Planning a trip around the beautiful Manaslu Circuit? Before going for the trip, it is essential to know the entire cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek to make optimal travel decisions. From guide fees and permit charges to hotel accommodation and transport, this blog calculates the whole package value of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Visit Himalaya Treks. Whether solo, couple, or group travel, this book helps you save money and get the most value out of your Himalayan journey.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most authentic and remote trekking experiences, going around the world's eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Far less trekked than Everest or Annapurna, this trek offers a mix of challenging high-altitude adventure, Tibetan-influenced culture, and unspoiled natural beauty. But how much will you have to pay to experience it?
Larke La Pass during your journey on the Manaslu Circuit.
Let us begin by looking at what impacts the overall cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
1. How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek typically ranges between $1,200 and $2500 per person for a standard 14–20 day tour package. This is dependent on several factors such as the trekking season of the year, group size, what the services include, and mode of transportation. Manaslu, being more off-the-beaten-path and isolated than commercial routes like Everest and Annapurna, affects cost through having fewer permits and infrastructure.
This cost usually includes the following standard services:
- All necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP)
- English-speaking guide and porter services that are licensed
- Teahouse or lodge lodgings during trekking
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the trail
- Ground transport (Kathmandu to trekking start and return)
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (typically 2 nights at a 3* 4* or 5* star hotel)
- Company service fees and government taxes
- But it might not include personal expenses such as:
- International flights.
- Travel insurance (emergency evacuation cover)
- Trekking gear and attire.
- Alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water, and hot showers.
- Guide and Porter tips.
- Additional days or services are not part of the package.
2. Permit Fees for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trekkers require a number of permits in order to trek in the Manaslu region since the area is a restricted area as well as falling under a category that falls under two conservation areas. The permits manage tourism, conserve the natural and cultural heritage, and provide protection to trekkers. All the permits have to be booked by a registered trekking agency, and there must be a licensed guide to access the restricted regions.
Here is a comprehensive list of permits required and their fees for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
i. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
This is the most important permit for trekking to the restricted zone, Manaslu, i.e., from Jagat to Sama Gaon.
- Cost (September to November)
- USD 100 per head for the initial 7 days.
- USD 15 per head per additional day over and above that.
- Cost (December to August).
- USD 75 per person for the initial 7 days.
- USD 10 per person for every extra day.
Note: The difference in price is due to the greater number of trekkers in the peak autumn season.
ii. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
This permit is needed because the route goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is an environmental and conservation area.
- Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 23–25)
- No variation by season; this permit is valid throughout the trek period.
iii. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
As the trekking trail comes into contact with the Annapurna area at Dharapani, ACAP also needs to be done, even for a short duration.
- Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (about USD 23–25)
- Also has no seasonal variation and is valid for the entire trail.
- Visa and Travel Document Considerations.
Apart from the trek-specific permits, every foreign visitor requires a Nepal Tourist Visa to enter the country. It can be obtained:
- On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu.
- Or in advance from a Nepali embassy/consulate.
Visa Fees.
- 15 days: USD 30.
- 30 days: USD 50.
- 90 days: USD 125.
Most trekkers opt for the 30-day visa for flexibility and buffer time around the trek.
Important Permit Notes:
- Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- You must carry printed copies of all permits during the trek for checkpoints.
- At least two trekkers and one registered guide must sign the MRAP.
- Permits should be submitted through a government-registered trek company.
By having all the necessary permits in hand well ahead of time with an established operator like Visit Himalaya Treks, you ensure compliance with local regulations and a trouble-free start to your Manaslu experience.
3. Porter and Guide Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Why is hiring a guide mandatory?
The Manaslu region is a Restricted Area under the Government of Nepal. That is why solo or independent trekking is not allowed under any circumstances. To ensure a safe and sustainable tourism, the rule mandates that all trekkers to the Manaslu region must be escorted by:
- A licensed trekking guide.
- And at least one other registered trekker (you cannot trek completely alone)
This regulation safeguards trekkers in remote areas and assists in offering local employment within the trekking industry. Operators such as Visit Himalaya Treks arrange all necessary permits, guide services, and logistics to comply with these regulations.
