Manaslu Circuit Trek Map & Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
Planning a trek through Nepal’s majestic Himalayas often begins with choosing between two iconic trails: the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map and the Annapurna Circuit Trek Route. Both journeys offer breathtaking scenery, diverse cultures, and high mountain passes, yet they differ significantly in remoteness, difficulty, and trekking experience.
Whether you're seeking the off-the-beaten-path adventure of Manaslu or the more popular and varied landscapes of Annapurna, understanding the route layout and map details is essential for a successful trek. In this guide, we break down both circuits, helping you decide which route aligns best with your trekking goals.
This combined route offers trekkers the rare chance to explore remote Himalayan terrain, encounter diverse ethnic communities, and cross two of the highest and most dramatic mountain passes in Nepal—Larkya La Pass and Thorong La Pass. In this blog, we’ll explore both treks in detail, explain how they connect, and provide practical information to help you plan this ultimate Himalayan adventure.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Map
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hidden gem located in the western Himalayas, circling the world's eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). The trek starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, accessible by a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu, and ends at Dharapani, which also happens to be the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River through steep gorges, dense forests, and picturesque villages before climbing into the alpine zone. As you ascend, you’ll encounter Tibetan-style settlements, ancient monasteries, and dramatic Himalayan panoramas. The Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 meters, is the highest point of the trek and offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalayas.
Some of the key highlights along the Manaslu Circuit include the village of Lho, where trekkers get their first close-up views of Manaslu; Samagaon, a large and beautiful village that serves as a popular acclimatization stop; Samdo, located near the Tibetan border and known for its unique culture and dramatic location; and finally, the Larkya La Pass, which marks the thrilling culmination of the Manaslu journey before descending into the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map
Once you descend into Dharapani, you enter the well-known Annapurna Circuit Trek, which traverses a large section of central Nepal and takes you from lush subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts. The Annapurna Circuit is famous for its changing scenery, cultural diversity, and the high pass of Thorong La (5,416 m), which is often considered the highlight of the route.
The trek continues from Dharapani to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, and then into Pisang, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. As you approach Manang, trekkers typically take a rest day to acclimatize and enjoy views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges. From Manang, the trail ascends to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the base of the Thorong La Pass.
Crossing the Thorong La Pass is both challenging and rewarding, offering stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Mustang Valley. After the pass, the trail descends steeply to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, the route continues to Jomsom, where trekkers can either fly or drive to Pokhara to conclude their journey.
Combined Trek: Manaslu + Annapurna Circuit
The junction point at Dharapani makes it easy for trekkers to combine the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit into one epic trek. After completing the Manaslu Circuit, instead of returning to Kathmandu, trekkers simply continue along the Annapurna trail heading toward Chame and beyond. This transition creates a unique, extended trekking route that showcases the best of Nepal's natural and cultural diversity.
By combining the two treks, adventurers get to cross both Larkya La Pass and Thorong La Manaslu Circuit Trek Map & Annapurna Circuit Trek RoutePass and walk through lush forests, alpine meadows, barren high-altitude plateaus, and spiritual pilgrimage sites. The diversity of terrain and culture across both circuits is unmatched and provides an experience that few treks in the world can offer.
Suggested Itinerary for the Combined Trek
A combined trek typically takes 22 to 25 days, depending on your pace and any side trips or acclimatization days. Here's a general itinerary outline:
Days 1–12: Manaslu Circuit
Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola
Trek through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Lho
Acclimatize in Samagaon
Reach Samdo and Dharmasala
Cross Larkya La Pass
Descend to Bimthang and then to Dharapani
Days 13–22: Annapurna Circuit
Continue from Dharapani to Chame, Pisang, and Manang
Acclimatize in Manang
Trek to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi
Cross Thorong La Pass and descend to Muktinath
Reach Jomsom and fly or drive to Pokhara
This itinerary can be extended with additional side trips, such as visiting Tilicho Lake or adding Poon Hill at the end for panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Permits Required for the Combined Trek
To complete the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit treks together, several permits are required:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Manaslu region (from Jagat to Dharapani)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
These permits must be issued through a government-registered trekking agency. Additionally, a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu section. While the TIMS card is typically not needed if you have a RAP, some agencies may still issue it for Annapurna.
Summary
Combining the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks is an unforgettable experience that takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayas. It’s a journey that challenges your body, enriches your mind, and fills your soul with the grandeur of Nepal’s natural and cultural beauty.
The key benefits of doing both treks include a diverse range of landscapes, from remote villages to sacred temples; encounters with different ethnic communities, from Gurungs to Tibetans; and the thrill of crossing two of Nepal’s most iconic mountain passes. The trail offers both solitude in the lesser-traveled Manaslu region and a vibrant trekking culture in Annapurna.
For those considering this trek, it’s important to be physically and mentally prepared. The trail is demanding, especially at high altitudes, and requires adequate acclimatization and gear. The best seasons to go are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, and the views are crystal clear.
If you’re an adventurous soul seeking a long-distance Himalayan challenge, the combined Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek might just be the ultimate trekking experience you’ve been searching for.