The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best remote trekking areas in Nepal, predominated by Baudha Himal, Gorkha Himal, and Himal Chuli, bordered by two major river systems: the Budhi Gandaki to the east and the Marshandi Khola to the west. The Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, including the two major alpine high passes: Larkya La Pasa (5,160 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), are the significant highlights of the Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek that begins in Gorkha, which follows the Marshyangdi River for the first few days and moves along the rugged gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River via indigenous Gurung villages with a vast number of Buddhist monasteries. A few sections of the trek also feature numerous high waterfalls cascading on the main river, while the valleys shelter several ancient temples, some of which represent the pre-Buddhist Bon religion, rising slowly with the minimum chance of altitude sickness. As the river changes course to the west, so do the landscapes, with steep, rocky gorges and pines covering the forest.
The tree line is reached a few hours before arriving at Mustang, where you will have a compulsory rest day for acclimatization to the increasing altitude and a lot of possible side trips from Manang that open the most spectacular views to the west, across the river, and up to the Gangapurna glacier with its deep blue lake formed by the melting glacial ice that passes through high alpine pastures until the small cluster of teahouses at Thorong Phedi. To the west of Muktinath, the Dhaulagiri ranges are stunning, while the arid hills of Upper Mustang from the north are no less incredible when the trail leads down the villages until the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. A further four-day sharp descent is a road to Beni, the deepest valley on earth, with easy access to the vehicle heading for Pokhara. Settlements of particular interest below Muktinath are Jomsom with its airport, a possible exit point to Pokhara.
Overall, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek encompasses a broad range of geographical and climatic regions with diverse flora and fauna, heavily paddy-cultivated landscapes, juicy oranges, and other vegetation, which demonstrates a significant transition from tropical species to temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech, and rhododendron, giving way to coniferous forests of pine and juniper just below the tree line, mixed beautifully with the multiculturalism and traditions of the local inhabitants including the rains shadow areas to the north of the Himalayas, which remain barren, extending to the south of the Tibetan plateau with a variety of wildlife to see: barking deer, Himalayan marmots, and pheasants with usual mountainous ravens, coughs, and various avians of prey.
Treks in this region are slightly tougher than most others, among which Thorong La can be the most predictable, especially during unexpected snow dumps. So, possible trekkers are advised to make sure of the well-preparedness of required equipment for all occurrences that enable the completion of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek in a minimum of fifteen days, beginning in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara, while the extra days help you to grasp all sides of the trek that add immensely to your experience of the majestic Himalayas.
23-day Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Expectations
The fascinating combined 23-day trek to Manaslu and Annapurna circuit is indeed the most beautiful and daring experience of the Himalayas that crosses the two high alpines passes: Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), while appreciating the allure of at least thirty enormous giants of Nepal, including the eighth and tenth highest mountains in the world: Mt. Manaslu (8,163m ) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091m).
As one of the most adventurous journeys in the country of hills and mountains, consider:
The balanced off the beaten 23-day Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek first welcomed trekkers and travelers around the globe in 1980 and has been standing out as one of the finest trekking routes in Nepal after the Everest Base Camp Trek.
In recent years, it has become a massive tourist attraction and overrated trekking destination, while the Manaslu Circuit is a newly established restricted trek that comparatively observes significantly low numbers of trekkers and retains the most unspoiled natural and cultural beauty.
Nonetheless, these two are the best trekking in the Nepal Himalayas, and when done holistically, they provide the perfect trekking acquaintance from the remote, less-visited, pristine Manaslu region and transition into the more popular Annapurna Circuit, which still has many charms to be discovered.
The stunning mountain vistas on the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
The joint trek to Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit rounds up the Annapurna region. Undoubtedly the most prominent peaks you will see during the trek are Mt. Manaslu, otherwise called Chame (the spirit mountain), as per Sanskrit, Manasa is referred to as “intellect” or "soul,” and Mt.Annapurna, the mountain of complete prosperity in grains, where “Anna" translates to grains and “Purna” into filled.
Both are the eight thousanders of Nepal and are visible from the beginning point of the trek along with the Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Shringi Himal (7,187m), Budhha Himal (6,672m), Annapurna ranges such as (Annapurna I, II, III, IV), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Hinchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,454m), and others.
