Annapurna Circuit Trek vs Manaslu Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) was one of the first trekking routes in Nepal circumventing one of the 10th tallest mountains in the world. The concept of encircling a whole mountain range during the trek was first put into an experiment in Annapurna Circuit Trail. It gained prominence once Annapurna Circuit Trek became more popular among trekkers worldwide.

Annapurna Circuit Trek has been voted the best long-distance trekking in the world many times. The ultimate prize of course is Annapurna Mountain (8,091 meters) but seeing other tall mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters), Tilicho Peak (7,132 meters), Lamjung Himal (6,986 meters), and Machapurchre (7,059 meters) during different stages of the trek is truly fascinating.

In many cases, it is more popular than the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) because it follows a circular route, able to see the Himalayas from all directions. The trek also passes through the Thorang La Pass (5,416 meters), one of the highest mountain passes in the world. One can see hundreds of tourists going to Annapurna Circuit Trail during the peak trekking season and you can use this proof as the popularity of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Starting from one end and ending on the other end at Pokhara, Nepal's Tourist capital, makes this even more significant.

Further, trekkers will have multiple options for where to end their trail. Depending upon the choice, this can be extended to Muktinath, Jomsom, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, or Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Annapurna region is rich in Nature and the cultures that you see when trekking in this area. Many indigenous groups make the Annapurna region their home and have been living there for thousands of years. Ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan people have made the Annapurna Circuit Trek a must-visit place in Nepal.

Throughout the trek, you get to see different ethnic groups and their way of life up close and have an opportunity to interact with them. In many instances, you will be staying in their homes and eating and talking with them too. The Gurungs of Kaski, Magars of Parbat, Thakalis from Marpha, and ethnic Tibetans from Mustang make this trekking route culturally diverse.

Furthermore, due to the construction of roads and airports in some parts of the Annapurna region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek can now be done shortly. Below are some of the popular itineraries one can follow to make this trek a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

PROGRAM 1

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive to Chame Via Beshisahar

Day 3: Trek to Pisang

Day 4: Trek to Manang

Day 5: Trek to Phedi

Day 6: Trek to Muktinath Via Throung La Pass and Drive to Jomsom

Day 7: Flight to Pokhara and Drive/Flight to Kathmandu

PROGRAM 2

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive to Besisahar

Day 3: Drive to Chame

Day 4: Trek to Pisang

Day 5: Trek to Manang

Day 6: Acclimatization/ Rest day

Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka

Day 8: Trek to Thorung Phedi/ High camp

Day 9: Trek to Muktinath Via Thorung La Pass (5416m/17769ft) and drive to Jomsom

Day 10: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 11: Drive or Flight to Kathmandu

Day 12: Final departure

PROGRAM 3

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive to Besisahar

Day 3: Drive to Chame

Day 4: Trek to Pisang

Day 5: Trek to Manang

Day 6: Acclimatization/ Rest day

Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka

Day 8: Trek to Thorung Phedi/ High camp

Day 9: Trek to Muktinath Via Thorung La Pass (5416m/17769ft) and drive to Jomsom

Day 10: Drive to Tatopani and Trek to Sikha

Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani

Day 12: Hike to Poon Hill and Descend to Tikhedhunga

Day 13: Trek to NayaPul and Drive to Pokhara

Day 14: Drive/Flight to Kathmandu

Day 15: Final Departure

NOTE: These itineraries can be customized according to your interest and timeframe

Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT)

The trek to Manaslu Circuit looks similar and also different in many ways from the Annapurna Circuit Trek. So it might be hard to make a clear choice as to which one is better. In Manaslu Circuit, the hero mountain is Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters) which is the 8th highest mountain in the world.

Similarly, there are other high mountains like Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters) during Manaslu Trek, which makes this trek a good competitor to Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) in regards to the number of tall mountains seen during the trek.

Moreover, if one prefers less crowded and far from modern connection then the Manaslu circuit will be the best option. This trail is beautiful, rich in flora and fauna and the main ethnic people are Tibetan origin.

Further, one can visit the Manaslu Base Camp, the Himalayan Lake, and the Tibetan border during the trek, and the exotic Tibetan Buddhism and the beautiful monastery, waterfalls, and rivers are the basic highlights of this trek.

