Cost Breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek is around US$ 900 to US$ 1,600. There are several factors that influence the overall cost of the trek, such as total trekking duration, required number of porters and guides, side excursion around the region, quality of service and amenities, transport needs, etc.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most and remote trekking adventures in Nepal. This journey is a blend of remote unspoiled natural beauty, cultural richness and epic Himalayan vistas. Circumnavigating the serene and isolated trail around the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m/ 26,781ft), you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique cultures, ancient monasteries and pristine wilderness of the west central Himalayas. If you are wondering about the general Manaslu Circuit Trek cost, it is at the US$ 900 to US$ 1,600 margin.

While the experience of this off-beaten trail is certainly priceless, it is essential to plan your budget carefully to make the most out of this journey without unnecessary financial stress. From the mandatory permit requirement for the trek, guide and porter services to transportation, daily expenses, food and accommodation, understanding the cost involved can help you trek smarter. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time trekker in the Himalayas, our comprehensive cost breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek will help you understand the clear picture of what to expect during your journey and how to manage your finances effectively.

Here is a general idea about the cost breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek that we will cover in this article:

You can buy a standard trek package for this route at US$ 900 to US$ 1,600
Cost of food, accommodation, transport, guide and porter are the major aspects to manage.
You can easily rent the trekking gear in Kathmandu for a rent charge of US$ 2 to US$ 7 per day.
The standard price of travel insurance starts at US$ 30 to US$ 150.
Tipping 10% to 15% of the total cost to guide and porter is the standard practice.
Go for the group booking option for a budget-friendly trip.
A customization option is also available if you are an experienced trekker; you cover more distance to shorten the length of the trek.

Cost of Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

For this exhilarating trekking adventure in the remote part of the west central Himalayas, you will need to get three permits. This circuit trekking route crosses two major conservation areas in the Himalayas and also takes you across a restricted area.

Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit— US$ 100 (for autumn) and US$ 75 (for other seasons)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)—US$ 30
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)— US$ 30

The restricted area in this trekking trail begins from Jagat and continues to Bhimthang. Thus, you will need to get a restricted area permit to access these regions near the Tibetan border. This permit is only issued to registered trekking agencies; an individual trekker cannot apply for this permit.

All these necessary permits for the Manaslu Trek can be collected from Kathmandu, Pokhara and Besisahar. If you are doing this trek with Himalayas On Foot, we will collect all the required permits and you won’t have to go through the hassle of applying and collecting procedure.

Guide and Porter Fees

Hiring a licensed guide is a mandatory requirement for high-altitude treks in Nepal. Considering the safety and well-being of trekkers as well as properly managing the tourism activities in the delicate regions, authorities have made it an absolute necessity for trekkers to hire a government-licensed guide for their Himalayan endeavor.

If you are doing our 13 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek, we will provide a professional guide with relevant years of experience leading adventures in the Manaslu region. In general, the cost of hiring a professional guide is around US$ 30 to US$ 35 per day.

However, depending on the experience of the guide and field of expertise, the cost can be even higher than the standard margin. Like guides, the porters are also important companions while doing Himalayan treks in Nepal.

Porters help you with the luggage, making your journey feel light. If you hire porters for your trek, you will not have to worry about the heavy luggage and exhaustion as you ascend to significant altitudes. A porter will typically carry 30 kg (66 lbs) of your baggage.

So, depending on your carry-ons, you can either hire an individual porter for you or share a porter with another trekker (standard practice splitting 15 kg (33 lbs) weight each). The cost of hiring a porter for Manaslu Circuit is around US$ 20 to US$ 25 per day.

Accommodation Costs on the Trek

Trekking adventures in Nepal are popular for the teahouse experiences. Teahouses are the standard accommodation facilities in the Manaslu region. Although there are more extensive lodges available in the lower regions, at the higher part of the trail, the available facilities are on a standard level.

These teahouses provide basic amenities such as bedding, bathroom, laundry, electricity, etc. The cost of the standard accommodating establishment in this circuit trek starts at around US$ 7. However, depending on the services provided and their standard, the cost can vary from teahouse to teahouse.

The season of visit can also bring variation in the accommodation cost charged by the teahouses. During the peak seasons, you will have to pay standard rates and you can expect some discounts during off-seasons when tourist activities are pretty low.

Food and Drinks Expenses

A standard trekking package will cover standard meals throughout the trek. This means your trekking package will pay for three meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, during your trip. However, if you are overseeing the trip on your own, depending on your preference, the cost can vary. But, in general, a standard meal on this mountain trail costs around US$ 10 US$ 15.

During Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can explore the diverse range of menus, from traditional dishes to international menus. The cost of traditional meal option is cheaper than the international dishes at the teahouses.

Similarly, for drinks, you will have several options to choose from depending on your mood. From warm masala tea and ginger tea to refreshing drinks the day and alcoholic beverages, all varieties of drinks are available on this route. However, there can be limited options for both drinks and snacks due to the remoteness of the region.

Normally, the cost for drinks and beverages will start at US$ 2 or US$ 5. But, depending on the altitude, you can expect a significant rise in price as it is hard to supply goods to the remote parts of the mountain.

Transportation Costs

The trekking in the Manaslu region kick starts with a drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Machha Khola (870m). Similarly, during the ending part, the drive from Dharapani (1,963m) to Kathmandu via Besisahar (760m) marks the end of the journey.

So, this overall circuit trekking journey can be completed with just land transportation, which is significantly budget-friendly compared to the route that requires flights. For the road transportation as well, you will have several options to choose from.

You can either take the local bus with comfortable seating at around US$ 12 to US$ 20. If you want more flexibility, then you can choose private vehicle options like a jeep, taxi, hiace, or coaster, depending on the group size. For the off-roading part of the trail, the Jeep is the most viable option and will cost around US$ 250 for the destination drive.

Gear and Equipment Costs

When doing high-altitude trekking adventures in the Himalayas, it is important to bring all the necessary gear and equipment for the trek. Trekking gear will keep you comfortable even when exploring the farthest part of the Himalayas.

Trekking essentials such as a backpack, sleeping bag, trekking pole, water bottle, headlamp, sturdy boot, powerbank, duffle bag, down jacket, etc., can help you to feel comfortable on the mountain route. If you are not a seasoned trekker, you may not have all the necessary gear and equipment that are recommended for this circuit route.

In such a case, you will be able to buy or rent the necessary gear from Kathmandu easily. If you are looking for high-quality branded items, they can cost upto US$ 300. In case if you are renting them for the trek, you will have to pay around US$ 2 to US$ 7, depending on the grade and type of equipment.

Himalayas On Foot provides the necessary trekking gear like sleeping bags, duffle bags and down jackets for trekkers who need them. We will make arrangements for these trekking gear for absolutely free, but they should be returned after completing the trek.

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Cost of Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance has several benefits, especially for high-altitude and remote trekking adventures such as Manaslu Circuit. Depending on the coverage plan, insurance will cover expenditures for medical care, unpredictable weather, lost or stolen possession, cancellation or postponement, emergency evacuation, etc.

So, getting insurance is like getting an ultimate companion who will help you enjoy your incredible journey feeling assured. As for the cost of the insurance plan, it will depend on the overall coverage plans, region, altitude, age of trekkers, etc.

Standard insurance plans for trekking in Nepal are available as low as US$ 30. For standard and extensive coverage, you will have to pay about US$ 150. Similarly, if you want to include an emergency helicopter rescue operation in your coverage plan, it can cost several thousand.

We recommend you get a plan that covers the insurance upto an altitude of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Travel Visa

Upon your arrival in Nepal, you can buy travel visas depending on the period of your stay. ‘On Arrival Visa’ is the most convenient way to get a travel visa in Nepal as you can easily apply for it at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival.

The nationals of the countries to which the on-arrival is not issued will have to get the Nepali visa from the nearest embassy in their country. There are typically three types of visas issued in Nepal:

Travel Visa and Fees

15 Days Travel Visa at US$ 30
30 Days Travel Visa at US$ 50
90 Days Travel Visa at US$ 125

You can select the visa that is the most convenient for your intended period of stay. Even if you happen to want to stay longer in Nepal than the duration of your issued visa, you will have the option to extend the visa.

For a visa extension, you will need to apply for at least a 15-day extension, which will cost US$ 45.

Miscellaneous Expenses

You need to consider the small miscellaneous expenses as well while budgeting for this off-beaten experience. Normally, we tend to only criticize the big expenses and often overlook the minor cost heads of the trip.

But, in the long run, even these minor expenses can put strain on the overall budgeting. What you need to understand is that even if you are buying a trekking package, it will only cover for the standard expense.

The cost factors that are personal natured, you will have to pay for them on your own. For expenses like hot showers, laundry, snacks, drinks, dessert, internet, etc, which fall under the personal category, you will need to set a proper budget stream.

