Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Annapurna Circuit trek

Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek are the two most exciting treks in the central north of Nepal. While the Annapurna Circuit Trek has been famous for more than half a century, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a newly discovered trail, recently getting much attention worldwide. So, if you are planning your trek to Nepal, you might be overwhelmed by all the explanations about these two treks in Nepal.

Now, let’s clear up your confusion and determine which Manaslu Circuit Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek best suits you.

Introduction

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route goes around the Annapurna ranges, while the Manaslu Circuit Trek route goes around the Manaslu ranges. While the Manaslu Circuit is particularly known for its remote, less-crowded trekking trail, the Annapurna Circuit is popular for its diverse landscapes, well-marked trek route, and accommodation.

Let’s discuss them in more detail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 

The Manaslu region lies within the Gorkha district of Nepal, east of the Annapurna range. It is home to Mount Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) above sea level.

In Sanskrit, Manasa means “intellect” or “soul.” After many unsuccessful attempts, the Japanese team first climbed Manaslu in 1956. The entire region is protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established in 1998 and covers 1,663 sq. km (642 sq mi). 

The Manaslu Circuit trek the circumference of Mount Manaslu from Soti Khola or Machha Khola to Dharapani, almost completing the circle in 13 to 17 days. In the circumference, we cross the subtropical Himalayan foothills in the lower region and enter the alpine air, offering an utterly distinct view.

For many years, this restricted trekking region of Nepal remained a camping trek, thus only accessible to professional trekkers. However, the Manaslu Trek has now become a teahouse trekking trail, attracting the world’s attention.

Annapurna Circuit trek

The Annapurna region mainly lies within the Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang districts of Nepal, near the Annapurna range. It is home to Mount Annapurna, the world’s 10th-highest peak, at 8,091 meters (26,545 ft) above sea level.

It is also called the most beautiful mountain in Nepal. In Sanskrit, Anna means “food” or “nourishment,” and Purna means “fulfilment. 

A French expedition team first climbed Annapurna in 1950. Since then, the trek has gained the attention of the whole world. The mountain is protected under the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest in Nepal. This 7,629-square-kilometre (2,946 sq mi) conservation area was established in 1986. 

Annapurna Circuit trek the circumference of Mount Annapurna from Besishar to Jomsom in about 10 to 17 days. In the circumference, we cross the subtropical Himalayan foothills in the lower region and enter the semi-arid landscape of Manang and Mustang, offering an utterly distinct landscape view.

Trek highlights: Annapurna Circuit trek vs Manaslu Circuit trek

SN	Annapurna Circuit trek	Manaslu Circuit trek
1	View of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Mardi, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Tarke Kang, Lachenal Peak, Nilgiri Himal North/Central/South, and many more peaks above 6,000 meters from different viewpoints.	Get a glimpse of mountains such as Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and many more.
2	Conquer Thorong La Pass, 5416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level.	Conquer Larke Pass, 5106 meters (16,752 ft) above sea level.
3	Witness the unique landscape and culture of Manang.	Witness the unique landscape and culture of Samagaon and Samdo.
4	Visit Muktinath, Nepal’s most holy pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist followers.	Visit Pungen Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Manaslu region.
5	Trek along Marsyangdi River and Kali Gandaki River.	Trek along the Budi-Gandaki gorge.
6	A chance to visit Phewa Lake and other natural wonders of Pokhara.	Trekkers can visit around Besisahar Village.

Trek Overview: Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Annapurna Circuit Trek

To start the Manaslu circuit trek, you shall first drive to Arughat Bazaar in Gorkha and get the Jeep to Machha Khola. From here, you walk to Jagat. Getting deeper into the Manaslu area, we stop at villages such as Deng, Namrung, and Lho before getting to Samagaon.

From Samagaon, we can visit Manaslu Base Camp and Pungen Monastery before walking to Samdo. Here, we can see a Tibetan border before getting down to Dharamsala. Finally, we cross Larke Pass (5160 m) to get to Bhimtang to join the Annapurna Circuit trek trail at Dharapani. From here, we drive to Besishar and then back to Kathmandu, thus ending our trip. 

To start the Annapurna Circuit Trek, one must drive to Besisahar, the headquarters of the Lamjung district, and then head to Jagat on a Jeep. This is the same route that we take while returning from Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Then, you shall cross Dharapani to get into Chame and Pisang before getting to Manang. The restricted trekking region of Manang is our acclimatization point before we cross Thorong La High Pass and enter the Mustang district.

Thus, after visiting Muktinath and Jomsom, we walked down to Tatopani. From Tatopani, we drive to Pokhara, the magical city of lakes. A final tour to Kathmandu brings our trip to an end.

