Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit: Which Trek Is Better?

Manaslu is the better trek for wild, quiet trails and untouched culture; Annapurna is the better trek for comfort, variety and first-timers.

Every season, trekkers ask me the same question: should I do the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit? Both loop around an 8,000-metre peak. Both cross a high pass above 5,000 m. Both take roughly two weeks. On paper they look alike.

On the trail, they feel completely different. After more than eight years of leading groups in the Himalaya, here is my honest, detailed comparison to help you choose the trek that fits you.

Quick verdict

There is no single "better" trek. The right choice depends on your experience, budget and what you want from the mountains.

Choose the Manaslu Circuit if you:

• want remote trails with far fewer trekkers
• love traditional Tibetan-Buddhist villages that still feel untouched
• have trekked in Nepal before and want something less commercial
• are happy with basic lodges and simple food
• are travelling with at least one other trekker

Choose the Annapurna Circuit if you:

• are doing your first high-altitude trek in Nepal
• want comfortable teahouses, bakeries and hot showers
• want huge variety, from green rice terraces to high desert
• are travelling solo or on a tighter budget
• want flexible side trips such as Tilicho Lake

Manaslu vs Annapurna at a glance

Factor	Manaslu Circuit	Annapurna Circuit
Highest point	Larkya La, about 5,106 m	Thorong La, 5,416 m
Trek length	14–18 days from Kathmandu; 20+ with Tsum Valley	12–20 days depending on start point and side trips
Walking distance	Roughly 170–180 km	Roughly 160–230 km depending on road use
Start and finish	Machha Khola or Soti Khola to Dharapani	Besisahar or Chame to Jomsom, then Pokhara
Difficulty	Moderate to strenuous; longer, rougher days	Moderate to strenuous; higher pass, easier trail
Crowds	Low to moderate	Moderate to busy in October and April
Teahouses	Basic; limited rooms and menus higher up	Comfortable; wide choice, bakeries, better Wi-Fi
Permits	Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP	ACAP and TIMS
Guide	Licensed guide required; minimum 2 trekkers	Licensed guide required for foreign trekkers
Relative cost	Higher	Lower
Best side trips	Tsum Valley, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Tal	Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, Nar Phu, Poon Hill

Altitudes and distances are approximate and vary between sources and route choices.

Overview of each trek

The Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit circles Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It opened to foreign trekkers in 1991 and remains a restricted area, which keeps numbers low.

The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river up a deep, dramatic gorge. It climbs into the Nubri region, crosses the Larkya La and descends into the Marsyangdi valley at Dharapani. Many people call it "the Annapurna Circuit of 20 years ago".

The Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous treks in the world. It circles the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La, one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal.

Its great strength is variety. In one trek you pass through subtropical valleys, pine forest, Tibetan-style villages and the dry, wind-carved landscape of Mustang. Roads now reach much of the route, but smart planning keeps you on quiet footpaths.

Difficulty and altitude

Thorong La is about 300 m higher than Larkya La, but most trekkers find Manaslu harder overall. Here is why.

Longer, rougher days. The lower Budhi Gandaki gorge has steep climbs and descents, landslide sections and many suspension bridges. Walking days of 6–8 hours are normal.

A long pass day. Crossing Larkya La from Dharamsala to Bimthang usually takes 8–10 hours. The descent is long and steep, on loose moraine.

Fewer bail-out options. On Annapurna you can shorten the trek by jeep from several points. On Manaslu, above Jagat your only exits are on foot or by helicopter.

Thorong La is higher and the thin air is tough, but the trail is well defined. You can sleep at High Camp (4,880 m) to shorten pass day, then descend to good lodges at Muktinath.

Altitude sickness is the biggest risk on both treks. Neither is technical, but both take you well above 5,000 m. Acclimatise properly and drink plenty of water. A headache that does not ease with rest, confusion or loss of coordination means descend immediately.

Sample itineraries

These are standard, well-acclimatised itineraries. Add arrival and departure days in Kathmandu, plus one buffer day for weather.

Manaslu Circuit: 12 trekking days

1. Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m)
2. Trek to Jagat (1,340 m)
3. Trek to Deng (1,860 m)
4. Trek to Namrung (2,630 m)
5. Trek to Lho (3,180 m)
6. Trek to Samagaon (3,530 m)
7. Acclimatisation day: hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
8. Trek to Samdo (3,875 m)
9. Acclimatisation day: hike towards the Tibet border
10. Trek to Dharamsala, also called Larkya Phedi (4,460 m)
11. Cross Larkya La (5,106 m), descend to Bimthang (3,720 m)
12. Trek to Dharapani, drive back to Kathmandu

Add 5–7 days to include the Tsum Valley.

