Comparing the Everest Annapurna and Manaslu Treks

Comparing the Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu Treks: Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to trekking in the majestic Himalayas, three renowned routes stand out: the Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu treks. Each of these adventures offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique challenges. Choosing between them can be overwhelming, so let’s delve into a detailed comparison of their difficulty level, weather challenges, remoteness, budget, scenery, and cultural experiences.

1. Difficulty Level

Everest Trek: The Everest Base Camp trek starts from the altitude of 2,800 m and goes as high as 5,364m at basecamp. The trail involves rocky paths, stone steeps, and steep climbs. At higher altitude, trekkers may also have to walk in snow, and glacial moraine. However, the trails are well defined with ample lodging with relatively easy access to medical and rescue facilities. Everest base camp trek is about 12 – 14 days.  

Annapurna Trek: The Annapurna Circuit is considered slightly less daunting than Everest as it starts from subtropical regions and goes to high alpine terrain allowing enough days to acclimatize before crossing the 5,416 m Thorong pass. Trail conditions, medical facilities, and evacuation facilities are as easy as in Everest. A newly extended road to Manang makes this trek less remote and shorter ranging from 8 – 10 days.

Manaslu Trek: The Manaslu Circuit is the least frequented of the three but boasts its share of difficulty. The trek involves crossing the Larke Pass at around 16,763 feet and navigating rugged trails. Large sections of the trail are still a beaten path and are more vulnerable to landslide and flooding. While the challenge level is high, many find this trek to have a more adventurous spirit. Allow 12 days for the circuit.

Verdict: 

For beginners, the Annapurna Circuit might be the best starting point before tackling the more intense Everest or Manaslu adventures.

Round Annapurna Trek

2. Weather Challenges

Everest Trek: The trekking seasons are generally in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, availability of better lodges, this trek could be done throughout the winter. Fluctuating weather, harsh wind and snowfall is expected throughout the year at higher elevation. Since Everest trek involves flying to Lukla and back, flight cancellation may impact the trek.    

Annapurna Trek: While it shares a similar trekking season, the Annapurna region sees more rainfall throughout the year. Since the trail starts from subtropical Himalayan foothills, weather is more predictable and the trek schedule is not affected by weather. However weather may change rapidly at higher elevation with strong wind and snowfall throughout the year and crossing of the Thorong La is highly affected by weather.

Manaslu Trek: The Best time for trekking is also similar to the other two, but given its remoteness, weather conditions can have more challenging consequences. Since it follows the narrow Kali Gandaki valley, the trails may be swept away by landslide and flooding. Like Annapurna, this trek also starts from the subtropical southern valley which has more stable and predictable weather. Manaslu trail goes deeper into the Himalayas and dwells in the trans-Himalayan region for few days. These are in rain shadow of the Himalayas. The Larke Pass is at relatively lower altitude but the challenges of rough terrain and harsh weather throughout the year remains the same.

Verdict:

For those seeking consistency in weather conditions, the Annapurna trek could be your best bet.

Larke Pass (5,106 m) of Manaslu Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Manaslu Trek

3. Remoteness

Everest Trek: Being the most famous trek, Everest sees high tourist traffic, especially during peak seasons. This popularity means that while you can enjoy the company of other trekkers, you might miss the sense of solitude offered by less-traveled routes. The trail is well marked and established with ample teahouses and even luxury lodges. Access to medical facilities, means of communications and evacuation are relatively better are more accessible.

Annapurna Trek: The Annapurna Circuit has gained popularity over the years, but certain parts still offer a sense of remoteness. Since the base town Manang is now connected by road, this is less remote compared to other treks. The trail is clearly marked and well-developed. Access to medical facilities, communication options, and evacuation routes are more accessible, enhancing safely for all travellers.

Manaslu Trek: This trek remains one of the most remote options available. It is less traveled than Everest or Annapurna, providing a true sense of adventure and isolation, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Verdict:

If seclusion is your priority, the Manaslu Trek is your best choice.

