Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek: Which to Choose?

The Manaslu Circuit vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek comparison brings together two of Nepal’s best loop treks. Both circle a massif that holds an 8,000 m peak, and both cross a high pass. They also share a short stretch of trail near Dharapani, where the Manaslu route meets the Annapurna Circuit.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River around Mount Manaslu (26,781 feet), the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. It crosses the 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) Larkya La Pass and drops to Bimthang and Dharapani.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek climbs the Marsyangdi valley to Manang and crosses the 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) Thorong La Pass. It then descends to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki valley.

Roads have shortened the Annapurna Circuit, so its length now depends on where you start walking. Nepal opened the Manaslu Circuit to trekkers only in 1991, and it remains a quieter, mostly on-foot trek.

This travel guide compares the two treks by route, altitude, difficulty, permits, culture, accommodation, cost and the best seasons to trek. It ends with a clear answer on which one suits you.

Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek at a Glance

The Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek comparison shows how the two routes differ in length, altitude, permits, comfort and seasonal conditions.

Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

The Manaslu Circuit starts in the Budhi Gandaki Valley at Machha Khola and follows the river through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Shyala before reaching Samagaun. The 13-day Manaslu Circuit itinerary begins with a 7 to 8-hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, covering about 164 km (102 miles).

From Samagaun, the trail continues to Samdo and Dharmasala before crossing Larkya La. You then descend to Bimthang and continue through Tilje to Dharapani, where the route connects with the Annapurna Circuit.

A road takes you to Besisahar before the drive back to Kathmandu. The Annapurna Circuit starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the headquarters of Lamjung district.

Since road access extends farther up the valley toward Manang, the actual trekking start point can vary between Besisahar and Manang, depending on the itinerary and current road conditions.

From Manang, the trail continues to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La into Mustang and descending to Muktinath. From there, the route continues through Kagbeni to Jomsom. You can fly from Jomsom to Pokhara or continue along the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Tatopani and Pokhara.

Altitude and Acclimatization on Each Trek

The Manaslu Circuit starts at Machha Khola at 869 meters (2,851 feet) and reaches Larkya La at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), a total elevation gain of 4,237 meters (13,901 feet).

The route climbs gradually and spends several days in remote high terrain. Samagaun at about 3,530 meters (11,581 feet) is the main acclimatization stop, and the Himalayan Masters itinerary includes an extra night there.

Day hikes to Birendra Lake at 3,691 meters (12,110 feet) or Manaslu Base Camp at about 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) give you options for acclimatization. After Samagaun, you sleep at Samdo at 3,875 meters (12,714 feet) and Dharmasala at 4,460 meters (14,633 feet) before crossing Larkya La.

The Annapurna Circuit starts at Besisahar at about 760 meters (2,493 feet) and reaches Thorong La at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), a gain of 4,656 meters (15,276 feet). Roads allow trekkers to skip parts of the lower valley and start walking from a higher altitude.

Manang at 3,540 meters (11,614 feet) is the main acclimatization stop, with day hikes to places such as Gangapurna Lake and Ice Lake. The route then climbs to Yak Kharka at about 4,050 meters (13,287 feet) and Thorong Phedi at about 4,450 meters (14,600 feet).

Some itineraries use High Camp at about 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) before crossing Thorong La.

Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit difficulty is generally challenging. Most days involve 5 to 7 hours of walking on stone staircases, suspension bridges, forest trails, and narrow ledges above the river.

The trek is usually longer and more remote. The hardest day runs from Dharmasala over Larkya La to Bimthang. You climb about 646 meters (2,119 feet) and then descend about 1,386 meters (4,547 feet). Expect around 8 to 10 hours on the trail. Another difficult day is on a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp.

The Annapurna Circuit is moderate to challenging. The trail is wider, the villages are closer together, and you can leave by road or flight from Pokhara airport. Its hardest day is during the Thorong La crossing.

That day takes 7 to 10 hours. You climb from High Camp or Thorong Phedi and then descend about 1,616 meters (5,302 feet) to Muktinath. Cold, wind, and thin air make it tiring, even though the trail is clear.

Note:
If you add the Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit, the trek gets longer and harder. The same applies to the Annapurna Circuit if you add Tilicho Lake or Nar Phu Valley.

Best Seasons for Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit

Conditions on both treks change with the seasons, mainly at the passes.

