Manaslu circuit vs Annapurna circuit Trek In Nepal

Circuit trek refers to round trek around mountain. The most popular circuit trek in Nepal are Manaslu circuit trek and Annapurna circuit trek. If we talk about which one is better, Manaslu circuit trek or Annapurna circuit trek? Then it is difficult to answer because both of these trekking are best to the explore nature and life. The comparison between these trekking can be done on the basis of itinerary, location and view. The table below gives brief information on Manaslu circuit vs Annapurna circuit trek.

Table 1: Comparison chart between Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek

Which trek is more difficult: the Manaslu circuit or the Annapurna circuit?

The difficulties of the trek depend on the route, duration, altitude, and tea houses. Both treks have well-organized trekking routes and tea houses. Even though the Annapurna circuit trek is less difficult than Manaslu circuit. The long trekking route, off-beaten trial and basic accommodation have made Manaslu circuit quite difficult compared to Annapurna. While Annapurna circuit has more tea houses with option of basic and luxury accommodation. We should not walk more than seven hours during ACT while we should walk eight hours in lower altitude of MCT. 

Is there any similarities between Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek?

Yes, there are few similarities on region, transportation route and climatic condition of MCT and ACT. Both trekkings are long trek in mountain of Gandaki province, western Nepal. We should take long drive from Kathmandu before starting the trek. The climatic condition of Manaslu and Annapurna region is alike. There are similarities in culture and tradition of Himalayan villages. 

Best time to trek

The Best time for Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek is spring and autumn season. Both trekking can be done at the same time: March, April, May, September, October and November. These months shower with pleasant weather and amazing views of mountains in both Manaslu and Annapurna regions. 

What are the major differences between the Annapurna circuit and the Manaslu circuit?

The major differences in Annapurna circuit and Manaslu circuit are difficult to point out. Although we tend to give prime differences based trekking route to support trekkers for choosing best destination of their choice.

Location

Annapurna circuit trek occurs within the boundary of Annapurna conservation area spread in 7629 sq km. It covers four districts: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Kaski. The trekking route inbounds the tenth highest peak in the world and its surrounding peaks. 

Manaslu circuit trek occurs within the boundary of Manaslu conservation area spread in 1663 sq kilometer. It is a restricted area trek covering three districts: Gorkha and Lamjung. The trekking route inbounds the eighth highest peak in the world and Ganesh Himal.

Trekking duration

Annapurna circuit trek is longer than Manaslu circuit trek. It takes 22 days (Table 2) to complete the longest trek to Annapurna circuit. We can customize the trekking route and complete the trek in 17 days (Table 3).

 Manaslu circuit trek is 13-days trek (Table 4) that cannot be customized. The trekking route remains less crowded as compared to ACT. It is a challenging trek because we should cover around 12 to 13 km daily during the trek. 

Trekking route

The trekking route to Annapurna circuit differs from Manaslu circuit. The beginning points and ending point of both trekking is different. 

The trekking route of Annapurna circuit is challenging.  It is 22 days trekking that covers forest, non-green hills, mountains, lakes and snow-covered landscape. It encompasses four trekking: Annapurna base camp trek, Tilicho lake trek, Poonhill trek and Lower mustang trek. Thus, we can say it is a complete trek to explore the beauty of the entire Annapurna region 

Table 2: Brief itinerary of 22 days Annapurna circuit trek

.  We can customize 22 days itinerary (Table 2) and complete Annapurna circuit trek in 16 days (Table 3). The short trekking route to Annapurna circuit exclude Annapurna base camp (ABC) and Ghorepani poonhill. We can do ABC and Ghorepani poonhill trek independenlty on short treks near Pokhara. 

Table 3: Brief itinerary of 17 days trekking to Annapurna circuit

Manaslu circuit trek is a 13-day trek (Table 4) that cannot be customized. The trekking route remains less crowded as compared to ACT. It is a challenging trek because we should cover around 12 to 13 km daily during the trek. 

Table 4: Brief itinerary of Manaslu circuit trek

Permit

Annapurna circuit trek requires Annapurna conservation area permit. We can get ACT permit from National trust for nature conservation office located in Bhrikutimandap -Kathmandu, Besishar and lakeside-Pokhara. We can choose any of the locations based on the suitability of trekking company and trekkers. 

Manaslu circuit is a restricted area, so we need a restricted area permit to visit Manaslu conservation area. We can get the permit from the Department of immigration located in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. We cannot get a permit without a trekking agency. Solo trek is not possible in Manaslu circuit. We require a minimum of two people for issuing MCT permits. 

Permit cost 

Manaslu circuit trek permit cost: 100 USD + 7000 NPR 

100 USD is the cost of a special permit on restricted area. Similarly, 7000 NPR is the cost of Manaslu conservation area pemit, Annapurna conservation area permit and rural municipality permit. 

Annapurna circuit trek permit cost: 3000 NPR 

The cost includes the Annapurna conservation area permit cost.

Accommodation

Manaslu region is less developed than Annapurna region. We can only get normal rooms in Manaslu region whereas Annapurna region provides Luxury accommodation as well. The tea house provides a clean room with twin beds. The luxury rooms include attached bathroom. The attached room are limited in number thus pre booking is most. 

Is Manaslu and Annapurna circuit combine trek possible?

Yes, we can combine Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek. Dharapani is the combination point for continuing Annapurna circuit trek after completing Manaslu circuit trek. If we plan to do Annapurna circuit trek before Manaslu circuit, then it would be reverse route and extensively challenging. It is almost best to complete the MCT in Dharapani and continue to Annapurna region for your comfort. It takes 27 days to complete Manaslu and Annapurna circuit combine trek. The 27 days include the arrival and departure from Nepal and exclude Annapurna base camp and Ghorepani Poonhill. If we include these two places then the combine trek will be 34 days longer.

If we are looking for Manaslu and Annapurna circuit combine trek, then contact us at [email protected].

Is DIY (do it yourself) possible in Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek?

 DIY is possible only for Annapurna circuit trek, but solo trek is not possible for Manaslu circuit trek. We cannot do Manaslu circuit trek without a guide, two partners and permit from local trekking company.

Conclusion of Manaslu circuit vs Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal

Manaslu circuit vs Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal is a detail information of two amazing trekking in western Nepal. We can choose any of these trekking for enjoying the mind-blowing view of snowcapped peaks, remote villages and dry landscape. Both trekking routes are unique for exploring nature, history and Himalayan life.