The Combo Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek will take you to the most desired trail in the Himalayas. The trek starts with lush green vegetation, villages, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, farmland, and the Himalayas.
It combines vegetation, the Himalayas, and diverse ethnic settlements, taking one closer to Tibetan settlement areas and then to the ethnic settlements and the pilgrimage sites.
Starting with the MANASLU REGION, the trek continues through restricted areas with majestic scenic views of remote Nepal. Manalsu is one of the off-the-beaten trails with strict restrictions for travelers, and one has to follow those.
However, the jaw-dropping views and mesmerizing panorama are the ones that will remain with us. Mainly inhabited by people of Tibetan origin, Manaslu is one of the popular trekking destinations where fewer travelers dare to hike because of strict government provisions.
Exploring the majestic vista, the trail stops at SAMA GAUN for rest, and one can explore the Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake as a day tour. Further hike continues with a couple of days to wait for the Larkey La Pass (5,106M), the highest pass of the Manaslu Circuit.
The trail then descends towards the Annapurna Region, bidding farewell to the Manaslu Region. With the decline in altitude, the trail passes by beautiful villages and then to Bhimtang.
The trail from Bhimthang follows scenic views of the hills and Himalayas, with waterfalls very common. The hike will be via the riverbank to reach Dharapani, a two-trail junction for travelers to choose.
Now, the trail diverts towards the Annapurna Region, and those who want to end the trek of Manaslu and descend towards Kathmandu/Pokhara will take a trail towards Beshi Sahar. However, those who want to join the hike towards Manang village, a beautiful capital of Manang District.
Discover Altitude has three different PROGRAMS related to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and those include: a. Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek (12 Days) b. Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 Days) c. Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manang is a beautiful little town on the lap of the Himalayas and the last town before the Mustang district. With a couple of additional days, travelers will have an option to hike TILICHO LAKE and then towards Muktinath via Throrang La Pass.
However, if one is restricted by time, one can skip Tilicho Lake and then go inward to Muktinath via Throrang La Pass.
Descend from the highest pass of the region, you will end at Muktinath, one of the most religious sites for Hindu and Buddhist followers. Muktinath lies above the Kaligandaki River Gorge, the deepest in the world, and is surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges.
Ending the trek, you can drive to Jomsom and then take an inward flight to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu on the same day.
If you are only looking for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Discover Altitude Treks has a couple of special programs only to the Annapurna Circuit Area: a. Short Annapurna Circuit Trek b. Short Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Outline Itinerary to Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek
Day 1: Bus drive to Machha Khola (870M)
Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410M)
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,800M)
Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630M)
Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Sama-Gaon (3,530M)
Day 6: Acclimatization Day, Day Tour to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp (4,800M)
Day 7: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo Village (3,875M)
Day 8:Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,470M)
Day 9: Cross Over Larkey La Pass (5,106M) and Descend to Bhimtang (3,720M)
Day 10: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,860M)
Day 11: Trek or drive from Dharapani to Chame (2,710M)
Day 12: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,310M)
Day 13: Trek from chame to Manang (3,519M)
Day 14: Trek to Throng Phedi (4,540M) or Throng High Camp (4,880M)
Day 15: Cross Over Throng La Pass (5,416M) and Descend to Muktinath and Drive to Jomsom
Day 16: Flight to Pokhara and inward to Kathmandu
NOTE: This Itinerary can be customized to 12 days or 14 days according to your time frame. Feel free to contact us at info@discoveraltitude.comor WhatsApp: +977-9851149890
What to Expect in the Annapurna and Manaslu Combo Circuit Trek:
Cost Includes:
- Pick up and drop off from your respective hotel in Kathmandu and drop off at the bus stop
- Tourist bus to Machha Khola
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Trek's allowance of a guide
- Tea house/lodge accommodation throughout the Trek
- 3-Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permits
- MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Permits)
- ACAP permits (Annapurna Conservation Permits)
- TIMS permits
- Trekking pole for the Trek
- Discover the Altitude Trekking Cap
- First aid medical kit
- An oximeter to check your pulse rate
- Jeep/bus drive from Muktinath to Jomsom
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu/ flight optional
- Private transfer from the airport/bus park to your hotel in Kathmandu
- Trip achievement certificate
- Government tax and service charges
Cost Excludes:
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Porter during the trek
- Personal Expenses (Mineral Water, Hot/Cold Drinks, Hot Shower, Mobile Charging, Laundry, etc.)
