Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Introduction to the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost

One of the best value-for-money adventures in the world is the Manaslu Circuit Trek because of its unparalleled combination of affordability, astonishing landscapes, and cultural immersion. This trek offers great packages, ranging from $950 for 12 days to $1,390 for a 20-day itinerary with the Tsum Valley extension. These packages include permits, meals, accommodations, transportation, and the mandatory licensed guide.

Part of the reason teahouses are equally cost-effective, and they use the trek is affordable, is the teahouse accommodation system. These basic but comfortable facilities are available at reasonable rates, making the trek accessible to anyone interested in Nepal. They’re equally cost-effective, with local flavors and fresh ingredients, making the experience authentic.

Due to the restricted area permit required for the trek, the number of visitors is limited, resulting in a quieter, more serene environment than on more crowded trails. While you do need to pay extra for the permits, you aren’t going to regret the tranquil atmosphere. This solitude makes trekking all the more inviting allowing you to savor the quiet surroundings and network like a local fully.

The trail is quite varied, from dense forest and terraced fields to high mountain meadows to snow covered passes. The highlight is Larkya La Pass, at 5,213 meters, from which one can see mountains like Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Shringi. While it’s not easy, it’s also not impossible. It can be accessed by road, so you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive flights.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing trek offering world class adventure, tranquility, and cultural enrichment. It can be enjoyed at an affordable price with either the standard trek or trekking to see the culturally rich Tsum Valley extension.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Overview: How Much Should You Budget?

What’s Included in Our Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost?

We include various services in the Manaslu Circuit Trek with all the basics covered for a hassle free trek for 12 days at $950. Here’s a look at what’s included:

You don’t need to worry about transportation since you’ll be picked up from the airport when you arrive in Kathmandu. Afterward, you’ll be taken to your hotel where you can rest or prepare for your trek.

Your trek package includes your drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. This is normally done by the public bus, but if you would like a more comfortable ride there would be an extra charge for a private vehicle.

Your meals are taken care of for the trek. Most days you will start your day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then finish the day with some seasonal fruit as a quiet time to recharge. Trekking through this beautiful landscape requires the expenses for these meals to keep you energized.

We also take care of your accommodation. Over the 12 day trek, you’ll stay in twin sharing rooms at tea houses or hotels. After each day’s trip, you will be comfortable and have a place to relax.

You will also be covered for the necessary permits and taxes. That means you won’t have to deal with any paperwork, or fees at all, while you are traveling.

The package covers all the food, accommodation, guide’s salary, and insurance, are covered within the package.

Trekking gear, including a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket, will be there. You can use the gear when you’re trekking and return the rest. You’ll also receive a map of the trekking route alongside a company-branded trekking T-shirt to wear.

We prioritize your health and safety first before accomplishment. You will have an inclusive first aid kit and an oximeter to monitor your altitude. At last, you will also have a trip back to Kathmandu, and we will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

We cover various services and facilities, allowing you to trek easily with peace of mind.

What’s Excluded from the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package?

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek package provides many things, there are some things, in addition to these, that you must be prepared to spend on your own. Here’s what’s excluded:

On your first visit to the country, you must get a Nepal entry visa. The trek price doesn’t include the visa fee, so sort that out before coming.

If you hire a porter to help carry your belongings, you should pay $25 per day, or you can share the cost with another group member. Porters will take heavy loads, such as a backpack, for themselves, making it easier for you to trek.

If you want a private and comfortable trip, you can take a private jeep from Kathmandu. It costs about $450 for a private jeep, but you can share it among 2 to 5 participants.

You’ll have to pay from your wallet for the alcoholic beverages on the trek, and if you want to have one. Other personal preferences like tea, coffee, snacks, and cold drinks are for you to take care of.

You would also pay extra for luxurious facilities like hot water, charging devices, and Wi-Fi in teahouses. These prices, however, increase even more in higher altitudes.

You can choose or not to tip guides, porters, and drivers, but if you do, it accounts for your expenditure. If the services and interactions were great, you could have the tip as a customary gesture for their work.

Lastly, when starting the trip, ensure trekking and emergency rescue are included in your travel insurance.

International airfare and extra personal trekking equipment will be your responsibility.

These exclusions will help you know where your cost can increase, so you can prepare well.

How Much Do Permits Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Getting permits is essential for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as you will be crossing various restricted areas. Before you start the trek, be sure to have all the permits that can be required at the checkpoints. Here are all the licenses and the costs you’ll need for the trek.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

This permit is issued for trekking in conservation areas. When applying for this permit, you must bring your passport and a passport-sized photo. It costs NPR 3,000 (approximately $30). Manaslu Conservation Area is a restricted region with diverse wildlife, terrains, and culture, and you just have a permit to be here.

