Side by side
| Pikey Peak Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 16 |
| Highest point | 4,065 m | 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging | |
| Total distance | 100 km | 177 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to December | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $1,000 to $2,000 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Starts from | Dhap or Phaplu | Soti Khola (700 m) or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 1 | 3 |
Choose the Pikey Peak Trek if
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short, low-altitude route in the lower Solukhumbu region. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the Mount Everest range without the need for long acclimatization. The trail passes through authentic Sherpa villages, quiet monasteries, and lush rhododendron forests.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
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.
