Side by side
| Langtang Valley Trek | Annapurna Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 16 |
| Highest point | 4,984 m | 5,416 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Total distance | 65 km | 210 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to November | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $500 to $900 | $900 to $2,200 |
| Starts from | Syabrubesi (1,550 m) | Besisahar or Chame (for road-shortened version) |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Langtang Valley Trek if
The Langtang Valley trek is a 7 to 9 day moderate route in the Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. It climbs through rhododendron forest to the high yak pastures of Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m, with optional side trips to Tserko Ri at 4,984 m. No internal flight is needed, which makes it the most practical short Himalayan trek from Kathmandu.
The valley trail is well-graded and the altitude gain is gradual. Tserko Ri is a genuine high-altitude day hike that demands a careful start and good acclimatisation.
Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek if
The Annapurna Circuit is Nepal's most diverse trek, taking 14 to 21 days to circumnavigate the entire Annapurna massif. It climbs from subtropical river valleys through pine forests and across the highest trekking pass in Nepal, the Thorong La at 5,416 m, before descending into the arid Mustang rain shadow. The circuit is partly motorable, so most trekkers now begin at Chame or Dharapani to preserve the best sections.
The altitude and duration are the main challenges. The walking itself is rarely technical, but Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest trekking pass in the world that is regularly crossed and demands thorough acclimatisation at Manang.
