Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal is popular worldwide for the variety of trekking options it has. As such trekking has become a very popular tourist activity in Nepal. The sheer numbers of trekking options can leave someone overwhelmed. So choosing the perfect trekking option for yourself can be quite challenging indeed.
Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are such two option available in Nepal. These both trekking are popular and known for its own uniqueness. Both can provide trekkers with different experience that will last them for a lifetime.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is famous for the diverse and remote trekking trails. While Annapurna is famous for its teahouse trek. These vast difference in the trails can give you different experiences. So before you start planning for your trekking you have to choose which trek you want to go to.
Annapurna Circuit trek is also a classic and popular trek with easier and less taxing trails. The trails are popular among trekkers and adventurers alike. Because of this Annapurna Circuit trek invites thousands of trekkers during a year. This causes the trails to be full of trekkers who want to experience the Annapurna’s vast mountain range.
Meanwhile, Manaslu Circuit trekking is less popular and recent trekking trails of Nepal. But this doesn’t take anything away from the experience. This trek is popular among those wanting to explore the remote area of Nepal untouched by civilization. Being less popular means it experiences less crowd. So this trek is for those who want solitary trekking experience.
One thing to remember about Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek is that both have wonderful trekking trails. But Manaslu Circuit trekking is a restricted area meaning you have to have a trekking partner with a guide or a porter. This restriction is to preserve the natural environment and culture of the are. While Annapurna Circuit trek has no restrictions put in place.
Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek
| Name | Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu circuit Trek |
| Trip duration | 14 to 22 days | 14 to 22 days |
| Trip type | Teahouse trek | Teahouse Trek |
| Best Season to visit | Autumn and Spring | Autumn and Spring |
| Trip Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Trip Start | Beshi Sahar | Arughat |
| Trip End | Beni | Beshi Sahar |
| Max Altitude | 5416 m | 5125 m |
| Distance | 160 km-230 km | 177 km |
| Region | Annapurna Ranges Nepal | Manaslu Ranges Nepal |
| Mode of Transportation | Local Bus, Private Jeep, Local Jeep and Optional Flight at end on trek | Local Bus, Private Jeep, Local Jeep and Optional Flight at end on trek |
| Permits | TIMS Card and ACAP Permit | Manaslu Restricted Area Permit(RAP)Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (Optional) |
| Solo trekking option | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Restriction | No | Yes |
You Choose your Suitable time
The treks in Nepal are highly dependent on the season of the year. Before starting any trip you should know about the season at which you are traveling. There is an ever-present danger in trekking if you visit it during the wrong time of the year.
This goes same for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Both these treks depend on the season and the weather that follows.
Autumn Season(September, October, and November):
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn Season
The Autumn season is a perfect season for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. It is an extremely popular season for trekking. And due to it, the Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes crowded with adventurers and trekkers. Moderate temperature and relatively low chances of rainfall make it an ideal season for trekking.
The sky clears and the temperature gets just right. This season is perfect for viewing the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding landscape. You wouldn’t want to miss the view of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and Dhaulagiri range in this season.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn Season
The Autumn season is arguably the best time to trek in Manaslu. The price of the restricted permits also goes up in the season.
It is neither too hot or too cold, the sky is blue and views of the snow mountains are perfectly clear. It is also the ideal time to climb Larke Peak. On the downside, this ideal window of time attracts others too. The trails will be full of people than in any other season.
Winter Season(December, January, and February):
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter Season
The arrival of Winter season welcomes the coldest temperature in Nepal. Trekking towards high altitude is not advisable in this season. The morning gets cold and night temperatures fall to sub-zero at higher altitudes. The heavy snowfall makes it prone to avalanches which can block off higher paths. Because of this, reaching Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit is nearly impossible.
But It is a great opportunity for those who like to trek cheaper and in solitude. The less crowded trails make it an adventurous season for those with experience.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter Season
Winter season brings the cold and dry temperature in Manaslu. Trekking in Manaslu circuit Trek in winter is not advisable for novices as it can become extremely dangerous and difficult. Larkya La Pass becomes impassable due to ice and snow storm. The possibility of having to trace back your steps should be in mind.
But Winter season is the most adventurous time for this trek. So it can be undertaken by those with experience. The temperature can drop to -20ºC on average as night falls. It becomes colder as you go higher. But Winter season presents with the best views of the mountain peaks, sunrises, and sunsets.
