Manaslu with Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days

Why Combine Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit?

Combining the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit trek allows trekkers to cross two different Himalayan environments on the same trek. The Manaslu Circuit has more remote valleys and trails, and offers views of Mount Manaslu. The Annapurna Circuit has more scenic and dramatic mountain views, and of course the famous Pass, Thorong La.

There is good variation in the landscape as you start in the lower and more remote mountain valleys of Manaslu, and work your way to the higher and more remote mountains, and cross Larkya La. You then descend to Dharapani, and use the motorable road to get to the small town of Manang. From Manang, the trail heads to the remote and high altitude mountain areas, crosses Thorong La, and ends in the town of Muktinath.

As the two circuits combined are a long trek, the itinerary is condensed, and to further save time, transportation is used to bypass some of the trail between Dharapani and Manang.

Larkya La and Thorung La Passes

The highest points on both treks are Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters and Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters. Trekkers must be well acclimatized for both passes and be aware of changing weather conditions.

Larkya La Pass is between the Manaslu and the Annapurna regions. The trail from Dharmashala, on the Manaslu side, climbs to the pass through a very difficult, remote, and barren high altitude environment. It then descends to the trailhead at Bimthang, and then to Dharapani.

Thorung La is in the Annapurna Region. The trail from Thorung Phedi winds up to Thorung La and then loses altitude for many kilometers to Muktinath. Thorung La is typically crossed very early in the morning because high, and often extreme, winds can blow throughout the day.

Memories of achieving the passes and the views along the way are the best and most rewarding experiences of the entire trek.

How Difficult is the Manaslu With Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Manaslu with Annapurna Circuit Trek comprises challenging high altitude mountains. The 15 day trek includes long days, constant ups and downs and two high altitude passes over 5,000 meters.

The days including the passes take 8 to 10 hours to complete. The passes include constant ups and downs and the trail includes rocky and uneven terrain, suspension bridges and steep sections.

Compressing the circuit into 15 days means there are fewer rest days than in longer versions of the trek. This means the trek includes several long and continuous days of trekking.

Trekkers should have high altitude trekking experience to be acclimatized to the conditions and to help with the long and continuous days of trekking. However, a good and experienced guide can ease some of the concerns.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Altitude sickness is one of the major challenges of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks. These treks visit remote regions of the Himalaya. The first few days of the trek are spent at lower elevations, but the purpose of the trek is to take you to the high Himalaya.

Before proceeding to Larkya La, you have the opportunity to acclimatize in Sama Gaun. Manaslu Base Camp is at an even higher elevation and can also be used to acclimatize before returning to Sama Gaun.

After crossing Larkya La, the remaining trek to Manang is by vehicle. From Manang, you will trek to the high altitudes of Thorong La.

Because the trek crosses Thorong La, which is about 5,416 meters (17,770 feet) above sea level, symptoms of altitude sickness should not be dismissed. Make your guide aware of any symptoms and he/she will determine if your itinerary requires modifications.

Best Times to Go on the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek

Generally, spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best times to do the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit treks. These times offer the most pleasant and stable trekking conditions and provide better mountain views.

During the springtime, higher elevation trekking conditions remain good, as the warmer temperatures and longer days bring blooming of higher elevation plants and trees, including rhododendrons.

Autumn has similar conditions to spring and is also a good time for trekking. Following the monsoon, weather remains stable and mountain views are good.

Trekking conditions during the summer and winter remain dependent on elevation. During the summer monsoon, lower elevations receive heavy rains, and trails become muddy. Higher elevations offer more stable conditions. During the winter, conditions become unstable due to extreme cold and High Camp and the Larkya La Pass become isolated.

Permits for the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekkers pass through both the Manaslu and Annapurna regions during these treks. Thus, different permits are required. The permits also depend on the specific route and the trekking dates. The permits for the Manaslu region are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality fee, the permits for the Annapurna region are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Trekkers may obtain the permits for the Manaslu and Annapurna regions by themselves. However, trekkers on an organized trip do not need to worry about permits, as Hill Sherpa Trekking obtains the permits prior to the trek. This allows trekkers to enjoy the trip rather than worry about organizational matters.

Accommodation on the trek

You will stay at teahouses and lodges while on the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Bathrooms and other amenities will be shared. Expect basic, rustic accommodations.

While on the Manaslu Circuit, expect better teahouse lodging at lower elevations and more rudimentary lodging at upper elevations. Once you have crossed the Larkya La Pass and are headed to Bimthang, expect better teahouse accommodations.

