Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek are two of the most popular circuit treks in Nepal among trekkers worldwide. Both of them have become popular in recent years among not just group trekkers but solo trekkers as well. All for the good reasons. Growing safety, trekking activities, and knowledge about each location have to be given credit for each destination’s popularity among solo trekkers. So, what happens in a circuit trek? You get to circle the trekking destinations while being able to travel the major parts of it with full exploration. And circuit treks are also as exciting as they may seem.
However, you will have to face just as many challenges along the way in such an adventure. Choosing one among the two major destinations can be tough, and Manaslu Circuit Trek has just as many aspects to offer a trekker as does the Annapurna Circuit trek. That said, to know in detail about going on either of the journeys as a solo trekker, be sure to read till the end of this article!
Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A typical Manaslu circuit trek is a journey of around 12 to 14 days. At Larkya La Pass, you will be reaching the highest altitude of 5,160m. What more? You can expect to come close to the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu, and take a round in its proximity while exploring Tibetan Buddhist culture and lifestyle, scenic views of villages alongside the natural surroundings of lush forests, diverse wildlife species, etc.
The beaten path can seem difficult for many to traverse, but it is also an aspect that makes the Manaslu Circuit trek all the more suitable as a trekking destination. Trekkers may be required to have trekking experience of at least climbing above an elevation of 4000m to complete this trek. Though achievable, this trek is not the simplest to accomplish.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek takes you around 15 to 20 days to complete. In addition to this, while you may think that this is a more difficult journey given its length, you may not entirely be right. The journey is just as popular among trekkers as the Manaslu Circuit trek, and because of its location, it would not be wrong to say that this trek is somewhat more popular than the latter. However, you need to be seasoned as a trekker to complete this trek.
Trekkers will be going up to an elevation of 5,416m at Thorong La Pass in this journey and can further enjoy the scenery of Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Mount Machhapuchhre along the way. You can also closely interact with Gurung, Tamang, and Magar cultures throughout your trek.
Accessibility of Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is more accessible than the Manaslu Circuit Trek because of the distance of the destination from the city area. Also, the more a destination is popular, the easier it will be for a trekker to find amenities, logistics, etc. Hence, the Annapurna region with its popular trekking amenities takes the cake! The Manaslu Circuit trek is usually preferred by adventurers who do not mind walking through rough, off-beaten pathways. If you’re someone who prefers to trek with a big number of people and would rather not have to struggle with amenities or logistics, the Manaslu Circuit trek might not seem the most accessible or convenient to you.
Trekking Experience Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
As a trekker, it is not just the pathways and your walking that matter. You will be seeking many other elements, such as scenery, crowd, lifestyle interactions, and wildlife sighting possibilities. In that case, both the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek have equal opportunities for you! Likewise, when it comes to choosing the best one, we may have a tie. If you want to be more comfortable beginning to the end of the journey while not being isolated along the journey, you can opt for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which has more amenities and fewer crowds. Otherwise, for an undisturbed scenery of nature, the Manaslu Circuit trek’s remote quality would be more preferable.
Safety Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trekkers who want to be safe from the beginning to the end of their journey should prefer the Annapurna Circuit trek because they can easily get access to safety gear, aid, and emergency help from external sources, and quicker amenities along the way. Manaslu circuit trek’s remote nature may somewhat hamper your safety when you are traveling solo. You may still need a guide in both treks, even when you’re traveling solo. Carrying first aid kits and certain medications for either of the treks can be very helpful, no matter where you’re trekking. Lastly, if you’re careful and mindful enough, you can be safe regardless of the trek you choose.
Cultural Experience Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The locals on both the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Annapurna Circuit trek trails are going to be warm and friendly to you as a trekker and a visitor. You can still expect the people in the Annapurna circuit trek to be more hospitable, as they are the ones running teahouses and lodge services along the way. While you may still find accommodation facilities in the Manaslu circuit trek trails, there may be more habitats than amenities here as compared to the Annapurna circuit trek. Similarly, when you’re in the Manaslu trek, you will find yourself immersed in the beauty of Tibetan culture with prayer flags, monasteries, etc,. in the trails. The Annapurna Circuit trek offers you an exploration of cultures like Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Tamang, etc.
Food and Drinks Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The food and drinks that you find in each of the treks differ while also coinciding with each other. If you are someone who wants to explore diverse cuisines, then you can opt for the Annapurna Circuit trek, where you will relish traditional dal, bhaat, tarkari, achar, meat curry, dhindo, etc. You can also enjoy other Western (pizza, pasta, burger, sandwich, etc) and Nepali cuisines (momo, roti tarkari, thukpa, chowin, etc.). Trekkers can devour soup when they get cold. In the Manaslu circuit trek, you can expect to enjoy Tibetan cuisine, which may not be very diverse, yet is very fulfilling, like Tibetan breads, soup, butter tea, and tea. Each location serves unique culinary experiences.
Budget Considerations in Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The budget considerations in both locations are similar but not the same. Because of its remoteness, the Manaslu region can be considered to be more expensive as compared to the more crowded Annapurna Circuit trek. You can compare the prices of different permits in each of the locations to know about the difference in cost between the two locations:
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits Cost
- RAP Permit: $100 to $150
- ACAP and MCAP: $30
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits Cost
- ACAP and TIMS: $40
Furthermore, you can go on the Annapurna Circuit trek without a guide, but you will still have to pay for a guide in the Manaslu Circuit trek. The food and accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit trek are also more expensive. So, when it comes to affordability, Annapurna region treks are always preferable.
Socialization in Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trekkers who are as social as they are adventurous should opt for the Annapurna Circuit trek because they will find more opportunities to interact with the locals. While you can still interact with the locals in the Manaslu circuit trek, you won’t find as many people or trekkers with whom you can indulge in camaraderie. Also, you need to be prepared for having to travel in solace and tranquility in the Manaslu Circuit trek, as there aren’t as many socializing opportunities as there are in the Annapurna Circuit trek.
What is the Best Trek for Independent Solo Travelers?
For solo travelers who want to travel without a guide and would rather not have even a guide follow them around, the Annapurna Circuit trek would be the best. Since you will travel solo without needing support in finding amenities or figuring out the logistics of any sort, the trails may be kinder to you. You also don’t have to worry about not finding a reliable company along the way if you change your mind on solo trekking, because the Annapurna region trekking trails are almost always crowded with eager trekkers.
What is the Best Trek for Adventurous Solo Travelers?
Though you are encouraged to trek with a guide mandatorily in the Manaslu circuit trek, this trek is going to offer you more opportunities for adventure. The remote location is a source of adventure in itself. For trekkers who do not want to settle for less, this is the trek you should settle for. The adrenaline junkies will for sure, even appreciate the lack of amenities because then they will be living like the remote locals who make do with little. The Manaslu circuit trek is truly an adrenaline-triggering solo trek destination.