Annapurna Circuit: 10 trekking days

1. Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar, then jeep to Chame (2,670 m)
2. Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
3. Trek via Ghyaru to Ngawal (3,660 m)
4. Trek to Manang (3,540 m)
5. Acclimatisation day: hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna viewpoint
6. Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
7. Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) or High Camp (4,880 m)
8. Cross Thorong La (5,416 m), descend to Muktinath (3,800 m)
9. Trek or drive to Jomsom (2,720 m)
10. Fly or drive to Pokhara

Add 2–3 days for Tilicho Lake, or 5–6 days for the Nar Phu Valley.

Permits, guide rules and cost

Manaslu needs three permits and a minimum group of two; Annapurna needs two permits and can be trekked by one person with a guide.

Manaslu permits

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: charged per week, higher in autumn (September–November), plus a daily charge after the first week. Only a registered trekking agency can apply.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): required for the whole Manaslu section.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required because the trek exits through the Annapurna area.
• Tsum Valley: needs its own separate restricted area permit.

Annapurna permits

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required for the whole circuit.
• TIMS card: trekker registration, arranged through your agency.
• Nar Phu Valley: needs a separate restricted area permit if you add it.

Guide rules

Foreign trekkers must trek with a licensed guide on both routes. Manaslu also requires at least two trekkers in the group. If you are travelling alone, a good agency can often match you with another trekker.

What drives the cost

The Annapurna Circuit is usually cheaper. It needs no restricted area permit, and more lodges compete on price. For both treks, the main costs are permits, guide and porter wages, transport, lodging and meals.

Food prices rise with altitude, because everything above the road is carried by porter or mule. Budget extra for hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and drinks in the higher villages, especially on Manaslu.

Permit fees and trekking rules in Nepal change from time to time, so always confirm the current rates before you book.

Best time to trek

October–November and March–May are the best months for both treks.

Season	Manaslu	Annapurna
Autumn (Oct–Nov)	Best. Clear skies and stable weather; book Dharamsala beds early	Best. Clear views, but the busiest time of year
Spring (Mar–May)	Very good. Rhododendrons in the lower valley, some haze	Very good. Warmer days and flowers lower down
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Difficult. Snow can close Larkya La; some upper lodges shut	Possible with care. Thorong La may close after snowfall
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)	Not recommended. Landslides and leeches in the lower gorge	Upper Manang and the Mustang side sit in a rain shadow and stay trekkable

Teahouses, food and comfort

Annapurna has some of the most comfortable teahouses in Nepal; Manaslu's are simple and family-run.

On Manaslu, expect twin rooms with shared toilets and shorter menus. Dal bhat is the most reliable meal and, with free refills, the best value. Hot showers and charging are available in most villages, but not always higher up. In peak season, Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) fills up and can mean a dormitory or tent.

On Annapurna, many teahouses have attached bathrooms, hot showers and reliable Wi-Fi. Bakeries serve apple pie and cinnamon rolls. Manang is a proper trekking town with cafes and shops, which makes your acclimatisation day there comfortable.

Culture and scenery

Manaslu offers deeper, more traditional culture; Annapurna offers greater variety of landscape.

Manaslu climbs from the Budhi Gandaki gorge into the Nubri region. Here Tibetan-Buddhist villages, mani walls, chortens and gompas line the trail. Around Samagaon, Manaslu towers directly above you, with glaciers close by. Beyond Samdo the valley opens into high yak pastures near the Tibetan border. The Tsum Valley, a sacred hidden valley, is one of the most culturally intact places in Nepal.

Annapurna changes character almost every day. You start among Gurung villages and rice terraces, climb through pine forest into the dry Manang valley, and cross into the wind-carved landscape of Mustang. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Views include Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and, from the Kali Gandaki, Dhaulagiri.

Crowds and roads

Manaslu is far quieter, but both treks are affected by road building in their lower sections.

Crowds. The restricted permit and group rule keep Manaslu numbers low, even in October. Annapurna is busy in peak season, especially around Manang and Thorong Phedi, where lodges can fill before the pass.

Roads on Annapurna. Roads now run along much of the circuit. Most trekkers drive to Chame, skipping the most road-affected section. Above Chame, alternative trails via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal keep you on quiet footpaths with better views. After Muktinath, most people take a jeep or fly from Jomsom.

Roads on Manaslu. A road is pushing up the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. The upper route, from around Namrung to Bimthang, is still a traditional walking trail.