The permits help the region preserve its natural and cultural heritage, reduce the negative impact of ‘trekkers’ footprints, and build local communities.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Another permit you need is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is required in order to preserve the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. This permit helps maintain the number of endangered wildlife such as red pandas and snow leopards.

The ACAP costs the same as MCAP, about NPR 3,000 ($30), which helps fund the local community and the wildlife.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through restricted areas, a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is necessary. The permit limits the number of trekkers coming to the Manaslu region to help reduce the effects of tourist traffic.

This would help the region be as beautiful and serene as it is, and let the future generation taste Manaslu. It costs $100 for the first seven days and requires an additional $15 per day afterward.

Chum Numbri Rural Municipality Entry Free

The Chum Numbri Rural Municipality Entry permit is needed for extensions, like the Tsum Valley Trek. The trek to Tsum Valley goes very close to the Tibetan border, so this permit is required. It costs NPR 1,000 ($10) for international trekkers and NPR 100 for people of the nation.

MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP can be obtained from the the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Chum Numbri permits, however, can be obtained from checkpoints in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide and Porter Costs

As of the latest rule from the Nepalese government on April 1, 2023, independent trekking is banned in Nepal. You need a mandatory licensed guide to describe the trek routes and navigate the challenging terrains on the trek like Larkya La Pass. Our guide will help you through the interaction with locals, being respectful, and ensuring your protection andas the environment.

Our licensed guide costs about $25 to $35 per day, and they take care of permits, accommodations, meals, and your safety.

Porters are useful during treks to reduce the load on your shoulders. They usually carry loads of about 25kg and cost $20 to $25 per day for their services.

Transportation Costs for the Manaslu Trek

Based on your budget, you can choose various options for transportation like buses and private jeeps.

If you are low on budget, you can opt for public buses which costs about only $10 to $30. While this is very cheap, the public buses’ comfort isn’t much at all. The 8 to 10 hours drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola on public buses can be crowded and unhygienic, but it provides you the scene of traditional life in Nepal.

However, private jeeps are the one if you can choose a better facility based on your bu best option. Private jeeps cost $450 which is faster than public buses, about 8 hours. The good thing about private jeeps is that they can be shared among the trek members. You can reduce the cost of the jeeps by sharing it between 2 to 5 group participants.

Accommodation Costs Along the Manaslu Circuit

The tea houses along the Manaslu Circuit Trek are not beautiful, but they offer basic accommodation usually costing $7 to $10 per night. There are basic rooms that come with bedding, blankets, and shared bathrooms. The best part of the tea houses is the communal dining where you can share your stories and experiences with other trekkers.

You can get facilities like Wi-Fi and hot showers in lower altitudes for free, but at higher altitudes they cost extra. Wi-Fi costs about $5 to $8 per day and $2 to $4 for hot showers. Also, as electricity is scarce, you will need $1 to $2 per hour for charging your devices.

Food and Drink Costs on the Manaslu Circuit

You can find various traditional and western style dishes. Our trek package includes all three meals of the day, i.e. breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For breakfast, you will have eggs, porridge, Tibetan bread, and muesli. For lunch, you have traditional Nepali Dal Bhat and Thukpa (noodles). For dinner, you have dal bhat again, Tibetan dishes like momo, and Western foods like pizza and sandwiches.

Breakfast will cost $5 to $6, and lunch and dinner will be the same, about $6 to $7.

Alcohol, sodas, tea and coffee, and extra snacks outside the package will cost you $2 to $5.

You can decrease the price of the meals on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is best to avoid extra snacks and beverages on the tea houses, rather bring your own from Kathmandu or lower altitudes. They are usually expensive at high altitudes, going over $5.

Also, water bottles, which cost about $1 to $2 at lower altitudes, cost $5 at higher altitudes, so bring your hydration bottle.

Trekking Gear and Equipment: How Much Should You Spend?

Depending on how often you want to trek in Nepal, and your budget, you’ll decide whether to rent or buy gear when trekking in Nepal. If you only do it occasionally, renting is your cheapest option. Rental shops in Kathmandu rent essentials such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and backpacks for $1 to 2 per day, so you have lighter luggage and less money spent. Rent from a good quality company even if it costs a bit more.