Lodges in the Annapurna Circuit offer better facilities in the lower elevations, while those in higher elevations are less comfortable. The same can be expected of Thorong Phedi. Once you have crossed the Thorong La Pass and arrived at Muktinath, you will find better facilities.

While up in the mountains, do not expect to have any of the amenities you are used to. If you wish to pay for a luxury, expect it to be very limited.

Food and drinks

The teahouses on both the Annapurna and Manaslu Circuits sell a wide variety of food to help you refuel while walking. Popular dishes include different types of noodles, soups, pastas, potatoes, eggs, and vegetables, as well as dumplings (momos) and Tibetan bread. Teahouses sell coffee and tea.

Of all the foods sold by teahouses, Dal bhat is one of the better options because it is a full meal that consists of rice, lentils, and vegetables, or you can choose fried eggs, meats, pickles, etc.

Drinking water is abundant and free along the trek. Many trekkers bring and use water purification methods to make the water safe to drink. While it is possible to buy and carry safe water with you, the water and other goods along the trail increase in cost the higher in elevation you go. Boiling water helps reduce the cost of carrying water and helps the environment by reducing the use of single-use water bottles.

Transportation on the Trek

Getting there is the first and last part of transport on this combined itinerary. The first part is the drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The second part is the road transfer from Dharapani to Manang after completing the Manaslu Circuit trek. The last part is the road transfer from Muktinath to Pokhara via Jomsom (a flight is also an option) after completing the Annapurna Circuit.

Thorong La is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. If you decide to take the Jomsom flight, you can skip the long drive.

It’s convenient to take transportation between Dharapani and Manang to combine the two longer treks into a 15 day trek.

Packing List

For the Manaslu with Annapurna Circuit Trek, proper packing is necessary because the trek covers a lot of elevational and temparaul changes.

Essential items include

• Comfortable trekking boots
• Warm trekking layers
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers
• Trekking trousers and shirts
• Warm gloves and hat
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain conditions
• Trekking poles
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Backpack and duffel bag
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Power bank and charging accessories

Because temperatures can be very cold around Dharamshala, Larkya La, Thorong Phedi, and Thorong La Pass, warm clothing is especially important.

Manaslu with Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

What’s included in your Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek package, the size of your group, your choice of accommodation and transportation, and the Jomsom flight after Muktinath, if chosen, will determine your final cost for this 15 Day package.

A typical organized package may include

• Airport and trekking transportation as specified in the itinerary
• Trekking permits and required entry permits
• Accommodation during the trek
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking period, depending on the package
• Licensed trekking guide
• Porters
• Guide and porter insurance
• Necessary staff accommodation and meals
• Government taxes and applicable service charges

Some packages may not include any of the following: personal expenses, meals and beverages, showers, charging services, tips, travel insurance, and other add-on services.

Riders may opt to take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara instead of taking the road trip as an alternative means of transportation, as per their convenience and preference.

Guide and Porter Support

A local guide is very important when you are doing a combined trek of Manaslu and Annapurna because there are remote areas, high altitude areas, restricted areas and two major high altitude passes.

Your guide takes charge and helps with several things, like arranging your accommodation, interacting with local people and lodges, and evaluating your pace and altitude sickness. While the guides take care of the planning and coordination, the entire group gets to enjoy the trek and the scenery. Our team in Manaslu and Annapurna has a lot of experience with high altitude trekking.

Why Trek with Hill Sherpa Trekking?

Hill Sherpa Trekking is a locally owned trekking company in Nepal. Members of our team have a lot of experience and knowledge about the various trekking routes in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions.

Our company provides trekkers with the opportunity to experience high mountain trekking in Nepal. We provide all the necessary services for trekkers including but not limited to: the necessary permits, transportation, trekking crew (porters and guides), and other accommodation and meal services along the way.

Each member of our trekking crew has extensive knowledge of high mountain trekking in Nepal. They are able to provide our clientele with lots of interesting information regarding the various ethnic groups, cultures, and environments we come across on our trekking adventures.

Because we are aware of the challenges high mountain trekkers face, we try our best to be as flexible as possible given the challenges of trekking in remote mountain regions. Our primary goal is the safety and enjoyment of all clients who trek with us.

Who is this trek appropriate for?

This trek is for those who want to explore high-altitude environments and are used to long days of walking. This trek is also for people interested in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. This trek covers a portion of both of these regions.

The condensed nature of this 15 days trek means covering both of these regions requires a fast pace and can be more challenging than doing each of the regions separately. To be best prepared for this trek, it is best to have previous experience with high altitude and long multi-day treks.

There are several things to be aware of and prepare for on this trek. These include high elevation, long days, varied and unpredictable weather, basic lodge and facilities, and long and difficult sections.