Side by side
| Upper Mustang Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 12 | 16 |
| Highest point | 4,010 m | 5,106 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Total distance | 155 km | 177 km |
| Best months | March to October | March to April and October to November |
| Typical cost | $2,500 to $4,500 | $1,400 to $2,800 |
| Starts from | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara | Soti Khola (700 m) or Machha Khola |
| Permits | 2 | 3 |
Choose the Upper Mustang Trek if
The Upper Mustang trek is a 10 to 14 day restricted-area trek through the former Kingdom of Lo, a culturally Tibetan enclave north of the Annapurna range. The arid, wind-sculpted landscape of red and white cliffs contains ancient cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Because it lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, it is one of the few Nepal treks accessible during the monsoon season.
The altitude is not extreme by Himalayan standards. The terrain is mostly good trail with some exposed rocky sections. The challenge is the remoteness, wind, and the bureaucratic requirements.
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.