Cost of Hiring a Trekking Guide.
A licensed, English-speaking, experienced guide will typically cost between $25 to $40 a day, depending on experience, language proficiency, and whether or not they are high-altitude safety experts.
Responsibilities of a guide:
- Navigation assistance of the trail and keeping everyone safe.
- Acclimatization assistance and management of altitude sickness.
- Translation and cultural information.
- Accommodation and food arrangements at teahouses.
- Assistance in emergencies (e.g., evacuating a person).
- For a 14- to 20-day trek, guide fees usually amount to $400–$640.
Porter Hiring Cost.
A porter typically hauls 20–25 kg of baggage for two hikers, taking your physical stress off so you can trek with ease. The standard cost of a porter per day is $20 to $25, totaling $320–$450 for the entire trek.
Porter hiring is not necessary, but is most advisable on longer and higher-level treks like Manaslu, where altitude and terrain gain make it physically demanding.
Tipping Culture in Nepal.
Despite the fact that tipping is not obligatory by law, it is socially accepted in Nepalese trekking culture, given that pay is relatively low. Tipping is a reflection of appreciation for the hard work and diligence of your porter and guide.
- Tipping guidelines (per trekker):
- Guide: $150–$200 for a two-week trek.
- Porter: $10–$150 for the same duration.
- Tips are typically given at the end of the trek, either privately or as part of a group farewell ceremony.
Local village and Mount Manaslu view from en route to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
4. Food and Accommodation Cost on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Quality of Tea Houses On the Manaslu Route;
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less touristy and more remote than Everest or Annapurna, but maintains a good line of basic-to-moderate tea houses. They are locally run guest houses that provide simple accommodations and freshly cooked food. Most of the accommodations on the route are wooden or stone lodges, with:
- Twin-sharing rooms (wooden beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets)
- Shared toilets (squat or Western-style)
- Communal dining halls, normally heated with a wood stove.
- Limited electricity or solar lighting.
- On average, the Accommodation cost is $10 for each room, where 2 beds are available.
The facilities are comparatively better in lower villages like Soti Khola, Jagat, or Dharapani. However, in the higher villages of Samdo, Dharamshala, and Bimthang, teahouses are simpler with very limited services.
Cost of Food and Drinks Per Day.
On average, you have to spend $35 to $50 on food and drinks per day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It increases with altitude because it is difficult to transport material to remote villages.
What you receive for this money:
- Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Infrequent tea or coffee break
- Additional snacks or refills of hot water.
Prices will be greater at greater altitudes, especially after Sama Gaon, where food prices have been discovered to be 30–50% more than at lower altitudes.
5. Transportation Cost to and from the Manaslu Circuit Trailhead,
Transportation Options;
Getting to the Manaslu Circuit Trek trailhead includes traveling from Kathmandu to the trek starting point, typically Soti Khola or Barpak village, and from Dharapani back to Kathmandu. There are a number of transport options to select from based on your budget, comfort level, and time availability:
- Public Bus: The most economical but least comfortable, ideal for budget travelers who don't mind a local experience.
- Private Jeep or Shared Vehicle: More comfortable and faster, with greater freedom on departure time and stops along the way.
- Helicopter Transfers: Available but expensive, ideal for those wanting to have a luxurious start or end to their trek (not normally included in the standard package).
Route Details.
- From Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Barpak: It takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on the road condition, weather, and traffic. The journey passes through scenic hill landscapes and rural villages along the winding mountain roads.
- From Dharapani to Kathmandu: After completing the trek, the return is generally by road, which is a journey of 6 to 8 hours. The return route gets you linked to the Annapurna region road network and then to Kathmandu.
6. Renting Equipment and Gears for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Good trekking gear is important for comfort and security during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially in terms of the high altitude, unpredictable weather, and risky terrain. The following is the list of the most recommended gear:
- Insulated sleeping bag (able to withstand -10°C or below).
- Down jacket or insulated parka.
- Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants.
- Trekking boots (well-broke-in, waterproof).
