Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

This blog, Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek, is not a comparative analysis of these two beautiful trekking. Instead, it’s more of a detailed highlight of each trek. Furthermore, by the end of this blog, you’ll get complete trek information, adequate to decide which one’s best fit for your trekking in Nepal in 2025.

A beautiful sunrise from Larke Pass in Manaslu Circuit Trek
A beautiful sunrise from Larke Pass in Manaslu Circuit Trek (Image © Geetangey)

Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek- The Motivation in 2024

In April 2024, I got an amazing opportunity to trek to Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass with a client. And it left me mesmerized. Right then, I wanted to embark on the other side of Annapurna, to Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. While planning these two treks, I came up with the idea of combining three treks into one and calling it the Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek. It’s an adventurous yet demanding trek which undoubtedly is the epitome of high-altitude trekking in Nepal very few know.

Despite getting busier with my guiding works, my desperation to do the Annapurna round and Manaslu Circuit grew even more. I planned to complete both these treks in Autumn 2024, and I did.

Annapurna Circuit Trek happened in October and Manaslu on freezing December.

With my personal experiences from the two treks, I’m writing this blog for someone who’s interested in learning them in depth. Also, for visual aspects of each trek, kindly watch the videos attached to the blog.

Let’s explore multiple topics from each trek and discuss them in detail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek: Key Differences

Topics

Manaslu Circuit Annapurna Circuit

Where?

Manaslu Conservation Area, West Nepal

Annapurna Conservation Area, West Nepal

Max. Altitude Larke La at 5,106 meters

Thorong La at 5,416 meters

Trek Distance

180 km 160 km
Trek Duration 11-13 days

8-10 days

Side Treks

Tsum Valley Trek Tilicho Lake Trek
Trek Cost USD 1399 per person

USD 1080 per person

Difficulty

Demanding Moderately easy
Trek Permits MRAP, MCAP, ACAP, and local area permit

ACAP Permit

Permit Fee

USD 120-140 USD 25
Best Time March, April, May, October, November, and December

March, April, May, October, November, and December

Crowd

Lesser than Annapurna  Relatively higher
Accommodation Tea house based (decent)

Tea house based (better tea houses)

Trek Guide

Mandatory Not Mandatory
Number of mountains 20-23 visible mountains

43 visible mountains

Highest Mountain

Manaslu, 8th highest Annapurna I, 10th highest
Cultural Experience Tibetan Influenced Buddhism

Nepali Buddhism and Hinduism

Wildlife

Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep

Diverse but less visible

Landscape: Manaslu vs. Annapurna

In regard to the landscape, Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit are completely different. One is more natural with full of plants, whereas another is arid and windy.

The landscape in Manaslu is more lively and full of plants. From Machhakhola to Samdo, you’ll find the pine, juniper, and rhododendron forests. Moreover, the route from Bimthang to Tilche is serene, with a pine and oak forest with an elegant view of Mt. Manaslu. And for most, you’ll walk through these forests. Moreover, the sound of cascading Budhi Gandaki and crossing the suspension bridges over it offers a unique experience.

A wooden bridge over Marshyangdi River, en route to Pisang, Manang, Annapurna Circuit Trek
A wooden bridge over Marshyangdi River, en route to Pisang, Manang (Image © Rasta Asim)

Annapurna Circuit, on the other hand, is more arid, withered, dry, and windy. Being windy is also why the Annapurna Circuit is more arid with lesser vegetation, even at the lower altitudes. It’s not that there aren’t trees or forests. However, they’re not dense. If you start the trek from Dharapani, you’ll find forests to Upper Pisang. The most peaceful walk I experienced in Annapurna Circuit was through the forest from Brathang to Dhikur Pokhari. It’s the only part I find the landscape more peaceful to walk on.

Conclusion: If you prefer an arid landscape with beautiful pine trees, Annapurna Circuit Trek is best. However, if a more natural touch is what you adore, go for Manaslu.

My pick: The landscape of Manaslu Circuit for a more peaceful walk.

Mountains: Manaslu Circuit vs. Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek wins if elegant mountain views are what you crave. For the elegant mountain panorama, Annapurna has a slight edge over Manaslu. However, Manaslu still offers a great mountain panorama.

Each of these treks circles an eight thousand meters tall mountain. Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you around Annapurna mountains with Annapurna I being the highest in the region and 10th highest in the world. On the other hand, the Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain. And, there are a handful of mountains that neighbor each of these highest peaks.

