Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) vs Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT)

Introduction

When the topic is about trekking in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek surely come as an option for trekkers.

These two routes are popular and highly recommended for trekkers who don’t want to trace back the same route and make a circle route while witnessing some of the great landscapes of the Himalayas.

On a surface level both these treks seem to be similar, where the MCT trek encircles the eighth-highest mountain in the world (Mt. Manaslu) at 8,163 m (26,781 ft), and the ACT trek encircles the tenth-highest peak in the world (Annapurna I) at 8,091 m (26,545 ft).

 

Mt. Kangaroo in the Manaslu Region, MCT

MCT VS ACT: Which one is the best circuit trek in Nepal?

Annapurna Circuit Trek which circles the whole Annapurna Mountain Range is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It is equally renowned as the world's popular Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek is mostly preferred because it takes you through almost every kind of landscape and terrain in the Himalayas and provides better facilities compared to other trekking routes.

However, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a kind of its own. The trek encircles the seventh-highest Manaslu peak offering a great range of landscapes, remote terrain, and breathtaking mountain vistas. This culturally rich trek is a restricted area trekking and provides you with a quite peaceful and less crowded trekking experience.

The duration for Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks is the same i.e. 14-21 days at most. Since both of these circuit treks are best in their own ways, we’ll be discussing the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek to find out which circuit trek in Nepal will be the best for you.

 

Comparison Table: MCT vs ACT 

Below is a table that showcases a quick comparison between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Title	Manaslu Circuit	Annapurna Circuit
Highest Point	Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)	Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
Location	Gorkha District, MCA	Central Nepal, ACA
Required Permits	ACAP, MCAP, Manaslu Restricted Area Permit	ACAP
Permit Cost	160$ in total	30$
Popularity	Less Known	Highly Popular
Trek Duration	10-14 Days	12-20 Days
Trek Difficulty	Challenging	Moderately Challenging
Culture	Tibetian-Influenced Buddhist Culture (Tamang, Ghale, Gurung)	Buddhist Culture (Ghale, Gurung, Thakali, Magar)
Food	Few Options	Variety of Options
Accommodation	Mostly Good Accommodations	Good Accommodations
Wifi	Limited Availability	Mostly Available
Roadways	Very limited	Available almost throughout the route
Guide	Compulsory	Recommended
Total Cost	1000$-1600$	900$-1400$

Trek Itinerary

Here’s a sample outline itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek. Note that this itinerary can be customized and designed according to trekkers' preferences.

Suspension Bridge at Ngawal Besi, ACT

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek ( 14 Days- Itinerary)

Day-1	7-8 hrs Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (845 m)/ (2,772.3 ft) west of Kathmandu.
Day-2	Hike from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1,300 m)/(4,265ft) -5 hrs
Day-3	Hike from Jagat to Dharapani (1,860 m)/(6,102.4 ft) -5 hrs
Day-4	Hike from Dharapani to Chame (2,610 m)/(8,563ft)-6 hrs
Day-5	Hike from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)/(10,826.7 ft)-6 hrs
Day-6	Hike from Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)/(11,615 ft)-6 hrs
Day-7	Refreshment and Acclimatization Day in Manang
Day-8	Hike from Manang to Ledar (4,250 m)/(13,877 ft)- 5.5 hrs
Day-9	Hike from Ledar to Thorong High Camp (4,925 m)/(16,158 ft)-5.5 hrs
Day-10	Hike to Muktinath Temple (3,760 m)/(12,335 ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416 m - around 9 hrs
Day-11	7 hrs Drive from Muktinath to Jomsom and Tatopani (1,200  m)/(3,937 ft)
Day-12	Hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani (3,194m/10,479ft)- 7 hrs
Day-13	Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m)/(10531 ft), then to Birethanti (1,039 m)/(3408 ft) for 5 hrs. Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara -2 hrs
Day-14	Drive to Kathmandu ( 1,300m/4,264 ft) from Pokhara (820 m)/(2690 ft) -7 hrs

 

Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 days- Itinerary)

