Annapurna Base Camp is a trek of 7 to 10 days to 4,130 m, open to solo travellers with a guide and busy in season. The Manaslu Circuit is a trek of 12 to 16 days round the eighth highest mountain, crossing the Larkya La at 5,106 m, in a restricted area that needs a special permit and at least two trekkers. Choose base camp for a first trek; choose Manaslu for a longer, wilder one.
Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp at a glance
- Days. Manaslu Circuit: 12 to 16. Annapurna Base Camp: 7 to 10.
- Highest point. Manaslu Circuit: Larkya La, 5,106 m. Annapurna Base Camp: base camp, 4,130 m.
- Permits. Manaslu Circuit: restricted area permit plus two conservation area permits; minimum two trekkers. Annapurna Base Camp: Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
- Crowds. Manaslu Circuit: moderate, far fewer than Annapurna or Everest. Annapurna Base Camp: busy.
- Lodges. Manaslu Circuit: simple, improving. Annapurna Base Camp: good.
- Grade. Manaslu Circuit: hard. Annapurna Base Camp: moderate.
Two different scales
Base camp is an in-and-out trek up one valley. Manaslu is a full circuit: seven or eight days up the Budhi Gandaki from low, hot gorge country to the Tibetan-influenced villages of Lho, Samagaon and Samdo, a pass, and a descent to join the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani. The change of landscape and culture along the way is one of the widest on any trek in Nepal. See the Manaslu Circuit guides.
Altitude and the pass
Manaslu goes about 1,000 m higher. The Larkya La day starts in the dark from Dharamsala at about 4,460 m, crosses a long, gradual pass on moraine, and descends steeply to Bimthang: eight to ten hours in all. It needs a rest day at Samagaon (3,530 m) beforehand and stable weather. Base camp has nothing comparable.
Permits and group size
Manaslu is a restricted area. The permit is issued only through a registered agency, for a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide, and the fee is higher in autumn. Annapurna Base Camp needs only the conservation area permit and a guide.
Lodges and comfort
Lodges on the Manaslu Circuit have improved a great deal, but they are simpler than Annapurna's, and those at Dharamsala before the pass are very basic and crowded. On the base camp trail you rarely go more than an hour without passing a lodge.
Season
Both are best in October to November and March to May. The Larkya La is usually closed by snow from mid-December to February, and the lower Budhi Gandaki is prone to landslides in the monsoon.
Cost
Manaslu costs more: more days, the restricted permit and a long jeep journey at each end. Base camp is among the more affordable treks.
Choose Manaslu Circuit if
- You have two weeks or more.
- You have trekked before and want a high pass.
- You want fewer people on the trail.
- You are travelling as two or more.
Choose Annapurna Base Camp if
- It is your first trek.
- You have about a week.
- You want comfortable lodges.
- You are travelling alone and want simple permits.
Plan it
See Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit, or ask us for either plan.
Common questions
Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than Annapurna Base Camp?
Yes. It is longer, higher and more remote.
Can I trek Manaslu solo?
No. At least two trekkers and a licensed guide are required.
Which has better mountain views?
Both are superb. Base camp is a close amphitheatre; Manaslu offers changing views over two weeks.
Which is less crowded?
The Manaslu Circuit.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
We run this route as a Manaslu Circuit trek from Kathmandu, with the restricted-area paperwork handled for you.
