Side by side
| Nar Phu Valley Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 10 | 16 |
| Highest point | 5,320 m | 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Challenging |
| Total distance | 115 km | 177 km |
| Best months | March to May and September to November | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $1,100 to $1,850 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Starts from | Koto (near Chame) | Soti Khola (700 m) or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 2 | 3 |
Choose the Nar Phu Valley Trek if
The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 10 day restricted route north of the Annapurna Circuit reaching 5,320 m at Kang La Pass. It leads into medieval stone hamlets, ancient monasteries, and dramatic trans-Himalayan gorges near the Tibetan border, requiring special permits and a registered guide.
Remote trails chiseled out of vertical canyon cliffs, sustained altitude in Phu village, and an early morning pass crossing over Kang La at 5,320 m.
Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek if
The Manaslu Circuit is a 14 to 18 day restricted-area trek in the Gorkha District of western Nepal, circumnavigating Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth highest mountain. The route crosses the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m and offers a rawer, less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit with comparable cultural depth and mountain scale.
The route is long and the Larkya La crossing demands proper acclimatisation. The trail is well-worn but involves some exposed rocky sections and glacier moraines near the pass. A restricted area permit and mandatory guide are required.