Day-1	Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1400 m)/ (4593 ft)
Day-2	7-8 hrs Drive to Machha Khola (900 m)/(2,952 ft)
Day-3	Hike to Jagat (1,340 m)/(4,395 ft)- 5 to 6 hrs
Day-4	Hike to Deng ( 1,835 m)- 6 to 7 hrs
Day-5	Hike to Namrung (2,900 m)/(9,512 ft)-6 hrs
Day-6	Hike to Lho Gaun (3,180 m)/(10,430 ft)-5 to 6 hrs
Day-7	Hike to SamaGaun (3,500 m)/(11,480 ft)- 5 to 6 hrs
Day-8	Refreshment and Acclimatization Day at SamaGaun (3,500 m)/(11,480 ft)
Day-9	Hike to Samdo (3,875 m)- 3 to 5 hrs
Day-10	Hike to Dharamshala (4,450 m)/(14,596 ft)- 3 hrs
Day-11	Hike to Bhimtang (3,590 m)/(11,775 ft) through Larkya La Pass (5,160m)/(16,924 ft)- 8 to 10 hrs
Day-12	Hike to Tilije (2,300 m)/(7,544 ft)- 8 to 9 hrs
Day-13	Hike to Dharapani (1,860 m) and drive back to Kathmandu- 8 to 9 hrs
Day-14	Departure from Kathmandu (1300 m)

 

Highlights (MCT vs ACT)

Mt, Gangapurna view from Bhratang Village, ACT

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek:

• Stunning vistas of the world’s highest mountains featuring the Manaslu Mountain Range, The Annapurna-II, Lamjung Himal and so on
• Scenic drive to Machha Khola
• Hiking along the Budhi Gandaki River gorge 
• The highest point of the trek, Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,751ft) is one of the main highlights of MCT.
• Historic Pungyen Monastery and beautiful Birendra Lake
• Interesting flora and fauna in the Manaslu Conservation Area
• Undisturbed natural environment and rich biodiversity
• Possible sightings of wild endangered species
• Isolated villages with authentic Buddhist and Hindu cultural significance
• Insight into the challenging lifestyle of local people in the Himalayas. 
•  Opportunity to experience remoteness in a peaceful, natural and authentic cultural environment, giving a break from the chaos and city hustle.

 

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• The stunning landscapes, The Kali Gandaki River, and The Hotel Bob Marley of Jomsom Village.
• A relaxing bath in natural hot springs at Tatopani
• Stunning Vistas of some of the iconic mountains such as Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
• Exploring beautiful Manang district
• Encountering splendid lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and wonderful waterfalls
• Visiting the Muktinath Temple, host of eternal flame with 108 sacred water nozzle. A sacred temple for the Hindu and Buddhist community
• Cross the dramatic Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is one of the main highlights of the ACT.
• Visiting the largest monastery of the Manang district, Barge Monastery
• Picturesque view from the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m). 

 

Description ( MCT vs ACT)

Larkey La Pass (5,106m), MCT

Manaslu Circuit Trek, It is undoubtedly a lot more remote with the entire mountain area leaving almost unspoiled where the natural beauty remains nearly unexplored. 

The highest point of its path reaches (5,106m/16,752 ft) at Larkey La Pass which lies between Dharmashala and Bimthang and the total length of the trek is roughly  180km (110 mi). Along with the iconic Mt. Manaslu itself the mountain view from the trails includes Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Nemjung, and Gyaji Kang as well as over 15+ various mountains. 

The journey commences after a 9-10-hour drive from Kathmandu to MachhaKhola via Arughat and Soti Khola and finishes at Besisahar. The trail covers a diverse range of geographical areas with the subtropical foothills of the Himalayas around the Manaslu conservation area. It also encompasses glimpses of various mountains, glaciers, hills, and rivers like Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi. There are many routes for trekking and peaks for climbing as well. 

Other Treks in the Manaslu Region

While in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can combine few other treks and do it at once. Some of the popular treks in the Manaslu region that you can combine with the MCT trek are:

• Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek
• Manaslu Tibet View Trek
• Rupina La Manaslu Trek
• Ganesh Himal Manaslu Trek
• Tsum Valley Manaslu with Thorong La Pass Trek

Also Check: Side trips in the Manaslu region

Thorong La Pass (5,416m), ACT

Annapurna Circuit Trek, It is definitely more popular offering views of over 40 mountains, marking millions of visitors to have explored through this path. 

The highest point of its path reaches (5416m/17769 ft) at Thorong La pass and the total length of the trek ranges between 160–230 km (100-145 mi). The alpine scenery in close proximity encompasses the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda as well as numerous other peaks ranging from 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range.

After a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, the trek commences at Besisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and ends in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The trail passes through subtropical forests, past several waterfalls, paddy fields and gigantic cliffs, and various villages.  

