Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit - The better trek for you [Nepal 4K]

Which of these two great tea house circuit treks is the right trek for you?
We compare both in depth and look closely on things like planning, permits, difficulty, safety, remoteness, accommodation, landscape and many more aspects to try to give you a good idea about which circuit is good for which type of trekker.
Deutsche Version: • Annapurna Circuit vs M...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
02:19 The Manaslu Trek: General Information
03:30 The Annapurna Circuit: General Information
04:12 Transportation Options
05:38 Permits
06:31 Hiring a Guide
07:47 Maximum Altitude and Acclimatization Options
09:21 Difficulty
10:49 Safety
12:22 Remoteness
13:55 Accomodation
15:55 People & Culture
17:26 Landscape
18:59 Conclusion
Since decades the Annapurna Circuit is famous as one of the best hikes on the planet. And whenever there was a question about the best tea house trek one could possibly do in the Himalaya, most people would either name the Everest Base Camp - mainly just because of getting close to Mt. Everest - or the Annapurna Circuit, due to the huge variety of climate zones, vegetation, different valleys and villages and the breathtaking mountain views. And because it's a circuit. You don't have to walk back the same way, like on the EBC trek.
However in the last few years some significant changes happened along the Annapurna Circuit. The area, which was never accessible by anything but walking was connected to the road network and was therefore no longer reserved for the hiking kind of travelers. Some roads bypassed the trails, some replaced the trails. Less active travelers since arrive in jeeps and buses and cause a new orientation of the way to make business with tourists in both the Manang and the Kali Gandaki valley.
At the same time the Annapurna Circuit got arguably less attractive to trekkers, just east of it, a trek which was reserved for camping groups became possible to do by using only tea houses and lodges, without the need to carry tents or other equipment. It starts in subtropical jungle, crosses many different valleys, villages and landscapes, enters high mountain terrain and leads you across a pass of more than 5000 m of altitude. Just like the Annapurna Circuit does. It's still basically reserved for active hikers, it still offers some authentic mountain village life as not yet everybody is working in tourism, it's remote, it's challenging, it's beautiful, it's somewhat like the Annapurna Circuit must have been decades ago.
Is the Manaslu Circuit the new Annapurna Circuit, like some trekkers claim? Is it similarly easy to plan and do? Is it similarly cheap? Is it as beautiful? Will it be as iconic? Is it as convenient? How do those new tea houses look like compared to the almost luxurious lodges on the Annapurna Circuit? And what if all these answers would favor the Manaslu Circuit... Would that mean the Annapurna Circuit is no longer a good trek?
We compare the Manaslu Circuit vs. the Annapurna Circuit in depth, taking into account the usual duration of the treks, transportation to the trek and back, the permits needed, the situation concerning guides and costs, the maximum altitude you reach on the trek, difficulty of the trails, safety while hiking, remoteness and sense of adventure, accommodation standards in the area, cultural sights, authenticity of the villages along the way (as opposed to pure tourists/hotel settlements) and the diverse landscapes you will experience.
In the end we will try to summarize and rather than just declaring one of the two treks better for whatever reason, we will try to suggest which certain "types" of trekkers might enjoy either of the two treks more or less than the other and for what reasons.
Our goal is to give you a good idea about all aspects of both the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit and enable you to make your own guess about which one is the better tea house circuit trek for you.
We did our Mannapurnaslu Trek in the end of 2019, which is also where most of the footage was taken. The pictures in this video are either from our AC trek in 2014 or from our friend Andrees de Ruiter, popular Nepal trekking expert and book author.
Andrees' Facebook Page: / 110810205627502
Our complete Mannapurnaslu Trek Reports: • Mannapurnaslu
All Music by Kai Engel under CC license.
What do you think about the Annapurna Circuit and the Manaslu Circuit? What seems to be the better trek for you? Did you already do one of them? Or maybe even both? If so, which one did you like better and why? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
In case you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a like!
Also please feel free to browse our many other videos about trekking in Nepal, or maybe even subscribe to our channel!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

😀More than 20.000 views! You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for watching and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have regarding both treks or trekking in Nepal in general! 😊

[@nishalpradhan1610]

Why isn't this video getting the attention it deserves?!!! I am totally blown by the quality of it! Right from the visual storytelling, the narration, the script, the meticulous observations touching so many aspects of it, the clarity and the research involved. Man, this must've been a lot of hard work. And you're great at storytelling! Great video! :)

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you very much Nishal! :) That is very kind of you!

[@David-vi1ex]

I totally agree.

[@febeschaubroeck7198]

Exactly! We have been searching the internet to prepare our trekking in Autumn and this video was by far the most useful I have seen! Thank you!

[@shankarswaminathan9359]

I'm glad KZbin led me to this channel. What a high quality video, great narration and packed with valuable nuggets. Thanks a lot!

[@dawnchamling5710]

very detailed and well-researched...thanks for the info!👍

[@David-vi1ex]

Very informative, thank you very much. This video might change my life!

