The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley trek is a stunning route. Generally, the cost of the trek is cheaper compared to other mainstream trekking routes. The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost depends on when you are traveling and how.
You can enjoy spectacular yet, remote trekking in the Manaslu region. Mt Manaslu is also the world’s eighth highest mountain.
The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La pass (5,106m / 16,814 ft). It is one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas. Tsum Valley lies to the east of Manaslu, on the border with Tibet. The highest point of Tsum Valley is at 4,000m above the largest monastery in the valley, Mu Gompa.
The trail to the Tsum Valley allows you to explore the unexplored village inhabited by the Tibetan descendants. The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley is a trekking route in the restricted region. The beauty and culture of these regions are still very raw and untouched.
The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek cost is on the pricer side in comparison to the individual Manaslu Circuit trek or the Tsum Valley Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 17-day trek and Tsum Valley Trek is a 15-day trek. The Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek is a 22-day trek. The increase in the number of days and the distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek definitely adds to the total cost increasing the per-day cost.
Let us make it easier for you and break down the cost of Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek below :
Permits – Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost
Manaslu region is a restricted area. The Nepal government has special rules and costs for trekking in the Manaslu region.
You will need three permits for trekking Manaslu Circuit via Tsum valley. And the cost of permits also adds to the Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost.
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
You need a Restricted Area Permit while entering the Manaslu region. The cost of the permit varies depending on the month you are trekking.
September to November:
USD 70 per head for the first week and USD 10 a day per head after a week.
December to August:
The permit costs are slightly cheaper as compared to the peak season. The costs are USD 50 per head for the first week and USD 7 per head for a day after the first week.
Note: Manaslu Circuit Trek via Tsum Valley is a 14 days trip but some trekkers even choose 17 days itinerary.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit, (MCAP)
USD 23 per head
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit, (ACAP)
USD 23 per head
4. Tsum Valley Restricted Permit
USD 35 a week per head
Transportation – Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost
Due to its isolation and off-road trails, the Manaslu region is not yet connected to the city via proper roads.
So, you will have to take the local bus or hire a jeep to reach Arughat. It is the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit trek via Tsum Valley.
Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat
Distance: 141 km
Duration: 7-9 hours by bus or jeep
Local bus
There is no direct public transport from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. You have to transit in Arughat if traveling by a local bus.
It will cost you around USD 10- USD 15 per head on a local bus.
Private Jeeps
If you are traveling by private jeep, you can take the jeep straight to Soti Khola without transiting in Arughat.
Private jeeps are costlier charging you USD 200 – USD 250. But, it can fit into 7 people where you can divide the cost.
It is also a lot comfortable compared to the local buses. And it saves you from the hassle of the transits.
Dharapani to Kathmandu via Beshi Sahar
Distance: 190 km
Duration: 7-8 hours
Some people do walk down to Beshi Sahar from Dharapani. We definitely do not recommend it, as the road is very dusty.
There are also no local buses available between Dharapani to Beshi Sahar, so you will have to travel by the local jeeps. It takes approximately 5 hours to get to Beshi Sahar. The vehicles leave every hour.
The local jeeps charge you around USD 20 -USD 25 per person.
You can also travel to Beshi Sahar by private jeep for a faster and a lot comfortable ride.
The private jeep will cost you anything between USD 200 -USD 250.
From Beshi Sahar, you can also take a local jeep to Kathmandu for USD 10 – USD 15 per person. And the local buses will cost you around USD 7.
Cost of Hiring a Guide
According to the government’s rule, you cannot trek in the Manaslu region unless you hire a licensed guide. So, before you plan to trek in the region do allocate the budget to hire a guide for the trek.
On average the cost for a guide is USD 35 per day which includes the food, accommodation, and insurance of the guide.
But an experienced guide who can speak your language (other than English) might charge up to USD 40 per day.
Cost of Hiring a Porter
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate trek, hiring a porter is entirely your decision. If you are well-trained to carry your load, you can just trek with a guide or a porter-guide.
