Let’s learn the difference between the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek. In this article, I will break down different topics, such as;
- The number of days required to complete those two treks.
- Paperwork and permits.
- Transportation options to and from the trail.
- Cultural and geographical differences.
Here is the key difference for those who don’t care about the depth of these two trails. Both trails are scenic and have similar high altitudes and costs, but the Annapurna Circuit Trek requires hiking along a motorable road. Manaslu is a more cultural trail and less touristy, also known for being an off-the-beaten-path destination. However, key differences exist regarding getting a permit, guide requirements, and the process.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, offering trekkers access to wonderful cultures, fascinating villages, myths and traditions, dramatic mountain vistas, and dramatically changing scenery. The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires at least two weeks and involves 6-7 hours of walking per day, so a good basic fitness level is essential. The highest point, Thorong La Pass 5,416m, is where we are likely to encounter snow conditions.
View of the Annapurna range
Itinerary
| Annapurna | Manaslu |
|---|---|
| The itinerary may vary depending on the number of days you have. You can skip the dirt road in the Annapurna Circuit by hopping on a local jeep and hiking the part that avoids motorable trails. You may complete it in as little as one week or spend up to 10 days, including a side trip to Tilicho Lake. Remember that the pass is over 5,416m high, so you need proper acclimatization. | 10-15 days is the ideal time to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, you can also explore the side trips to the Tsum Valley and the Tibetan border. The lower part of Manaslu, for the first few days, also requires hiking along the dirt road. You can drive a dirt road during the summer and skip a few days. |
Facts about the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Region: Annapurna Region in Nepal
Start Point: Beshisahar
End Point: Beni
Maximum Elevation: 5,416m from sea level at Thorong La Pass
Possible Side Trip: Tilicho Lake, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Number of Days: 10-14 days
Mode of Transport: Local Bus, Private Jeep, Local Jeep, and Optional Flight at the end of the trek from Pokhara
Permit Needed: TIMS Card and ACAP Permit
Option to Trek Solo: Possible, but consult with a professional to avoid potential danger.
Guide & Permit
| Annapurna | Manaslu |
|---|---|
| Due to the high-altitude pass, hiking without a guide is not recommended. However, it is not mandatory. You can visit Annapurna with a National Park Entry Permit (ACAP) and a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. | Due to the restricted area of Nepal, a guide is mandatory. You will need different types of permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. |
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek was previously a restricted region for travelers to trek in before 1992. However, with the development of necessary infrastructure for tourism, it is now open under a controlled tourism policy, requiring special permits and rules to be accompanied by at least one Nepali Citizen. Previously, due to a lack of lodges, the Manaslu Trek used to be a camping trek with the entire trekking crew, including a cook, an assistant guide, a leader, etc. However, nowadays, the Manaslu trek itinerary is even shorter in terms of days. It is possible to trek the Manaslu Circuit, depending on the availability of teahouses. However, a single teahouse in Dharmasala can be a bottleneck for the Manaslu Circuit Tea House Trek. Possible side trip during Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Tsum Valley Trek, which is one of the best and sacred places in Nepal, as nobody kills even a microscopic animal knowingly. This link about the Tsum Valley Trek might help generate ideas about a side trip during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Another plus point of the Manaslu Trek is that it merges with the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani, from where one can either continue toward the Annapurna Circuit or retrace their steps back to Kathmandu.
Old and new trails of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Facts about the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Region: Manaslu Region in Nepal
Start Point: Machha Khola
End Point: Beshisahar
Maximum Elevation: 5,106m from sea level at Larke La Pass
Possible Side Trip: Tsum Valley
Number of Days: 13 days
Mode of Transport: Local Bus, Private Jeep, and Local Jeep
Permit Needed: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, ACAP, and a separate one for Tsum
Option to Trek Solo: Impossible, cannot trek solo, must be two trekkers, and must be accompanied by local Nepali citizens. However, the Manaslu Circuit Trek can only be completed with the assistance of a porter or a guide.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Vs Manaslu Circuit Trek
As it is tough to choose one as an alternative for another because Annapurna Circuit Trek has its glory and used to be the best trekking trail across the globe before the motor road destroyed its beauty in the lower area, whereas on the other hand, Manaslu Circuit Trek is developing its trail in terms of housing and communication details.
- Higher elevation, more alternatives for side trips, and then choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Choose a slightly lower elevation with fewer but excellent side trips, then select the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- If it’s all about the mountain, then choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek. If it’s about the mountain and culture, then opt for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- If you are a single trekker looking to join a group, consider joining a group for the Manaslu Circuit Trek or opt for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
- If you have a short holiday, consider the Annapurna Circuit Trek. If you have a slightly longer holiday, you can opt for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and then continue toward the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Dharapani.
- If you want to trek on the motor road, the wide trail leads to Annapurna, whereas if you prefer natural, small-scale trekking trails, opt for Manaslu.
- If more visitors and crowds opt for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, fewer visitors and less unspoiled areas are left for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
As a summary of the entire discussion, incorporating facts about both the Annapurna and Manaslu treks, we can conclude that if one is looking for natural beauty only, then the Annapurna Circuit Trek will be the best alternative. On the other hand, if one needs a fusion of culture and nature, then the Manaslu Trek is undoubtedly a perfect choice. Here is a link for both the Annapurna and Manaslu Treks, which are worth browsing for more details about each trek, including its itinerary and cost. Browse Manaslu Trekking for details about Manaslu Trek, and Annapurna Trekking for more information about Annapurna Trek.
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