[@arunsheth7468]

A detailed video doing its job so beautifully .....👏

[@paweafelt7571]

I appreciate, how informative and well prepared this was, as compared to numerous videos I have seen so far regarding both treks. Gut gemacht.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Pawel!

[@ELPax-rw7uw]

Many thanks for your useful comparisons. Enjoyed the photography too. Regards - namaste

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Robert! :)

[@Teilzeitburnoutianer]

This deserves so many more clicks! Great comparison! Even useful for those that only want to trek Annapurna.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you so much! :)

[@eugene-my]

Thanks a lot, very nice review!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks Eugene! :)

[@FaiscaaaH]

Great job !!! Many thanks

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@pafkorsky]

Well done, just perfect!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you! :)

[@bobmarley6161]

Fantastic thank you kindly.... Stunning scenery... Heavenly

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you very much Bob! 😊

[@donsk904]

Amazing video thanks

[@lukasf.1381]

I needed this video in 2017. Did manaslu and it was wonderful.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Glad that you enjoyed the Manaslu Circuit as much as we did! :) I hope the video will be helpful for others in the future though, despite it came too late for you. 😃

[@bivekchalise3549]

I'm from Nepal and this is a quite perfect comparison.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Bivek! :)

[@SuperSha2nk]

Woww just wooww The way you explained Speechless 👌

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you so much shaw shank! :)

[@tonycrypto2356]

i did the manaslu march 3 to 14 this year and the anapurna apr 23 to 30 alsi this year....i was disappointed by the huge crowd at anapurna although the trek itself was very nice, manaslu was magic and i loved the remoteness and the fact that there were so few people...manaslu was definitely my favorite ❤

[@josvaneekelen4980]

Great video. I did the Annapurna circuit in 1980 when there were no motorable roads there. Up till Muktinath there were no lodges or shops, from Muktinath to Pokhare there were lots of lodges already, that part of the trek was not overly crowded but really nice with lots of trekkers. Things have changed a lot in the last 40 years 🙂 I remember that friends did the Manaslu trek but they had to return because their guide could not find the pass due to bad weather (and a less experienced guide). Later it turned out that they returned just a few hundred meters before the pass but remember, this was before GPS etc. I'm in doubt about the next trek, perhaps an easier one because I will be in my late sixties by then but Manaslu is tempting.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Jos! I can recommend Manaslu. If you have enough time and plan your stages a littler shorter, it's not too difficult. If you like it even easier, maybe consider Langtang and/or Gosainkunda?

[@pomulholland6787]

Two years ago I did Annapurna circle and end of this month going to Manaslu circle . Thank you for video.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

I guess End of March is a great time to hike the Manaslu Circuit. Enjoy! 😀

[@tux008]

Having done annapoorna circuit, this is fantastic stuff, complete and relatable perspectives, complete with relevant data, thanks a ton, hope I'll benefit from this and go for manaslu too one day 🙏❤️ And this deserves much higher viewership

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you TuX! That's very kind! :)

[@thewalkingsketchbook]

THANKS! This is a brilliantly informative and well put together video. Having intended to do the Annapurna, the information on the road has totally killed it for me!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks a lot Steve! Glad it was helpful.

[@thewalkingsketchbook]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains made all the difference 👍💪🙏

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you guys and girls sooo much for 5000 views! :) That's my first video to do so well and I apprechiate it very much!

[@tapioportimo2551]

Your first video????

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

@@tapioportimo2551 Haha, no. But it's the first to score so many views.

[@ATravellersDiary]

thank you for your effort.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

My pleasure

[@NoraphonKaedklung]

Thank you.

[@dig5tar332]

Good video. Very informative and straight to the point 👍 I completed the Annapurna trek back in 1988 from Ghorka to Pokhara.It seems a pale reflection on what it was back then. Heading to Manaslu next month👍

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you dig5tar332! Enjoy Manaslu! It's one of my favorite treks. I'm sure it'll not disappoint.

[@borger2109]

Great video & very informative. I've done the AC twice making use of your alternative trails! Thanks for that! I also did a number of other treks in various regions in Nepal. The one thing that stopped me from doing the MCT is that a guide in mandatory. I like to do a hike unguided. Maybe it is still in the stars for me though! Cheers!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks Martin! It was the same for me. Manaslu was only the 8th trek for me in Nepal because I didn't want to be forced to go with a guide. We ended up getting a great guide, chemistry was very good and we enjoyed it a lot. The MC is worth accepting that "inconvenience".

[@borger2109]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains I hear you. I've also got in touch with a great Nepali guide that I've known for > 6 years already. He'll be my man! This year it's the TMB for me. Have fun and take care!

[@StarrDaniel]

Fantastic

[@SudipManutd]

Did the Annapurna Circuit last month. Undoubtedly the best travel experience ever had. This has motivated me to go for more trekking challenges in the future.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

That's great!!! You could try the Manaslu Circuit or you could trek to Gokyo or through the Langtang national park.