Along with the awe-inspiring closer embracement of all these soaring mountains of Nepal, the amalgamated Manaslu and Annapurna circuit trek offers surreal diverse landscapes, from verdant hills and lush meadows to high-altitude aline terrains, which all come together to form what we call the wealthiest tapestry of natural beauty with the greatest sense of adventure, along with cultural immersion and interactions with the locals from the Himalayas.
Otherworldly cultural engagement in the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
The mixed-circuit trek to Manaslu and Annapurna not only delivers the magnificent views of the world’s highest mountains but also an amazing glimpse into the culture, traditions, social norms, values, and rituals of the Himalayan natives of the region, whose hospitality, beliefs, and warmth have been the talk of the town in the area of tourism for centuries.
During the Mansalu and Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will encounter several typically styled dwellings, predominantly by the ethnic communities of Gurung, Brahmins, Magars, Thakalis, Manangis, and in some parts of the Mansalu Circuit, the Khampas (Tibetan Refugees) as well.
The majority of locals practice ancient Bon and Buddhism and still have been held into their glory, as represented by the area’s more than century-old Buddhist monastery, gompas, and chortens, all adorned with prayer flags and wheelers, which are craved by holy mantras to protect from evils and negative energies. All of them give a whole next-level experience of being in the other world than the chaotic city life you have been caged in which will help you to boost your knowledge of the vast universe we live on.
Experience the first-hand mountain lifestyle in the teahouse and homestays of the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek
The tea houses and homestays are your general accommodation during the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek, which are not any hotels or restaurants but the residences of the locals opened for hosting tourists and travelers.
Although the rooms are basic and modern amenities are limited. At the same time, you spend your night in what the mountain people call "Bhatti,” or tea houses and homestays, under the conservation projects to fund the development of the Himalayan region, you will get an immeasurable insight into the lifestyle of people from the mountains.
Your mind will be blown by how such a simple and hard-working life is much appreciated by the locals, which explains their enriching culture and tradition. The overall experience of the tea houses and homestays can get extremely overwhelming when you learn how struggling the lives in the Himalayas are.
The Himalayan tales from the people who call it home are truly engrossing, and you might even start to appreciate the life you are getting to live more, creating everlasting memories and connections with the survivors of the Himalayas while you take a sip of tea and relish in the filling Dal Bhat Tarkari.
Step into the holy ambiance of Muktinath Temple in Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
The sacred temple of the Hindu deity, also referred to as the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology, Vishnu, at an elevation of 3,800 m, is widely revered as the ‘temple of liberation’ in the world.
The 108 glacial water sprout from this temple encompassment is believed to purify all the human faults committed knowingly or unknowingly and help in obtaining liberation. Every year, more than thousands of people visit the divine temple situated in the lap of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
During your 23-day Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will get to take a round in the holiest Muktinath of the region, whose beauty smitten everyone, leaving none unhypnotized.
The whole temple complex has the ultimate serenity and a perfect viewpoint to appreciate the natural and religious allure of the Annapurna region.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in the Larkya La Pass of Manaslu and Thorong La Pass Of Annapurna
Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit, while Thorong La is the maximum altitude high mountain pass of the Annapurna region at an elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level, right in the heart of the Damodar Himal.
Crossing the passes is the most difficult section of any trek you do in Nepal and has an excessive risk of mountain sickness due to the human body's inability to adapt to the arduous mountainous environment.
It can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness level, or experience and can be fatal when not taken care of properly. The local Sherpa guides can be a great help in spotting the symptoms that prioritize your health and well-being over anything and can provide a great aid in overcoming a life-threatening situation.
Generally, acclimatization is what determines whether you will be able to overcome these passes safely or not, and hence, it is important to acclimatize thoroughly even before approaching any high pass, be it Kang La or Thorong La.
Manang, the enchanter of the Annapurna in the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manang is a scenic village located in the Annapurna trekking region of the Nepalese Himalayas. Its altitude of 3,540 meters facilitates health services, a good telephone network, and internet connectivity, making it a popular stopover for those trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The ravishing crown-shaped mountain views, rich cultural and historical heritage, and charming villages without having to gain much elevation are the major highlights of the trekking area, even for internal tourists, and a great starting point to begin the trek to the Annapurna Circuit for adequate acclimatization.