But hiring a porter has no cons at all. Instead, you will be able to trek without any burden which will allow you to enjoy the trek a lot. By the end of the day, you won’t feel tired and exhausted because of the load.
The cost of the porter for a day is around USD $20 -USD 25. It includes the cost of the porter’s food, accommodation, and insurance.
Cost of Food and Drinks
As for the cost of food here, it is expensive than in Kathmandu because of the elevation and the remoteness of the region.
You will be paying roughly USD 5 per meal which means USD 15-20 a day.
You can enjoy the local cuisine Dal Bhat and Tarkai i.e. Rice, lentil soup, and fresh vegetables. If you like, you can also choose from a wide range of menu available. However, this can be quite pricier.
A bottle of water may cost around USD 1, so it is best to carry a refillable bottle. If you choose to refill from the local taps or springs, be sure to use a purifying tab.
In Kathmandu, a good meal will cost you around USD 8-10.
Accommodation Cost
Accommodation will not be a problem at all in Manaslu or Tsum valley as tea houses have increased in recent years. So, there should not be any issue accommodating any trekker.
The average cost for one twin bedroom is USD 6 -USD 9 per night. This twin bedroom is for two people. But even if you are sleeping alone in the room please take note that you will still have to pay the total cost of the room.
They provide a decent room with basic facilities. There are no room heaters or attached bathrooms. You will be using a common lavatory. You are also welcome to use the kitchen stove during winters.
Other Miscellaneous Costs
It is a known fact that everything in the mountains is expensive, Manaslu Circuit is quite the same.
Other than food and accommodation the following are the extra costs you might have to pay. These costs are the addition to your Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost.
1. Charging your electronic gadgets
Charging your electronic gadgets such as a camera, mobile phone, etc may cost you a few dollars.
To avoid such costs you can bring along a solar battery charger or a portable power bank and extra batteries for your camera!
2. Hot water bath
Taking a bath every day in the mountains is not practical or logical. But if you do want to take a bath they will provide you with hot water in buckets.
The tea houses may charge you around 0.5 – 1 US dollar for a bucket of hot water.
Hot water here is usually heated either by gas or firewood that is why they will charge you a few dollars for this. You can also opt to bring along some wet wipes to wipe your body instead of taking a bath every day.
3. Tips for the staff
Like in the west, you can give your porter and guide some tips after completing your trek. This is to show your gratitude and appreciation for their help.
Normally the tips are USD 100 for a two weeks trek, which is USD 7 per day.
Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost
To sum up, Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley is a 22-day trek and will cost you around USD 1300-1400.
But if you take the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it costs around USD 1044, and the Tsum Valley trek costs around USD 1000.
Trek Cost for Nepalese Citizens
Manaslu circuit via Tsum Valley is also a popular trekking route among the local Nepalese. And, being Nepali you do not need to get a trekking permit to visit these regions. Also, it is not a compulsion for you to hire a guide or a porter for this trek.
So, in comparison to the cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley trek for foreigner trekkers, Nepalese can do it at a low cost. For Nepalese the local transport costs
- KTM – Arughat – Soti Khola NPR – 600-700
- Dharapani – Beshisahar -NPR 1500
- Beshisahar – Kathmandu – NPR 500 – 700
While the average cost of food is NPR 500 – 700 per meal, which is the same as the foreigners. While for the room, Nepalese can get the room in NPR300 – 700 for a night.
Conclusion – Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek Cost
Manaslu Circuit Trek is for someone who is looking for a more rustic, less commercialized trek to the wilderness. It is relatively more remote as compared to the other trekking regions but quite affordable.
Manaslu Circuit via Tsum Valley Trek cost increases because of the charges of the restricted permits. In addition, it also increases with the addition of the days when you add a side trip to Tsum Valley in the Manaslu Circuit trek. This automatically adds-in to the total trek cost.
For further questions please feel free to contact us.