[@seninevah244]

Hey! Might I ask how the road construction is nowadays? As this video is already 2 years old, just wondering how the alternate trails are doing? Thanks!!

[@yogasouslayourte]

Hi I did the Annapurna Circuit this time last year (April 2022) and managed to do most of it avoiding the roads : a bit of a struggle sometimes as both my porter and people we asked on the way couldn’t understand why I’d want to walk further and on harder trails when there’s a road now... but was sooooo worth it ! Sometimes I was the only one on the trail, especially going down from Muktinath to Ghandruk. It was amazing. I’m now planning the Manaslu Circuit for this October. This comparison is all I could have asked for. Brilliant, thank you 🙏🏽

[@phealy02]

You wasted your money. Annapurna has sadly descended to a populist track for 'tourists'. Manaslu is still a hidden gem, with remote valleys seemingly from another world, Gorkha / Tibetan cultures mostly untouched, and a hike up and down seriously steep paths often obliterated by landslides that makes Annapurna EBS feel like a sedentary walk in the park

[@viktor.egelund]

Good comparison and info.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Viktor! 😃

[@krishnadutta313]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains J by. To

[@dfgrendezvous]

Very informative video. Plus great sceneries! I'm definitely going to watch your other videos as well. :-) The only point that I disagree was about trekkers being a minority in the AC. When we went in 2019 (did the whole route from Besisahar to Nayapul), and most people were indeed trekkers before the pass. Some had obviously taken jeeps further up of course. The notable exceptions were Manang which had a lot of local visitors. I didn't see huge groups from Asia either other than Nepalis apart from a few here and there. But, there were indeed very few trekkers after Muktinath.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Hi Sachitha! Thanks a lot for your comment! :) Good to hear, that the situation might look different, perhaps at other times of the year. When we visited end of October we even meet groups that took a jeep to Manang and then crossed Thorong La on ponies to Muktinath. All without any walking. And yes, I was referring to the area around Manang. Of course in the lodges along the way are mostly trekkers, since the jeep using visitors don't even get off up until at least Chame.

[@peterendes2502]

It is the best video I’ve seen, and I have watched a lot. Detailed, focusing on numerous aspects(cost, guide, permits, landscape, difficulty, “trekker density”). Having completed ABC, EBC, “Poon Hill”, Mardi Himal, etc, this is our next one in a April. Love it, thank you!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Peter! :) What will you go for? AC or MC?

[@danielsiebert319]

Hey Peter, so you are already very expierenced in Nepal trekking, wow! We will do a tour in End of April and have to decide which trek we will do. At the moment the highest voted is a mardi himal - poon hill combination via landruk. With Tours are your favourite so far?

[@bdr8049]

This is a very interesting video. I have done both treks but over 35 years apart, I did the Annapurna trek in the early 1980’s and the Manaslu trek in 2019. It sounds like the Annapurna trek has become much more commercialised and the character has changed since the road was put in. The Manaslu trek was great, the scenery, people and culture were all very enjoyable. It is reasonably strenuous but a fit person should be able to handle it. I did it in the monsoon which provided another layer of interest. They are building a road up the valley which may change the character of the trek to some extent but I suspect the combination of plate tectonics, gravity and the monsoon will limit commercial development.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Trekking the AC in the 80s must have been a real adventure! 😯

[@mihirgmail]

Lovely, picturesque, informative video ! After watching another spectacular video by Napal360 Team, the 'Manaslu Circuit" was very much on mind & i wish to undertake it in October this year. The fitness program is in progress for this trek. I have already had chats with 'Mountain Ram" & their views are also similar to what you have specified. They give a duration of 18 days for the Manaslu circuit ( Kathmandu-Kathmandu) that probably include the acclimatizing days. After watching the Manaslu trek i fell in love with it due to the breathtaking scenes & terrain it offers & in such a varied way. The scenery keeps on changing every day & that is something very much to behold. You have just consolidated my resolve to do this trek even more. Thank you for this wonderful, honest, accurate depiction of the trek ! Thanks a ton !! Keep posting such great ones ! Cheers !!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this and enjoy your Manaslu Trek!

[@deepagurung7527]

Raw & authentic … definitely Manaslu circuit

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

I agree Deepa! :)

[@corbinsdaddy]

Thanks for the awesome video. I was planning on the Annapurna Circuit next year, but after learning about the road and diminished cultural experiences, I’ve been leaning toward doing the Manaslu Circuit instead. After watching your video, I know for sure now that the Manaslu is the trail I want to see! Just have to convince my trekking partner now!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Happy if the video was helpful! :) if you need a guide/agency recommendation let me know.

[@davidmoore5822]

Manaslu looks to be a trek back to the real Nepal.

[@SudipManutd]

Please don’t avoid Annapurna Circuit. Yes there are very few drawbacks but you’ll miss out on one of the best trekking experiences.