From Manang, you can head on a side trek to Milarepa’s Cave, Braga Village, and Bhojo Gompa and roam around the villages nestled in the hamlet of the Marsyangdi River, which enchants countless inner and foreign tourists.
Venture the Apple Valley of Nepal, Jomsom in the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek
Jomsom is the Kali Gandaki River Valley, the gateway to the upper Mustang in the Gandaki Province, situated in the Mustang district, which is also one of the stops on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and is widely known for its delicious apple.
As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away. During your trek to the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks, you will get to have a bite of freshly picked apples in Jomsom as per the 23-day itinerary set by Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.
Along with the fresh apples, the valley is well known for mouth-watering baked apple pies and other apple products such as apple brandy and apple cider. The organic taste of the apples from Jomsom cannot be matched by any other apples cultivated due to the increased use of pesticides and insecticides in the city area.
Besides apples, the barren and rugged valley also shelters the unique mesmerizing landscapes and diverse culture primarily influenced by Tibet yet distinctive, which considers the guests as gods and treats every traveler warmly, hence a must-visit destination in Nepal.
Manaslu Annapurna Circuit 23-days Trek Cost
The standard cost for a 23-day Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek is USD 1690 per person for 1 pax, arranged by Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. We are flexible on this cost as per the number of people in the group: the more trekkers, the merrier the trek, and the cost is based on a group discount, which is:
- USD 1690 for 1 pax
- USD 1575 for 2-3 pax
- USD 1525 for 4-6 pax
- USD 1475 for 7–10 pax
The total cost of the trek can vary depending on your personal preferences, including the duration of the trek, the services you are looking for, specific trekking routes, and the season when you are planning the trek.
The autumn and spring are the peak trekking times in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu. During these seasons, most of the tea houses can be prebooked, so finding proper accommodation is considered a matter of luck and can cost you slightly more than the normal price.
Yet, if you have any special requirements, let us know. We are capable of upgrading the accommodation and food options for you if informed in advance, approximately a month before the departure day.
Note: The package cost also increases when you customize the trek. For more information, please read our cost includes and excludes section.
The best Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
The 23-day Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek is the best itinerary to go trekking in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions of Nepal, commencing from a Kathmandu to Argughat drive by local bus or jeep that moves forward by the picturesque villages of Soti Khola, Maccha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaou, Samdo, and Dharamsala and crosses the Larke La Pass in the first half of the trek.
Later, the trail graduals up to cross the major mountain pass of Annapurna Circuit, Thorong La, going through Bhimthang, Tilije, Dharapani, Chyamje, Manang, and Yak Kharka, then descends to Jomsom to catch the flight back to Pokhara and later a ride to the valley of Kathmandu.
This 23-day Manaslu Annapurna Circuit trek involves a day of acclimatization and exploration in Samdo and Manang, along with one day of sightseeing in the valley of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
The forest you will come across on this trek is subtropical trees of rhododendrons, oak, and pine while enjoying the melodramatic landscapes, terraced farms and fields, roaring rivers and canyons, and more than thirty mountain views of the Himalayas.
Why trek Manaslu Annapurna Circuit with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks?
Trekkers and adventurers must be well aware that trekking in the higher Himalayan zone, such as Manaslu Annapurna Circuit, where the weather varies in a pinch of seconds, needs careful planning, preparation, and budget, as well as gear and equipment consideration, for a victorious trekking experience.
Managing all essential logistics and paying extra attention to the overall trek journey for anyone can be quite a hassling encounter, and it might get very confusing to choose the right trek partner for you. Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks comes to rescue you from such burdensome trekking arrangements.
We have been one of the leading travel and trek organizers in the field of catering adventures based in the eye-candy valley of Kathmandu, Thamel, Nepal, for more than 20 years. We excel at customizing the trek and travel as per our client’s preferences, as authorized by the government of Nepal.
Connect with us now for an extraordinary travel and trekking experience in the Himalayas of Nepal as well as in different beautiful parts of the world, including Tibet, India, Singapore, and Bhutan, without any hidden cost policies and to make the most of your travel.
