Annapurna Circuit vs Langtang Valley: Which Nepal Trek is Right for You?

The trail out of Kathmandu doesn’t take long to feel different. One moment you’re dodging motorbikes in the city, the next you’re on a bus watching the hills roll by, wondering how it’s possible to be so close to the Himalayas. Then you start walking. The air feels cooler, the pace slower, and before you know it, there are snow peaks on the horizon. Two treks in particular draw most travellers at this point: the Annapurna Circuit and the Langtang Valley trek. Both are beautiful, and both give you a taste of Nepali culture and mountain life, but they’re very different journeys. Langtang is short and accessible, often chosen by those with limited time. Annapurna is longer, higher, and widely considered one of the greatest treks in the world. In this guide, we look at the Annapurna Circuit vs the Langtang Valley side by side, comparing length, difficulty, scenery, costs, and culture, so you can figure out which one suits the adventure you want.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the world’s great long-distance hikes. It traces a horseshoe-shaped path around the Annapurna Massif, moving from lowland rice paddies to alpine meadows and over a high mountain pass.

Every few days the landscape changes. One morning you may walk through subtropical forests filled with waterfalls. By the end of the week you’re among cliffs and barren slopes more reminiscent of Tibet.

See the Annapurna Circuit route for a detailed outline.

The Langtang Valley trek lies just north of Kathmandu, close to the Tibetan border. It’s sometimes called the “valley of glaciers” because ice tongues pour down from surrounding peaks.

The trek is flexible. There are itineraries such as the Langtang Valley trek (7 days), the Langtang Valley trek (8 days), and even compressed versions like the 5-day Langtang Valley trek.

Because the trailhead is only a day’s drive from Kathmandu, it’s one of the most accessible multi-day treks in Nepal.

For an official overview of the region, see the Langtang National Park page from the Nepal Tourism Board

The Annapurna Circuit is challenging. The days are long, the distances significant, and the altitude high. Trekkers must acclimatise properly in villages like Manang before attempting Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft). Weather can change quickly, and snow is possible even in peak season.

Despite the challenge, the Annapurna Circuit is achievable for most fit trekkers with preparation. Many see the crossing of Thorong La as one of the most rewarding moments of their lives. Learn more about how hard the Annapurna Circuit is.

The Langtang Valley trekking route is considered moderate. There are steep sections, but without a high pass, the physical demand is lower than Annapurna. Altitude still plays a role, particularly if climbing Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri above 4,000 m (13,123 ft), but the shorter duration makes acclimatisation easier. No matter which route you decide on, how you acclimate for your trek in Nepal plays a massive role in how much you’ll enjoy your adventure. 

The Annapurna Circuit trek highlights are its diversity. You start among rice terraces and forests filled with birdlife, then move into pine forests and eventually barren alpine deserts. From Thorong La you look out at Annapurna I at 8,091 m (26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri at 8,167 m (26,795 ft).

The culture reflects the terrain. Lower valleys are Hindu, middle regions are Gurung and Thakali, and the upper areas show strong Tibetan influence. Muktinath Temple at 3,800 m (12,467 ft) is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

It is often called Nepal’s golden child. To visualise the route, see the Annapurna Circuit trekking map and trail guide.

The Langtang Valley Nepal trek is more intimate. The valley is narrow at first, lined with forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. Higher up, the landscape opens into meadows and glacier-carved ridges. Peaks like Langtang Lirung at 7,227 m (23,711 ft) dominate the skyline.

The sense of scale is powerful. Standing on Tserko Ri at sunrise, the glaciers shine gold against a sky that feels impossibly close.

One of the joys of trekking in Nepal is the culture you encounter.

On the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers meet Gurung communities in the middle hills, Thakali in Mustang, and Tibetan-influenced groups in the higher valleys. The change in culture as you gain altitude is part of the adventure.

The trek through the Langtang Valley is mostly  Tamang.  Their music, food, and customs all come from Tibet. Teahouses are smaller and run by families, which makes them more personal. The earthquake in 2015 had a big effect on the valley, making every visit a vital part of rebuilding local communities.

The Annapurna Circuit cost is higher overall because of the trek’s length. Independent trekkers spend around $25–40 per day on meals and accommodation, plus fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Guided treks are more expensive but easier to schedule. For further information, see the Annapurna Circuit Cost Guide.

The Langtang Valley journey is less expensive due to shorter duration and lower transportation costs. Expect to spend $20 to $30 per day, plus the TIMS card and the Langtang National Park permit.

The Annapurna Circuit has a wide range of teahouses, from basic huts to lodges with Wi-Fi and hot showers in larger villages. See the Annapurna Circuit accommodation guide for specifics.

The Langtang Valley trek offers simpler teahouses. The facilities are modest, but the experience is close. You often spend the evening around a stove with your hosts and other trekkers.

Both treks require solid preparation. You'll need good boots, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, and water-resistant clothing. Because the Annapurna Circuit is longer and higher, it requires a larger kit list. Most trekkers find that scanning through the Annapurna Circuit packing list helps them prepare because it covers everything needed.

The Annapurna Circuit trek length is flexible. Full versions take 18 days, while modern routes shorten the journey using jeeps on road sections, bringing it to around 13 days. See the Annapurna Circuit length guide.

The Langtang Valley trek is more fixed, usually 7–8 days, though condensed 5-day itineraries exist.

The Langtang Valley trek is ideal for people who are short on time, money, or experience with high-altitude trekking. It has many Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and culture all in one place. The Annapurna Circuit trek is for people who want to take on a bigger challenge. The scenery, the changes in culture, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from crossing Thorong La all make it unforgettable. To understand why it's so appealing, look at what makes Annapurna so special.

The Langtang Valley trekking route gives a strong taste of the Himalayas, but many finish wishing they had longer. The Annapurna Circuit satisfies that craving with its length, variety, and altitude. Publications like Lonely Planet and National Geographic continue to rank it among the world’s greatest walks.

If time is limited, the 13-day Annapurna Circuit by road captures the essence in less time.

Both the Annapurna Circuit and the Langtang Valley trek are journeys worth taking, but they serve different purposes. Langtang is close to Kathmandu, affordable, and ideal for those new to Himalayan trekking. It brings you face to face with glaciers and Tamang culture in just a week.

The Annapurna Circuit is longer and harder but also deeper and more transformative. It takes you through changing worlds, both natural and cultural, and rewards you with one of the most celebrated high passes in the Himalayas. For many, it’s the trek of a lifetime.

If time and budget are limited, Langtang Valley is an excellent choice. If you want to commit to Nepal’s most iconic circuit, Annapurna delivers an adventure that will stay with you forever.