[@markdayment3917]

Interesting to watch your video & see how much has changed. I did the Annapurna circuit in first 1987 & again in 1991 ,on the Manang side the only choice on the menu was Dahl bhart or Dahl bhart. It’s a shame that you now have to walk dodging the vehicles. The Mansalu trek looks amazing.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

The Manaslu Circuit is truly amazing, Mark Dayment! There is also Dal Bhat alternatives by now. 😊

[@markusfeljofsen8345]

Good video

[@normancarbajal5154]

Did the Manaslu Circuit May 2019 very satisfying trek would recommend it.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Hi Norman, i took these clips in fall 2019. Maybe you can spot yourself somewhere. :'D

[@sudiptadatta3549]

How was the weather in May. I am planning to do it in this May.

[@dasbongo4776]

good video

[@gabanlange9793]

great video..i miss trekking in Nepal..combination of manaslu + narphu valley + thorung la pass + mustang valley trek would be a dream trek for me..since the manaslu trek exit at dharapani,would be great to proceed to Koto and do the Narphu valley trek which exits at Ngawal to Manang

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

That is a great idea! Espacially because both Manaslu and Naar/Phu require a guide anyway. If you combine the tweo treks you can use one and the same guide for the whole trek.

[@FragenAnsLeben]

The most clear and informative video on the treks. I did the Annapurna 3 times, it is 20 years ago. Seeing this, I'm seriously shocked. If I can manage to go back, I'll do Manaslu, although I would like to trek independently.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you very much Jane! Having to hire I guide put me off the Manaslu CIrcuit for quite some time, but in the end I enjoyed having him around. If you want to trek independently, there is still the Khumbu and the Langtang area (Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Valley, Gosainkund, Helambu - if you combine all 4, you get a great 2 to 3 week trek). Also many of the treks south of Annapurna have less or no annoying roads and can of course be done without a guide.

[@FragenAnsLeben]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains I did Khumbu from Jiri some 15 years ago. Manaslu is in my mind since 20 years. I think I would like to do it know, but I hesitate. I'm 41 years old with a very arthritic knee...

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Sorry to hear about your knee Jane. I think if you'd decide to do the Manaslu Circuit and your knee behaves, you'd probably enjoy it there. Maybe hire a porter guide? Satifies the regulations and takes stress of your knee.

[@justinniotobias]

I did 7 years ago Annapurna circuit and basecamp in February (winter) and there weren't that many people. In February usually, the sky is very clear, but it's a bit cold. Due to fewer people, all the tea houses have usually lots of blankets available. I loved my Annapurna hike also more than the Everest base camp trek because of the totally different scenery you have starting from the beginning. Just after Besisahar till Dharpani it wasn't so nice due to the roads and just walking between cliffs.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

I agree! The scenery on both Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit is way more diverse than in the Khumbu. February is a great time for trekking for people who don't mind the cold.

[@iSee91]

One of the best and most informative trekking Videos about Nepal! Very well done! What I like about the AC is that it can be spiced up with the absolutely breathtaking Naar-Phu Trek and Tilicho Trek. For Naar-Phu you need a guide, but with a little research, you'll find a guide that meets you in the mountains only for this section and leaves off when you're on unrestricted terrain at the AC again. If you have plenty of time I would recommend this banger of a trip: Manaslu Circuit - (Dharapani > Koto on the AC) - Naar-Phu Trek to Ngawal - (Ngawal to Manang on the AC) - Tilicho Trek using Mesokanto La to Jomsom

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Johannes! That would indeed be a great trip! There are no lodges around Mesokanto La though. Actually it's possible to hike from Kathmandu to Pokhara and only stay in tea houses / lodges. Helambu, Ruby Valley, MC, AC... I'd love to do that once.

[@iSee91]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Wow, the KTM - Pokhara teahouse trek sounds super cool! Right, there are no lodges at Mesokanto La, BUT the teahouse up at Tilicho Lake is owned by one of the lodges down at Tilicho Base Camp and you can sleep up at the tea house by request (did that). If you then start early in the morning from the tea house, you reach Mesokanto La by 9/10AM and then it's possible to go all the way down to Jomsom. It is a long day of course but if you're well acclimatised (because maybe you did MC or Naar-Phu before) then it's one of the best options for this area and well off the beaten path. The landscape from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto La is otherworldly.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Not sure if I'm fit enough for that. XD Probably would bring a tent for backup.

[@dannychen1042]

Both done in 2013 & 2014. But I made monsoon trek in Manaslu one and saw nothing but much flowers. I plan to trek it again in clear seasons.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Manaslu is well worth to be done twice in my opinion. :)

[@irishjonny11]

great vlog.....really enjoyred it.......i completed Annapurna Circuit Trek last NOVEMBER........it was a very enjoyable trek with awesome views.BUT what you say about the roads is true...i hope to get back to Nepal next year and do the Manaslu Circuit.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks a lot Jonny! Was that your first trek in Nepal or did you do others before?