Trek Itinerary: Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Annapurna Circuit Trek

If we compare the itinerary of the Manaslu vs Annapurna circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is longer. While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an 11-day trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 13 days. Both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trek begin from Kathmandu.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, starting from Besisahar, leads towards ethnic villages such as Shyalla Village, Samdo, Dharmashala, Bhimtang, and many more. During this trek, trekkers will be trekking to one of the most ancient monasteries of Nepal, Pungen Monastery. Also, on the rest day, you can trek to the Tibetan Border.

In contrast, during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers get to trek through several Manange, Loba, and Thakali Villages. Villages such as Pisang, Manang, Muktinath, and so on. Although this trek is shorter compared to the Manaslu Circuit, it might be challenging for many due to a few steep uphill climbs. However, a chance to explore Pokhara and Muktinath Temple compensates for the challenge.

Trek facts: Manaslu VS Annapurna Circuit trek

Parameter	Annapurna Circuit trek	Manaslu Circuit trek
Max elevation	5416 m	5106 m
Trek duration	11 days	13 days
Trek Cost	$995	$995
Trek distance	160 and 230 kilometres	180 kilometres
Trek Difficulty	Moderate	Moderate
Solo Trekking	Allowed	Not allowed
Guide	Not Compulsory	Compulsory
Travel agency booking	Not Compulsory	Not Compulsory but recommended
Trail	Well Marked	Well Marked
Permit	TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation area permit	Annapurna Conservation Area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit, Manaslu Restricted Area permit

One major thing you need to consider for the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit trek is that the Annapurna Circuit trek guide is not mandatory for the trek. But a Manaslu Circuit Trek guide is compulsory for the trek. As it is also known as a restricted area, a Manaslu Circuit guide is compulsory.

Difference in Experience

Parameter	Annapurna Circuit trek	Manaslu Circuit trek
Ethics Tribe	Gurung, Ghale, Manange & Thakali	Lama, Thakuri & Bhote
Possible side trips	Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, Gangapurna Lake & Nar Phu Valley	Serang Gompa, Hinang Gompa, Pungyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp & Tsum Valley
Access to Tibet Border	Yes	No
Domestic Flight availability	From Jomsom to Pokhara & From Pokhara to Kathmandu	No
Major River	Marsyangdi & Kaligandaki	Budi Gandaki
Accommodation	Tea House and Hotels	Tea house
Food	Available	Available
Crowd	Relatively high	Relatively low

Which is more arduous, the Annapurna or Manaslu Circuit trek?

Although considered moderately challenging, newbie trekkers find the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty more physically demanding. Since the Manaslu Circuit trek has many stairs, narrow passages, and long distances to travel, it is hard. Also, if you plan the Manaslu-TUSM Valley trek by adding more destinations, it gets more complicated.

The Annapurna circuit trek difficulty level is also challenging, but with the proper guidance, the only hard part is the Thorang La pass. Although the Annapurna circuit trek distance altitude is higher, the path is relatively easy.

Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek best time is Spring and Autumn. You can find the rhododendrons blooming in this season. The Manaslu Circuit Trek route is filled with very vibrant colour flowers during this season. so if you can trek the Manaslu Circuit at this time, it’s best for you.

Let’s talk about Annapurna Circuit Trek best time. The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Autumn season. The Spring season is also great for Annapurna Circuit Trek but trekking during Autumn will give you majestic views and clear weather and skies.

You can learn more about the Annapurna Circuit Trek map and the Manaslu Circuit Trek map here.

Conclusion and Verdict

Well, the Manaslu vs Annapurna circuit treks are fantastic and are some of the best treks on earth.

The Annapurna Circuit is already famous worldwide and very frequently talked about. It’s relatively easy to do, and the choices for food and accommodation are relatively high. You don’t get to visit the mountain’s base camp, but the trip to Manang and Muktinath makes it worth it. The final visit to Pokhara and relaxing stay in Lakeside also get some brownie points. So, it’s always recommended, especially for newbie trekkers.

In contrast, the Manaslu Circuit is less frequent and quiet. This is the trek for you if you are looking for solitude and peace. Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a more authentic Himalayan trek as you see the mountains right from its Manaslu Base Camp. But the journey is relatively arduous, and the accommodation is quite essential.

Also, the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, conducted by Himalayan Masters, costs the same. So, you can choose any of the two.

Whatever you pick from the Manaslu vs Annapurna circuit, the Himalayan Masters will always be here to help you. Please send us an email with any queries or bookings.