Manaslu Base Camp

4. Budget

Everest Trek: The cost of the Everest trek can be relatively high, mainly due to necessary permits, flight costs from Kathmandu to Lukla, and the services offered in the lodges. The region is more expensive as it is far flung from Kathmandu and all supplies need to be flown in. Options of charter or shared helicopter flight directly from Kathmandu avoid 4 hours’ drive to Ramechhap airport from where all Lukla flight leaves during the season. Expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,900 per person, depending on the itinerary and level of service desired.

Annapurna Trek: The Annapurna Circuit typically comes at a lower price point, as it is in easy access from major cities and permits are cheaper.  The average cost can range from $1,000 to $1,600 per person.

Manaslu Trek: This trek tends to be more expensive than Annapurna but often cheaper than Everest. It has expensive permits and its remoteness increase price of lodging and transportation as well. A typical budget would be around $1,200 to $2,000, factoring in the cost of permits and specific logistics.

Verdict:

For budget travelers, the Annapurna Circuit offers the best value overall.

Luxury lodge in Debuche along the 

5. Scenery

Everest Trek: The Everest region is famous for its breathtaking views, including the towering Everest itself, expansive glaciers and other spectacular peaks like Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamsherku and more. The landscape is characterized by stark beauty with stark contrasts in altitude and terrain as we directly fly into the alpine region which escapes the climbs through undulating layers of mountains.  

Annapurna Trek: An unparalleled feast for the eyes, the Annapurna Circuit showcases lush valleys, terraced fields, sparkling lakes, and majestic Annapurna Range views. Each step offers a unique glimpse into varied ecosystems and picturesque villages and come down to the alpine desert of Mustang, known as the ‘Lost Tibetan Kingdom’

Manaslu Trek: Manaslu offers dramatic and untouched landscapes, with incredible views of the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The combination of lush forests, rice paddies, and the rugged high mountain scenery creates a breathtaking backdrop that feels less commercialized. This trek offers view of both the pristine Manaslu massif and the famed Annapurna.

Verdict:

The landscape and scenery of Everest trek is awe-inspiring from the day one. In terms of diverse and spectacular scenery, the Annapurna Circuit takes the crown, but the raw beauty of Manaslu is also truly captivating. These three treks are in tie in term of scenery. You have to choose as per what you prefer.

Tsum Valley - Manaslu

6. Culture

Everest Trek: This trek offers a rich cultural experience through traditional Sherpa villages and monasteries, providing insight into the customs, traditions, and lifestyle of these resilient people. However the major villages along the route are commercialized and the trail dwells high above the villages for days.

Annapurna Trek: The Annapurna circuit offers a fascinating insight into rural Nepali culture, featuring diverse ethnic groups from Hindu families in the foothills to Gurungs middle hills and Lobas in the trans-Himalayan region, with unique customs, food, and ways of life. There are ample festivals and ceremonies of Shamans, Bon and Tibetan Buddhists that trekkers may come across. Itineraries include a visit to mystic monasteries and meditation caves along the route.

Manaslu Trek: The Manaslu Circuit is steeped in culture, offering glimpses of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and ancient monasteries, and a unique blend of Nepali and Tibetan influences. The region has more intact Himalayan culture and lifestyle.

Verdict:

For a more immersive cultural experience, either Annapurna or Manaslu treks provide unique interactions with local communities.

Conclusion

Regardless of which trek you choose, each offers its distinct experience and beauty in the Himalayan mountains. Consider what challenges, scenery, budget, and cultural experiences you desire most. Whether you take on the iconic Everest trek, the scenic Annapurna circuit, or the remote Manaslu circuit, a journey through the Himalayas is undeniably a life-changing experience. Choose wisely, pack warmly, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Everest Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Manaslu Trek

---

Also Read :

• 8 reasons to Choose Manaslu Trek
• 10 must know things about Annapurna Circuit Trek