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom).
- Fleece or warm mid-layer.
- Gloves, hat, and buff/scarf.
- Trekking poles.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Daypack and rain cover.
- Water bottles or a hydration system.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal first aid kit and toilettes.
The Local traditional Samdu village en route to the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
7. Miscellaneous Costs on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You may find it worth budgeting for several miscellaneous costs that are incurred over the length of your trek on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Charging Electronics and Wi-Fi.
The majority of tea houses and most lodges have charging stations for telephones, cameras, and other devices, but these come as an added cost, usually $2–$5 per recharge. Wi-Fi is offered in some tea houses, but it is slow and expensive, and usually costs around $3–$7 per hour or day.
Hot Showers.
Warm showers are a luxury in high mountain trekking areas. Some lodges provide hot showers for additional fees, which are normally in the range of $3 to $5 per shower. It is a pleasant comfort after a day of long hiking on the trail.
Snacks and Drinks.
Although your major meals are part of the trekking package, purchasing additional snacks, bottled water, tea, coffee, or soft drinks will add to daily expenses. Set aside $5–$10 per day for such extras based on your tastes.
Emergency Expenses.
It is essential to have good medical and evacuation insurance for the trek. For a serious illness or altitude problem requiring helicopter evacuation, costs can be substantial (hundreds to a few thousand dollars). Most policies cover emergency evacuation, but ensure that this is the case before you travel.
8. Factors that affect the overall Cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
There are several factors that affect the overall cost you will end up paying for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and knowing them helps you budget better:
Group Size.
Private group trekking is more costly per person as compared to joining a group trek. The private treks offer personal services, flexible itineraries, and higher comfort at a higher cost. However, group treks can share the expense of guides, porters, and transport, so they are cheaper.
Length of Itinerary.
Typical Manaslu Circuit itineraries last anywhere between 14 and 18 days. Should you choose to include side trips such as the Tsum Valley, your overall costs will be more due to additional expenses of accommodation, food, and permits for the longer duration of stay.
Trekking Season.
Peak season trekking periods in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) cost more because of higher demand for services, flights, and accommodation. Off-season trekking can offer some cost savings with the risk of less predictable weather and reduced facilities.
Accommodation Upgrades.
Basic tea houses along the Manaslu trail offer basic facilities, but moving up to luxury lodges or boutique hotels will add considerable expense. Luxury hotels typically include private bathrooms, hot showers, improved food, and more comfortable rooms, which are perfect for hikers who want additional comfort.
Buddhist Mani Wall along the route to the Manaslu Circuit Larke Pass Trek in Nepal.
9. Cost-Saving Tips for Budget-Conscious Trekkers.
- Join Group Departures: Traveling in a group allows you to split the cost of guides, porters, transport, and permits, which can reduce your costs significantly.
- Rent Rather Than Purchase Equipment: Save money by renting trekking gear (including sleeping bags, down jackets, or trekking poles) from Kathmandu shops rather than purchasing all new equipment.
- Carry Water Purification Tablets: Avoid the constant cost of bottled water ($1–$3 a bottle) by using water purification tablets for waters available at the tea houses. It's less expensive and more eco-friendly.
- Limit Snacks and Extras: Cut down on spending for imported snacks, alcoholic beverages, and luxury items on the trek that cost a premium due to transportation costs. Stick to the meals provided and carry a few of your own light snacks from Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost Conclusion,
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent combination of adventure, culture, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, at a cost that can suit budget travelers and those wanting a bit more comfort. Although the average trek cost is from $1,200 to $2500 per person, your final cost will differ depending on factors like group size, itinerary duration, accommodation type, and season. With smart planning, such as organizing group departures, renting gear, and managing trail expenses, you can enjoy this incredible off-the-beaten trek without emptying your wallet.
At Visit Himalaya Treks, we believe in cost transparency and provide an all-inclusive package that takes care of hiring guides, proper acclimatization, permits, meals, and others. From beginner trekkers to experienced ones, we are here to make the most out of your Manaslu Circuit Trek in comfort, safety, and economy.
