Two great loops circle neighbouring massifs in central Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous treks in the world, crossing Thorong La (5,416 m) between the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys. Just to the east, the Manaslu Circuit circles Manaslu (8,163 m) and crosses Larkya La (5,106 m), finishing on the Annapurna Circuit's eastern side. They share a lot, but they feel very different. Here is how they compare.
Quick answer: choose the Annapurna Circuit for variety, comfortable lodges, flexibility and a first big trek; choose the Manaslu Circuit for quieter, wilder trails and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Manaslu is a restricted area requiring a special permit and a licensed guide (solo trekkers have been allowed since March 2026); the Annapurna Circuit needs only the ACAP. Both take about 2–3 weeks and are best in October–November and March–May.
Side by side
| Manaslu Circuit | Annapurna Circuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest pass | Larkya La, 5,106 m | Thorong La, 5,416 m |
| Typical length | 14–18 days | 12–18 days (can be shortened by jeep) |
| Permits | Restricted area permit, MCAP, ACAP | ACAP |
| Guide | Licensed guide via registered agency | Licensed guide |
| Crowds | Moderate in peak season, quiet otherwise | Busy in peak season |
| Roads | Road creeping up the lower valley | Roads along much of the route |
| Lodges | Simpler, fewer choices | Comfortable, many choices |
| Culture | Gurung, then Tibetan-influenced Nubri | Gurung, Manangi, Thakali, Mustangi |
| Grade | Strenuous (longer, rougher, more remote) | Strenuous |
The routes
Manaslu Circuit
The trek starts at Soti Khola or Machha Khola in the Budhi Gandaki gorge, a long drive from Kathmandu. The first days follow the gorge through Gurung villages, then turn west into the Nubri region, where villages such as Lho and Samagaon have Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, mani walls and views of Manaslu. After acclimatising at Samagaon and Samdo, you cross Larkya La and descend to Bimthang and Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit. Read our Manaslu Circuit guide.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit runs anticlockwise from Besisahar up the Marsyangdi valley through Chame, Manang and Thorong Phedi, crosses Thorong La, and descends to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki valley. Roads now reach much of the route, so many trekkers drive the lower sections and walk the most beautiful parts, or use alternative trails away from the road. Read our Annapurna Circuit guide.
Difficulty
Larkya La is lower than Thorong La, but the Manaslu Circuit is generally considered harder. The days are longer, the trail rougher, the pass day very long (often 8–10 hours), and lodges simpler. The Annapurna Circuit has better facilities and more flexibility, with options to rest or take a jeep. Both require good fitness and careful acclimatisation.
Crowds and atmosphere
The Annapurna Circuit is a social trek: in October and April you'll share lodges with trekkers from around the world, and villages like Manang have bakeries and cafés. The Manaslu Circuit is busier than it used to be, but numbers are still much lower, and villages in Nubri feel more traditional.
Permits and rules
For Manaslu you need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and the ACAP for the exit through the Annapurnas, arranged through a registered agency with a licensed guide. Since 22 March 2026, solo trekkers can get restricted area permits individually. For the Annapurna Circuit, you need the ACAP and a licensed guide. See our permits guide.
Cost
The Manaslu Circuit usually costs more because of the restricted area permit and the need for private transport to the remote start. The Annapurna Circuit has more budget options. Compare our Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit packages.
Combine them?
Because the Manaslu Circuit finishes at Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit, you can continue to Manang and over Thorong La for an epic three-to-four-week journey. You can also add the Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit; see our Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek.
Which should you choose?
- First big trek: Annapurna Circuit.
- Quiet trails and traditional villages: Manaslu Circuit.
- Comfort and flexibility: Annapurna Circuit.
- Adventure and remoteness: Manaslu Circuit.
- Lots of time: both, joined at Dharapani.
Contact us and we'll help you decide.