Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit are two famous circuit treks in Nepal. These treks are renowned for their varying landscapes, offbeat terrain, traditional Nepali villages, adventure, challenges, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Even though both are circuit treks, you will have a very different experience during each trek. One takes you close to the eighth-highest mountain in the world and another to the tenth-highest mountain.

For many trekkers, which circuit trek they should do has become a burning question. Which is the best? Well, the answer to that question is very simple.

Both the Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek both are truly remarkable. Whichever you choose, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment upon completing these treks is unparalleled.

One of the significant differences between both treks is the trekking infrastructure. Annapurna Circuit is older than the Manaslu Circuit. It has comparatively well-established trails and numerous teahouse accommodations with excellent services for the trekkers.

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, the thrill of both the Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek is a must-experience. In this blog, we will take the best parts and cons of both circuit treks into account and help you choose the one that best suits you.

Note that circuit treks are one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. These treks are not for beginner trekkers. Therefore, previous high altitude experience and strong fitness are required whether you do the Manaslu Circuit trek or the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights:

• The trail traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area. You will start trekking from Chame. It takes around 8 to 9 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Chame.
• For the first few days of the trek, explore the verdant valleys and lush hills of the Marsyangdi Khola Valley. The trail then ascends the sub-alpine Jarsang Khola Valley, with pastures and barren and rocky hills.
• Spend nights in beautiful traditional Nepali villages along the trail. Meet with communities like Gurung, Magar, and Thakali. See their daily lifestyle and practices.
• Acclimatization day in Manang village. Hike to Ice Lake.
• Combine excursion to Tilicho Lake, the highest alpine lake in the world.
• Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass. Navigate narrow, steep, rocky tracks and gain over 5,000 meters.
• Explore the Muktinath Temple, one of the significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal.
• Walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
• Witness arid landscapes after crossing the Thorong La Pass. The pass connects the Annapurna region with the lower Mustang region. You will see a huge shift in the scenery.
• Take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The aerial view of the mountains is immaculate during the flight.
• Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:

• Trek in one of the restricted areas in Nepal. The trail follows the Manaslu Conservation Area and gradually ascends to the Manaslu Base Camp.
• You will start trekking from Soti Khola. It takes around 7 to 8 hours of drive from Kathmandu to reach here. The road condition is good till Arughat, and from here, it is a short, bumpy ride to Soti Khola.
• The trail is not busy, even during the peak trekking seasons. You will traverse densely forested hills and small settlements resided by Gurung and other Nepali communities.
• If time allows, you can extend the hike to the hidden Tsum Valley and enjoy a wilderness trail up to Mu Gompa. You can also hike to the rarely visited Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
• The upper part of the Manaslu Circuit is home to the Numbri community and Tibetan refugees.
• Acclimatization day in Sama Gaon or Samdo. The side hike involves visiting Pung Gyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and Rui La Pass.
• Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass. The trail is quite tricky and demanding. The pass connects the Manaslu region with the Annapurna region.
• Descend to Syange, where the trek ends, and you will drive back to Kathmandu.
• The landscapes include verdant valleys, huge isolated mountains, beautiful lakes, ancient stupas and monasteries, picturesque villages, meadows, barren peaks, glacier moraines, etc.

Is the Manaslu Circuit trek tougher than the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit both are demanding treks. Both involve a high mountain pass crossing and offbeat terrain. The Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit is also the highest mountain pass in Nepal.

There is not much of a difference between the two treks in terms of altitude. Likewise, Annapurna Circuit is better than Manaslu in terms of trekking infrastructure. Because of its popularity, the Annapurna Circuit trek is well-established in terms of facilities for the trekker.

Both are tea house treks, but the services are better on the Annapurna Circuit route. Therefore, trekkers may find the Manaslu Circuit more secluded and tougher to adjust to. In addition, Manaslu Circuit is comparatively less famous, and the trekking experience is much more raw and authentic. We say Manaslu Circuit is a little bit tougher than Annapurna Circuit.

Which is more beautiful, the Annapurna Circuit or the Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit treks offer very distinct landscapes, and the beauty of both may differ from one person to another. To be frank, the mountain views and sceneries during both treks are incredible. Your eyes and heart will be full on both treks.

The trail on both treks first traverses densely forested hills and gradually ascends above the tree line, offering a barren landscape. Manaslu Circuit is less visited by tourists, so it adds tranquility and isolation to the views.

The Annapurna Circuit presents two very different types of landscapes as the trail goes from the lushness of the Annapurna region to the aridness of the lower Mustang region.

On the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will see mountains like Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Mt. Gangapurna, Fishtail, Mt. Hiunchuli, etc. Likewise, during the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will see Shringi Himal, Ganesh Hima, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Simnag, Himal, Samdo Peak, etc.

Choosing between the two Himalayan treks:

Trekkers should consider a few things when choosing between the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit treks. If possible, we recommend doing both treks. On that note, we are glad to inform you that we organize combined Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit treks.

1) Difficulty:

Whether you choose the Annapurna Circuit trek or the Manaslu Circuit trek, you must be physically and mentally fit. Previous trekking experience is also a must. Both treks are challenging, so good fitness is non negotiable on both treks.

2) Crowd:

Annapurna Circuit has more trekkers than Manaslu Circuit. Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit is busier than the Manaslu Circuit. If you are looking for a tranquil journey and do not want to come across other trekkers frequently, the Manaslu Circuit trek will be ideal for you.

3) Trekking infrastructure:

The Annapurna Circuit is much more established than the Manaslu Circuit. Therefore, the facilities at Annapurna Circuit are better. If this is your first major trek in the Himalayas, we recommend Annapurna Circuit because it eliminates the challenges of limited services and makes trekking a bit more comfortable.

4) Budget:

The Manaslu Circuit trek is more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit trek because of its expensive restricted area permit. Consider your budget and see where it fits.

5) Sceneries:

The scenery is incredible on both treks. You will not be disappointed with the mountain views. If you love mountains and one of your major goals is to see stunning mountain vistas, then both of these treks will serve you well.

Wrapping up

Whether you choose to do the Annapurna Circuit or Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal, both treks will provide you with an ultimate adventure in the Himalayas. You will travel far from the modern cities and go off-grid.

The fresh air and soothing sounds of birds, waterfalls, rivers, and trees will cover your mind and heart. On both treks, you will definitely push your limits and set a new benchmark. The journey will be life-changing.