Annapurna Circuit Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are two popular Himalayan trekking adventures. The Annapurna Trek takes place in the central-western part of Nepal and journeys you through the core of the Annapurna Himalayas. Whereas, the Manaslu Trek is a remarkable journey around the border regions of Nepal and Tibet.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circumnavigates the 8th-tallest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8,163 meters/26781.5 feet). Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you across the 10th highest earth’s tenth-highest peak, Annapurna (8,091 meters/26,545 feet). Although it seems that both treks are similar in several aspects, they are somewhat unique and different in terms of cultural encounters, contrasting Himalayan vistas, and the overall trekking experience.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a famed Himalayan adventure with its advanced infrastructure and diverse landscapes. Whereas the Manaslu Circuit Trek is comparatively remote and rugged, providing off-the-beaten trekking experiences. It is less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit, given its remoteness and the need to obtain a special trekking permit due to its restricted status. The tranquil Manaslu trails are ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and a deep connection to nature and culture of the place.

You may be in a dilemma in choosing between the two neighboring trekking routes in the Himalayas. However, the decision to embark on either the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Manaslu Circuit Trek is all up to you. It totally depends on your level of physical fitness and trekking experience, preferences and priorities, travel time, objectives, and so on. Here, we will help you find out more about these two incredible treks and make your choices.

Contrasting Facts About Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

12 Days

Grade:  Hard

USD $650

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Manaslu Circuit Trek

13 Days

Grade: Adventurous

USD $1250

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High Sides of Manalsu Circuit Trek

• Less Duration: The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be completed in relatively fewer days than that of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. As a result, the sustained energy and physical endurance as compared to longer days treks are reduced.
• Altitude: The altitude reached during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is indeed immensely high. However, the highest elevation that this adventure takes at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) is still less than that of Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters) in the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 
• Fewer Crowds: As the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less known, it is less frequented by trekkers. The Manaslu region falls under the restricted zone and the crowds who venture into this isolated and backwood region are relatively less compared to the Annapurna Circuit. There is also no higher availability of teahouses/lodges than that of the Annapurna trekking trails in the Manaslu Circuit. This makes the number of fellow trekkers who visit this region comparatively less.

High Sides of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Easy to Get Permits: The permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Card, are easier to get compared to the special permit required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
• More Accessible: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is easily accessible to diverse trekkers, from beginners to well-experienced. It presents well-marked and established routes, which makes navigation easier. Also, due to the availability of services and facilities, the arrangement of required logistics for the trek is relatively easy.
• More Facilitated: The Annapurna Circuit is more facilitated than the Manaslu Circuit. There are numerous teahouses spreading along the trekking routes. The amenities are modern, offering convenient and comfortable stays for the visitors. As a result, the number of trekkers is also high.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Tougher Than the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a bit more difficult than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Manaslu region follows the more remote highland trails leading to secluded locations in the Himalayas. Moreover, the Manalsu trails come with greater ups and downs and twists and turns than the Annapurna Circuit’s.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place across the rugged and less developed regions in the Himalayas. The facilities along the trekking trails/areas are fewer than that of the Annapurna Circuit. It will be difficult to find the best accommodations as the villages with cozy and comfortable teahouses are pretty far from one another. Moreover, a special permit, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for trekking the Mananslu Circuit. You also need to hire a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency, which adds to the logistical challenges of the journey.

Which is More Beautiful, the Annapurna Circuit or the Manaslu Circuit?

The beauty of the Annapurna Circuit and the Manaslu Circuit is subjective and depends from person to person. It entirely relies on what you are seeking during your Himalayan odyssey.

To be true, both the Annapurna region and the Manaslu region have excellent natural beauty. They both are par in terms of providing you with deep cultural immersion as well. However, as the Manaslu region is less trodden by tourists, the landscapes here have remained untouched and unexplored. Traversing the pristine landscapes, you will be rewarded with the best virgin views of the Himalayas.

The isolated and restricted status of the Manaslu region has contributed to keeping its nature and culture untampered by modernities or human intervention. Trekking in the Manaslu region, you can experience a solitary and wilderness Himalayan adventure, taking in the raw natural scenery and unchanged local culture. On the other side, the Annapurna region is no less in providing the spectacular beauty of nature and unique cultural experiences

Choosing Between the Two Himalayan Treks

Choosing between the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek needs contemplation on diverse factors. To make the right choice, consider these aspects and select one that best aligns with your interests, preferences, and capabilities.

Difficulty Level

Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be moderate in difficulty level. It is accessible for trekkers with basic physical fitness and with or without proper trekking experience. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a bit tougher than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Manaslu region terrains are more rugged and remote. The trails involve several steep slopes, cliffs and boulders, long climbs, and inclined descents. It is necessary to have few experience in high-altitude trekking. You also need to prepare yourself physically and mentally to overcome the route difficulties.

Infrastructure and Facilities

As the facilities along the trekking trails of the Annapurna Cirucit are above average, this trek can be a great choice for first-time explorers seeking an easy and comfortable trekking experience. You can find a range of hotels, teahouses, and lodges offering basic to luxurious stays.

Due to the remote and rugged landscapes, the infrastructural development and facilities are limited in the Manaslu Circuit. Though the teahouses are available along the Manaslu Circuit trekking trails, the amenities and services offered by them are more basic than those of the Annapurna Circuit. You need to be accustomed to basic facilities and simpler lodging options.

Sceneries

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you across diverse scenic landscapes such as vibrant forests, lush hills, deep valleys, shimmering rivers and waterfalls, terraced farmlands, verdant moorlands, placid lakes, high-altitude rugged and rocky terrains, etc. The visual splendor of the panoramic vistas of the snow-coated Himalayas is most appealing which keeps chasing you throughout the journey.

Likewise, the Manaslu Circuit Trek manifests the pure, unspoiled natural beauty, remote mountainous landscapes, and untampered culture and tradition of the restricted Manaslu region. The magnificent view of the tranquil majestic mountains rewards you with a serene, secluded, and authentic Himalayan experience.

Crowds

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is comparatively more popular than the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is frequented by trekkers, making the trails crowded. During the busy trekking seasons, like spring and autumn, you can find a huge number of trekkers, creating an overcrowding condition. However, the Manaslu trail is less crowded owing to its remote and isolated location. And this Himalayan region also sees fewer visitors due to the requirement for its restricted area permits.

Conclusion

The Manaslu area is more remote and untouched than the Annapurna. If you want to experience less crowds and focus more on the natural highlights and cultural exposures of the journey, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is best for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking established and trodden routes with greater flexibility and accessibility, the Annapurna Circuit Trek could be an ideal choice.

For starter trekkers, the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be the perfect choice, which provides well-trodden routes with a blend of unique culture and rich natural beauty. While for experienced trekkers the Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards with the excitement and thrill of traversing the demanding and less-trodden trails.

Whichever trek you decide on, you will be treated to enriching and unforgettable experiences of venturing into the core of the Himalayas. They will provide you with a lifetime opportunity to forge everlasting moments and memories while exploring the allure of the glorious mountainous landscapes.