[@irishjonny11]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains first time doing Nepal....and i have fallen in love with the country....plan do do Manaslu in APRIL-MAY and then do Pokhara for a month in October.i really enjoyed the laid back lifestyle there...

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

I'd be interested in how you would rate the AC after you've done MC! Really hope I can go back to Nepal in 2021... Makalu Base Camp Trek is high on my list...

[@irishjonny11]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains makalu looks nice.......lets hope we get there soon.FUCK COVID...

[@ganeshadhikari2419]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIekemOQj7OekLM

[@shivashrestha5429]

Nice vedio

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks Shiva!

[@davidmoore5822]

I trekked out of Pokhara in 1977 to the Tibetan refugee camp. There were no Teahouses, just the astonishing hospitality of the people. A Himalaya trek will change any life for the better. I really enjoyed your work particularly the altitude confirmations. Very important to avoid "grippers".

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Wow I bet Nepal in 1977 was a whole different kind of adventure than nowadays. I'm a bit envious. :) And thank you for your kind words. You are right about Himalayan trekking changing people!

[@davidmoore5822]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains And thank you for this engaging doco on the Manaslu circuit. Great skills.

[@davidmoore5822]

Manaslu 2022 looks like 1977, unspoiled. I wish I was young enough to climb again.

[@Webpoodle]

I also did much of it it in 1977. Again in 2015. About to go again in March. Watching this has emotionaly prepared me for the changes. Hoping things are quieter after Manang.

[@sagarghimire2964]

Already completed Annapurna circuit and going for Manaslu this year 😍😍

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Enjoy Sagar!

[@samueleperenzin2047]

Which did you prefer?

[@lonnekevanoijen8072]

Great informative video. Thanks a lot!! We are planning on trekking in January (or Februari) next year. Would this have an impact on choosing either of those circuits? We understand that on Manaslu tea houses close down? Thanks!!!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Lodges do close, but afaik there is no fixed schedule for that. The losges in the villages should be less of a problem because they are tun by people from these villages. They'd just open for you. That can mean cold and maybe dirtier facilities and reduced menus, but you'd have a place to stay. The only real problem would ve the lodge at Dharamasala, because whoever runs that lives a half day (Samdo) or a day (Sama) away. Make sure the guide you hire did that trek before and knows these people and their phone numbers. Also: if passes are blocked by snow, Larke La takes relatively long yo reopen compared to Thorong La because less people walk it and the descent is pretty much constantly in the shadow in winter. I'd plan to go as late as possible. So: end of February, if it has to be these months.

[@doussotchristophe9411]

very good job! iam agree with you,i would add,EBC or three passes circuit are not so cheap ,and, culture and lanscape not so various!

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks Christophe! I did the three passes before I started making videos. You're correct, it's not as diverse as these two. But I think for people who want mainly the high mountains, the Khumbu might be best area. I liked Goyko valley even better than EBC by the way. :) Hope I can make a video on the Khumbu whenever travel can resume!

[@doussotchristophe9411]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains yes Khumbu is so beautifull and of course Gokyo valley,my favorite!! but for this year ...i a m waiting....end of virus!!

[@davidrichards9898]

Just did Annapurna circuit. Found roads werent as bad as reported and can usually be avoided. Last bit was pretty brutal altitude and cold wise. But loved it. Would love to do Manaslu is they ever allow unguided

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Having a guide is really not too bothersome (depending on the guide). At least the Manaslu Circuit is well worth the "inconvenience". I too, wanted to avoid hiring a guide, until the Manaslu CIrcuit was just too alluring.... Anyway I wonder if the road on the AC might be less bothersome on the end of the season. In mid October, when this was filmed, we found it very annoying. Especially between Dharapani and Pisang. But it's always great to read another opinion! :) Thanks a lot!

[@karonmark]

Wow great video. Been looking at these two, along with everest base camp. This might have just eliminated annapurna from the list.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks! :) Why don't you put Gokyo onto your list instead? 😁

[@christiankeil7845]

Nice video but it would have been nice to get some information about the acap trails on Annapurna circuit that should make it possible to avoid the road for some stretches.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Good Point, Christian! Unfortunately these NATT trails were already taken into account. 😕 Let me explain: There were indeed big efforts put in to create a new hiking circuit to avoid the road, but that was done more than ten years ago. It worked brilliantly in the beginning, and it - somewhat - still works today. Most helpful NATT trails are right at the beginning of the AC between Besisahar and Dharapani, as well as on the Kali Ghandaki side below Jomsom. Ironically that are exactly the stretches, that are skipped by most people these days. Between Dharapani and Manang (what I would call the "main section"), there are only very few NATT trails. And where there once were beautiful NATT trails, for example from Pisang to Ngawal and Gyaru, they are now also being replaced by dirt roads. I included some information about that trail in my Annapurna Circuit video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2aQhKqomM52bZY Check from 9 Minutes. In this video we took the NATT trails wherever possible, but we still ended up in traffic and dust and mud most of the time. Sadly, there is currently no (NATT-)way around it.

