Overview
Nepal is the Land of the Himalayas. For any nature lover and adventure enthusiast, it is a must-visit destination. Among numerous trekking trails, the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek are two of the most popular treks in Nepal. Both routes welcome a large volume of tourists and are widely appreciated. However, everyone cannot manage to trek through both. Acknowledging this fact, this post aims to help you analyze the best trek for you.
| Overview Table | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek | Duration | Max Altitude | Difficulty | Best Season |
| Manaslu Circuit trek | 14–18 days | 5,160 m (Larkya La Pass) | Challenging | March–May and Sept–Nov |
| Annapurna Circuit trek | 12–20 days | 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass) | Moderate to Challenging | March–May and Sept–Nov |
Both of the journeys are iconic, and both introduce you to the remote aspect of Nepal with mesmerizing Himalayan scenes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek VS Annapurna Circuit Trek
Scenery and Landscapes
Both treks are visually stunning, but in different ways. Diversity is remarkably seen in the Annapurna region. Subtropical forests, roaring rivers, alpine meadows, and barren high-altitude deserts all lie on the single trail. You’ll pass through a new landscape almost every day. Exciting, isn’t it? Moreover, the scenes of the mountains are unmatched. You’ll witness towering peaks such as Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu as well.
The Manaslu Circuit also possesses a dramatic landscape. The lush green hills and cascading waterfalls in the wilderness are truly satisfying. The shimmering glacial beauty near Larkya La can stun anyone. However, what makes Manaslu more special is the sense of isolation. The views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal are breathtaking. It totally feels like a personal discovery since the trails are so quiet. Despite having less variety than Annapurna, the landscape here seems more untamed and isolated.
Culture and Villages
In the Manaslu region, the people follow Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries, prayer flags, and rotating prayer wheels will all be visible. The villages here feel truly traditional because of their strong culture. For the same reason, many call it a cultural feast.
The Annapurna region has many groups of people, like Gurungs, Thakalis, and Tibetans. You will visit famous villages like Manang and Muktinath. There, you’ll learn about local life and religion. However, some villages have become more modern due to tourism.
Crowds and Trekking Experience
If you like quiet trails and fewer people, the Manaslu Circuit is a great choice. It is less crowded and more peaceful trek. The villages are simple, and you can experience traditional mountain life.
The Annapurna Circuit is much more popular, so there are definitely a larger number of visitors. But, this is also an advantage to meet many other people with similar interests. In busy seasons, the trail and tea houses can get crowded. But it is also more social, and you will find more facilities.
Difficulty and Physical Challenge
No treks in Nepal are easy, and likewise, both of these are also physically demanding. Trekkers reach over 5,000 meters, facing several ascents, descents, and rough terrains. However, the Manaslu Circuit is generally considered more challenging. This trail includes steep ascents and descents and relatively longer days between villages with fewer rest points. The Larkya La Pass presents unpredictable weather, which can be difficult to address sometimes.
The Annapurna Circuit is also a demanding trek, but is considered moderately demanding by many. Comparing it with the Manaslu, it has more gradual altitude gain and better acclimatization options. You can take a rest day in Manang and plan a flexible itinerary. In addition to this, some places in the trail also have the availability of medical clinics and rescue services. These are undoubtedly the advantages of being more popular and ultimately make it a safer choice.
Accommodation and Facilities
The accommodation option in both trails is mostly tea houses. The experience in the local villages is almost the same. However, differences arise when we compare the facilities. In most of the homestays or teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit trek, you’ll find service of internet, electricity, hot showers and even Western menus. This makes the trail more advanced and also allows for light packing of goods.
Manaslu Circuit trek, on the other hand, has comparatively basic services. The tea houses are mostly family-run and you may also not find many advanced facilities there. Hot showers and even electricity may not be available. However, these are actually the factors that provide trekkers with a real getaway from the busy city life.
Permits and Total Trek Cost (2025)
In terms of logistics, the Annapurna Circuit is more straightforward. Trekkers only need the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Trekkers won’t even have to worry as their agency will get the work done for them. The general cost of the ACAP is USD 30 and the total trekking cost is USD 600 to 900.
The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted trekking region, which means additional bureaucracy. In order to trek here, you’ll need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) along with MCAP and ACAP (if your route passes through the Annapurna Region, as most itineraries do). The RAP costs USD 100 for 7 days in peak season (or USD 75 in the off-season) plus USD 10–15 per extra day. Similar to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs USD 30, making the trek’s total cost between USD 900 and USD 1,300.