Except Mt. Manaslu, other notable mountains in the Manaslu region are Ganesh Himal, Gyaji Kang, Cheo, Himlung, and Nemjung. Near Bimthang, these mountains have formed a glacial cirque upon viewing down from Larke, which is daunting and humungous.

Annapurna is full of mountains and is elegant, too. Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, III, IV, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Tukuche, Chulu, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, Damodar Himal, Machhapuchhre, are the notable mountains in Annapurna Conservation Area. And all are elegant.

Beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu through pine forest from Bimthang, Manang
Beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu through pine forest from Bimthang, Manang (Image © NepTrek)

You’ll get the first glimpse of Mt. Manaslu from Lho on the third day of the trek. However, you’ll get the mountain view in Annapurna Circuit Trek from day one of the walk. And, that too is the south summit of Mt. Manaslu from Timang.

Conclusion: There are more mountains in Annapurna than in Manaslu. Moreover, the Annapurnas are more striking, elegant, and conspicuous. However, in Manaslu, there aren’t as many mountains as in Annapurna.

My pick: I love filming and capturing the mountains. As a landscape photographer, my priorities are mountains. Thus, the elegant mountains in Annapurna are my favorite.

Trek Difficulty: Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is more demanding than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Thus, the trek difficulty is also why many prefer trekking in Annapurna to Manaslu. However, for experienced trekkers, Manaslu is an easy trek.

Everyday walking distance in Manaslu is longer than in Annapurna Circuit. Moreover, given the same walking distance, from my personal experience, walking in Annapurna wasn’t as difficult as in Manaslu.

The trek difficulty is also why trekkers need at least 11-13 days to complete Manaslu Circuit Trekking, with a day or two for acclimatization. But Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable in a week with a jeep to Manang.

Another reason Manaslu is a difficult trek is the treacherous Larke Pass. Most times, it remains calm and serene. However, in early Spring and late Autumn, the wind blows fiercely at 40 km/hr. With this, the temperature reaches -25˚C, which makes the Larke Pass crossing challenging.

When I was at Larke Pass, the wind was so fierce that we couldn’t stay at the pass even for a minute. Our fingers froze, the wind almost pushed us to the glacier, and the sand dust hit our faces and eyes badly.

Thus, the weather conditions also play a significant role in making Manaslu a challenging trek.

My recommendation: Annapurna Circuit Trek will be much easier to embark on if you’re a novice trekker. But, if you’ve completed treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, or Langtang Valley Trek, then you can aim for Manaslu Circuit.

Meals and Accommodations: Which one has the best?

To be fair, I didn’t see much of a difference regarding meals and accommodation at the tea houses in Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit. However, apart from the decent tea houses, Annapurna has some luxurious lodges in Chame, Brathang, and Manang.

The tea houses in Manaslu deserve applause because, in the last few years, they have improved their services to a great extent. Annapurna Trek however started way earlier than Manaslu. And thus, the tea houses here have quality offerings. Moreover, the road from Besisahar to Manang has made it easier for the tea houses to get the logistics.

Tea houses either trek provide clean and cozy twin-sharing rooms. At most places, you’ll have the option of using an attached bathroom. Moreover, in Manaslu and Annapurna, every tea house provides a hot water shower, high-speed WiFi, and electricity.

A twin sharing room at a tea house in Manaslu Circuit
A twin sharing room at a tea house in Manaslu Circuit (Image © NepTrek)

The tea houses offer expansive meal choices, even at the higher elevations. Thus, you’ll never run out of your favorite pancake, pizza, or desserts. Plus, the tea houses prepare all the meals by maintaining hygiene.

In both Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trekking, you’ll even get cottage rooms for accommodation. And these are the best. Be it in Manang or in Namrung, you’ll get a tidy and cozy private cottage for overnight accommodation.

My pick: Accommodation and meals on both these trekking are second to none. However, Annapurna being a well-established trek and road connection to Manang, the tea houses have a slight advantage.

Trek Permits: Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

As a trekker, you must purchase trekking permits to trek in Nepal. There are two types of trek permits: Conservation Area and Restricted Area. Moreover, in recent years, the local government has also started to collect entry fees with local area permits.

There are at least four Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits. Being a trek in a restricted area, you must get a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). It costs USD 70 (In Autumn) and USD 100 for the rest of the year. Moreover, you need to have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and local government permit.

Considering all four, you’ll at least spend USD 130-160, which is expensive.

Should you trek to Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is the only permit you must get. It costs USD 25 or Rs. 3000.

If you look up the price difference between the two trek permits, it’s expensive, around USD 135. Due to this, it’s no bargain that the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost is a bit more costly than the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost.