Nowadays most people prefer to start this trek from Dharapani or Chame, as the vehicles are easily available, and trekking at the lower parts of the route doesn’t provide a pleasant experience as it used to be before resulting in quicker completion of the trek.

Even while descending the trek because of road availability Trekkers can directly take a drive from Muktinath or Jomsom to Tatopani. This part is usually skipped because of the transportation access resulting in unpleasant hiking experience.

Other Treks in the Annapurna Circuit

While on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can combine a few other treks and do it all at once. Some of the popular treks in the Annapurna region that you can combine with the ACT trek are:

• Annapurna Circuit with Tillicho Lake Trek
• Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu Valley Trek
• Annapurna Circuit with Poon Hill Trek
• Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna  Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit with Mardi Himal Trek
• ACT with Thorong Peak climbing
• ACT with Pisang Peak Climbing
• ACT with Chulu West - East Climbing
• ACT with Khayer Lake Trek

 

For people who don't want to miss out on both of these treks and do both at once it is definitely possible as both of these trek routes intersect at Dharapani. You can start this trek from Machha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit, and join the Annapurna Circuit from Dharapani. This trek is also commonly known as the Double Circuit Trek.

 

Fooding and Lodging 

Manaslu Circuit Trek, The lodges and tea houses are run by local people with local materials. Since the whole region of this trek is remote, there aren’t significant infrastructural development. It is hard for the locals to access supplies and materials. So, the accommodation units and tea houses offer simple and basic facilities with no extra amenities and limited food options. However, you can still find large modern guest houses with hot showers, electricity, and wifi as well. 

When all the rooms are occupied, the lodges in Dharmasala provide with tents to crash out for a short night. The prices for these services might be a bit expensive considering the fact that it is not an independent trekking area. On average, the expenses per day can range from USD 30-35 per person on fooding and lodging. 

The remoteness of this trek does aid its attraction however, you might be disconnected from the rest of the world with no telephone access for a couple of days. 

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek, The accommodations available on this trek are comfortable and luxurious with appropriate amenities like, wifi, hot shower, comfy beds, western toilets, and a pleasing food menu. All of these facilities are provided for an adequate price. An estimation of expense for a day is roughly USD 25-30 per person excluding personal expenditure. 

 

Local People and Culture 

Local Function at Samagaon, MCT

Manaslu Circuit Trek, On the other hand, the Manaslu region is rich in authentic culture, tradition and architecture. In Manaslu circuit trek you’re gonna come across locals who aren’t just there to serve trekkers and earn profit from tourism but rather they are bona fide hard workers who struggle every day in the remote mountain area for survival. 

Locals here are highly religious and practice authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture. There are genuine Tibetian villages like Sama Gaun and Lho Village settled highly in the Himalayas. Agriculture and animal husbandry are dominant in the villages.

The Gompas in Manaslu hold significant cultural values and history such as Mu gumba (3510m), Gumba lungdeng, Rachen gumba, Sarang gumba, etc. 

Among these Gompas and monasteries, Rongbuk Monastery is one of the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

If you are more into an undisturbed natural environment, people, their local lifestyle, and culture then the Manaslu Circuit trek is the one for you.

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek, The locals in this trekking region are not particularly authentic about culture and traditions since they practice modern Buddhist culture. Over the decades, their lifestyle has been heavily influenced by tourism in their region. 

There are some cultural sites and prayer flags, Mani walls, Gompas, and monasteries on the trail. One of the most essential cultural sites in Annapurna Circuit is The Muktinath Temple, host of eternal flame and a line of 108 sacred water nozzle. It is a sacred temple for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. 

Among various villages in the Annapurna Circuit, Manang and Marpha are some of the most beautiful and interesting villages. 

 

Best Season for trekking Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit

Manaslu Circuit Trek, The best times for Manaslu Circuit Trek are Spring (Mar to May) and Autumn (Sep to Nov). During this time of the year, the weather conditions are stable with clear visibility offering perfect trekking conditions. On top of that the festive season with longer days and moderate temperatures makes it one of a kind adventure.  

Annapurna Circuit Trek, The best time frame to trek the Annapurna circuit is similar to the Manaslu Circuit Trek i.e. Spring (Mar to early June in this case) and Autumn (Sep to Nov). Spring and Autumn are just some of the ideal times for trekking in general. The weather is at it’s best behavior! 

