Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek, Being a naturally gifted country, Nepal is famous for hundreds of trekking destinations in the world. Despite a small nation in Asia Continent, Nepal offers all types of climatic zones found in the world.

Natural and cultural richness of Nepal trekking attracts thousands of international tourists every year. You find hundreds of glacial lakes, icefalls, glaciers, and 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world. Local tourist destinations have contributed for several trekking destinations from low altitude to high altitude regions.

Both Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are among the most popular destinations of trekking in Nepal. They are not only rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity but also offer adventure for a lifelong experience.

Trips - Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Bhutan

Bhutan Tiger Nest Monastery tour

Bhutan

Central Bhutan Tour

Bhutan

Bhutan Paro tour

Everest Region Trek , Nepal

Everest Base Camp Sleeping Trek

Nepal , Restricted Region Trek

Upper Mustang Jeep Tour

Nepal

Trishuli River Rafting

Everest Region Trek , Nepal

Gokyo Lake Renjola Pass Trek

Everest Region Trek , Nepal

Arun Valley Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Region Trek , Nepal

Annapurna Circuit with Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek

Everest Region Trek , Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing

Both the Nepal trekking trips begin after the Kathmandu Valley Excursion and trip preparation. You will explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.

To reach the trailheads, you have to drive along the Prithvi Highway built on the banks of the Trishuli River and the Marsyangdi River.

Comperative Analysis of Manaslu trek vs Annapurna trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) the 8th highest peak of the world whereas Annapurna Circuit Trek revolves round Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), the world’s 10th highest peak.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards you with unique nature and culture that you won’t find in other regions. Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the off-the-beaten-path trekking equipped with remote trekking trails.

Contrarily, Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous for teahouse trekking in Nepal. Teahouses of the Annapurna Region provide you variety of cuisines from the typical Nepali food to continental cuisines.

The only difference in Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek is that the Manaslu is a restricted area trekking while the Annapurna is a free individual trekking area.

Since both Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are equally beautiful and offer unique experience, you might find which one to choose. Thus, via the blog Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek, we intend to help you book the right Nepal Trekking package of trekking in Nepal.

Trip Facts

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

According to the altitude, trekking in Nepal is divided into low altitude trekking and high altitude trekking correspondingly.

Low altitude trekking is possible throughout the year except in the monsoon season. Because the Nepal trekking trails are slippery due to heavy rainfall in the monsoon. Moreover, bugs and leeches add to the difficulty of trekking in Nepal.

High altitude season is done year around except in the mid-winter. In the mid-winter, the trails in the high altitude region are blocked due to excessive snowfalls. Besides, teahouses in the high altitude Himalayas remain closed due to extreme cold temperature.

Based on the season, trekking in Nepal is divided into off season trekking and on season trekking. The winter and the summer are off season trekking while the spring and the autumn are on season trekking in Nepal.

The best season of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek is either the spring (March-May) or the autumn (September-November). The weather remains stable with pleasant temperature and clear skies. These seasons offer mild temperature across the country.

Annapurna Circuit Trek lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) below the Annapurna Massif. The ACAP is famous for more than 1,225 plant species with several flowering plants. So Annapurna Trek in the spring means you get to witness the entire forests wrapped in colorful flowers.

In the same way, Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). The MCAP hosts some 2,000 plus species of flowering plants with over 8 species of rhododendron flowers. Thus, Manaslu Circuit Trek in the spring lets you witness the entire Manaslu Region wrapped in the blossoming flowers.

Total distance of Manaslu Trek vs Annapurna round Trek

The distance of a package of trekking in Nepal depends upon the region, side trips, acclimatization days, and Nepal trekking routes you choose.

Depending upon the trekking route, the total distance of Manaslu Circuit goes to be up to 177 km. How long you can walk per day determines how long itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek you should book.

Likewise, the trekking route distance off Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges between 160 km to 230 km. Obviously, you need less days to cover less distance and more days to cover longer distance. Book any of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary according to your vacation, physical fitness, desire to experience, and the cost you want to spend.

Duration of Manaslu Trek vs Annapurna Trek

Duration of a package of trekking in Nepal depends upon the total distance of trekking routes. It also depends upon whether you are beginner trekkers or experienced trekkers. You physical fitness level and training also matter a lot. Moreover, the weather condition also plays a great role in making your trip a success or failure.

The duration of Manaslu Trek lasts from 14 days to 22 days. You can even customize this trip as per your vacation, route, and budget you want to spend. If you combine Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit Trek, the duration goes to be even longer.

Similarly, the duration of Annapurna Circuit Trek also ranges from 14 days to 22 days. Since it is also a tailor-made trek in Nepal, you can combine it with other variation of the Annapurna Trek.

The duration of Annapura Base Camp Trek with Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Circuit Trek with Pisang Peak Climbing, Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Trek, etc. comes to be different. So, we recommend you to choose the best fit itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek as per your comfort.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) during Larkey la Pass Trek and Annapurna Round Trek

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is one of the difficulties of trekking in Nepal, especially during high altitude trekking.

Manaslu Circuit Trek begins from around 700m from the sea level. However, it reaches as high as 5,000m in the Larkya La Pass Trek section. Thus, altitude sickness can be a factor contributing for Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty.

In this reference, altitude sickness is one of the factors for Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty. Altitude sickness is most probable during Thorung La Pass Trek section because it lies above 5,000m from the sea level. However, proper acclimatization, walking with slow pace, and taking enough water, food, and rest help you over this difficulty of the Annapurna Trek.

To overcome this challenging section, take proper acclimatization, walking with slow pace, and taking enough water, food, and rest. Besides, keep some curative medicines to beat Manaslu Cirucit Trek difficulty.

Cost of Manaslu Trek vs Thorong la Pass Trek

Trekking in Nepal cost is lower than that of other countries. Moreover, a free individual trekking area cost is far lower than a restricted area trekking region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trekking that you need a special trekking permit. It is obvious that to purchase a restricted area permit, you must pay higher amount. Besides, modes of transportation, food, and accommodation cause the cost of Manaslu Trek higher.

Contrarily, being a free individual trekking area, the cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek is comparatively lower. You don’t need to buy a special permit to trek to the Annapurna Region. It is completely a teahouse trekking, so needless to spend on porters to carry your luggage and stuff for food and accommodation.

Permits of Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

Permits are mandatory for anyone trekking in Nepal. Without these, it is hard to track you in case something unexpected happens to you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and their Cost

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits and their Cost

Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

As soon as you think of trekking in Nepal, you might want to know which one to book because there are hundreds of local destinations throughout the country.

We want to help you out to book choose the right trip via Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek blog. Although the Manaslu is a restricted area while the Annapurna is a free individual trekking area, you won’t love either less than the other.