Spring Season(March, April and May):
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring Season
Spring is the second most popular season among tourists for trekking purposes. The weather gets warmer and clearer. This offers clear visibility of the mountain peaks and the landscapes. The scenery also greets you with a clear view of the full blossom of the red, pink and yellow rhododendrons. This makes your trekking more rewarding.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring Season
Spring is also one of the best seasons to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek. The cool temperatures and bright days are perfect for treks. It is neither too cold nor too hot. This season also enjoys clear blue skies and warm days.
Vegetation and flora all around start to blossom. The teahouse closed in Winter season starts to reopen.
It is also the safest season to trek as there are low chances of avalanches, landslides, and other climatic hazards.
Summer season(June, July, and August)
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Summer Season
The summer season is generally considered one of the off-peak seasons for many people. It is the season of the monsoon rain. Increase in temperature and the heavy downfall of Monsoon rain deters most people from trekking during this season.
The heavy rainfall makes the trails slick and muddy and causes rivers to rise. The frequent rainfall also presents the danger of landslides and the infestation of Mosquitoes and leeches. But it gets cooler as you climb higher and the rain becomes less frequent.
The Monsoon cloud also blocks the view of the mountain making the trip less joyous.
But this off-season is cheaper and the less crowded trekking routes make it popular among solitary trekkers.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Summer Season
The Summer season brings the Monsoon rains to the region. It is the humid season. The downpour of rain makes the trail slippery and dangerous. And there is also the infestation of Mosquitoes and Leeches and the threat of landslides in this season.
The dark clouds of Monsoon season can block the view of the mountain range but it can also provide some of the best views.
The distance of Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The total distance you have to cover during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 160 km-230 km. This depends on the mode and the duration of the trek. This means you have to walk for 6-7 hours a day. You will be hovering around 8 to 15 km per day.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The total distance you have to cover during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 177 km. This means you have to walk for 5-7 hours a day. You will be covering around 15 to 20 km per day.
Duration of the Treks
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The duration of the Annapurna Circuit trek can vary from 14 to 22 days. There are various packages available and the difficulty of the trek is dependent on the duration of the trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The duration of Manaslu Circuit Trek can vary from 14 to 22 days. There are various packages available and the duration of the trek varies.
Altitude Sickness during the Treks
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Altitude sickness is one of the common difficulties of Annapurna Circuit Trek. As you elevate towards higher altitude the oxygen level and the atmospheric pressure becomes thinner.
This becomes especially difficult at Thorong La pass which is at 5500 m above sea level.
Proper rest and acclimatization are important.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit treks begin from 700 m below to a higher altitude of 5,125 m.
The thin oxygen level and atmospheric pressure make people susceptible to altitude sickness.
The highest altitude you will reach is in Larkya La Pass. With an altitude of 5,125 m above sea level, it can be quite difficult.
Proper rest and acclimatization are important.
The budget needed for the Treks
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trekking in Nepal isn’t cheap. But it is one of the cheaper options of trekking in Nepal. The cost of this trek ranges anywhere between USD $700-1500. It will cover your lodgings, food, and permits. Depending on how leisurely you want to travel it can go increase or decrease.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trekking through Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t cheap. The remoteness of the area means that transportation is hard. This means that the cost can increase higher as you elevate higher.
There are also many things like trekking permits that can cost you some money.
The cost of the trek ranges from USD 1700 – 2300 per person.
Permits Required for the Treks
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| – ACAP permit: USD $20 – TIMS (Trekkers’ Informational Management System) card: USD $10-20 | Manaslu Restricted Area Permit(RAP): USD $70 for first week and USD 10 each additional day during Autumn Season. USD $50 for first week and USD 7 each extra day during rest of the yearManaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD $20Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD $20Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (if you plan for a side-trip to Tsum valley): USD $35 per week |
Conclusion
Nepal has a variety of trails and trekking destinations. Among them, Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are quite popular among trekkers. Depending on the experience you want to have you can make your own choice.
Both are beautiful and challenging treks in their own right. And both have their unique attraction and beauty.
While Annapurna Circuit Trek is more popular, it doesn’t take away the feeling of trekking in the remote areas of the Annapurna region.
And while Manaslu Circuit Trek is less popular, it doesn’t take away the quality of the trek.