Permits and Restrictions

View from Shyala tea house, MCT

Manaslu Circuit Trek, Due to its restricted status, all the required permits and document works needs to be done beforehand. For this trek, It is crucial to obtain permits for Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Restricted Area permit, TIMS Card and Manaslu Local Area Permit ( which is issued during the trek) as well. The permit fees can range from USD 100-200 (this can vary according to seasons).

Keep in mind that you can only obtain these permits through travel agency or trekking agency. So, Hikingbees can arrange these permits for you to make your journey convenient and hassle-free.

 

Is it necessary to hire a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Trekking guides posing for a picture, MCT

 

Yes! As a matter of fact, It is compulsory to hire a professional guide for the Manaslu Circuit trek. This trek is more complicated compared to the Annapurna Circuit trek so proper guidance and skilled assistance is highly necessary. The cost for a guide can vary based on their skills, experience, language, and season as well. The cost can range from USD 35-50 per day. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek, It is not as strictly restricted as Manaslu Circuit however, you do require a permit for Annapurna Conservation Area and a TIMS card. The permit fees for ACAP is about 30$ and 20$ for TIMS.

Trekkers can directly issue the permit for the Conservation Area from the Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu, Thamel. But the TIMS Card can be only obtained through a Travel Agency and Hiking Bees is more than delighted to help you through that. 

 

Celebrating after a successful trek in Teahouse, MCT

Guide is Optional for Annapurna Circuit Trek!

Yes and No, Although the Nepal government has implemented a new rule making it compulsory to have a guide for all the trekking routes in Nepal, there has not been strict implementation for this till now, However, you can hire a guide to be more cautious and for safety purposes. Although, you could do it without a guide. The trails of Annapurna Circuit is easy to navigate so, you can trek on your own. Just make sure you’re not solo trekking especially during off-seasons because you never know when things can go south. 

 

Final Words,

Both of these Circuit Treks are beautiful and extraordinary on their own. They provide unique and unforgettable experiences.

 Manaslu Circuit Trek offers authentic culture, people, their lifestyle, real-life struggles, and the unexplored natural beauty of the Himalayas. Whereas Annapurna Circuit Trek offers outstanding mountain vistas, and takes you through subtropical forests, paddy fields, rural farmlands, and beautiful glaciers. 

It's all about what you prefer and pick.

Speaking from my personal knowledge and experience, here’s how I can give you a deciding factor:

Both these circuit treks provide equally beautiful landscapes and sceneries. If you want a peaceful and less crowded trek experience in the Himalayas then you should definitely go for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. However, If you are okay with the crowds and meeting new people throughout the hike while being in comfortable teahouses and facilities the Annapurna Circuit is the one for you.

 I assure you that despite of what you choose both of these treks as well as any Himalayan treks you do in Nepal wouldn’t disappoint you, in fact, it's going to be one of the best moments of your life. 

I hope the above-discussed categories will be able to provide you with the latest information for your choice of trekking. There are additional FAQs below that might give you more clarity. 

So, what are you waiting for?! Book your next best adventure with us on www.hikingbees.com and leave the travel arrangements to us while you sit back and relax. 

Happy Travels!!!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• Is The Manaslu Circuit Trek more challenging than The Annapurna Circuit Trek? 

Yes! The geographic restrictions of Manaslu highly influence the health of trekkers i.e. Altitude sickness, especially at higher points. MCT is still a remote and isolated area with no significant infrastructure development so, as you ascend through your trek, there are fewer villages, tea houses, health assistance, no functioning roads, electricity, network etc. 

All of these factors make MCT difficult compared to ACT where the village and lifestyle of people have developed over the years. 

 

• Is it possible to see Mt. Manaslu during the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes! You can observe the view of majestic Mt. Manaslu 8163m (8th highest mountain in the world) during the Annapurna Circuit Trek from multiple points during the ACT trek. Some of the locations where you see Manaslu in the Annapurna region are Thorong La Pass, Ngawal Village, and Ghunsa. 

 

• Is Annapurna Circuit Trek beginner-friendly?

Yes! You don’t need any prior climbing experience. Since it is a high-land hiking, technical climbing is not necessary. You will be hiking for 6-8 hrs a day so as long as you are healthy and fit you are good to go. 

 

• Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Manaslu is a restricted area so various permits are required for trekking. Also, it is compulsory to hire a guide for the trek. Prices for permits cost about USD 160. At a minimum, the total expense for a basic trek can be about USD1000- 1500. 

During the trek, even though the facilities are basic and simple they are quite expensive due to their remoteness and geography, creating a struggle for supply restocking.