Manaslu Circuit Trekking vs Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Brief Comparison Between Manaslu Circuit Trekking And Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Vs Annapurna Circuit: Key Differences & Tips

Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are located in the western development region of Nepal. They are neighbours, where the Manaslu lies in the east in the Gorkha district of Gandaki province and Annapurna in the west in the Manang district of the same province.

Speaking of the special things that these trails offer to adventure lovers are the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna Massif. Actually, they both are special in their own way. Yes, there are a few things that differentiate them; nevertheless, it has always been difficult to distinguish these two trekking trails.

It all depends upon the perspective of the trekkers. If you do deep research on them, surely, you will like either one of the two or most probably both at the same time. However, some key differences and tips you can find about these two are listed below and can be very useful for mapping out your trek to one of them:

Location

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Region within the boundary of the Manaslu Conservation Area in the Gorkha district of Gandaki province. Meanwhile, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is in the Annapurna Region within the Annapurna Conservation Area and ranges from Lamjung to Manang to the Mustang district of the same province as the Manaslu, with most of the trek falling in Manang.

Duration and Distance

Manaslu Trek generally takes 14 to 18 days with a slow pace to finish, where you will cover approximately 180 km (112 mi) in the process. On the other hand, it usually takes 8 to 10 days to trek the Annapurna Circuit by covering a total distance of between 160 and 230 km (100 and 145 mi).

Knowing that you will need to walk such a distance on your feet, you should now be fully focused and thinking of getting well-prepared by learning about the trekking essentials and sufficient resources that are required for the adventure before planning your trek. You will discover the trekking essentials and other things below. Keep on reading the blog.

Please note that the mentioned trekking duration of both trails is an average period that is supposed to be taken for beginners or inexperienced hikers. Experienced or extreme hikers can easily complete both routes even in less than the duration stated above.

Starting, Ending, And Highest Point

The usual starting point for trekking the Manaslu Circuit is Soti Khola (710 m/2329.4 ft), Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha. Nevertheless, some trekkers also choose to reach a bit further to Machha Khola (900 m/2,953 ft) by local jeep to begin the adventure the very next morning in order to save their time and day. The trek concludes once you arrive in Dharapani (1,860 m/6,102.362 ft), Annapurna Conservation Area, Manang by crossing through the highest point, Larke Pass (5,106 m/16,752 ft).

As for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, there are numerous beginning points. It is not fixed and depends upon the trekkers. However, the typical starting point for this trek is Jagat (1,300 m/4,265 ft), but some go directly to Chame (2,650 m/8,694.22 ft) by taking a local vehicle from Besi Sahar (760 m/2493.44 ft) and some start from the villages that are below Jagat.

If you are a beginner, then Jagat or the villages below it are highly recommended points to begin the trek. Doing so will help you prevent the danger of developing altitude sicknesses like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) in your body during trekking.

The ending point is Muktinath (3,710 m/12,172 ft), Mustang in the same region. You will reach there after crossing the highest point of the trek and the world's highest pass, Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft).

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of both trekking the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit is moderate to challenging. However, by comparing each other, the Manaslu Circuit Trail is still a little bit tougher than the Annapurna Circuit, as it takes more days to complete.

Yes, the Annapurna Trek has the highest elevation than the Manaslu Trek. But its trekking duration is less and it is always hard when you have to walk for a long period of days in a high-altitude location with a heavy backpack.

Annapurna Circuit Trail is tougher than the Manaslu Circuit if it is combined with Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake, which sits at an altitude of 4,949 m (16,237 ft). If you choose to visit Tilicho Lake as well during trekking, then there will be two days of extra that add to your journey.

To visit the lake, first of all, you will need to reach Tilicho Base camp (3,900 m/12,795 ft) and the path that leads you there is one of the scariest routes in Nepal. You will cross the way by walking for around 2.5 to 3 hours which has a very high risk of landslide.