These expense factors don’t cost much; you will have to pay around US$ 2 to US$ 5 for each service, depending on the altitude. So, depending on your spending habits, you can set about US$ 30 to US$ 50 for each day as personal expenses.

Also Read: Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Tips for Guides and Porters

Like the Western part of the world, tipping is not a standard practice in Nepal. However, even if it is not mandatory to tip your guides and porters for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is certainly expected. Take it as a way to show gratitude for their efforts and dedication to make your Himalayan adventure a remarkable experience.

Normally, the trekkers tip around 10% to 15% of the total cost to the guide and porters after completing the trip. It is also most upto you; depending on the experience you had, you can tip them as you feel free.

However, make sure to be respectful while tipping. Instead of handing out cash, it is best practice to put cash in an envelope and hand it out to your guide and porter. Always use both hands when you are receiving or giving something; even if it is a small gesture, it is a respectful way to do it.

Total Estimated Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

After considering all the factors of the cost breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the overall budget estimation for a standard duration comes out to be around US$ 900 to US$ 1,600.

This budget estimation includes the cost of all standard expenses like food, accommodation, transportation, permits, guide, porter, insurance, etc. The overall cost of the trip can also be influenced by the range of the budget, whether it is designed for budget, mid-range, or luxury experience.

Instead of managing every front on your own, it will be best if you stick with a guided trekking package. There are several benefits of trekking with an agency. With the mentioned package cost, the agencies will take care of all the general expenses and you will just have to manage the personal expenses.

There are also enhanced safety and security factors while doing trekking with an agency. Not to mention the enriching journey and proper care of your health and comfort. So, if you want to enjoy a seamless and hassle-free Himalayan trek, doing this trek with registered agencies like Himalayas On Foot will make it both a budget-friendly and immersive endeavor.

Our remarkable 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is priced at just US$ 1,020 per person. This a budget-friendly yet rewarding experience that covers all the general expenses and takes care of your itinerary plans throughout the trek.

If you have any queries regarding our package or booking, feel free to connect with us using the information provided on our Contact Page.

Comparing Cost: Choosing Group Tours Vs. Private Treks

The cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek is also significantly influenced by the mode you want to take part in this journey. For instance, the standard trekking package is based on a group joining option and is friendly as well.

In this group joining the trek, a particular start date for the trek is set. Then, the trekkers from all around the world who find the date feasible join the trekking group. The number of guides and porters assigned to such groups is based on size.

You will have to follow specifically mentioned itinerary plans for the trip and there isn’t room for flexibility. On the contrary, the private joining option offers more flexibility even if it costs more than the group joining option.

In a private trip, only members you have invited will join the trip and the starting date is set at your convenience. Similarly, you will also have ample opportunity to modify the itinerary plans as only your group will be doing the exploration.

Customizable Option

If you are an experienced trekker, you can also take benefit of the customization option to make your trip budget-friendly. The custom-tailored option will give you the opportunity to decide on the overall duration of the trip, quality of services, transport, highlights you want to explore, the required number of porters, etc.

So, tailoring the package as per your preference will help you save a significant amount. If you are an experienced trekker, you can increase your walking pace to cover more distance and it will reduce the size of the itinerary plans. Similarly, just moving along the major route and avoiding the side-excursion can also save extra exploration days of your trip.

Likewise, you can also make decisions about the quality of transportation and accommodation. Take a local bus and stay at standard teahouses for the best budget-friendly Himalayan trekking experience.

How to Minimize Costs on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

After learning about the cost breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, here are some insider tips on how you can minimize the overall cost of your journey.

Hire a local trekking agency and avoid third-party booking; international agencies cannot operate treks in Nepal, so you will only be paying extra booking costs for the same services.
Surf for the packages and choose the best-budget friendly option. Don’t dive in just because of the face value, research about package inclusion and exclusion as well.
Make a proper budgeting plan for your whole journey and assess the personal expenses throughout the trip too.
Instead of buying the trekking equipment, rent it in Kathmandu.
Pack light and efficiently; if you properly manage your packing, you will not have to hire porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
Staying at standard teahouses and choosing simpler teahouses can reduce the overall cost.
Eat healthy local delicacies instead of expensive international dishes; for traditional dishes like Dal Bhat, there is a free refill option as well.
Buy the supplies and snacks in city areas to avoid purchasing items at high cost on the mountain.
Bring a reusable water bottle and water purification solution, you can refill your bottle at clean stations and use purification solution to purify it.
Trek in a group to grab hefty discount offers. Himalayas On Foot offers this serene, off-beaten experience at just US$ 880 per person for a group of 7 plus trekkers.