lining much of the route.
The circuit passes through villages of varying ethnic groups, including Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities. This cultural diversity makes the trek a rich experience in terms of both landscape and human interaction.
Unlike the Manaslu Circuit, the Annapurna Circuit does not require you to trek with a guide or in a group. Solo trekkers can enjoy the freedom of exploring at their own pace, though many still choose to hire a guide or porter for added support.
Difficulty and Altitude
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is considered more challenging than the Annapurna Circuit. The trail is rugged, with steep ascents and descents, and some parts of the trek are narrow and less maintained.\
The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), a demanding ascent that requires proper acclimatization. Days leading up to the pass can be grueling, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Given its remoteness and the pass crossing, the Manaslu Circuit is better suited for trekkers with some prior experience. Acclimatization days are necessary to avoid altitude sickness, and the route involves long days of trekking with basic accommodation.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit offers a range of difficulty levels. The early stages of the trek are relatively easier with gentle ascents, while the climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is challenging due to its altitude and length.
Like the Manaslu Circuit, the Annapurna Circuit also crosses a high-altitude pass, Thorong La, which is slightly higher than Larkya La. However, the trek is more gradual, giving trekkers more time to acclimatize.
With more villages and options for acclimatization along the way, the Annapurna Circuit is accessible for both beginner and seasoned trekkers. It is less physically demanding compared to Manaslu, especially given the better trail maintenance.
Scenery and Landscape
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The scenery on the Manaslu Circuit is incredibly diverse, ranging from subtropical jungles and rice terraces to alpine meadows and high-altitude glaciers. The trek offers spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Shiringi Himal, and Himal Chuli.
Due to fewer trekkers and less development, the landscapes feel more pristine and undisturbed. The rivers, waterfalls, and forests are less altered by human activity, and the high-altitude views are breathtaking.
Since the trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you are more likely to encounter wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and various bird species. Rhododendron forests are particularly beautiful during spring.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is renowned for its variety. You’ll experience everything from tropical jungles and rice terraces in the lower regions to high-altitude deserts reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau in the Mustang region. Views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail) are iconic.
Due to its popularity, parts of the Annapurna Circuit have been impacted by development. While the landscapes are still stunning, the trail infrastructure (roads, lodges) has reduced the sense of wilderness in certain sections, particularly in Lower Pisang and Jomsom.
The Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) offers dramatic views, similar to those on the Manaslu trek, but with a wider view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
Accommodation and Facilities
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is more basic compared to the Annapurna Circuit. Teahouses are fewer, and facilities such as electricity, hot showers, and Wi-Fi are limited. Expect shared rooms and minimal amenities.
The food available is simple and based on local staples such as dal bhat, noodles, and Tibetan bread. While hearty, the food options are more limited compared to Annapurna due to the remoteness of the region.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
As a more popular route, the Annapurna Circuit has better infrastructure with more comfortable lodges. Many teahouses offer private rooms, hot showers, and charging facilities. In certain areas like Manang and Jomsom, you can even find bakeries and more varied food options.
Since the circuit is more developed, you’ll find a wider variety of meals, including pizza, pasta, and desserts, especially in the more popular villages like Manang and Chame.
Duration and Itinerary
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The trek typically takes about 14-16 days, depending on acclimatization days and side trips such as Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. If you choose to extend the trek to the Tsum Valley, the duration can increase to 19-22 days.
Due to the challenging nature of the trail, most days involve long hours of trekking (6-7 hours per day) with fewer villages and rest stops. Proper acclimatization is essential, and the trek offers fewer opportunities to shorten or alter the itinerary.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The classic Annapurna Circuit takes about 16-18 days, but it can be shortened by taking transportation options such as jeeps or flights between Jomsom and Pokhara. It’s also possible to tailor the route, starting or ending at various points depending on your schedule.
The Annapurna Circuit offers more flexibility, with several side trips like Tilicho Lake, Poon Hill, or even extensions into the Upper Mustang region. The trail is well-marked, and there are more villages, so you can adjust your pace more easily.
Permits and Costs
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The trek requires several permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Since the trek passes through a restricted area, you must trek with a guide and at least one other person.
Due to the restricted nature of the area and the requirement of hiring a guide, the Manaslu Circuit can be more expensive. Expect to pay more for permits, guide services, and logistics. Costs vary depending on the season. During peak trekking seasons (September to November), the fee is USD 100 for the first week, with an additional USD 15 per day beyond that. In the off-season, the fee drops to USD 75 for the first week and USD 10 per additional day.
A Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is required to trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area and costs USD 30. If you add Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit Itinerary Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is required, the cost is USD 40 per week throughout the year. Since Tsum Valley also covers the Annapurna Region, you also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) which costs USD 30
Annapurna Circuit Trek
You’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. Unlike Manaslu, this trek does not require a guide or group.
The Annapurna Circuit is more budget-friendly, especially for solo trekkers. Permits are cheaper, and the competition between teahouses keeps prices for food and accommodation reasonable. Since the trek exits just in the Annapurna region, you need an ACAP, which costs USD 30
Similarities Between Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit
While the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit offer distinct experiences, they share several similarities, making both treks exceptional choices for adventurers seeking to explore the diverse beauty of Nepal. Here are some key aspects where the two treks converge:
Himalayan Scenery
Both treks provide stunning panoramas of the Himalayas, with dramatic mountain views that are among the best in the world. While each route offers its own unique perspectives, trekkers on both the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits are treated to views of towering snow-capped peaks, glaciated landscapes, and alpine vistas.
Annapurna Circuit: Offers views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m), and many more.
Manaslu Circuit: Features awe-inspiring views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, as well as peaks like Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli.
High Mountain Passes
Both circuits involve crossing a challenging high-altitude pass, which is often the highlight of the trek.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) on the Annapurna Circuit is the highest trekking pass in the world.
Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) on the Manaslu Circuit, while slightly lower, is equally demanding and offers stunning views of surrounding peaks.
Both passes require proper acclimatization and physical endurance, but the reward is an unforgettable experience of standing at the top of the world.
Cultural Richness
Both treks provide an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the rich diversity of Nepal’s ethnic groups.
The Annapurna Circuit passes through Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities, providing insight into different lifestyles, customs, and religious practices.
The Manaslu Circuit, though more homogeneously Tibetan Buddhist in influence, also offers deep cultural immersion through visits to ancient Buddhist monasteries, Mani walls, and prayer flags dotting the landscape.
In both circuits, trekkers are warmly welcomed by the local communities, and there are opportunities to witness traditional agricultural practices, participate in local festivals, and visit spiritual landmarks.
Natural Diversity
Both treks take you through a wide range of ecosystems and climates, starting from lower subtropical zones and progressing into high-altitude alpine environments.
On both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits, trekkers will walk through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo, pass through river valleys and terraced farmlands, and eventually reach the barren, wind-swept deserts near the high mountain passes.
The changing landscape is a feature of both circuits, offering trekkers a sense of progression and discovery as they move through Nepal's incredibly diverse terrain.
Conservation Areas
Both treks pass through protected conservation areas designed to preserve the natural environment and wildlife of the region.
The Manaslu Circuit traverses the Manaslu Conservation Area, known for its rich biodiversity and efforts to protect species like the snow leopard and blue sheep.
The Annapurna Circuit goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is Nepal’s largest conservation area and home to many endangered species, including the Himalayan tahr and red panda.
Both conservation areas are dedicated to sustainable tourism and protecting the ecological balance of the region.
Acclimatization and Physical Fitness
Both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits require trekkers to be mindful of altitude and acclimatization. Though the altitude profiles differ slightly, altitude sickness is a risk on both treks, especially when crossing the high passes.
Proper acclimatization days are built into itineraries for both treks to ensure trekkers adjust to the thin air and avoid altitude sickness.
Both treks demand good physical fitness due to the long days of trekking (5-7 hours on average) and the challenging terrain.
Despite the differences in popularity, remoteness, and difficulty, the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit share the essence of trekking in Nepal: awe-inspiring mountain views, cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and a sense of adventure that draws trekkers from across the globe. Whichever trek you choose, you are sure to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas while connecting with the local people and their rich traditions.
Which Trek is Best for You?
Choose the Manaslu Circuit if you’re looking for a more challenging, remote trekking experience with fewer crowds and a deeper cultural immersion in Tibetan Buddhist communities. It’s perfect for seasoned trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure with basic accommodations and raw landscapes.
Choose the Annapurna Circuit if you prefer a well-developed trail with more variety in landscapes, cultures, and accommodations. This trek offers flexibility, and better facilities, and is suitable for first-time trekkers or those looking for a more accessible challenge.