My pick: Trek permits are mandatory. Thus, trekking to either trek, you must get all the required permits. But, after trekking to Manaslu, if you want to trek to Annapurna Circuit, the ACAP Permit you had for Manaslu works fine. Moreover, you can hike to Poon Hill from Tatopani and complete Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

You can learn more about the trek permits in our blogs, Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Manaslu Circuit Trek is slightly more expensive than Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost. There are a few factors that make Manaslu a bit pricey. Let’s dig in!

Remoteness: Manaslu is more remote than Annapurna Circuit. Unlike the jeep drive to Manang in Annapurna, the last stop for the bus in Manaslu is Machha Khola. Thus, the tea houses use mules and donkeys to transport goods to the higher elevations for days. Due to this, the menu at the tea houses is slightly expensive. However, they’re still in check.

Trek Permits: The cost of an Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit (ACAP Permit) is USD 25 or Rs. 3000. However, the cost of a Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit (MRAP, MCAP, ACAP, Local Permit) costs USD 130-160. Due to the expensive permits, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost is slightly more costly than the Annapurna Circuit.

Long Itinerary: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable in 6-8 days. However, to trek to the Manaslu Circuit, you’ll need at least 11-13 days with one or two acclimatizations. Thus, with a 4-5 days longer itinerary, the trek cost gets expensive.

Want to book Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025 (Spring/Autumn)?

Pax

Cost Per Person (USD) Availability Want to book?
1 1399 Available

Inquire Us

2-3

1369 Available Inquire Us
4-5 1339 Available

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5 and more

1309 Available

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Want to trek to Annapurna Circuit with us in 2025 (Spring/Autumn)?

Pax

Cost Per Person (USD) Availability Want to book?
1 1080 Available

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2-3

1050 Available Inquire Us
4-5 1000 Available

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5 and more

980 Available

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Side Treks: In Manaslu and Annapurna

Manaslu and Annapurna, both trekking regions have beautiful destinations attached en route you can consider trekking.

In Manaslu Circuit

In recent years, trekkers have started the side trekking to Tsum Valley. Tsum Valley is an elegant Nubri valley where the lifestyles and culture are major attractions. As a trekker in Tsum Valley, you’ll experience the authenticity of ethnic villages and soak in Buddhist traditions, festivals, and lifestyle. It takes three additional days for Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek.

In Annapurna Circuit

Tilicho Lake, a turquoise glacial lake at 4,919 meters, is a gem in Annapurna Circuit. It’s a second highest-altitude seated glacial lake. Most trekkers who plan to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek combine with the Tilicho Lake Trek. For Tilicho Lake Trek, you’ll trek to Khangsar, Sri Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp. And while returning from Tilicho Lake, you’ll rejoin Annapurna Circuit in Yak Kharka after three days of leaving Manang to Tilicho.

Tilicho Lake, a popular landmark in Annapurna Circuit
Tilicho Lake, a popular landmark in Annapurna Circuit (Image © NepTrek)

Conclusion: Tsum Valley in Manaslu and Tilicho Lake in Annapurna are worth the side trekking or combining with the circuit trek. The visit to these places offers a unique immersive experience of the region. Both side trekking in either trek takes 3-4 additional days.

My pick: I did Tilicho Lake Trek while in Annapurna. And doing Tilicho was the best thing I did on the trek. But, while trekking to Manaslu Circuit, I didn’t do Tsum Valley with time limitations. Thus, if you’re considering either of these treks, the side trekking is highly recommended.

High Passes: Thorong La in Annapurna and Larke La in Manaslu

The epitome of each of these trekking is the high mountain passes. Thus, crossing these passes offers an adventurous experience whilst testing your limits.

In Manaslu Circuit

Larke La is the highest elevation in the Manaslu Circuit. It sits at 5,106 meters. You’ll start at 4 am from Dharmashala, cross Larke Pass, and trek to Bimthang. The good part of crossing Larke Pass is that there aren’t much steeper sections to the top. However, it often gets windy in the early morning and throughout the day.

Larke La, the highest mountain pass in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Proudly waiving our banner at Larke La (Image © NepTrek)

I did Larke Pass on December 7. It was my fifth high pass trek in 2024, and crossing it was easy. We started at 3 am from Dharmashala to avoid the day wind. However, it got windy in the early morning. Moreover, while at Larke, the wind was fierce, and the temperature was below -25˚C.

In Annapurna Circuit

The highest elevation you’ll trek in Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La Pass. It sits at whooping 5,416 meters. Compared to Larke Pass, it’s 310 meters high.

Crossing Thorong La starts with an early morning walk from Thorong Phedi (3 am) or Thorong High Camp (4 am).

