Budget Manaslu Trek

Trip Grade: Strenuous 

Walking Pace: Many trekkers ask if this 12 Day Manaslu Trek itinerary is rushed. It is not. The daily walking hours are six to eight hours on average. Likewise, the acclimatization stops, including the rest day in Samagaun, are identical to our standard 15-day journey.

Why is it shorter? We have simply removed the trek preparation and leisure days in Kathmandu. In this Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek 12 Days, you arrive in your designated hotel in Kathmandu, we process permits, and the trek begins immediately.

Fitness Level: You must be fit enough to hike for multiple days in a row. Since a porter is not included in the base 12 Days Manaslu Trek Cost, you must also be physically capable of carrying your own backpack (approximately 10 to 12 kg) over the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). However, if you want a porter, you can get one after paying an extra fee, converting your 12 Days Manaslu Trek without porter into a fully supported trek.

Mountain Weather: The extreme weather conditions at higher elevations add to the difficulty level. Since the weather conditions here can be unpredictable, one needs to be prepared to face them, along with dealing with seasonal challenges. 

For detailed climate charts, read our Manaslu Trek Weather and Temperature Guide.

To provide this budget-friendly price for the 12 Days Budget Manaslu Trek package, we use local transportation. You travel from Kathmandu to Machha Khola via a local public bus. It takes approximately eight to nine hours to reach the destination or the trailhead. 

The trek ends at Tilche, and you return to Dharapani from there in a local shared jeep. Once again, from Dharapani to Kathmandu, you travel via a local public bus.

Note: Public buses in Nepal are bumpy and can be crowded, but they offer an authentic look at local life. If you prefer a private jeep, then you can request an upgrade.

Above and beyond the physical challenge, the 12-day trek is a deep dive into the local mountain lifestyle. In light of our commitment to a true Himalayan experience, we utilize family-run lodges that serve as the heart of every village.

Accommodation: You will stay in local teahouses on a twin-sharing basis from the very first day of this 12 Days Budget Manaslu Trek. Rooms are basic and feature foam mattresses, blankets, and shared toilets. (See what teahouses are like in our Manaslu food and accommodation guide.)

Meals: Unlike packages that only cover certain meals during the trek, this Budget Manaslu Trek 12 Days itinerary includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). And this is from the first day until the end of the trek. Since there are no free days in Kathmandu, your food costs are covered the moment you start the journey.

Since this is a 12 Days Budget Trek to Manaslu, we aim to keep the cost of the trek package low, and for that, it does not include porter service. As such, you are responsible for carrying your own backpack. We recommend keeping your Manaslu Circuit packing list items under 10 to 12 kg.

However, if you prefer not to carry your bag, you can hire a porter for an additional 240 USD. This cost can be shared between two trekkers, and one porter carries a maximum of 25 kg in total. 

The amenities like electricity, Wi-Fi, and showers are not included in this trek package, just like in the case of the 15-day itinerary. As a result, you must pay the teahouse owners directly in cash if you want to use the aforementioned services. 
When on a 12 Days Budget Manaslu Trek, Wi-Fi is available at teahouses, but you might need to pay 2 USD – 5 USD for the use. Meanwhile, you can charge your device after paying 2 USD – 5 USD. It is the per-device cost, and it is done via solar or hydro charging most of the time. In addition, hot showers, heated using gas or solar power, are available at 3 USD – 5 USD (per shower).

Please bring enough cash (Nepali Rupees) for your personal expenses during the trek, despite your lodging and food being covered in the Budget Manaslu trek 12 Days Budget Manaslu Trek package. You will need cash for various purposes. 

For instance, for buying drinks, paying for showers and charging, and giving tips. These are the things not covered by this 12 Days Manaslu trek package. 

We suggest carrying NPR 15,000 to 25,000 (approx 150 USD – 200 USD) per person for the 12-day journey. As there are no ATMs at higher elevations, carrying cash is the best policy.

Even though this is a budget deal, we include the essentials for a smooth trip. It means our 12 Days Manaslu Trek cost includes airport transfers. So, you need not worry about reaching your hotel (that you have chosen) upon arriving in Kathmandu from your home country. We offer private airport pickup and drop-off. 
In addition, we also take care of the trek permits — Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, and ACAP.  As these permits are mandatory for being eligible to be a part of the Budget Manaslu Trek 12 Days, we will collect your original passport upon arrival to process them.

The following individuals will find this trek beneficial as well as convenient if they want to trek to the Manaslu region as part of our budget itinerary.

• Fit trekkers who are comfortable carrying their own gear and do not want to hire porters.
• Budget travelers who don’t mind public transport to lower the 12 Days Manalsu Trek cost
• Time-crunched travelers who want to skip city sightseeing and get straight to the mountains.
• Individuals looking for a Manaslu Trek group join opportunity to share costs.
• Those seeking a 12 Days Budget Manaslu Hike without an agency-chosen place to stay.

How is this 12-Day trek different from the 15-Day package? 

The trekking route, walking pace, and acclimatization days are identical in both packages. The difference is strictly in the city stay. We skip the trek preparation and rest days in Kathmandu. Hotel stay in Kathmandu is not included (you book your own). This allows us to offer a lower 12 Days Budget Manalsu Trek cost.

Is this a complete trek of the Manaslu Region?

Yes. The 12 Days Manaslu Trek itinerary offers a full journey of the Manaslu Circuit that follows the entire classic route, including Larkya La Pass, without shortening trekking days.

If I am to carry my own bag, how heavy should it be? 

Since a porter is not included in the base price, you should keep your backpack under 10 to 12 kg. Leave any non-essential items (city clothes, extra electronics) at your hotel in Kathmandu for free storage. This is standard for a 12 Days Manaslu Trek without porter.

Is the public bus safe? 

Yes, it is generally safe. But it is an adventure. The local bus ride takes around 8 to 9 hours on bumpy mountain roads. It can be crowded and dusty. However, it is the authentic way locals travel. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring medication or consider upgrading to a private jeep (approximately 400 USD extra).

Since the hotel is not included, where do we meet on Day 1? 

We will arrange a meeting point and inform you accordingly. We will collect your passport then (or the evening before) to process your permits.

Can I join a group if I am traveling solo? 

Yes, because you cannot trek alone in the Manaslu region (due to government rules). If you are looking for a solo Manaslu Trek, you can contact us here, and we can arrange a Manaslu Trek group join option. We will pair you with other travelers to meet the two-person permit requirement.

What happens if I can’t keep up with the group? 

The pace of our Budget Manaslu Trek 12 Days itinerary is standard and not rushed, but you are carrying your own gear. If you find it too difficult in the first few days, you can usually hire a porter (extra cost applies).