Differences and Similarities between Annapurna Circut Trek and Manaslu Circuit Tek

When it comes to trekking in Nepal, you might come across a galaxy of choices. With towering peaks standing to its northern highlands, including eight of the world’s fourteen peaks over 8,000 meters, Nepal boasts a wide range of trekking routes that not only highlight its impressive mountains but also its rich cultural heritage and biodiversity. 

Among them are the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek, both highly sought after. Since each trek circumambulates an 8,000m peak, crosses the high mountain passes, unravels the most diverse landscapes, cultures and terrains, choosing one over the other can be a tough job. We will try to figure out the key differences and the similarities between these two iconic trekking routes. 

Lets find out the key differences and the similarities betweeen these two iconic trekkings in the Himalayas

How Busy is Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Area was opened to foreigners in the early 90s only so it is not as popular as Annapurna Circuit trek. Even though it is open to foreigners, Manaslu Circuit trek still remains a restricted area, forbidding solo trekking. This is one of the reasons why Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded and sought after trekking route in Nepal. There are still a large number of trekkers who do not know about Manaslu area. When it comes to trekking in Nepal, people usually look for Everest Base Camp Trek. But Manaslu Circuit trek still remains behind the curtain, keeping away from crowds. Manaslu area is not commercialized and has still retained its authenticity, ancientness and charm. Even though the road is being built at the lower valley, the trails are still intact and unaffected by roads. For the first day, you intermittently follow the roads but from the second day, you walk on pure trails till the last day of the trekking. Tea houses are never overcrowded providing a cozy and rustic atmosphere. Best off-the-beaten-path treks

Annapurna Circuit is another very popular trekking route in Nepal, making it one of most sought after trekking destinations in Nepal. With its diverse landscapes, unique geographical features, ancient culture and stunning mountain view, Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking routes in the entire Himalayan Belt. Due to its flexible policy on solo trekking, easily accessible routes, navigable trails, and abundance of information available on the internet, Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a backpacker’s haven. However, this has led to an influx of tourists on this route, making it one of the busiest trekking routes in Nepal. Moreover, with the road networks replacing approximately 30% of the trails, the route has lost its aura. Thus it may not be an ideal destination for those who want to trek  off the beaten track. 

 Starting Ending Point of Annapurna Circuit Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Soti Khola, a small village in Gorkha District of Nepal. Walking around the foothills of Mt. Manaslu, the trail ends in Gowa, a village near Dharapani, the starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trekking. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Dharapani, where Manaslu Circuit Trek concludes. It ends in Jomsom, a town located north of Pokhara City. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek VS Manaslu Circuit Trek Route

Manaslu Circuit trek navigates the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, until it crosses Larkya La Pass, then continues following Marshyangdi River valley after meeting Annapurna Circuit Trek at Dharapani. Drive to Bandipur for an overnight halt before continuing the journey back to Kathmandu. 

The trek starts from Machha Khola, located 160 km north-west of Kathmandu. The road heads west of Kathmandu on black topped road until Abu Khaireni, from where it veers towards the north and passes through Gorkha Bazar, the headquarters of Gorkha District. 

From there, the road descends to Arughat Bazar and follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. From Machha Khola, we continue along the trekking trail, occasionally meeting the roads. The trail negotiates Budhi Gandaki River, crossing it a couple of times, and passes through the villages of Jagat, Philim, Deng. From Deng, the route bends westward, going through the village of Lho, Shyala, Samagaon. The trail veers towards the north again while ascending from Samagaon to Samdo. Cross the Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang in Annapurna Conservation Area. Walking down the forested trail spend your last night in the mountain in the village of Gowa. Hop into the jeep and meet the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani. Driving south from Dharapni, the road meets the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, from where it branches off and ascends to Bandipur. After some relaxation in Bandipur, drive back to Kathmandu. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek navigates the Marshandi River Valley, crosses Thorong La Pass, and follows Kali Gandaki Valley on the other side of the pass. The trail ends in Jomsom, followed by a flight to Pokhara. The trip concludes with a road trip back to Kathmandu. 

The road to Machha Khola, from where the trip starts, heads westward along the Prithvi Highway. At Dumre, the road branches off to the north and concludes in Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung District and the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The road becomes rough and bumpy as we drive on a local 4Wd jeep. The road ascends alongside the Marshyangdi River, passing by the villages of Bhulbhule, Jagat and Syange. Spend your first night in Tal, which is located across the Marshyangdi River. Start walking from Tal, but mostly on the road through the villages of Dharapani, Bagarchhap, and Dhanakyu all the way to Chame. Continue along the road until you reach Pisang, from where you will take a walking trail to Ngawal, and further to Manang. Spend two nights in Manang then take a side trail to Tilicho Lake. After visiting Tilicho Lake, we descend and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trek route at Yak Kharka. Spend a night at Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La Pass. After crossing the pass, the route descends to Muktinath and follows Kali Gandaki River Valley until reaching Jomsom. Take the flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and spend a night there. Take a public tourist bus back to Kathmandu which takes around 7/8 hrs. Spend a relaxing evening in Kathmandu and drive to the airport the next day as per your flight itinerary. 

Length of Annapurna Circuit Trek VS Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Lengths of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek are equal, each totaling 17 days. Though the number of trekking/walking days varies by one day, as the Manaslu Circuit Trek spans 11 days and the Annapurna Circuit Trek spans 12 days. The remaining days are allocated for drive in/out and the internal flights. 

But at the same time, both trekking routes have wide ranges of options for customization. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be combined with the Tsum Valley and extended further to Pokhara, either with or without the Tsum Valley. 
Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done without a side trip to Tilicho Lake, cutting two days off the standard itinerary. For the hardcore hikers, Annapurna Circuit Trek can also be extended to Poon Hill Circuit Trek, and sometimes all the way to Annapurna Base Camp.

How Hard is Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit trek?

The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderate to difficult trekking routes due to their length, distance, terrain and the elevation profile. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek can be slightly more difficult than the Annapurna Circuit Trek due to its remoteness, and the distance one  should cover on the first two days. The Larkya La Pass of Manaslu Circuit Trek is relatively easier than the Thorong La Pass of Annapurna Circuit. 

Annapurna Circuit is not as remote as Manaslu Circuit trek. The large number of tea houses and their standards are higher than those of Manaslu. The trails are easily navigable. The section between Sri Kharka and Tilicho Base Camp can be a little tough as you walk on scree with steep slope. Otherwise the trails are not technically difficult and do not require any skill either.