Regarding buying, the costs depend not only on quality but also on brand. Basic items like backpacks (30 to 40 liters) will cost $20 to $40, trekking poles about $8 to $35, and fleece jackets nearly $10 to $15. Warm jackets cost $20 to 50, and down jackets go from $70 to $120. Affordable and available everywhere are trekking pants for $8 to $35 and caps or gloves will be $5. The price of a down sleeping bag varies between $50 to $100.

You’d budget about $200 to $400 for a complete gear set. Renting is a huge savings, but owning and durability are great for the frequent trekker. If you’re in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, shop carefully, you’ll find the best deals there.

Total Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for Budget vs. Luxury Options

Depending on your budget, you can choose various options, from low-budget to luxurious options. Each has its services and facilities, depending on its cost.

Low budget option

For those who wish to trek the Manaslu Circuit but don’t want to spend too much, the low budget option is the best, starting at $950. Basic tea houses with shared rooms and simple meals cost about $5 to $7 daily.

Public bus or jeep pick you up from the trailhead as transportation. Hiring a guide is a mandatory expense, and porters will be an optional additional expense. However, these services do not provide anything fancy, just the basic services and a basic but fruitful trekking experience.

Mid range option

If you want a balance of comfort and affordability, the mid-range option, costing $1,500 to $2,500, provides a bit more comfortable lodgings and better meals. Tea houses and smaller lodges will be upgraded, and accommodation will be provided in private rooms. Prices will be more like $7 to $10 per meal, with varied meals such as Nepali, Tibetan, and Western.

You will skip the public means of transportation and get private transportation instead. The cost of guides and porters remains the same, but you can tip them. You can find better facilities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging devices.

Luxury option

If you want the best of your trekking with an amazing access to luxurious facilities, you can choose an elegant option that starts at $2,500. Your rooms have luxury facilities like Wi-Fi, an attached bathroom with hot showers, and comfortable beds and bedding.

Gourmet meals will cost $10 to $15 per meal, including the most authentic dishes and Western dishes like pizza and sandwiches. You will have the most experienced guides and porters who can speak English easily to facilitate better communication.

You even have high quality trekking gear that means the highest comfort and ease during the trek, and with oxygen cylinders in some you even tackle altitude related sickness.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Worth the Cost?

There are other treks in Nepal, but the Manaslu Circuit Trek has its value for the money. Manaslu isn’t behind when comparing it to popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek and Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is perhaps the grandest of all the treks in Nepal, however the popularity brings its crowd. Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t filled with trekkers and offers a more secluded experience.

As Annapurna is more commercialized and often traveled, it is more exposed,, unlike Manaslu’s untouched beauty. While Annapurna can go cheaper, starting around $800, Manaslu being away from busy trails and more chances to engage with local culture, makes you forget the cost.

This is a low price because, unlike the Manaslu, Annapurna doesn’t require insane permits; instead, it needs only two ACAP and TIMS cards.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, however, is less expensive than the Everest Base Camp Trek. The Everest trek is more costly than many due to flights to Lukla and high prices in the Khumbu area for food and accommodation. Everest Base Camp Trek’s starting price is more than $1100, which is more than Manaslu.

Instead, the Manaslu trek will provide you with the same great mountain views and cultural experience at a much lower cost. Manaslu is great for those seeking a peaceful, less commercialized trek for equally breathtaking scenery.

Sample Cost Breakdown for a 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has two sides, the package and the additional cost, which you need to factor into your budget. The average package costs about $950 to $1,390 per person and includes standard services such like guides, permits, transport, food, and accommodation. However, you still have additional costs like gear, porters, and snacks.

The trek isn’t costly, and much of that cost is accounted for by permits. Conservation area permits like the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) are the main ones to enter the Manaslu region. Generally, these permits cost $150 to $200, and MRAP has an additional cost of $15 per day after the first seven days.

If you trek beyond, to the Tsum Valley you need the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit, which costs NPR 1000 (about $10).

Hiring a guide is mandatory, and porters are optional. Guides generally cost between $25 and $35 per day and porters around $20 to $25 per day, which is cheap. Going on group treks can cut down the overall costs even more. Shared jeep rides or buses to the trailhead (Soti Khola) take around $30 or $50 per person.

Meals and accommodations on the trek are usually inexpensive, with tea houses charging $5 to $10 per night, and meals running $5 to $7 per day. You should note that the price increases as you trek to higher altitudes. For the day, meals and accommodation will cost you about $30 to $40.

When planning you should account for expenses such as personal trekking gear which can cost around $200 to $400. Travel insurance (4% to 12% of the entire cost)is a necessary place to keep your budget as it is required during an emergency evacuation. Snacks, drinks, and tips for guides and porters will be about $150 to $200.