[@sushantbhandari7948]

Wonderful comparison. Btw which place is this exactly ?? -> 12:47

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thank you Sushant! :) That place is Pungyen Gompa. A 3 hour climb from Samagaon on the Manaslu Circuit. I would highly recommend it as a day trip for acclimatization.

[@orenthedoc9951]

Hey! Thanks for all the helpful tips. I'm a bit worried before going to the treks due to the road conditions. How would you describe the road from Kathmandu to both treks and do you think they are dangerous?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Great question Doc! First of all: traveling within Nepal is probably always a bit more dangerous than in most other countries. Both on the road and on domestic flights. That said, traveling in dry season during the day in tourist busses or jeeps is in my opinion not critical at all. So: stick to that approach if you're worried. I wouldn't ride on a local bus at night during monsoon. Talking about Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit especially: The first half of the drive to both treks (bit more when going to the AC) is on the street toward Pokhara, which is probably one of the best roads in the country. It's blacktopped and has stone guardrail thingies on most places. For the second half of the drive the road to AC is definitely better than the one to MC, but it depends on how far you go to/on the AC. Until Besisahar the road is smooth and blacktopped. After that it gets a lot worse. Also between Syange and Dharapani it's along a deep cliff. Going to the MC the road is also quite ok in the beginning but gets worse earlier. Massive potholes and small creeks everywhere on the track. But I don't remember it running along the cliffside. You can watch my dedicated Manaslu Trip report for some footage on that. Hope that helps! Which trek will you do?

[@orenthedoc9951]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Hey! we are going to do the Manaslu circuit eventually. From your answer I can understand that the roads aren’t the best in the world, which is something I was prepared for, but also are not dangerous or going by dangerous and steep cliffs. I can deal with uncomfortable drives and roads and massive potholes as you described. Is that the case with Manaslu circuit?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Yes I can confirm that. Soti Khola is not very deep in the mountains but still in hill country. So the tracks to there are over hills and not blasted into the cliffsides. There will be drops next to the roads, but nowhere as steep and deep as on tracks leading properly deep into the Himalaya.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWa4l2CYYqqYo9k 02:00 - 03:30

[@avivadhikari6034]

nothing beats manaslu circuit in Nepal. Hands down.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Manaslu is definitely one of Nepals best treks!

[@jamesspacer7994]

Hmm, i was gonna do Annapurna but now I'm leaning towards Manaslu...

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

If you can afford the extra cost and don't mind the mentioned small drawbacks, I'd recommend to check out the Manaslu Circuit! :)

[@jamesspacer7994]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Thank you 😉

[@orenthedoc9951]

Hey! Going to do the manaslu circuit next month. I’m a bit worried about my level of fitness. I’m 26 and did a bit of hiking around the world, not high altitude yet. Due to work I didn’t have time to get fit enough. Do you think there is a reason I should be scared or alter my plans due to this matter? Thanks for your help !

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

This isn't easy to answer, as I don't exactly know your state of fitness, but I'll be happy to try! The good thing about trekking in Nepal is, that there will be a village every 2 to max. 3 hours and they all have tea houses (lodges). Some villages nicer ones than others, but slow walkers can't be choosers, I guess. That means, if you have enough days to use for the trek, you can make the stages as short as you like. Except for the one across the pass. We needed 8 hours to get across. If you find out you're really slow (and you have about 10 days before to benchmark yourself), you just have to start early enough and mentally prepare for it. Another thing you can consider is hiring a porter to carry your stuff, which would leave you with only your day pack. Porters go for like 15 dollars a day give or take. You might also be able to arrange a deal with your guide for him to carry a certain load. In case you really don't think you can cross Larke La, you can still choose a different trek. There are several nice treks in Nepal without a high pass. Check are channel for the trek reports on Langtang (no Pass), Gosainkunda (very easy pass) or Gokyo (optional pass). And what you can still do up to the start of your trek are squat lifts. Dedicate just 5 to 10 minutes a day to squat lifts and you'll be in much better shape! Promised. Enjoy the trek! 😀

[@orenthedoc9951]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Thanks for your reply! I'm also looking for information online regarding the costs of the trek since I've heard it isn't the cheapest one. We are going in a group of three and wish to hire one guide for 14 days. We aren't big spenders and we wish to be modest with our spending during the trek. What do you think the price range for the trek can be. Thank you for the help.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Well, a guide is something like 25$/day plus tips if he does a decent job. If you're 3 trekkers, let's say it's 10$ per day. So 140$ for 14 days. Additionally there will be his bus tickets and there might be little bit on top for the agency you hire him through. However that completely depends on the agency itself. You should probably compare their offers. Let's be conservative and just say 200$ per person for the guide. Then, it'll be about 200$ per person for the permits. Unfortunately there isn't really a way to save any money with those. As far as transportation to Soti Khola and back from wherever you finish is concerned: bus tickets are rather cheap. You might get away with as little as 10$. Now for the biggest share and also the biggest variable: Accomodation and food. I usually estimate 25 to 30$ a day, but that does include a soft drink once in a while or an occasional beer and a few snickers bars. Those are the expensive things. If you stick to water and dal bat, 20$ and lower per day is possible. A good way to save some tea money is bringing your own tea bags. I'll leave that at the estimated 25$ a day. So 350$ for 14 days. All together you're looking at a conservatively estimated 760$ per person. Probably 700$ if you find a cheap agency and skip the beer and coke. Hope that helps!