- Tips for your guide
Customize Trip | Inquiry | Custom Booking | Connect WhatsApp
TOTAL COST: USD 2999 For 2 People (All-Inclusive Package)
NOTE: If Solo Trekkers, it is USD 1799 with a single supplement
FOR DETAILS, CONTACT EMAIL: info@discoveraltitude.com WHATSAPP: +977 9851149890
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights:
- The Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek in one Program is the shortest way to complete two different majestic regions at a time
- Experience the thrill of the 3 highest mountains in just a combo trek. This includes Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, and Mount Dhaulagiri
- Experience the varied landscape, snow-melted rivers, diverse vegetation, temples, and monasteries at high altitudes, Himalayan glaciers, etc
- This majestic trek takes you through the enchanting Himalayan vista of the Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayan ranges.
- Includes the jaw-dropping views from the two high passes, Larky La Pass and Throung La Pass
- It is an incredible combination to explore the Manaslu and Annapurna region in just one attempt.
- Experience the great hospitality of the Himalayan people and get an opportunity to explore their culture and tradition.
- Visit some of the majestic Tibetan monasteries: Kargyu Chholing Monastery, Sama Gompa, Mu Gompa, Ribang Gompa, Rachen Gompa, Lho Monastery, Shringi Gompa, Pungyen Gompa, Muktinath Temple, etc
Best Part of Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manaslu and Annapurna are the two most unique blends of trekking trails in Nepal. However, the former requires special permits to enter, but both trails are majestic with unbelievable views. Diverse in every aspect, the Manaslu region is mainly inhabited by people of Tibetan origin, whereas Annapurna is mixed with different ethnic communities.
Manaslu Region is a restricted and highly conserved area. Finding any means of transportation is impossible throughout, and hence, the trail remains a paradise with homestay accommodation.
On the other hand, Annapurna is a conserved area, but to some extent, there is road access to the lower areas of villages, and one can find standard tea houses and lodges. Further, some parts of the Annapurna Circuit Trail can be shortened via the road drive, and this makes the entire Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Trek together possible in a short time frame.
Best Time for Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Trek
Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Treks are doable throughout the year. However, the monsoon season is not a highly recommended time for this trek due to the low visibility of the Himalayas and the ranges that do fall.
The monsoon makes the trek interesting with the green vegetation and farmland with crops, and also waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers. However, sometimes, due to excessive rainfall, landslides might happen, blocking the trail. So, it is better to avoid the time of the Monsoon for this trek.
Now, the question is, when is the monsoon in Nepal? Due to global warming, Nepal, a country with mountains, is experiencing weather changes. We are experiencing a late monsoon arrival. So, it is better to avoid JULY, AUGUST, and early SEPTEMBER to trek the Annapurna and Manaslu regions.
The best time for the Annapurna and Manaslu Combo Circuit Trek is in OCTOBER,NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, and JUNE. However, if you are looking for exceptional weather conditions with clear sky and far-sighted views, you are recommended to trek in NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, JANUARY, February, March, and APRIL. Those are the perfect months of the year for the Annapurna and Manaslu regions trek.
Best Route to follow for Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best trekking route to follow for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Combo Trek is to start with the Manaslu region, making the starting point Machha Khola, and ending at Dharapani.
Further, from Dharapani, the trail co-joints towards Annapurna Circuit Trek and then ends in Jomsom and takes a flight to Pokhara or ends in Muktinath and then takes a drive to Pokhara.