Trekkers will see many hikers in Annapurna Circuit Trek, while the crowd might seem thinner in Manaslu Circuit Trek because of restricted area permits and other rules to be followed for this trek, as an additional permit will be required for this trek. All these make the trek comparatively bit more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Manaslu is unique of its kind far from modern means and transportation, one has to start from one end of Maccha Khola and end in Dharapani with a hike only. This might even be a better precondition in making MCT the more desired route than ACT for many. The route also is relatively new to ACT because it was only opened for trekking in 1992, whereas, ACT has been around since the fifties.

The restriction put on this region before 1992 certainly played a big part in making MCT less visited than the ACT numerically but isn’t by any means less popular. The natural beauty in both treks is why people flock to these regions for trekking.

Sadly, Manaslu Area has had to go through a political upheaval in the region which the people in this region have nothing to do with. The regional political disturbance arose from Khampa guerillas making their base in the sixties and seventies around when CHINA Invaded TIBET. This area was detrimental to the Manaslu region as Nepal declared it a restricted area for a couple of decades to control the unwanted tension between Nepal and China.

Since then the Manaslu region was practically cut off from the outside world. Very few outsiders visited this place with little prospect for the tourism industry, unlike other places in Nepal.

Places like Tsum Valley in the Manaslu region are still hidden gems in trekking circles with villages untouched by Western culture. Apart from these areas, the Upper Mustang of the Annapurna region, etc. that border with the Tibetan area in the north of the region is still a restricted area but can be visited with special permission.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek ( ACT)

Annapurna Himalayas Range: The Annapurna is the main attraction of the trek, chiefly Annapurna I (8,091meters), Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters), and Annapurna Dakshin (7,219 meters), The Annapurna massif is what this trekking route has been named after.

Kali Gandaki Gorge: Considered the deepest gorge in the world, at one point, the Kali Gandaki River flowing down the gorge at the base is at 2,520 meters which is 5571m lower than Annapurna I rising right next from the base. It also divides two mountain ranges, the Annapurna in the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) in the west. Kali Gandaki River basin is also famous for ‘Saligram’ which is the fossil of marine life dating back millions of years, proving that this part was once the sea.

Thorong La Pass: One of the highest passes in the world, Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters) is the highest point in the ACT. Trekkers have to pass through this to circumvent the Annapurna region. The local traders also use the pass for businesses between Tibet and Nepal. It is also a critical point during the trek because of the altitude. Many people have lost their lives because of the sudden heavy snowfall and lack of proper shelter. So please consult your travel companion before crossing this pass.

Muktinath Temple: This temple happens to be on the route and it is one of the most visited Hindu temples in Nepal. Many Buddhists also worship the temple, as monks also look after this place. There is a road connection from Pokhara to Muktinath which was completed only recently, so many locals visit this temple every year by road.

Local Culture: Local ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, Thakali and ethnic Tibetans reside along this route, so you will be able to learn about their culture. They are people living in the mid-hills and the mountains of Nepal.

Diverse Vegetation: Annapurna is one of the vast protected regions with diverse flora and fauna. The entire region is protected in the name of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and has been doing this to conserve the nature and the biodiversity of the region. So during the trek, one can view the scenic beauty of the region with wildlife.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT)

Mt. Manaslu: Manaslu (8,163 meters) is the 8th highest mountain in the world. This is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The mountain which is the main attraction in MCT also happens to be the backdrop of many villages that we cross during MCT. Many trekkers stop on their route when they see the mountain slowly rising behind the villages during the trek and this is one of the highlights of the trek.

Tall peaks: Many high peaks also make this trek one of the most significant treks in the world besides Manaslu like Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871meters), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters). Trekkers will also be seeing numerous smaller peaks during the trip.

Larkey La Pass: This is the highest point (5,106 meters) during the trek but unlike high passes in other treks, this one is relatively easy in comparison. But still, one should be careful and take care when crossing the pass with some acclimatization. Sometimes it can be fatal if we are not well acclimatized.