[@orenthedoc9951]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains You are a gift! Thanks for the helpful information.

[@impatientoptimist2828]

Thank you so much for the video. I am thinking of merging these two circuits. How would you recommend doing it?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Both passes are safer to approach from the east, so I'd recommend doing them counter clock wise. You start with the Manaslu Circuit, cross Larke La and descend to Dharapani. From Dharapani on you can just continue hiking up towards Manang and you're already on the Annapurna Circuit. No extra permits needed.

[@impatientoptimist2828]

Ohh sweet! Thank you so much. @@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains

[@impatientoptimist2828]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Another quick question. I am trying to avoid hiking on the road so I was thinking maybe I exit the hike at Muhtinath. and have this plan. Any thoughts or anything I am getting wrong base don your experience. I do realize this is a long question, so please feel free to ignore. Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (7-8 hours). Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (9.7 miles, 2,100 ft elevation gain). Day 3: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat (13.7 miles, 3,940 ft elevation gain). Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (12.4 miles, 2,625 ft elevation gain). Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung (9.3 miles, 2,465 ft elevation gain). Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (9.3 miles, 3,180 ft elevation gain). Day 7: Rest day in Samagaon. Day 8: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3.7 miles, 1,485 ft elevation gain). Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (6.2 miles, 2,295 ft elevation gain). Day 10: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimtang (12.4 miles, 3,660 ft elevation gain). Day 11: Trek from Bimtang to Tilche (8.7 miles, 2,450 ft elevation gain). Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass (16,000 ft) and descend to Dharapani (12.4 miles, 4,930 ft elevation gain). Day 13: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (9.3 miles, 2,650 ft elevation gain). Day 14: Trek from Chame to Pisang (10.5 miles, 3,300 ft elevation gain). Day 15: Trek from Pisang to Manang (9.3 miles, 3,540 ft elevation gain). Day 16: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (6.2 miles, 2,200 ft elevation gain). Day 17: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (5.6 miles, 2,465 ft elevation gain). Day 18: Cross Thorong La Pass (17,769 ft) and descend to Muktinath (9.3 miles, 5,570 ft elevation gain).

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Something is wrong in there: Larke PAss is between Dharamasala and Bhimtang, so on your day 10. Otherwise it's a very standard itinerary. You can think about adding another rest day in Sama. Both Punggyen Gompa and MBC are good walks for acclimatization. If you don't have a day extra, you can easily walk all the way from Bhimtang to Dharamasala in one day to catch back up. Dharapani to Chame involves quite some road walking. Chame to Pisang also some. After Pisang it's getting better. After Muktinath there would be road walking on the road for half a day to Jomsom. After Jomsom there are actually some nice trails on the east shore of the Khali Gandaki river. Actually all the way from Jomsom to Tatopano there are good trails and almost no walking on the road. So if you have a few extra days and can stand the walk to Jomsom, you have great trails to hike down through the Kali Ghandaki valley. Here is a map: www.magicalnepal.com/ght-high-route-annapurna-naar-phu-map/

[@impatientoptimist2828]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains This is super helpful thank you.

[@PPeeszaszz]

What program do you use to create this video map?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

The map itself is from Google Earth Studio. It's free, but you have to apply for an account. The callouts were added in After Effects.

[@PPeeszaszz]

Thank you, Good content good visual!

[@bmolitor615]

Manaslu îs magical...

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Completely agree!

[@phealy02]

Annapurna has sadly descended to become a populist track for 'tourists'. Manaslu is still a hidden gem, with remote valleys seemingly from another world, Gorkha / Tibetan cultures mostly untouched, and a hike up and down seriously steep paths often obliterated by landslides that makes Annapurna or EBS feel like a sedentary walk in the park. There is no comparison. Manaslu is vastly superior... but the majority of muppets will still pursue EBC, there and back on a single bland trail, to regale the family of their courage.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Some less ambitious people do seek a walk in parks that have 8000m mountains in them, so there will always be trekkers who enjoy the Annapurna Circuit or EBC. I do fully agree, tho, that more experienced trekkers or travellers more interested in genuine culture will probably have a way better time on the Manaslu Circuit.

[@lempereurtravel1755]

You forgot to compare the climate of them and the temperature n which one is the most windy ???

