Nepal is a topmost country in the tourism destiny. Trekking here is one of the most demanded as well as a popular activity. Varieties of the trekking destinations are existing here. It offers one day’s hike to three months trek of Great Himalayan Trails.
Among the trekking options, Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit are the ones which offers the spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas and have their own importance with some unique features.
Annapurna Circuit trek is also a typical and common trek with moderate difficulty. Thousands of the trekkers afford this trail each year. Throughout the journey, we can see the several trekkers which causes the way and the teahouses a bit crowdy. This journey offers the spectacular views of the Mountain ranges including Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri massifs and several others.
Next, Manaslu Circuit trek, a less touristic journey and popular gaining destinations of Nepal. This trek offers the remote area which is far away from the post-modern civilization. The trekkers who wish to trek in the less crowdy destinations with great adventure, is the best for them.
The similarities and differences between Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit are described clearly via tables in this article.
Trip Highlights
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| Amazing views of Annapurna massifs, Dhaulagiri ranges and others | The panoramic views of Himlung, Manaslu and other neighbouring peaks |
| Explore Kali Gandaki Valley, world’s deepest gorge | Exploring Buddhists cultures and Tibetan lifestyles |
| Cross Thorong-La, 5,416m | Cross Larkey-La, 5,160 meters |
| Visit the beautiful villages of Chame, Dharapani, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha and Tatopani | Trekking following the less crowded trials |
| Visit Braga Monastery, Muktinath Temple, Gangapurna Lake, Apple orchids | Visit Hinang Gompa, Birendra lake |
| A bit busy trial | Less crowded and peaceful trial |
| Trip Difficulty-Moderate | Trip Difficulty- Strenuous |
Trek Permits
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP) |
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
|
Duration of the Trek
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| 18-24 days if you do the whole trek but can be reduced for 12-16 days | The standardly designed trek takes 17-22 days bur can be reduced for 12-15 days |
| The route covers 160-230 kilometers | The total route is 177 kilometers |
| Should walk 5-7 hours each day | Should walk 6-7 hours each day |
Accommodations, Food and Drinks
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek |
| Better choices of accommodations | Limited choice of accommodations |
| Facilities as free Wifi, air conditioners attached bathrooms better in lower elevations | Service of basic rooms having bed, mattress, clean sheets, and blanket, communal bathrooms/toilets |
| Choices of menus specially in the lower elevations | Very Basic Menus |
Final words
Both, Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks are demanding and exciting treks which offer lifetime breathtaking experiences. Both of them have their own and unique features. You can book your trek according to your preferences whether you like classic and more touristic or newly established, less touristic and so forth.
