Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit

The journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is exhilarating but the journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mythical. Among these two trekking routes you can surely find different trekking experiences. One is commercial trekking trail whereas other is tranquil mythical restricted trekking trail of Nepal. Therefore, this blog deals with all important information about Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit. Don’t skip a single line while reading this blog as it will help you immensely to plan either of these two trekking trips in Nepal.

Which is the oldest trekking route of Nepal?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route in Nepal is opened in 1977 A. D. Therefore, it is the oldest trekking route of Nepal. However, Manaslu Circuit Trek route is getting lots of visitor in comparison to the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. In 2024 alone the number of trekkers trekking in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route has surpassed the number of trekkers trekking in the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Therefore, you can easily figure out that the attraction level of Manaslu has increased in comparison to Annapurna Circuit area. Having said that the people trekking in Manaslu has increased doesn’t undermine the fact that the Annapurna Circuit Trek has been the face of Nepalese Trekking industry.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is getting popular nowadays?

Over the years, Everest Base Camp Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trekking have been the pillars of Nepal Trekking. However, these trekking routes have been trekked by many trekkers. Once Nepal permitted foreigners to trek in Nepal’s Himalayan regions, these trekking routes have been hosting so many trekkers from across the globe. For repeat trekkers there were less alternative trekking routes. Therefore, Nepal Government opened many trekking trails. Among these newly opened trekking routes like Mardi Himal Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Kanchenjunga Round Trek, Far Western Round Trek, and Api Saipal Trek Manaslu region’s trekking routes are the most popular.

The major reason behind its popularity is that it is easily accessible from Kathmandu. You don’t need to take flight to reach the trail head of the trekking route rather you can simply use private jeep or local bus to reach the trailhead.

Where should I Trek during 2025/2026 Trekking in Nepal between Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit?

As an operator of trekking activities in Nepal I would suggest you to do either of these trekking trips during 2025/2026 trekking season. If you are looking for a commercial trekking route where you can get chance to witness plethora of mountains as well as Himalayan valleys then choose to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Interestingly, the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek will be on the Nepal’s oldest trekking route. However, if you choose to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek then you will be walking on a tranquil and serene less crowded restricted trekking route of Nepal.

Cost of Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit

The average cost of doing the full board Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from 850 $ per person to 1350 $ according to the itinerary. If you are adding Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary in your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary then the cost increases. For Manaslu Circuit Trek the average cost of doing it ranges from 950 $ to 1700 $ per person. The highest price for Manaslu Circuit Trek is if you add Tsum Valley Trek itienrary. So, comparing the price of these two trekking trips then it is somewhat similar. Choose wisely or contact the travel planners of your trekking agency and talk with them about advantage or disadvantage of doing these trekking trips.

Can I do Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek in one single trek?

It is possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek in one single trek. In order to do safe trekking of both these trekking routes you will have to start the trek from Manaslu Circuit Trek section. Upon crossing the Larke La Pass, you will reach the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Therefore, for Manaslu Circuit Trek you must obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Special Restricted region permit, and regular Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit. The cost is higher but it is highly possible to do both trek in one single trek!

Trekking Difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek

The trekking difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek is similar. The presence of luxury lodging facilities during the Annapurna Circuit Trek makes it easier for trekkers during the trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is newly opened and there are few lodging facilities. It is slowly becoming commercial but still lack the standard establishments on the way. As for altitude hindrance, both the trekking trips take trekkers to the place above five thousands meters height. Therefore, you can say that in terms of difficulty level both the trekking routes are similar.

Tsum Valley Trek and Tilicho Lake Trek as an additional trekking routes

There are two of the most popular side trekking routes within the vicinity of these two trekking routes. While writing blog titled Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit Trek, this blogger felt that readers must know about possible side treks from these two trekking routes. In the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, you can either choose to do Tilicho Lake Trek or Nar Phu Valley Trek. If you wish to do Nar Phu Valley Trek then you will have to obtain special permit as Nar Phu region is under the restricted trekking region like Manaslu.

During Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can add the itinerary of Tsum Valley. This is the journey towards the majestic trans Himalayan region and the mythical valley of Tsum. Besides Tsum, you can also visit the Ganesh Himal Base Camp region and Ganga Jamuna Waterfall area. Some trekkers wish to visit the 2015 earthquake epicenter village of Barpak too before heading towards Machhakhola the trail head of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Don’t go much on Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit! These two are the most popular trekking routes of Nepal. Choose any of these trekking trips to knit the momentous and adventurous trekking tale!