We stayed at Thorong Base Camp as there were no rooms available at the tea house in the high camp. The good part of staying at Thorong Base Camp was it provided us with adequate rest and lowered the risk of getting altitude sickness.

Thorong La Pass, the epitome of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La Pass, the epitome of Annapurna Circuit Trek (Image © NepTrek)

Compared to Larke Pass, the route to Thorong La is a bit steep. And around one hour steep ascend from Thorong Phedi was a bit tough. Haha!

The sunrise view from Thorong La Pass was jaw-dropping. Don’t miss to capture the sunrise over Annapurna from the pass.

My pick: Crossing Thorong La Pass and Larke La Pass was a dream for me. And I achieved the feat of crossing these beautiful passes. If you have time to trek, I’d recommend you do Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit and if possible, embark on Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek to trek at once.

Crowd: Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit gets busier during the trekking season. And most of the days, the tea houses get fully occupied. Stats suggest that around 30-40 thousand trekkers complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake every trekking season.

Compared to the popular trekking in Nepal, the number of trekkers in Manaslu Circuit is less. However, the number of trekkers in Manaslu is growing each year. But still, you’ll experience a peaceful walk.

When I did Annapurna Circuit in October, it was extremely busy. The tea houses were fully occupied. Moreover, at Tilicho Base Camp, due to overcrowded, we didn’t get the rooms and ended up sleeping in the dining hall.

Also, seeing a lot of trekkers en route doesn’t allow you to immerse yourself in the mountains and wholesome landscape.

Trekkers in Annapurna Circuit Trek in October
Trekkers in Annapurna Circuit Trek in October (Image © NepTrek)

Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit sees very less trekkers as compared to Annapurna Circuit. However, if you plan the Annapurna Circuit Trek in September and late November, you’ll find very less trekkers.

My pick: I’d love both of these trekking. Thus, for me, I’d love to trek to Annapurna in the off-season (July-September) and Manaslu any time of the year (except in rainy months and freezing winter).

Cultural Experience: In Manaslu vs. In Annapurna

Each of these trekking showcases the diverse religious aspects of the ethnic community. Thus, with ultimate adventure, you’ll also have a unique cultural experience along the journey.

In Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna is popular for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The most popular Buddhist sites are Braga Monastery and Milarepa Cave.

Furthermore, Muktinath is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site associated with spiritual beliefs.

During acclimatization day in Manang, you can visit Milarepa Cave and the nearby surroundings. And on the day you cross Thorong La, you’ll trek to Muktinath and visit the temple. There are 108 water spouts where pilgrims take a holy bath. Regardless of the religion, everyone can bathe on the 108 water spouts.

In Manaslu

Places like Sama Gaun and Samdo are close to the Tibet border. Moreover, the people of Manalsu are the descendants of Tibetan refugees. Thus, you’ll experience Tibetan-influenced culture during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Buddhism is the prominent religion in Manaslu. The stupa, mani walls, monasteries, prayer flags, and Buddhist script-carved stones reflect the enriched religion, culture, and tradition. Moreover, you’ll experience different festivals during March and April, including the birthday celebration of Buddha.

Pung Gyen Gompa with beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu
Pung Gyen Gompa with beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu (Image © NepTrek)

You’ll visit popular landmarks like Pung Gyen Gompa, Sama Gaun Monastery, and Kargyu Chholing Monastery. Visiting these sites is a great way to experience the serenity, rituals, art, and monastic life. Moreover, these monasteries sit on a scenic spot with the majestic view of Manaslu in the background.

Kindly abide by the etiquette while visiting the monasteries and popular places along the trek.

At Last: Manaslu Circuit Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek?

If I were to suggest, I’d recommend you do both trekking. And, if possible, embark on the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek at once. Both of these trekking are unique and render a distinct adventure.

Here’s what we have for you:

  • Embark on Annapurna Circuit Trek than Manaslu if you’re a novice trekker. Manaslu Circuit Trek can be challenging for you without prior trekking experience.
  • If you’ve completed a few high-altitude trekking, go for Manaslu Circuit and, if possible, join Annapurna as well.
  • If you prefer an easy route, affluent amenities, and lots of mountains, Annapurna will be an ideal trek for you.
  • Manaslu has to be the one if you want to explore the remote landscape, culture, lifestyle, and peaceful walk on off-the-beaten-path.

If you’re still uncertain about which one to choose, you can take the advice from the expert. Feel free to write to us at mailtoneptrek@gmail.com for expert advice. Or you can send a message on WhatsApp: +9779818553880.

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