Autumn (September to November):

Manaslu has some leftover monsoon weather in early September, but conditions usually improve through the month. October and November are generally dry with clearer mountain views. Larkya La can be cold in late November, so check pass conditions before starting.

Annapurna also has stable weather and clear views during autumn. Manang and Mustang are drier than the lower Marsyangdi Valley, while temperatures drop toward late November.

Spring (March to May):

Manaslu in spring gets warmer days and blooming rhododendrons on the lower trails. Snow can still remain around Larkya La early in the season.

Annapurna has warmer days and rhododendron blooms on the lower sections. Thorong La can still have snow early in spring, and mountain views may become hazier toward May.

Winter (December to February):

Manaslu can receive heavy snow around Larkya La, and some teahouses in the upper valley may close. A full circuit may not be possible during periods of heavy snowfall.

Annapurna also gets very cold around Thorong La, and the pass can become difficult or close after heavy snow. Lower villages generally remain more accessible.

Monsoon (June to August):

Manaslu’s lower Budhi Gandaki Valley receives heavy rain, with muddy trails, leeches, landslides, and possible road disruptions. Higher sections are generally drier, but weather around Larkya La can still change quickly.

Annapurna’s lower Marsyangdi Valley is wet during the monsoon, while Manang and Mustang remain much drier due to the rain shadow. Mountain views can still be hazy in the lower sections.

Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit: Permits and Requirements

Permits for the Manaslu Circuit include the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality permit. The route ends inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

The Manaslu Circuit requires a restricted-area permit because the route passes through the designated Manaslu Restricted Area. Permit requirements can also vary by side trip and route extension.

The Annapurna Circuit requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It does not cross a restricted area on the standard route. The old TIMS card is no longer checked at most Annapurna checkpoints, but permit and registration rules can change. Confirm the current requirements when you book.

Side trips can add permits. The Tsum Valley and the Nar Phu Valley each require a restricted area permit. Similarly, if you extend an Annapurna Circuit trek into Upper Mustang, you need the required restricted-area permit for that region.

Note:
You cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit independently. A licensed guide must accompany you, and a registered trekking agency must apply for your permits. Group-size rules for the RAP have changed in recent years, so we confirm the current rule at booking. See our guide on trekking the Manaslu Circuit solo.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Manaslu Circuit has a strong Tibetan Buddhist character, especially around Samagaun and Samdo, with mani walls, prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags, monasteries, and traditional villages along the route. Samdo was also a trading settlement linked with Tibet. The region’s people, lifestyle and culture reflect this Tibetan influence, which becomes more visible as you climb.

The Annapurna Circuit passes through several cultural zones. Gurung villages are common in the lower valley, while Manange communities around Pisang and Manang follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Past Thorong La, Thakali villages around Marpha and Tukuche and Loba communities near Kagbeni add further cultural variety. At Muktinath, Hindu and Buddhist traditions meet at one of the Annapurna region’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Villages and Side Trips

The Manaslu Circuit passes through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, and Bimthang, with several side trips along the route.

From Samagaun, Birendra Lake is a shorter option, while Manaslu Base Camp at about 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) requires a longer and more tiring day. From Samdo, a rest-day hike toward the Tibetan border reaches around 5,030 meters (16,503 feet), but the border itself cannot be crossed. Serang Monastery is another longer option, taking about six hours on foot from Bihi.

The Annapurna Circuit passes through Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani. Side trips include Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, Gangapurna Lake, and the Nar Phu Valley.

Tilicho Lake and Nar Phu Valley require extra days and good acclimatization. Marpha is known for its apple orchards, while Tatopani is known for its hot springs. The Annapurna Circuit does not reach the Tibetan border, and visiting the border area from Nepal requires a separate Upper Mustang trek.

Landscape and Scenery

The Manaslu Circuit begins in the Budhi Gandaki gorge, passing through subtropical forests, waterfalls, and terraced fields before reaching alpine meadows and glacier country. Views include Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Himlung, and Cheo. The route feels more remote as you move into the higher valley.

The Annapurna Circuit starts with rice terraces and pine forests along the Marsyangdi River. Above Chame, the valley narrows with Annapurna II, III, and IV rising above the trail.

Around Manang, the landscape becomes dry and rocky, with views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. After Thorong La, the Kali Gandaki Valley becomes dry and windy, with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri on either side. The landscape changes considerably from the lower Marsyangdi Valley and has a strong Mustang influence.