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Great idea Martin! I will take care to include info about that in future videos. As for these two: They are directly next to each other and mostly in similar altitudes, so in general the climate is similar. One main differences is, that the Annapurnas, because they are wider, hold off more moisture, so the area around Manang is dryer than the area around Samdo on the Manaslu Circuit. Thorong La is 300 meter higher than Larke La, so on any given day it might be a tiny bit colder there. In my personal experience, it doesn't make too much of a difference, though. The last difference I'd mention is about the wind: the Kali Ghandaki valley on the Annapurna Circuit is very windy between Jomsom and Marpha. Every day from 10am to like 4pm, there is a strong wind from the south to the north.

[@hungsigsgaardnguyen7498]

I have done EBC. Do You think i can do Annapurna and Manaslu? Thanks

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

It is very similar in terms of difficulty, especially if you hire a porter. The main difference is: you bring your luggage across the pass (Larke La or Thorong La). So, if you carry your own backpack, just imagine you have to climb Kala Patthar with a trekking backpack instead of a day pack. That's how the passes feel like. Otherwise it's very similar.

[@hungsigsgaardnguyen7498]

@@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains Thanks so so much. I also want to enjoy the view so maybe I should hire a porter. I hope I can do it.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

@@hungsigsgaardnguyen7498 just give it a try! Its not much harder than EBC! :)

[@adelynhanny5280]

Planning to hike with kids, and I don’t want them to be put off long distance hiking for life. We are inexperienced hikers. Maybe the Annapurna circuit is easier ?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Hi Adelyn! There are many things to consider and not knowing you or your kids, it's difficult to answer this. The advantage of the Annapurna Circuit is that it's usually very comfortable after hiking is done for the day. Though the hiking itself is sometimes not really good because of the road. Since you say you're not very experienced: maybe consider a shorter trek, that doesn't include a high pass which has to be crossed. There are a couple of great treks south of Annapurna which all have comfortable lodges and great hiking trails. Search for Kopra Danda Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Mardi Himal Trek. All of these should be more suitable for not so experienced families.

[@adikrishna2137]

Is solo possible for manaslu?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Unfortunately you need to have a licensed guide with you. Maybe the rule is different for Nepalis.

[@ashtonal.2634]

we did the Annapurna circuit I 1997, I can't believe you can now drive to Manang and then take a jeep from Muktinath to Pokhara, sounds like its not much of a classic trek anymore

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

True, @ashtonal.2634. I guess it's more like Manang will become a hub for shorter hikes within the Marsyangdi valley in the future. There's certainly a large group of tourists who want to do short but still high altitude treks.

[@swikrit6724]

Could you maybe list the overall cost it took for the Manaslu circuit?

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

It depends a lot on how you want to do it. Permits will be about 200 USD per person. A guide will be 35 to 40 USD per day for the whole group. So here it depends on the size of your group. Bus transport to the starting point might only be 10 to 15 USD, while renting a whole jeep would probably be 250 USD. So again it depends on the size of your group. The same numbers apply for transportation after the trek. So if your group is small, you can save a lot of money, if you take the bus. Personal expenses per day would probably be equal to about 35 USD per person per day.

[@swikrit6724]

I’m a Nepali myself so I don’t need to worry about permits and guides. Just want to know the costs for travel(from ktm), homestay, and food.

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

I see. Then I would suggest you estimate 3000 NPR (just bed and food) to 4000 NPR (incl. snacks and beer if you need those) per day of trekking for you. As for the exact price of the bus ticket to Arughat Bazar or to Soti Khola, I'd check at the bus park. I don't have exact and up to date information on the ticket price. Enjoy the trek!

[@swikrit6724]

Thanks for the information!

[@bishalbikrant8572]

Manaslu is the best

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

For sure one of the best treks I ever did!

[@desmondfoo3623]

Great video but please stop the higher-than-thou preaching about the "other tourists" who are not there to trek. Everyone has alright to be there as long as one respect the environment and culture. They might be just casual travellers short on time or even physically disabled so why judge them? I've met a physically disabled traveller who had the chance to see parts of the circuit thanks to the new road. Trekkers might hate the jeep trail but the locals and some travellers use it for a reason. Also the ACT still offers a lot more cultural immersion and sights then you gave it credit for. Just take some time and explore the villages of Braga, Upper Manang, Jhong, Lupra and even the Marpha and you'll be surprised ho much there's is to see. Cheers

[@TheMenWhoStareAtMountains]

Thanks for your feedback Desmond! If you got the impression that I don't want other people to go to Manang, I need to apologize. That wasn't at all what I wanted to say and I genuinely didn't want to judge anyone for anything. Of course everyone can (and should!) visit the Himalayas. The point I actually wanted to make was, that if the villages shift their focus to a new group of customers, they might be less appealing for people who go there mainly for trekking. The places you named are gorgeous! I wish more people would bother going there. Unfortunately the majority of visitors skip these towns.