Required Permits

There are various permits that you will be required to have for trekking the both Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit. Check the kinds of permits below:

• For The Manaslu Trek: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
• For The Annapurna Trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

Mountains Along The Trail

Manaslu Mountain is situated in the Mansiri, the Sub-Himalaya Mountain Range and the Manaslu Trekking route is exactly on the lap of this range. The trek allows you to experience the stunning views of Manaslu (8,163 m/26,782 ft) and the other peaks of the same range Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Himal Chuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), Boudha Himal (6,672 m/21,889 ft), Sringi Himal (7,155 m/23,474 ft) and Annapurna II (7,937 m/26040.03 ft).

Similarly, the Annapurna Circuit Trail lies on the lap of the Annapurna Mountain Range. During trekking, you will be able to see the mountains, such as Annapurna I, II, III, & IV (8,091 m/26,545 ft, 7,937 m/26040.03 ft, 7,555 m/24,787 ft, & 7,525 m/24,688 ft ), Manaslu (8,163 m/26,782 ft), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft) and Thorong Peak (6,144 m/20,157.48 ft).

Ethnic Groups And Their Culture

While you are busy enjoying the beauty of nature and having peace of mind, you will also get the opportunity to meet different people of different ethnic groups along the way. In the Manaslu Circuit Trail, you will pass through several villages occupied by Gurung and Tamang in the lower part and Tibetan in the upper part.

Likewise, in Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Gurung and Thakali are settled in the lower section and Manange has their dominance in the upper section. Both trekking routes offer you the beauty of different ethnic groups of Nepal and their culture and traditions.

You will learn about their culture, lifestyle, and everything during the trek. Comparing both, the Manaslu Trek has still a bit more cultural value to offer you, especially Tibetan Buddhist culture. That is why it is also recognized as a restricted area by the government.

Popularity

Both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks offer trekkers a picturesque landscape from start to finish, without a shadow of a doubt. Furthermore, these trails present them the opportunity to encounter endangered species, such as snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep.

But in terms of popularity, the Annapurna Circuit is well-known around the world, especially for having the world's highest pass, Thorong La. Even though the Manaslu Circuit still remains off the beaten path, it has also become famous in recent times and is gaining tourists gradually.

Hiking Trail And Road Accessibility

Since the Manaslu Region is not as popular and commercialized as the Annapurna, it is only for trekking. Path for a vehicle is only up to Machha Khola, a secondary starting point of the trek and after that, there is only a hiking trail available until you arrive in Dharapani, the ending point.

You know. Having no road access after the beginning point or the hiking trail not connected to the road is one of the special things about the trek, as you don't even have to listen to the noise of vehicles along the way. This is why trekking in the Manaslu Region is an ideal destination for those who prefer less crowded places over commercialized ones most of the time.

But it is also a demerit sometimes because you just cannot begin your adventure from the point where you wish to. As stated earlier in the 'Duration and Distance' subheading, trekking the Manaslu Circuit normally takes 14 to 18 days by walking at a slow pace.

Nevertheless, not everyone has such a huge time from a vacation from their daily job. Also, some may already have a lot of experience in trekking and are so confident about reaching a bit higher point to start the trek to save time and resources.

For them, trekking the Annapurna Circuit will be a good choice because it has both a hiking trail and road accessibility available from the beginning to halfway of the trek, Khangsar (3756 m/12, 323 ft). As a result, if you are experienced at a high altitude and want to finish the trek as fast as possible, then you can go for the Annapurna Circuit Trail.

However, you will likely face some issues with rooms getting booked already during the peak season on this route due to its popularity. Therefore, you should be very careful about accommodation in the Annapurna Trek at that time and be smart enough to book a room for yourself at teahouses that you plan to stay overnight one or two days before your arrival.

Trekking Season in Nepal

Speaking of the trekking season in Nepal, there are two types of seasons: spring and autumn, with March to May fall in spring and September to November in autumn. During these times, there is no fear of a climate getting unfavourable, allowing you to capture real views of the mountains and landscapes.

Thus, for trekking the Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit or doing both at the same time, then visit Nepal in one of these seasons. However, comparing between spring and autumn, autumn is considered the peak trekking season.

In addition to this, you should also check the weather forecast frequently for the dates of your journey even if you plan to trek either of the circuit treks or both during peak season. This is because the weather is considered unpredictable and can be unfavourable at any time.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Vs Annapurna Circuit Trekking: Which Trek Delivers More Thrills?

If you are an adventure lover, then, surely, choosing between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek is even more challenging than going for the trek to either one of two. It is because both trekking routes offer unforgettable views of the mountains in the Mansiri and Annapurna Mountain Ranges.

Additionally, you will have the chance to see the endangered animals and learn about the culture of both regions. In fact, both treks deliver equal thrills. The Manaslu Trek has the country's longest pass, Larkya La, while the Annapurna Trek has the world's highest pass, Thorong La.

Nevertheless, it is up to you to choose either one of these routes for your next adventure. If you have sufficient time and resources for trekking and want to immerse in the local culture of the area, then you better go for the Manaslu.

If you are a beginner, don't have enough experience, and have no issue with the trail getting crowded during the season, the Annapurna is best for you. Furthermore, if you are already a hardcore adventurer and have both enough time and resources, then you can do a combo trek.

The ending point of the Manaslu Circuit is the secondary starting point of the Annapurna Circuit which is Dharapani in Manang. Hence, after you complete one trek, you can easily continue the other one. Doing so will take you approximately 21 days to finish your combo journey.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Vs Annapurna Circuit Trekking: Which Trek Is Best For Cultural Enthusiasts?

Both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are rich in culture and traditions along with adventure and stunning views. They both offer Buddhist culture.

However, comparing each other, the Manaslu Trek is best for cultural enthusiasts, as the entire region is highly influenced by the ancient Tibetan Buddhists and has ancient monasteries more than the Annapurna Region along the trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Vs Annapurna Circuit Trekking: Which Trek is Best for Solo Travellers?

Both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done alone regardless of the fact that these trails have tough sections in some places. But by Nepal's government law, you can't do a solo trek in the Manaslu Circuit because the region is considered a restricted area already to protect the endangered species, preserve the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and control the influx of tourists.

You must have a licenced trekking guide and there must be at least two people in your group excluding the guide. However, the Annapurna Region doesn't fall under the category of restricted area. Thus, it is best for solo travellers.

FAQs

Which trek is more expensive: the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit?

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is more expensive because it is one of the commercialized treks in Nepal and has options of hotels from cheap to expensive than Manaslu Circuit Trekking along the way.

What are the permit requirements for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The permit requirements for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. For Annapurna Circuit Trek, only ACAP, and TIMS Card are needed.

Which trek is less crowded: the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded, as it falls under the off-the-beaten-path.

Which trek offers better scenery: Manaslu or Annapurna?

To be honest, both the Manaslu Trek and Annapurna Trek offer amazing scenery. It is difficult to consider which one offers the best. It all depends on either of the regions that you want to visit the most. Whichever, you choose, it will be your wise choice.

Which trek is better for beginners: the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is better for beginners, as it is shorter than the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Which trek has better infrastructure: the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek has a better infrastructure, as it is already a famous trail worldwide.

Which trek has better teahouse facilities: Manaslu or Annapurna?

Both treks have enough facilities for a teahouse along the route. However, comparing these two trails, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has the better teahouse facilities.

Which trek is more physically demanding: the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit?

The difficulty level of both treks is moderate to challenging. But, due to the trekking duration, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is more physically demanding. The Manaslu Trek usually takes 14 to 18 days to complete, whereas, the Annapurna Trek can be done within the range of 8 to 10 days, which is less than the Manaslu.