Hot Natural Spring: Most of the famous trekking routes of Nepal are blessed with hot natural springs which can be used to refresh yourself during the trip. There is one at the very beginning of the trek on the way to Jagat and many locals throng to this place because they believe it can provide relief for many ailments.

Drive along Trishuli River: You will be driving along one of the most popular rivers in Nepal that is Trishuli River. It is also one of the largest tributaries that will mix with the Narayani River, one of the biggest rivers in Nepal. Almost all the rivers in Nepal originate in the Himalayas with crystal-clear water, almost ready to drink.

Local Culture: Local cultures play a significant role in the Nepali society. You get to see different people and their way of life while on the trip like Gurungs, Magars, and Tibetan people. You get to view how they live, and their houses, and you also get to immerse in their culture while on the trek itself.

Tibetan Refugee Camp: While in Samdo Village (3,875 meters) you will come across the Tibetan Refugee Camp at one of the highest places in the world. This also is one of the oldest Tibetan Refugee Camps in Nepal.

Birendra Lake: During your stopover in Samagaun, you can visit a glacial lake called Birendra Tal, named after the late King Birendra. This is a snow-melted lake and gets frozen during the winter.

Pungyen Gompa: Situated just below Manaslu, PungyenGompa is a Gumba (Monastery) at a very high altitude and commands very high respect at the Samagaun region during the middle of the trek.

Manaslu Base Camp (MBC): When you reach Samagaun, there is one option where you can also trek to MBC. This happens to be during the acclimatization at Samagaun which is a rest day but you can utilize this day by trekking to MBC and back.

Below are some of the Itienaries one can follow for the MCT Trek:

PROGRAM 1:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola (930m)

Day 3: Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat (1,340m)

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,890m)

Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrun (2,630m)

Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun (3,530M)

Day 7: Acclimatization day at Samagaun

Day 8: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,865m)

Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m)

Day 10: Trek from Dharmasala to Larke pass and to Bhimtang (3,590m)

Day 11: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,970m)

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Day 13: Departure

PROGRAM 2:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola (930m)

Day 2: Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat (1340m)

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1890m)

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrun (2630m)

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun (3530M)

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Samagaun

Day 7: Trek from Samagaun to Dharmasala (4460M)

Day 8: Trek from Dharmasala to Larke pass and to Bhimtang (3590m)

Day 9: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani(1970m)

Day 10: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1400m)

PROGRAM 3:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola (930m)

Day 2: Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat (1,340m)

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,890m)

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrun (2,630m)

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun (3,530M)

Day 6: Trek from Samagaun to Dharmasala (4,460M)

Day 7: Trek from Dharmasala to Larke pass and to Bhimtang (3,590m)

Day 8: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani(1,970m)

Day 9: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Comparison: ACT vs. MCT

Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek Combo Trip

Manaslu Region and Annapurna region go side by side and are co-related with each other. One can trek both the trail adjoining together with just an additional 6-7 days. However, for this combo trip, starting from the Manaslu trail is highly recommended, this will make the trek easy and flexible.

The trekking trail in the Manaslu region is limited due to restrictions, whereas, in the Annapurna region, there are numerous trails and areas for the trekkers to explore. If one wants to explore both the Circuit of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions then the best way to accomplish this is to start from the Manaslu region and end at Jomsom in the Annapurna region or one can divert towards Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp areas.

Below is the Itinerary one can follow to make Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek a combo trip:

Day 1: Drive to Maccha Khola

Day 2: Trek to Jagat

Day 3: Trek to Deng

Day 4: Trek to Namrung

Day 5: Trek to Samagaon

Day 6: Rest Day, Day tour to Manaslu Base Camp/Birendra Lake

Day 7: Trek to Samdo

Day 8: Trek to Dharamsala

Day 9: Trek to Bhimthang Via Larkey La Pass

Day 10: Trek to Dharapani

Day 11: Trek to Chame

Day 12: Trek to Pisang

Day 13: Trek to Manang

Day 14: Trek to Throng Phedi

Day 15: Cross Throng La Pass Descend to Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom

Day 16: Flight to Pokhara and Drive/Flight to Kathmandu

FAQs regarding the Two Trekking Circuits

FAQs regarding Annapurna Circuit Trek

Is ACT difficult?

