Side by side
| Manaslu Circuit | Annapurna Circuit | |
|---|---|---|
| Our itinerary | 15 days | 13 days |
| High pass | Larkya La, usually given as about 5,106 m | Thorong La, about 5,416 m |
| Crowds | Generally low to moderate, though growing | Generally busier, especially in peak season |
| Roads | Fewer so far, but construction continues | Many sections are now on or near roads |
| Lodges | Simpler, with fewer choices | Widely available and often more comfortable |
| Permit type | Restricted area, through an agency | Conservation area permit |
| Guide | Required as part of the restricted area permit | See the current rules |
Sources disagree on some details. Larkya La is sometimes listed as about 5,160 m, and published route lengths vary widely depending on start and end points, so we've left out distance comparisons.
Crowds and atmosphere
Manaslu is known for its quiet, but it's getting busier. One operator's comparison cites a record 12,512 foreign trekkers in the 2024/25 fiscal year, up from 9,783 the year before. Annapurna is still far more developed and has much more traffic at peak times. Early mornings and off-peak weeks help on either route.
Scenery and culture
Manaslu follows the deep Budhi Gandaki gorge from green foothills into high Tibetan-influenced villages such as Lho and Samdo, with Manaslu (8,163 m) close overhead. The sense of steady progress through a single huge valley is special.
Annapurna offers more variety. You pass through subtropical valleys, the high desert of Manang and the pilgrimage site of Muktinath, and then descend towards the Kali Gandaki gorge. It's famous for how quickly landscapes and cultures change.
Difficulty and altitude
Both reach above 5,000 m, and both need careful acclimatization. Thorong La is higher. Manaslu's challenge comes from longer remote stretches, rougher trail sections and simpler facilities. Both passes usually mean a very early start and a long, cold day, and snow can close either one.
A rest day matters on both routes: at Samagaun on Manaslu and at Manang on Annapurna. Read our altitude sickness guide before you choose.
Permits and rules
- Manaslu: a restricted area permit, reported at US$100 for the first week from September to November, plus a Manaslu Conservation Area permit and usually an Annapurna permit, because the route ends in that area.
- Annapurna: an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, widely reported at NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors. TIMS requirements are reported differently by different sources.
Restricted area permits go through a registered agency, with a licensed guide required. See our permit guide for the details and conflicts.
Cost
Manaslu usually costs more, mainly because of the permits and transport. One 2026 guide puts it at about US$900 to US$2,200 per person, while Annapurna packages have been reported from about US$700 to US$2,500. These ranges overlap, so compare specific quotes. Our Manaslu cost guide and Annapurna cost guide go into more detail.
Which suits you?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want fewer trekkers and a remote feel | Manaslu |
| Want more lodge choice and flexibility | Annapurna |
| Are on a tighter budget | Usually Annapurna |
| Want a wide mix of landscapes | Annapurna |
| Want to see the road-free Himalaya before it changes | Manaslu |
| Are trekking on your own without a group | Check the current rules for both, and ask about private guide costs |
How the pass days compare
The way each plan approaches its high pass tells you a lot about the two treks. These figures come from our own itineraries, and walking times are estimates that depend on your pace and the conditions.
| Manaslu | Annapurna | |
|---|---|---|
| Rest day | Samagaun, 3,530 m | Manang, 3,540 m |
| Last night before the pass | Dharmasala, 4,460 m | Thorong Phedi, 4,525 m |
| Pass day | About 9 hours to Bimthang, 3,720 m | About 8 hours to Muktinath, 3,760 m |
| Trekking days | 11 | 8, with road travel at both ends |
This explains much of the difference in length. Our Manaslu plan walks almost the whole way from the lower valley, starting near 870 m at Machha Khola. Our Annapurna plan drives to Chame at 2,670 m, which skips much of the road-affected lower section, and it drives out from Marpha. If walking every day matters to you, Manaslu gives you more of it. If you have less time, Annapurna is easier to fit in.
There's a trade-off, though. Starting higher means that you gain altitude sooner, so don't skip the rest day or the short walking days after Chame. Tell your guide straight away if you feel unwell.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the main seasons on both. High passes can be blocked by snow in winter, and monsoon rain brings landslide risk, especially in the lower valleys. See our season guide.
Common questions
Which is harder?
There's no single answer. Annapurna goes higher, while Manaslu tends to feel more remote and rugged. Both need good fitness and a sensible acclimatization plan.
Can I do both in one trip?
Some people link them, since Manaslu ends close to the Annapurna route. It takes a lot of time, and your body needs enough rest, so talk to your operator.
Are the roads a problem on Annapurna?
Roads have changed parts of the route. A good itinerary uses vehicles for the road-heavy lower sections, and then walks the higher and quieter trails.
Is Manaslu good for a first big trek?
It can be, with a good guide and prior hiking experience. If you're unsure, try a shorter trek first.
Next steps
Compare the day-by-day Manaslu and Annapurna plans, or tell us what you're after and we'll help you choose.
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