Langtang Valley is a moderate trek of 7 to 8 days to 3,870 m, with ordinary permits and no minimum group size. The Manaslu Circuit is a hard trek of 12 to 16 days over a 5,106 m pass in a restricted area that needs a special permit and at least two trekkers. Choose Langtang for a first or short trek; choose Manaslu for a full high-mountain circuit.
Langtang Valley and Manaslu Circuit at a glance
- Days. Langtang Valley: 7 to 8. Manaslu Circuit: 12 to 16.
- Highest point. Langtang Valley: Kyanjin Gompa 3,870 m; viewpoints to about 4,980 m. Manaslu Circuit: Larkya La, 5,106 m.
- Permits. Langtang Valley: national park permit and TIMS. Manaslu Circuit: restricted area permit plus two conservation permits; minimum two trekkers.
- Shape. Langtang Valley: out and back. Manaslu Circuit: a circuit.
- Grade. Langtang Valley: moderate. Manaslu Circuit: hard.
- Cost. Langtang Valley: low. Manaslu Circuit: medium to high.
What they have in common
Both are reached by road from Kathmandu, with no flight, and both have strong Tibetan-influenced culture in their upper valleys. Each was badly affected by the 2015 earthquake and has been rebuilt.
Scale
Langtang is one valley and can be seen thoroughly in a week. Manaslu is a journey round an 8,000 m mountain, from 700 m to over 5,000 m and down again, through several climate zones and communities.
Altitude and difficulty
Langtang's sleeping heights stay under 4,000 m. The Manaslu Circuit has three nights above 3,500 m, one at about 4,460 m and a long pass day. It needs proper acclimatisation and a weather margin.
Lodges
Langtang's lodges are more comfortable overall. Manaslu's are adequate, and basic before the pass.
Season
October to November and March to May for both. Langtang stays open in winter; the Larkya La usually does not.
Using Langtang as preparation
Many trekkers do Langtang first, on an earlier trip or even in the same holiday, to learn how they cope with altitude before committing to a longer, higher circuit.
Mountain views
Langtang's great sight is Langtang Lirung, 7,227 m, rising directly above Kyanjin Gompa, with a ring of 6,000 m peaks round the upper valley. Manaslu offers a sequence: Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal low down, the twin summits of Manaslu itself from Lho and Samagaon, and on the far side of the pass a huge amphitheatre at Bimthang. Over two weeks the views keep changing, which is part of the circuit's appeal.
Culture on the trail
Langtang's people are Tamang and Tibetan in origin, and the valley's monasteries, cheese factory and rebuilt villages give it a strong identity. On the Manaslu Circuit you start among Gurung and Magar hill farmers and end in Nubri, a region of Tibetan Buddhists where monks, mani walls and yak caravans are part of everyday life.
Access and travel time
Langtang's trailhead is seven to eight hours from Kathmandu on one road. Manaslu needs a long day by jeep to Machha Khola at the start and another from Dharapani or Besisahar at the end. Count two travel days for Langtang and two to three for Manaslu.
Who chooses which
Langtang is chosen by first-time trekkers, people with a week, solo travellers and those adding a trek to a wider trip. Manaslu is chosen by people returning to Nepal after Everest or Annapurna, who want a long route with fewer lodges and fewer people.
Choose Langtang Valley if
- You have about a week.
- It is your first trek.
- You are travelling alone.
- You want low cost and simple permits.
Choose Manaslu Circuit if
- You have two weeks or more.
- You want a high pass and a full circuit.
- You have trekked before.
- You are two or more people.
Plan it
See the Langtang guides and the Manaslu Circuit guides, or ask us for either plan.
Common questions
Which is harder?
The Manaslu Circuit, clearly.
Which is cheaper?
Langtang.
Can I do both in one trip?
Yes, with about four weeks, Langtang first.
Which has fewer trekkers?
Manaslu has fewer per day, spread over a longer route.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