ACT is comparatively easier than the MCT. However, trekkers need to have some physical workout before the trek.

ACT is easygoing in a short period because the trail is drivable on both sides. This makes the trek easy with options that have a starting point and ending point.

Is Circuit Annapurna costly?

Not really, if you consider how much effort the Trekking Agency has to put in to make this trek a success. Some behind-the-scene people manage this trip whose help we depend so much on. Considering that the cost includes food, lodges, permits vehicle travel, and sometimes even flying, the current price is not too high. We are constantly thinking about making this ever more popular trekking route within reach of all the people. We are so accustomed to the trek nowadays as we have been able to bring down the cost because we have many years of experience in this trek.

Can we have a private customized ACT?

Yes, you can have a customized ACT or even a private one. If you want to go on the trek according to your terms. You can even change the route or the itinerary of the trek with the help of the Trekking agency. But if you want to go trekking but with a more customized one, that is also possible.

Which are some of the highest mountains in ACT?

Of course, the main mountain is Mt. Annapurna I, but other equally tall mountains are Annapurna II, III, IV, Himalchuli, and Ngadichuli. The Annapurna Massif is the main attraction in the trek and also one of the highest peaks along the trek. Besides the mountains above, one can see hundreds of smaller peaks during the trek

How much does the ACT cost?

The cost differs from company to company. But basically, the cost is for lodging and food. Besides these, the cost will also include insurance coverage like health insurance and travel insurance. It is just unthinkable to travel abroad nowadays without any of these services. You never know when the accidents are going to happen. So with all these costs, the price will look expensive but in reality, it is not.

The price could be anything between $1800 to $1200. The price will not include the renting of different gear and clothing necessary for trekking like boots, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc. Every trekking company has its way of billing, so it will depend on what is included and not in the final bill. Some trekking agencies might include or exclude certain headings, so study the price before making any decision.

FAQs regarding Manaslu Circuit Trek

Is there any safety concern in MCT?

There is no issue of safety in any kind of situation in MCT. Many also are concerned about how secure their trekking will be. Since MCT had been a restricted zone before 1992, it is natural to raise the question of safety. Now anyone can visit this trekking route. We have such a professional team making safety their priority during the trek.

Is Manaslu Circuit still a restricted Area?

Yes, it's still a restricted area. 

Why was this ‘Restricted Zone’ before 1992?

There was a concern about the Tibetan rebellion after the Dalai Lama escaped to India in the late fifties. After the Tibetan movement was crushed a couple of years later, the movement shifted outside of Tibet, and Nepal was naturally a choice for Khampa Guerillas who were the chief rebels. For a couple of years, these guerillas waged a rebellion against the Chinese government from outside but the leader of the rebellion was finally killed in 1974 in Nepal. The restriction was placed in the Manaslu Region after that and only in 1992, the restriction was lifted. So you don’t have to worry about the Manaslu Region being under restriction again as the movement has lost its strength.

Can I join MCT even with some underlying health problem?

Yes, you can join after the consultation with the doctors. We have well-qualified doctors with us. You can check with them if there might be any problems during the trek. If the doctors give you a green signal, then you can join the MCT. Some health problems can be controlled with medication and we will make sure you are fit to trek if the doctor says the underlying health issues will not pose any problem in the future. So with good consultation and medication, you can join the MCT if you wish to.

What is the best time to join MCT?

The best season for MCT trek or any treks in Nepal for that matter, is spring and autumn. Spring starts in February and ends in May and autumn starts in September and ends in November. Most trekking in Nepal is best done in the spring and autumn seasons because of clear skies and very little rain. The winter (December and January) and the Monsoon (July and August) seasons are not good for MCT because of the cold temperature in the Himalayas in winter and rain during the Monsoon period. You can still do some part of MCT during the winter and Monsoon periods with the right consultation if you want to go for it.

Is MCT reasonable?

Yes, MCT is certainly reasonable but many companies have their price according to the cost incurred. So, you should check what is included and what is not when comparing the prices.

Conclusion:

The real comparison between ACT and MCT is not that different. Both are similar and anyone wishing to go trekking in the future can go for either trek. Our company can help you in the trek with the right management and organization.