Crowds and Trail Traffic

For the most part, the Manaslu Circuit is quieter, with fewer hikers and lodges in the higher parts. Due to a lack of accommodations, Dharamshala can get crowded during the busiest autumn weeks. Restricted permits and the guide requirement also keep daily numbers down.

The Annapurna Circuit is much busier, especially during autumn. Lodges around Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi can fill up, and jeeps use several sections of the route. Spring is generally quieter. Beyond Muktinath, road traffic becomes more noticeable, with local vehicles sharing the route.

Food and Meals During the Trek

The Manaslu Circuit has a simpler food selection, especially above Samagaun. Teahouses serve dal bhat, noodles, rice, pasta, soups, potatoes, and Tibetan-style dishes. Food on the Manaslu Circuit varies with the village, and supplies become harder to transport in the upper sections.

The Annapurna Circuit has a wider range of food, particularly around Manang and Marpha. Manang has bakeries and cafes serving pizza, pastries, and coffee, while Marpha is known for apple pie and apple juice. Dal bhat remains a common meal on both routes, especially at higher elevations.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on both circuits, although choices become more limited in the remote upper Manaslu villages.

Accommodation and Facilities

The Annapurna Circuit has better and more varied accommodation. The Manaslu Circuit stays basic.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is mostly in simple teahouses. Rooms are twin-share with shared toilets. Dharmasala and Bimthang have especially basic facilities, and electricity and charging can be limited. Teahouse rooms usually cost about USD 7 to 12 per night, depending on location.

On the Annapurna Circuit, you find teahouses and small hotels. Larger villages such as Chame, Manang, Marpha and Jomsom offer rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. Higher stops like Thorong Phedi and High Camp stay basic.

Note:
On both treks, rooms are unheated. Bring a warm sleeping bag for cold nights above 3,500 meters (11,483 feet).

Mobile Network and Internet Availability

On the Manaslu Circuit, NTC and Ncell generally work from the trailhead to Jagat. After Jagat, Ncell becomes limited, and NTC is patchy. Coverage improves around Samagaun and Samdo, then disappears after Samdo. There is no signal at Dharmasala or on Larkya La.

On the Annapurna Circuit, mobile network coverage is usually better. Most villages up to Manang offer signal or paid Wi-Fi. Signal fades at Thorong Phedi and High Camp, and it is very weak on the pass. It returns around Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom.

Trek Cost and Package Price

The Manaslu Circuit cost can range from about USD 1,000 to 1,500 per person, depending on the itinerary, season, and services included. The trek generally takes longer than the Annapurna itinerary and has higher permit costs.

The Annapurna Circuit cost can range from about USD 1,000 to 1,200 per person for a general or budget trek, depending on the itinerary, transport, accommodation, and services included.

The Annapurna Circuit cost breakdown covers the main expenses involved in planning the trek. Annapurna also gives you more ways to reduce costs, such as using local jeeps or choosing simpler lodges.

Across the wider market, Manaslu generally costs more because of the restricted area permit, compulsory guide, and higher supply costs in remote sections. Both treks require some extra budget for snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, tips, travel insurance, trekking gear, and porter services if needed.

Which Trek Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your experience, your time and the kind of trail you want.

Choose the Manaslu Circuit if you want: quieter trails, remote villages and a stronger wilderness feel. It suits you if Tibetan-influenced culture, fewer roads and side trips to Pungyen Monastery or Manaslu Base Camp appeal to you. You must also accept a guided, regulated trek.

Choose the Annapurna Circuit if you want: better infrastructure, more places to stay and a flexible itinerary. It suits you if a higher pass, Muktinath and the Mustang landscapes matter to you. It also fits shorter schedules and simpler logistics.

If this is your first Himalayan trek, start with the Annapurna Circuit. Services are better, and you can adjust your plan. If you have already trekked above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and want solitude, pick Manaslu.

Time and budget count too. If you have 10 days or less, the Annapurna Circuit fits better. If you can spare two weeks and want a remote route, Manaslu is worth the extra days.

Can You Combine the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits?

Yes. The Manaslu Circuit ends at Dharapani, which sits on the Annapurna Circuit. You can keep walking up the Marsyangdi valley to Manang and cross Thorong La.

This adds about a week or more, and you cross two passes above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). It needs strong fitness and careful acclimatization. Ask our expert team for a custom itinerary that matches your schedule and pace.