Why the Manaslu Circuit is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit? Sometimes developmental activities and modernization can have adverse effects? It sounds odd but it is true in case of the Nepal’s oldest trekking trail. The Annapurna Circuit Trek route has somewhat lost its charm of being remote and wilderness trekking route of Nepal. Now the trail is well trodden and full of upscale touristic facilities which may be good for some but not for all. Therefore, people are starting to search for its ideal alternative! For this, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek because of its remoteness and rawness.
What are the things that people look for in an ideal trekking trip? They look for rawness, remoteness, uncharted natural resources, and wilderness adventure. These are the things that people look for if they are on the long trekking trip. Few years before, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offered all these things but it is not the case anymore. The trail is full of well furnished resorts and majority of the trail is on the road. In fact, the cultural side is also starting to vanish in the face of modernization and tourism. Therefore, there is a desperate call for the alternative of the Annapurna Circuit Trek among tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
Today’s blog is all about finding out the reason why the Manaslu Circuit is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit.
Lots of people are starting to notice about the enticing highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Therefore, the number of trekkers is on the rise on this route compared to few years before. Even if the numbers are rising, the flow is still on check as the region is under the restricted region of Nepal.
Here is the list of the highlights that a trekker can expect during the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Yes, it is true that people are seeking for an alternative of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. However, the popularity of the trek has not dropped a single bit. The trail is still loved by many trekkers from across the globe. The rawness, remoteness, and cultural authenticity may have diminished but the natural beauty is still there for you to cherish. No wonder, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is still the cornerstone of Nepalese Trekking industry alongside the popular treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek.
If you are searching for a detour trekking up in the Himalayas for varieties of the reasons like remoteness, tranquility, authentic culture, and challenging terrain, then the Manaslu region is an ideal choice. After assessing lots of things including similarities and differences, this blogger is convinced that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative to the Annapurna circuit. Let’s know in brief about why the Manaslu Circuit is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.
Comparatively, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. Nowadays, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is always bustling by the presence of many domestic trekkers and bikers. Either they are on the jeep tour, bike tour, or for the trek, the place is always bustling. You will not find lots of Nepalese crowd in the Manaslu Trek route. The region is restricted. Therefore, automatically the number of trekkers get curbed which make this trail an ideal for you to find the solitude in the remote nature.
Both the trekking trails are full of multi – ethnic communities. Gurung, Magar, Tibetan, and Thakali people are major inhabitants in the Annapurna Circuit Trek whereas Nubri, Gurung, Tamang, Chhetris, Dalits, and Brahmans are major inhabitants of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, there is no denying in the fact that these trekking routes are culturally rich and vibrant. The question is the modernization and its effect. In comparison to the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, the people living in the Annapurna Circuit are more concerned about tourism. You can say that the major chunk of the cultural side of the region has been spoiled by tourism.
The Tsum Nubri People who has their own traditions, language, and culture are hardly influenced by the influx of trekkers. There are hundreds of monasteries, chortens, and stupas which are still preserved and maintained. Trekkers can know in length about these people who are living their authentic Himalayan life regardless of modernization. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has slight advantage over the Annapurna Circuit Trek in terms of cultural immersion and understanding.
The trekking trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is more challenging with long distance between two overnight camps. The trail sections of the Annapurna Circuit Trek are shorter and have fewer steep uphill sections. Even the crossing of the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) is slightly easier than crossing the Larke La Pass (5106 m). Interestingly, the altitude of Thorong La Pass is higher than the Larke La Pass. In fact, the Larke La Pass is longer than the Thorong La Pass. Total distance on the day of crossing the pass during Manaslu Circuit Trek is about 25 kilometers whereas the day of crossing the pass during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 17 to 19 kilometers.
The journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is focused on the nature and culture more than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The route traverses through more natural and wilderness areas. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is also naturally attractive trail but the presence of the commercial amenities somewhat diminishes the authenticity of cultural insights.
The blogger is highly concerned about the trekkers who are planning to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek as an alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. All the trekkers have to consider lots of different things before embarking on this epic adventure inside the restricted region of Nepal.
The experience level is needed while on the Manaslu Circuit Trek whereas the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done by novice trekkers too. However, if you are active every day in your home country doing hiking, regular exercises, then you can do the trek without any issues.
In terms of accessibility, the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is highly accessible. You can do the trek after getting the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit which costs NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires ACAP, MCAP, and Special restricted area permit. The cost of the special restricted area permit is 100 $ for autumn season with 15 $ extra for each additional day beyond 7 days. However, the cost of the permit for other season is 75 $ for 7 days with 10 $ for each extra day.
Even if the trail reaches up to 5416 m, the trekking route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is fully equipped with modern amenities. Trekkers can enjoy the services of the different styles of lodging facilities from basic tea houses to luxury mountain lodges. Please note that the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is also equipped with standard tea houses and eateries. You may not find the upscale resorts like in the Annapurna Circuit Trek but it is well capable to host trekkers with quality lodging and healthy meals.
The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is higher than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. As mentioned above, you need to prepare well for the Manaslu Trek with good level of cardio – vascular abilities and physical fitness level. In comparison to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible for all age group of trekkers. Total trekking distance is slightly lower including the short camps.
If you ask this blogger the question of why the Manaslu Circuit is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, then the answer is yes. Please prepare well and embark on this epic adventure.
Nowadays, even the Everest Base Camp Trek is becoming the commercial trekking route. The trail is well trodden and equipped with modern facilities for lodging, meals, and amenities. Therefore, it…
Some places are deeply rooted with people’s beliefs and exude extraordinary supernatural power. Divinity splashes all over these places and once you visit such place; you start to realize the…
Why the Manaslu Circuit is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit? Sometimes developmental activities and modernization can have adverse effects? It sounds odd but it is true in case…