Side trips and combining both treks

Best side trips

Side trip	Trek	Extra days	Why go
Tsum Valley	Manaslu	5–7	Remote sacred valley with ancient monasteries and very traditional villages
Manaslu Base Camp	Manaslu	Acclimatisation day	Close-up glacier views and a strong acclimatisation hike from Samagaon
Tilicho Lake	Annapurna	2–3	One of the highest lakes in the world, below Tilicho Peak
Nar Phu Valley	Annapurna	5–6	Hidden medieval villages, restricted and rarely visited
Ice Lake	Annapurna	Acclimatisation day	Big views of the Annapurna range from above Braga

Combining Manaslu and Annapurna

The Manaslu Circuit ends at Dharapani, which sits on the Annapurna Circuit. Instead of driving out, you can continue up to Chame and Manang, then cross Thorong La to Muktinath.

This combination takes about three weeks and crosses two passes above 5,000 m. Manaslu does most of your acclimatisation, so Thorong La feels easier. It is one of the finest long treks in Nepal for fit, experienced trekkers with time.

Expert tips from a trek leader

These are the tips I give every group before we set off.

1. Plan at least two acclimatisation days. On Manaslu, rest at Samagaon and Samdo. On Annapurna, spend two nights in Manang and sleep at Thorong Phedi or High Camp before the pass.
2. Start pass day early. Leave between 3 and 5 am to cross before the afternoon wind and cloud. Carry a headlamp, warm layers and snacks you can eat with gloves on.
3. Walk slowly and climb high, sleep low. Use rest days for short hikes higher up, then come back down to sleep.
4. Pack microspikes in shoulder seasons. Early spring and late autumn can leave ice on both passes, especially on the descent.
5. Carry enough cash. Bring Nepali rupees for the whole trek. ATMs are unreliable past Besisahar, and there are none on the upper Manaslu route.
6. Treat your water. Use purification tablets or a filter bottle. It saves money and keeps plastic out of the mountains.
7. Avoid the road on Annapurna. Take the trails via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal. They are quieter, higher and help acclimatisation.
8. Book Dharamsala early on Manaslu. In October and November, beds at Larkya Phedi fill fast.
9. Get the right insurance. Make sure your policy covers trekking and helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,500 m.
10. Train before you go. Spend several weeks hill walking or stair climbing with a loaded daypack. Manaslu especially rewards good fitness.
11. Respect local customs. Walk clockwise around stupas and mani walls, ask before photographing people, and dress modestly in villages.
12. Leave a buffer day. Snow, landslides or illness can delay you. A spare day protects your flight home.

Packing list

The kit list is the same for both treks. Nights near the passes drop well below freezing.

Clothing

• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
• Thermal base layers
• Warm fleece mid-layer
• Down jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
• Warm hat, sun hat and buff
• Liner gloves and insulated gloves

Gear

• Sleeping bag rated to about −15 °C
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Microspikes (shoulder seasons)
• Water bottles and purification tablets or filter
• Power bank

Health and documents

• Sunglasses (UV category 3 or 4) and high-SPF sunscreen
• Personal first-aid kit and medication
• Passport, copies and passport photos
• Travel insurance details
• Cash in Nepali rupees

Frequently asked questions

Which is harder, Manaslu or Annapurna? Thorong La is higher, but Manaslu usually feels harder overall because of longer days, rougher trails, basic lodges and fewer escape routes.

Can I trek Manaslu solo? No. You need a Restricted Area Permit, a licensed guide and at least two trekkers in the group.

Which trek is cheaper? The Annapurna Circuit. It needs no restricted area permit, and more lodges compete on price.

Is the Annapurna Circuit ruined by the road? No, if you plan well. Drive to Chame, then use the alternative trails via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal to stay on quiet footpaths.

Do I need previous trekking experience? Not for Annapurna, if you are fit and acclimatise well. For Manaslu, some multi-day trekking experience helps because of the longer, rougher days.

What is the best time to go? October–November for the clearest views, or March–May for rhododendrons and warmer days.

Can I combine both treks? Yes. Manaslu ends at Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, so you can continue over Thorong La. Allow about three weeks.

Final thoughts

For a first Himalayan trek, I recommend the Annapurna Circuit. For trekkers who have already walked in Nepal and want something quieter and less commercial, Manaslu is the more rewarding choice. With three weeks and good fitness, do both.

Whichever you choose, you will cross a high pass, walk beneath some of the greatest mountains on Earth and meet warm, welcoming mountain communities.

Still deciding? Get in touch with your dates, fitness level and what you want from the trip. We will recommend the right route, arrange your permits and build an itinerary around you.