Trekking from Muktinath/Jomsom is not a highly recommended trail because the trail follows the drivable road all the way. However, if one wants to follow the trail toward Annapurna Base Camp Via Ghorepani, then it is highly recommended to drive to Tatopani from Muktinath/Jomsom and then trek towards Annapurna Base Camp Via Ghorepani and descend towards Pokhara.
The alternative trail to extend
The Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most diverse trails that allows trekkers to sub-join with multiple options. However, this depends upon the time frame one has for this trek.
Although the Manaslu Circuit Trail is restricted, and extending to other areas of the region is not praiseworthy because there are no alternative trails to extend towards due to the close border with Tibet, one can keep an alternative rest day and day tour around the border area.
However, Annapurna has a diverse trail one can sub-join or extend to other areas. Some of the trails one can extend during the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek can be:
- Tilicho Lake
- Upper Mustang
- Kagbeni Village
- Ghorepani Poonhill
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Mardi Himal Base Camp
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks are both Moderate to Strenuous climbs uphill towards the high pass. However, this is a doable trek and can be accomplished without any difficulty, compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The best part of the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Trek is its low-altitude overnight camp. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the highest overnight tea house to stay will be in Dharamsala (4470M), and the next day you hike towards LARKEY LA PASS 5106M and descend to Bhimtang (3720M).
Additionally, during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the highest overnight tea house will be in Throng Phedi (4540M), and the next day you hike towards THORANG LA PASS 5416M and descend towards Muktinath/Jomsom.
The trek to Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit is via a well-maintained hiking trail with a majestic view of the vegetation and the snow-covered Himalayas. Starting from Manaslu, one will feel a bit difficult at the beginning; however, after completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek will be easy.
Food and Accommodation
Food and Accommodation in the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit Trek will be at Tea houses/lodges with standard facilities and delicious food with a menu card to choose from as per your hunger.
However, on the Annapurna Circuit Trail, the standard of accommodation is better compared to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is because the Annapurna area is much modernized with road access, and the construction of buildings has no restrictions.
Every tea house will have two separate beds and rooms and will have attached bathrooms except in some of the places just before the high pass (Larkey La Pass / Throng La Pass).
Throughout the trek, one will have multiple options of food available from the menu card in every tea house one will stay with fresh and organic vegetables from the villages.
Communication and Electricity Accessibility
Internet and phone are accessible throughout the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trail, and the tea house provides WiFi facilities with some additional charges; however, in Dharmashal, it will not be available.
In the Annapurna region, WiFi will be available throughout the trail with an electricity supply. Tea House/Lodge and are self-sufficient with an electricity supply; they use hydro power electricity and solar panel for electricity and charging electronic device won’t be a problem.
It is highly recommended to have a local SIM card during the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek because the mobile phone network works throughout, and if you have an internet data pack, this will work everywhere.
Permits Required for Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manaslu and Annapurna are two separate regions and have been protected as a Conservation Area. Further, the Manaslu Circuit Trail is closer to the Tibetan border and is remote as well.
However, the Annapurna Circuit Trail is far from the Tibetan border and is an organized region with villages. Thus, to control unnecessary activities of travelers towards the Manaslu Region, the government has made Manaslu a restricted area where travelers have to follow some specific requirements to travel along with Restricted Area Permits.
In the Manaslu Region, travelers will need 3 different permits:
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permits (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP)
- Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
In the Annapurna Circuit Trek, travelers will need 2 different permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP)
- TIMS Permits
The common permit for both trails is the ACAP Permit, which can be used for both trails.
Conclusion:
Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek is a combination of two different regions where one can enjoy the majestic panorama of the Himalayas and diverse vegetation along with the local culture and tradition of different ethnic communities.
This trail passes through the snow-melted rivers, lakes, and lush vegetation into the bare Himalayan desert. With numerous holy shrines and temples, the trek ends on the bank of the deepest river gorge at Kali Gandaki.
Travelers who are fit and enthusiastic and want to explore this majestic region can trek both regions in the shortest way of 14 days to the longest day of 18. However, it is recommended to have at least 2 trekkers for this trek.
