Manaslu Circuit Trek Vs Langtang Valley Trek

While comparing the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek, the differences make both this trek more unique. If you are wondering which trek to choose, you can choose any trekking region according to your preferences and comfort. 

This blog covers everything you need to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek. We’ll be comparing these treks to factors such as journey through route, cultural diversity, trekking infrastructures, trail crowd, trekking restrictions, and permits. 

You can learn about these factors and choose any one of the treks that suit you more. Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek will give you an amazing experience, taking you to the heart of the Himalayas with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Let’s go through the details below. 

Introduction About Destination 

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing trek to the Manaslu region bordered by Tibet. This trek takes you to the area with Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth-highest peak in the World. The mountain lies within the Mansiri Himal range in the north-central part of Nepal, Gorkha district.

The gorgeous low landscapes from various cultivation to gorges of Budi Gandaki with its waterfalls lead to Larkya La Pass next to Tibet. You will encounter many beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, flora, and wildlife that make your heart flutter. 

The most difficult part of the journey is traversing the Larkya La Pass (5167 m). In return, the mesmerizing view of mountains, including Cheo Himal, Gyali Kang, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guni Himal from the Pass is a sight to behold. 

It lasts 13 days, starting from low landscapes and slowly ascending to high altitudes. It starts at Machha Khola, leading to Beshi Sahar, then north to Larkya La pass. Manaslu Circuit Trek, having Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, is the most peaceful trek you will ever experience. It is not flooded with people at all. 

Abundant mountains bring beautiful landscapes, variation of wildlife, and cultural and religious diversity here, which will leave a good mark on your heart. It is a more peaceful trek than the Everest base camp with fewer people.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is a trek to the “Valley of Glaciers“. It is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, with mind-blowing scenic views, beautiful landscapes, and snow-capped mountains, situated in the Langtang Region north of Kathmandu.

Langtang Valley trek gives you a jaw-dropping view. Many snow-capped mountains, such as Mount Langtang Ri, Langtang, Langrisa, and Ganjala Peak, make your heart flutter from the warmest, welcoming Tamang locals and their culture.

Along the journey, you coincide with rhododendron forests, Buddhist shrines such as Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa, and bamboo forests alongside thundering waterfalls and snow-capped beautiful mountains. 

This trek also passes through Langtang National Park, where many wildlife, such as Himalayan deer, bears, monkeys, and red pandas, inhabit. It lasts for 10-15 days, leading to the elevation of 3800 m (Kyanjin Gompa) and 4773 m (Kyanjin Ri). 

The trip begins from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. Syabru Besi is the starting point of the trek. Trekkers lead to Lama Hotel from there, then to Mundu, and finally to Kyanjin. Then they return to Lama Hotel, Syabru Besi, to Kathmandu, which ends the trip.

Journey Through the Route 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is physically challenging due to its difficult landscapes and narrow mountain passes, while Langtang Valley Trek is easy to moderate and more suitable for soft adventure trekkers. With the help of a professional guide, both trekkings are doable with some physical and mental preparation. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a restricted area with a mixture of Nepalese and Tibetan culture, while Langtang Valley Trek takes you to the valley with Tamang and Sherpa settlements. 

While trekking the Manaslu Circuit, you can enjoy the wildlife of the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. Langtang Valley also takes you to enjoy the wildlife beauty of Langtang National Park. 

Culture and Religious Diversity 

Both Manaslu and Langtang are full of unique cultural diversity and identification. Manaslu Circuit trek takes you to the border of Tibet, so you can see the blend of Nepalese and Tibetan culture while exploring Manaslu. Langtang Valley Trek leads to the typical Tamang and Sherpa settlements of Nepal. 

You can enjoy the mixed culture and traditional culture of Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans in Manalsu while enjoying the unique tradition, culture, and lifestyle of Tamangs and Sherpas in Langtang. 

Explore monasteries, Buddhist shrines, and prayer wheels while trekking Manaslu. You can cherish the ancient monasteries while trekking Langtang. The rich culture of both trekking regions will entertain you to the utmost satisfaction. 

Trekking Infrastructures and Trail Crowd 

Manaslu is a restricted area with less developed infrastructures. You can find tea houses along the route, but they are not well-facilitated. The restricted area requires a special permit, so many trekkers hesitate before trekking to Manaslu. That’s why these trekking routes are less crowded and more peaceful. 

The infrastructure in the Langtang region is well-developed. There are many tea houses with necessary basic facilities along the trail. Though it is less facilitated compared to other regions like Everest and Annapurna, it is comfortable to spend the night. There are few trekkers in the Langtang Region, which makes trails less crowded. 

Trekking Restrictions and Permits 

While trekking in any region of Nepal, you must follow some rules and regulations according to the designated place. You will pass through national parks, conservation, local, and restricted areas in your trek journey. So, permits are mandatory to enter the trekking regions of Nepal. 

Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area of Nepal because it is close to the border of Tibet. So, due to security reasons and control of tourism, a Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu is needed. This permit can be obtained only through the government-registered trekking agency of Nepal. 

It also covers the area of two conservation regions, so the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are also mandatory. You can apply for these permits in Kathmandu’s National Tourism Board office.

You need a TIMS card and the Langtang National Park entry permit card for the Langtang Valley Trek. You can get a TIMS permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the Trekkers’ Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) secretariat in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Conclusion 

Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek will lead you on a beautiful journey with eye-catching destinations. The beauty of these trekking regions varies accordingly but is worth the trek. Choose the best place according to your will. 

We have already discussed the important factors that tell the differences between these regions. This information will help you decide which trekking region to choose. Choose carefully and have fun trekking.

Looking for more? You might also like:

When is the Best Time for the Langtang Valley Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost