# Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit: Which Himalayan Loop Should You Choose? _Published 1 October 2025_ 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 CircuitAnnapurna CircuitHighest passLarkya La, 5,106 mThorong La, 5,416 mTypical length14–18 days12–18 days (can be shortened by jeep)PermitsRestricted area permit, MCAP, ACAPACAPGuideLicensed guide via registered agencyLicensed guideCrowdsModerate in peak season, quiet otherwiseBusy in peak seasonRoadsRoad creeping up the lower valleyRoads along much of the routeLodgesSimpler, fewer choicesComfortable, many choicesCultureGurung, then Tibetan-influenced NubriGurung, Manangi, Thakali, MustangiGradeStrenuous (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](/blog/manaslu-circuit-trek-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](/blog/annapurna-circuit-trek-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](/blog/nepal-trekking-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](/manaslu-circuit-trek) and [Annapurna Circuit](/annapurna-circuit-trek) 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](/manaslu-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](/contact-us) and we'll help you decide. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which is harder, Manaslu or Annapurna Circuit? The **Manaslu Circuit** is generally harder, with longer days, rougher trails and simpler lodges, even though Larkya La is lower than Thorong La. ### How high are the passes? **Larkya La** is 5,106 m; **Thorong La** is 5,416 m. ### Do I need a special permit for Manaslu? Yes, a **restricted area permit** plus MCAP and ACAP, with a licensed guide. ### Can I trek Manaslu solo? Since March 2026, yes, with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. ### Which is busier? The **Annapurna Circuit**. ### Which has better lodges? The **Annapurna Circuit**. ### Which is more expensive? Usually the **Manaslu Circuit**, because of permits and transport. ### Can I combine the two? Yes, by continuing from Dharapani up the Annapurna Circuit. ### When is the best time for both? **October–November** and **March–May**. ### How long are the treks? About **14–18 days** for Manaslu and **12–18 days** for Annapurna. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/manaslu-vs-annapurna-circuit