Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek is designed for trekkers who want to explore both the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit of Nepal. During the trek, you will be trekking to two of Nepal’s highest passes: Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5106 meters above sea level and Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5416 meters, which is higher than the Everest base camp also.

During the trek, you will be passing through many lush green forests, old and wooden bridges, water streams, traditional stone houses, mani walls, monasteries, and many more. You will be walking through the stunning landscapes from the sub-tropical to high-altitude deserts. You will be trekking to 2 regions of Nepal, and each region has some unique experience to offer you.

The highlight of Manaslu circuit with Annapurna circuit trek is the majestic Mount Manaslu and Mount Annapurna 1, which tower over the route. While trekking through remote villages, you experience the rich Tibetan culture, with traditional stone houses, monasteries, and prayer wheels lining the trails of the Manaslu region, and as you trek through the Annapurna region, you will gradually ascend through terraced fields and charming Gurung villages, where the local people’s hospitality and traditions shine through.

The route takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, from tropical valleys to high-altitude deserts. On the way trekking via both regions, you will witness many Himalayan ranges like Annapurna III, Annapurna South, and Gangapurna, and in the Manaslu region, you will witness Mount Manaslu, Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Himachuli ranges. Also during the Annapurna circuit trek, you will visit the Muktinath temple, which is a sacred place for Buddhists and Hindus. You will visit the beautiful city destination Pokhara, known for its serenity and adventure activities.

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit with Annapurna trek

• Witness Majestic Mount Manaslu at an altitude of 8163 meters.
• Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes.
• Witness the authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, with monasteries, prayer wheels, and traditional Tibetan villages like Samagaon.
• Explore remote villages such as Soti Khola, Namrung, and Philim, where life moves at its own peaceful pace.
• Experience the dramatic transformation of landscapes, from lush forests and terraced fields to barren high-altitude deserts.
• Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple.
• Witness Stunning views with close-up views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare as you journey through the Annapurna region.
• Cross Thorong La Pass, which is one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
• Trek through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine.
• Trek alongside wild rivers like the Budhi Gandaki and Kali Gandaki while gazing at towering mountains framing the valleys.
• Witness different wildlife animals like Himalayan wildlife, like blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and various bird species.
• Trek across glacial moraines near Mount Manaslu.
• Relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, where the warm, mineral-rich waters offer the perfect relaxation after a long day of trekking.
• Admire the beautiful alpine meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and rhododendron forests, which transform the landscape into a colorful paradise.
• Explore local cultures interact with the Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan communities, and learn about their ancient traditions, religious practices, and vibrant festivals.
• Walk through the historic trade routes once used by traders connecting Nepal and Tibet, giving you a glimpse into the region’s ancient commerce and cultural exchanges.

How to reach the Annapurna Circuit  via Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To reach the Annapurna circuit via Manaslu circuit trek, you will need to follow the specific route map, as you will be trekking through the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. You will first need to reach the Manaslu region to the place Macha Khola or Jagat, and then you trek to Larkya La and descend to Tiliche to Dharapani (Starting point of Annapurna Region). And then you can start your trek to the Annapurna circuit from Chame, as according to the new road conditions, the vehicle can reach there.

You will need to hire or rent a vehicle for the trek, which will drop you at Macha Khola, and then after that, you can do your Manaslu circuit trek when descending to Tiliche. We will drive to Macha Khola or Jagat (depending upon the road condition) and then start your trek. After that, you will trek via the Larky La Pass, Dhakuri, and Tilije, and then again start your trek to the Annapurna circuit.

After reaching Jomsom, you can take a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara, and after that, Pokhara to Kathmandu, or you can fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Permits are required for the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek

Permits required for the Manaslu Circuit with the Annapurna trek are the same as the normal Manaslu Circuit trek (MCT Trek). The normal permits required for the MCT Trek are Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP), Restricted Area permit (MRAP), and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).

All of these permits can be taken by visiting the Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, located in Thamel, or you can take it from Pokhara if you are doing the Manaslu circuit trek from Pokhara. The costs of the permits depend upon the time you visit; if you are visiting in normal seasons, then it's lower in price compared to the other peak seasons like autumn and spring, which are the best seasons to trek in the Manaslu circuit and Annapurna circuit.

Normally the restricted area permit is 75 USD for 1 week and 15 USD per day, and the ACAP, MCAP, and TIMS costs are 30 USD each. You can get the permits from the trekking agencies as well if you are trekking from them, or you can also apply through the online portal at the tourism board office.  

Difficulty level of the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek

The difficulty level of the Manaslu with Annapurna circuit trek is hard compared to other treks, as you will be crossing the highest 2 passes in the world, many traveler considers difficult to do for a single pass, and here you will be crossing two of them.

Before starting the trek, we recommend you to have previous trekking experience. You may do as first-time trekkers with the proper acclimatization and practices; however, we don’t suggest it. You can do some easy treks first, like the Langtang Valley trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Ghorepani poon hill treks, and other easy treks. After doing these treks successfully, you can do the Manaslu with the Annapurna circuit trek. But adventure lovers choose to trek three passes trek in Everest region on same trip, so trekking with reputed agency and experienced guide will make your dream come true.

You will need proper gear, equipment, acclimatization, and a licensed guide (mandatory) who can guide you through these difficult terrains, as you will be walking via steep ascents and descents, narrow trails, occasional landslide-prone areas, remote paths, and well-trodden but long and demanding trails, especially after already trekking Manaslu. You may feel fatigued already by doing the Manaslu circuit trek, so again, doing the Annapurna circuit trek can be difficult. To deal with all these, you will need high endurance and mental resilience.

As you will be trekking through the 2 regions, you will need more trekking days, from 20 to 30 days, depending. As you will be trekking through the passes, there is a chance of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as well, so please take care of it, acclimatize, relax, and then rest, and listen to your body to avoid any kinds of problems during the trek. Also, read the blog on how to trek in high-altitude mountains in detail so that you don’t miss any checklists for further inconvenience.

Why trek Manaslu Circuit with Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There are several reasons why you should do the Manaslu with the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Previously both of these trekking route used to take more than 20 days to complete. Now, as the construction of road to upper part of Himalya trekking duration is cut off by 50%. You now can trek both circuit in just 21 days. Then why not to complete both Himalaya ranges, at same package?

You will be trekking through the diverse landscapes of both the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. You will be trekking through untouched villages, Tibetan-influenced cultures, and wild landscapes with fewer trekkers, offering a true sense of isolation and authenticity. Crossing Larkya La Pass feels like stepping into another world, where snowy peaks, glaciers, and silent valleys create a spiritual mountain experience.

In the Annapurna circuit, you will be trekking through more diverse terrain, from alpine deserts to subtropical forests. You’ll walk through charming villages like Manang and Muktinath, enjoy better infrastructure, and witness a wider mix of ethnic groups, languages, and landscapes. You will be witnessing the majestic Himalayan ranges from Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29—7,871 m), Shringi Himal (7,161 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II, III, IV (7,937 m, 7,555 m, 7,525 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail—6,993 m), Nilgiri Himal (7,061 m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) ranges.

The sunrise and sunset over these majestic ranges are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and on this trek, you will witness these many mountains, which is the perfect trekking experience you want. Also, the trek offers you the best experience of trekking if you are an adventure lover. The charming villages of the region offer the best contrast to the raw mountains and rugged trails.

Documents required to obtain the MCAP, RAP, AND ACAP, TIMS Card permits

Documents required to obtain the MCAP, RAP, AND ACAP, TIMS Card permits are as below:

MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit)

Required for: Entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area (starting from Philim)

Documents Needed

• 1 copy of the passport
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Copy of visa and entry stamp (some offices may require it)

RAP (Restricted Area Permit) 

Required for: Trekking between Jagat and Dharapani

Documents Needed

• Valid passport with visa
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Original passport (for verification)
• Trekking must be done with a registered guide.
• You need to have at least two trekkers in a group (no solo trekking allowed).

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

Required for: Entering the Annapurna region after Dharapani

Documents Needed

• 1 copy of the passport
• 1 passport-sized photo

TIMS Card (Blue for Group Trek, Green for Individual)

Required for trekking in general regions like Annapurna

Documents Needed

• 1 copy of the passport
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Details of your trekking route, entry/exit points, and emergency contact

All these permits are necessary, and you will need to carry them throughout your trek and show them when needed.  Also, the restricted area permit cannot be taken in the tourism board office, so for that, you will need to take a trekking package from the government trekking agency.

Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

The trekking costs depend upon transportation, accommodations, food, guides, porters, permits, and gear rentals. Manaslu with Annapurna circuit trek costs will be higher compared to other treks as you will be trekking through two of the regions. But we garauntee you will feel the cost is really low to see such beautiful nature, Himalayas, culture, untoched rural life far way from the busy world.

Lets see the cost breakdown,

Transportation

To reach the starting point of the Manaslu Annapurna circuit trek and return, you will need transportation. You have three choices for the starting and return of the trek. First, you can take a public bus from the Gongabu bus park and drive to Macha Khola or Jagat and start your trek after completing the trek via the Thorong La pass down to Jomsom and take a public bus from Jomsom to Pokhara and then from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The costs for the use of public vehicles will be NRs. 1000 from Gongabu bus park to Macha Khola and NRs. 1500 to Jagat, and from Jomsom to Pokhara it will be around NRs. 2500, and from Pokhara to Kathmandu it will be NRs. 1000. However, the drive will be uncomfortable and long, which will make your trekking days long.

Another option for you is to use a private vehicle from Kathmandu to Jagat and start your trek after completing the Manaslu Annapurna circuit trek down to Jomsom or from Muktinath. Drive to Kathmandu via Pokhara. The costs will be around 500 USD if you're renting a 4WD vehicle. The drive will be comfortable and relaxing. Trip by private vehicle takes less time then public allow to reach destinations faster in your style.

Another option you can consider is using flight where evere possible. You will take vehicle to starting point of MCT trek complete trek at Muktinath. From Jomsom, you can take a flight to Pokhara, and flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. This will cut off 1 to 2 days. The flight  from Jomsom to Pokhara cost around 100 USD, and Pokhara to Kathmandu will be 110 USD. The total vehicle costs will depend upon the vehicle options you are choosing.

Accommodations

Another cost that you are going to spend is on the accommodations. You will be trekking for 20 to 30 days and spending around NPR 8 to 10 USD per night for the accommodations. However, if you are using the extra facilities like wifi, electricity, or warm water for the baths, your costs will be on the higher side, as to avail of these facilities, you will need to pay extra. Also, you will be sharing your accommodation room on a sharing basis in peak seasons (you may get single room on off season); if you want a single room for yourself, you will need to pay extra for that as well. The total cost for the 25 days is approx. It will be 250 to 250 USD  in normal conditions; if you are availing the other facilities, it can reach up to 300 USD to 350 USD.

Foods

As you will be trekking through the mountains and villages and will have long and strenuous treks, you will need good, healthy, and delicious foods. The food during the trek is delicious as well. You will be spending a good amount on food, as food is the only thing that will give you the energy to trek and keep you in the fit run. You will need to spend around 10 USD per plate, as it’s a mountainous area; the logistics are delivered with the help of helicopters, porters, or donkeys, making everything costly.

If you are eating dinner with Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, the cost is around NRs. 1000, and if you are trying some other foods like pasta, burgers, and pizza, then the costs will be around NRs. 1500 depending upon the altitude and the tea houses you are staying in.

The local foods are delicious and energy-giving; however, if you are eating the other foods, then it might be the average in taste, not like in the cities. You will also need to take dry fruits, fruits, energy, and snack bars, which may be costly during the trek, so it's suggested to carry these items from the city itself. Let's assume you are having breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner; then the costs will be around NRs. 30 to 35 USD per day, so for the 25-day trek, it would be around 750 USD.

Guides and Porters cost for Manaslu circuit with Annapurna Circuit Trek

Another place where you will be spending money is on guides and porters. As you will be trekking through the restricted area without guides, it is prohibited; that's why it's compulsory to have a guide with you. If you are hiring a well English-speaking guide, then he might charge you up to 30 USD to 45 Usd per day, and the porter also may charge around 25 to 30 USD for 25 kg weight loads. However, the porter is optional; if you want, you can carry your bags yourself, but the guide is mandatory, so for 20 days, taking an average of 30 USD, it would be around 600 USD for the guide and 500 USD for the porter as well.

Manaslu circuit with Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits Cost

Another place where you will be spending money is on the permits, as you will be trekking through the two different regions. You will need permits like MCAP, ACAP, TIMS, and MRAP, also known as restricted area permits. The restricted area permit is 75 USD for 1 week in off seasons and 10 USD each day, and for the peak seasons, it's 100 USD for 1 week and 15 USD each day added on. The costs for the other permits are fixed at 30 USD for 1 month. So let's assume you are taking a 25-day trek: the 270 USD for the MRAP and 60 USD for the ACAP, MCAP, and Tims.

Gear rentals

Another area where you will be spending money is on gear rentals, as gear is the most important thing to consider during the trek. You will need high-quality renting gear to complete your trek successfully. It is always suggested to rent gear, as after completing your trek, you don’t use them or rarely use the gear again. You can rent trekking poles, sleeping bags, carry bags, down jackets, duffel bags, crampons, boots, gaiters, headlamps, and all the other elements that are mentioned in the next topic, which is packing lists for the Manaslu with Annapurna trek. You can get these items for 10 to 20 USD per day, so for the 25 days, the costs are around 500 USD.

Packing lists for the Manaslu Circuit with the Annapurna trek

Packing lists for the Manaslu with Annapurna circuit trek is very crucial, as you will be trekking at a high altitude; packing according to that is very necessary and important. You need all these items for the Manaslu Circuit with the Annapurna Trek because the route spans remote, high-altitude regions with unpredictable weather, extreme temperature changes, and limited access to supplies. Let's discuss this in detail:

For base layers, you will need thermal tops/leggings. For insulating layers, you will need fleece/down jackets. For outer layers, you will need hard-shell jackets/pants. With that, you will also need trekking clothes, which are quick-dry shirts/pants, hiking shorts, socks, boots, headwear, footwear, and many more. You can read our blog on the topic of packing lists for the Manaslu trek in detail to know about the items you require.

Health and Safety Tips for the Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek

Health and safety are tips of the most known things before starting your trek so that during an emergency and need you can use these tips and come out of danger without creating any panic attacks, and you can handle everything. You will need to acclimatize properly and follow the rules. Climb high and rest low, which means trekking in the higher altitudes, but while staying, come back some meters lower in altitude to avoid altitude sickness. Always stay hydrated and eat healthy foods, avoid drinks and processed foods, and pack well-stocked first aid to overcome every emergency.

However, as you will be trekking with the agencies, they provide you the first aid kits; always use proper trekking gear, dress in layers to avoid the cold winds and weather, always stay connected and informed, and listen and talk to your fellow trekkers to stay informed about the weather, trails, and paths.

Understand Your Insurance. Avoid overexertion; always listen to your body and don’t push your limits, which may cause problems during the trek. Always be aware of the wild animals, as both regions lie in the conservation area. It is important to be aware and know about the situations. Practice fire and heater safety. Practice fire and heater safety to avoid health-related issues while trekking and always know emergency contacts & locations for any kind of emergencies. If you find diffuclty in trekking both the regions then you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek only.