In case you intend to do both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, this guide will assist you in knowing what your schedule would be like, what you would spend, and how to prepare. If you have several weeks or just want to add together a shorter trek, such as the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or even the Langtang Valley Trek parts, then there is a means of creating a trip that fits your time, money, and fitness.

Suggested itinerary:

• Start in Kathmandu, travel by road to the Manaslu region (Soti Khola)
• Trek through villages: Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Lho → Samagaun → cross Larke La Pass (~5,100m) → descend to Dharapani

Rest/travel buffer days

• Transfer to Annapurna Circuit start: trek from Chame → Pisang → Manang → cross Thorong La (~5,416m) → descend toward Muktinath or Jomsom → return via Pokhara

If you have extra time, a short trek in the Langtang Valley Trek zone can add natural variety and forested scenery

Cost estimates: For Manaslu, expect around USD 1,200-1,800 depending on group size, guide/porter arrangements, and accommodation choices. For the Annapurna Circuit, costs tend to be lower per day because lodges are more frequent, and supply lines are easier. If you substitute the full circuit with the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you’ll reduce days substantially and thus lower overall expense.

What to Expect When You Combine the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit Treks

Together with these treks, it becomes a very rich experience. You will have different scenery of deep forest valleys, river gorges, alpine meadows, and snow-capped passes. It will have remote areas in Manaslu and more popular areas in Annapurna and cultural diversity with ethnic villages such as Manang, Tal, and Samagaun.

Weather will alter: in the mornings it may be cold, the afternoons warm; in the evenings it may be cold above 3,500-4,000 meters. Be prepared to have many carrying days, climbs and descents. Good acclimatization and physical fitness are essential.

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss on Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits

Some of the standout moments that make these treks unforgettable:

• Crossing Larke La Pass in Manaslu: a high point offering sweeping views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks
• Arrival at Thorong La Pass in Annapurna Circuit: hearing the wind, seeing the light of the sunrise cast on Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, etc.
• Visiting such villages as Samagaun (Manaslu) or Manang (Annapurna), is an opportunity to learn about the life and culture of locals, welcoming teahouses, and paying a visit to monasteries.
• Scenic differences: dense woodland changes, open ridges, glacier sceneries, high desert plains in the Circuit, green vegetation in the lower regions of Annapurna.

Best Moments: Sunrises, Views & Peak Encounters

The best are the situations when you are least expecting them: in the early morning on a high ridge in front of the pass, when the light strikes first the snow-peaks. In Manang, there are hardly any vantage positions in Annapurna that have perfect sight of Annapurna I, Gangapurna and other peaks.

You will experience some dramatic light across ridges in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, either in Sama Gaun or in and around Larke La. On top of the viewpoint mountains, such as the Tserko Ri, even during the Langtang Valley Trek, the sunrise is generously rewarding you with panoramic views.

Best Times to visit Trekking to Annapurna and Manaslu Circuits

Fall (late September to November) and spring (March to May) are the most favorable times of the year. The weather is mostly sunny, days are predictable, evenings are chilly and bearable during such periods. The heavy rainfall, wet trails and potential trail disturbances are witnessed during the monsoon season (June-August). 

Winter (December-February) implies snow on mountain passes, bitter nights. When mixing treks, strive to get into coincidence of congenial seasons not to experience either extreme weather in one and relative comfort in the other.

Choosing the Best Route for Your Combined Trek

Here are route tips to make your combining experience smoother:

• Begin with Manaslu Circuit Trek: this gives you a remote experience first, and acclimatization while moving across less busy paths. Then transition to the Annapurna region, where lodges are more frequent.
• Use buffer/rest days after high pass crossings so your body recovers before pushing into another major climb.
• If short on time, you might replace the Annapurna Circuit with the 7-Day Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It gives a sanctuary vibe and striking mountain views, but in fewer days.
• Add part of the Langtang Valley Trek as a side or pre-trek activity to balance remote highland exposure with calmer forest and cultural stretches.

Alternative Extensions to Enrich Your Trek

If you have spare days, consider:

• Adding Tsum Valley in Manaslu: very remote, culturally rich, fewer crowds
• Taking side hikes around the Annapurna Circuit, such as Tilicho Lake, Gangapurna Lake, or viewpoints around Manang
• Exploring the forested paths and monasteries of Langtang Valley Trek, either before or after your main trek, for contrast in scenery and pace

How Difficult are Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks

Both treks are challenging, but in different ways:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek has fewer support systems, more remote stretches, and a higher risk of altitude issues, especially on Larke La. The trail includes steep sections, glacier-fed rivers, and variable terrain.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek has its high pass (Thorong La), steep climbs, exposed ridges, but often more lodging and established infrastructure.
• If replacing part of Annapurna with the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the difficulty reduces somewhat: lower highest elevation, shorter daily walks, and more frequent stops.
• Fitness, good walking shoes, walking poles, layering clothes, and carrying a lightweight backpack matter a lot.

Food & Accommodation

On both treks:

• Lodges/Tea houses provide basic but warming food: dal bhat (rice + lentils), noodle soups, eggs, and local vegetables. As altitude increases, food becomes simpler and more expensive.
• Accommodation up low is fairly comfortable; higher up, rooms are simpler, with shared bathrooms, fewer amenities, maybe no hot water without extra cost.
• If including parts of the Langtang Valley Trek, early section lodgings are better; in forested zones, food is more varied and cheaper.
• Budget accordingly for extras like charging devices, WiFi, hot showers, and snacks.

Communication & Electricity Access

• In the lower and mid-sections of Annapurna and Manaslu, lodges often have solar-powered electricity, charging facilities (for a fee), and sometimes WiFi.
• Higher up, electricity and communication get patchy. Mobile signals may drop. Power may be solar and limited.
• In Langtang Valley Trek portions, similar: good until mid elevation, then signal and power are less reliable. Bring a power bank and backup lighting.

Permits and What You Must Do Legally

For any trek in Nepal, following these rules is key:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area. You need special permits (Restricted Area Permit + Conservation Area Permit). Hiring licensed guide(s) is mandatory, especially in restricted zones.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek also requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Most trekkers need to have this before the trailhead.
• In case you are doing the Langtang Valley Trek, you will require a Langtang National Park Entry Permit and in some cases, a TIMS card. Foreigner permit fees vary between about NPR 3,000-3,500 in the Langtang permit and VAT. 

Never rely on an old set of permit regulations during the year you trek because Nepal occasionally changes regulations.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek or both is a matter of time, degree of challenge, and desired remoteness of the trek. When you have at least a few more weeks to spare, are in shape, and wish to follow trails less travelled, Manaslu is a good payoff.

If you have less time or a budget constraint, then consider using some of Annapurna or opting for the 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek as it provides great scenery and deep experiences without taking excessive time. The portions of the Langtang Valley Trek are to be included to provide the forested tranquility, cultural depth and balance the highs and the effort.

Walk respectfully, respect local communities and the environment, prepare well, define your pace and every sunrise and ridge. These Himalayan treks are not merely a route on the map, but they are a part and parcel of you. We’re Nepal High Trek And Expedition Pvt. Ltd., based in Kathmandu, specializing in treks, climbs, and more for solo travelers and private groups. Contact us at info@nepalhightrek.com or WhatsApp +977 9851142116.