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Detailed Breakdown of Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

01 October 2024
Planning a Trip to Nepal?
manaslu circuit trek cost

The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is a remote, challenging, and rewarding adventure that takes trekkers around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Unlike the more famous treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a more isolated experience, yet it is quickly gaining popularity due to its unspoiled landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking views.

Before embarking on this adventure, it is crucial to understand the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as it involves multiple variables such as permits, guides, accommodation, transportation, food, gear, and miscellaneous expenses. Below, we break down each of these aspects in great detail to give you a comprehensive understanding of the budget required for the trek.

1. Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits Cost

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area, and trekkers are required to have several permits before they can enter the region. Unlike more open trekking routes, the Manaslu Trek region requires you to hire a guide and trek in a group of at least two people. Here are the permits you will need:

a) Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu

This permit is mandatory as the Manaslu region is a restricted area under Nepal's government regulations. The cost of the permit depends on the season:

  • September to November (peak season): $100 for the first 7 days and $15 for each additional day.
  • December to August (off-season): $75 for the first 7 days and $10 for each additional day.

b) Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you will need an MCAP permit

  • Cost: $30 per person.

c) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The trek also enters the Annapurna Conservation Area toward the end of the trail. Therefore, an ACAP permit is also required.

  • Cost: $30 per person.

d) TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Technically, a TIMS card is not required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek as the restricted area permits already act as a tracking system. However, if you plan to extend your trek into other regions, like the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Trek , a TIMS card will be needed.

Total Permit Cost (for 10-day trek in peak season):

  • Restricted Area Permit: $115 ($100 for the first 7 days + $15 for 3 additional days)
  • MCAP: $30
  • ACAP: $30
  • Total: $175 per person
entrace of manaslu conservation area

2. Guide and Porter Costs

The Nepalese government mandates that trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit Trek must hire a registered guide. You are also required to be part of a group (at least two people), which is why many solo trekkers opt to join an organized group or find a trekking partner for this beautiful Nepal Trekking trip.

a) Guide Costs

A guide is crucial not only because it is required, but also for safety and navigation on the remote trail. They also provide valuable insights into the local culture, geography, and environment.

Cost: $25–$35 per day for a licensed guide. This price usually includes the guide’s food, accommodation, and insurance, but confirm this with your trekking company or guide agency.

b) Porter Costs

Porters can be a big help if you want to trek without carrying a heavy load. A porter can typically carry up to 20–25 kg of your gear.

Cost: $15–$25 per day for a porter, and similar to guides, this price usually covers their food, accommodation, and insurance.

c) Combined Guide-Porter

Some trekkers prefer hiring a guide-porter, who acts as both a guide and a porter, carrying a limited amount of your gear while also offering some guidance.

Cost: $25–$30 per day for a guide-porter.

Total Cost for Guide and Porter (for a 14-day trek):

Guide (14 days): $350–$490

Porter (14 days): $210–$350

Total for Guide and Porter: $560–$840 (for two people sharing the cost)

baggage during manaslu circuit trek

3. Accommodation Costs on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is primarily provided by tea houses. These are small, family-run lodges offering basic facilities, which are generally clean and comfortable.

a) Tea House Costs

Lower Altitudes (up to Jagat): $5–$7 per night for a basic twin room.
Higher Altitudes (Namrung to Samagaon): $7–$10 per night.

At Larkya Phedi/Dharmasala (the last stop before the Larkya La Pass): Accommodation here can be more expensive, around $10–$15 per night due to its remoteness and limited resources.

Total Accommodation Costs for 14 Nights:

Lower Altitudes: $35–$50

Higher Altitudes: $70–$140

Total: $105–$190

4. Food and Drinks Costs on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The cost of food and drinks on the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies significantly depending on altitude. As you go higher, prices rise because transporting food to remote villages is more difficult.

a) Meals

Tea houses provide basic meals, and dal bhat (rice with lentils and vegetables) is the most popular meal for trekkers.

Lower Altitudes: $4–$6 per meal.

Higher Altitudes: $6–$9 per meal.

Breakfast: $3–$5 per meal (eggs, chapati, tea).

Dinner: $6–$9 per meal (dal bhat, pasta, or noodles).

b) Drinking Water

Bottled water becomes more expensive at higher altitudes, ranging from $1–$3 per liter. A more eco-friendly and cheaper option is to use a water purification system (tablets, filters, or SteriPEN) and refill from streams or taps.

Total Food Costs for 14 Days:

Lower Altitudes (3 meals a day): $12–$18 per day

Higher Altitudes (3 meals a day): $18–$27 per day

Total: $210–$315 for the entire trek.

Read in detail about the Food, Drinks and Accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Trek.

drinking in manaslu circuit trek

5. Transportation Costs

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins in Soti Khola and ends in Besisahar or Dharapani (if extending into the Annapurna Circuit). To get to and from these places, transportation will be required.

a) From Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Public Bus: $10–$15 per person (takes about 8–10 hours, more comfortable options are limited).

Private Jeep: $120–$160 per vehicle (split between up to 7 people, making it a more comfortable but pricier option).

b) From Dharapani/Besisahar to Kathmandu

Public Bus: $10–$15 per person.

Private Jeep: $120–$150 per vehicle.

Total Transportation Costs:

Public Bus (round trip): $20–$30

Private Jeep (round trip): $240–$320 (split among passengers)

6. Equipment and Gear Costs

While most trekkers already own some trekking gear, if you are new to trekking, there will be a few essentials to either purchase or rent in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

Essential Gear Costs (if renting):

Sleeping Bag (rated for -10°C to -20°C): $1.50–$3 per day.

Down Jacket: $1.50–$3 per day.

Trekking Poles: $1–$2 per day.

Crampons (optional, for the Larkya La Pass): $1–$2 per day.

Estimated Total Gear Rental Costs for 14 Days:

Sleeping Bag: $21–$42

Down Jacket: $21–$42

Trekking Poles: $14–$28

Total Gear Rental: $56–$112

baggage during manaslu circuit trek

7. Miscellaneous Costs

Charging Electronics: $2–$5 per hour (in higher villages).

Wi-Fi: $2–$5 per use (available in select tea houses, but not reliable).

Hot Showers: $2–$5 per shower (optional, available in some tea houses).

Total Miscellaneous Costs for 14 Days:

Charging: $30–$50

Wi-Fi: $20–$30

Hot Showers: $20–$40

Total: $70–$120

8. Total Estimated Cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Low-End Estimate (public bus, no porter, basic food, lower accommodation costs):

Permits: $175

Guide (14 days): $350

Accommodation: $105

Food: $210

Transportation: $30

Gear Rental: $56

Miscellaneous: $70

Total: $996

High-End Estimate (private jeep, guide and porter, higher-end food and accommodation, additional services):

Permits: $175

Guide and Porter (14 days): $560

Accommodation: $190

Food: $315

Transportation: $320

Gear Rental: $112

Miscellaneous: $120

Total: $1,792

Also see A Day – by – Day Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

happy local in manaslu region

Conclusion

The total cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies significantly based on your choices for accommodation, meals, transportation, and whether or not you hire a porter. However, even with higher-end choices, this trek remains an affordable option for a world-class trekking experience in the Himalayas. With a budget between $1,000 and $1,800, you can have an unforgettable adventure in one of Nepal’s most beautiful and remote regions.

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