The daily costs, including meals, accommodation, guide, permit, and permit, will be around $70 to $110.

If you’re planning to trek the Manaslu Circuit, these costs will keep you well ready for your Manaslu Circuit trek without unexpected financial shocks.

How to Save Money on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

You would want to save money on the trek, especially when the prices increase in the remote regions. Here are some tips for you to do so.

• Traveling during off-peak seasons like monsoon and winter is one way to spend less.
• Buying new equipment is far more expensive, so rent or borrow trekking gear from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
• Use local buses or shared jeeps rather than private taxis for a more affordable price.
• Having a filter in your reusable water bottle reduces your reliance on the high cost of bottled water at higher altitudes.
• Take cheaper but nutritious and filling local meals like dal bhat often with free refills.
• Join a trekking group where you can split the costs of guides, porters, and other expenses.
• You’ll lower your overall costs by negotiating rates (especially in tea houses during the off season).
• Wi-Fi, hot showers, and other luxury items add unnecessary costs that pull from your budget, so they are best avoided.
• Have your own charger or power bank to charge your device without getting extra fees on your bill.
• Get things like your snacks from Kathmandu so you don’t get charged an over inflated price for small items on the trail.

Cost of Emergency Services on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and high-altitude trek, the cost of emergency services is an important factor to consider. For injury or altitude sickness, helicopter evacuation costs $2,000 to $5,000. The price varies according to location, distance from evacuation points,,, and whether further care is required during transport. Moreover, evacuation in remote areas, such as Manaslu Circuit, can be expensive.

Trekkers should buy travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Travel insurance premiums run between $100 and $350 and even up to $1000, covering evacuation in remote areas. You should find insurance that covers evacuation and services at an altitude above 5,000 meters as Manaslu Circuit Trek goes over that altitude. Also, find insurance covering medical expenses, baggage loss, and damage.

Medical treatment in Nepal can be costly, with hospital fees ranging from $50 to $200 per day. A helicopter evacuation without insurance is not only expensive but also unreliable, and you will be wasting your money. So, having the right insurance and preparation can save you from financial stress in emergencies.

Why Choose a Package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

First, independent trekking is not allowed in Nepal at all, as per the Nepalese government. You need to have a licensed guide to trek in Nepal. The price of independent trekking can even be higher as you won’t be trekking in groups, putting the cost on your wallet.

On the other hand, the $950 package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides many advantages over independent trekking. Convenience is one of the main advantages is convenience. The package also includes a guide, accommodation, meals, etc.,; as a package, trekkers can avoid the hassle of sorting out each detail independently. This is particularly helpful for people new to trekking in Nepal or not knowing the region very well.

Safety is another key factor in remote areas such as the Manaslu Circuit, where the terrain can be tough and the risk of altitude sickness is higher, you need experienced guides. They can also be guides, take you through tough places, and in case of emergencies, they can deal with it. But this level of expertise is usually left out when you trek independently.

Even if this package costs seem high, it provides necessary services, trekkers don’t have to spend extra money on hiring local guides, hiring porters, or picking transport. Staying at pre-planned lodges, and getting pre planned meals, also eliminated the uncertainty associated with accommodation or food on the trail.

But trekking with a group itself brings social benefits. Trekkers can meet others, share experiences, and gain a sense of camaraderie, which can sometimes be tricky to achieve when on the trail alone. The package is the perfect balance between convenience, safety,, and value, making it an ideal choice for many trekkers.

How to Plan a Manaslu Circuit Trek Within Your Budget

The main worry when on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is price. We have prepared a list of tips for hiking within your budget.

• By researching all the permit costs in advance you will always be able to plan on the expected, and should there be any surprises you will be prepared for them.
• Setting daily budgets for food, accommodation, and transportation makes it easy to avoid overspending.
  
• To keep costs under control, avoid luxury packages and choose budget tea houses and guides.
• It’s smart to allow 10 to 15 percent for unexpected expenses, such as routine gear repair extra acclimatization days, or buffer days.
• You can save time and money by planning a route that avoids unnecessary detours or extra travel days.
• Insurance will be the perfect shield for unexpected and shockingly expensive treatments during emergencies.
• Try to find group trekkings, this can significantly drop the overall cost of the adventure.
• Research and consult your guide for the prices of foods, accommodations, and other items.

With Radiant Treks your travel will be within reasonable package pricing with loads of inclusions and friendly guide to make your feel like home.