Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026: Permits, Guide, Food and Total Budget

• Typical totalUSD 1,250 to 2,100 per person
• Permits (autumn)About USD 180 to 200
• Licensed guideCompulsory, USD 30 to 40 a day
• FoodUSD 25 to 40 a day
• Teahouse roomUSD 5 to 15 a night
• Bus to Machha KholaAbout USD 7 to 10

The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Manaslu (8,163 m) in the Gorkha district of west-central Nepal. Spanning roughly two weeks, it crosses the Larke La at 5,106 m, rough rocky paths and landslide-prone stretches of the Budhi Gandaki valley. This makes the Manaslu Circuit one of Nepal's most demanding treks, suggesting that it might not be suitable for beginners. The scenery is only half of it. The Tibetan Buddhist villages of the Nubri valley, and of the Tsum valley if you add that side trip, are what most trekkers remember. Even though the trek can be tough, the cool traditions, captivating ancient architecture, and tasty food, with the amazing Himalayas in the background, make it totally worth it.

It is hard to estimate the exact cost of any trek anywhere in the world as there are many factors that fluctuate the total cost of treks. Likewise, the Manaslu circuit trek’s expenses differ greatly depending upon the path of the trek, the season of the trek, your desired accommodation, the mode of transportation, travel insurance, the number of people on the trek, etc. 

Manaslu Circuit Cost at a Glance (2026)

Totals for a 14-day trip from Kathmandu, per person, excluding international flights and gear, on a scale up to USD 2,500.

There is no cheaper unguided option. A licensed guide is compulsory on the Manaslu Circuit, so even a self-organised trek goes through an agency, which also arranges the restricted area permit. Manaslu usually costs more than the Annapurna Circuit for the same number of days, mainly because of that permit and the remote supply chain. For Everest prices, compare our Everest Base Camp cost guide.

Trek’s duration

On average, the Manaslu Circuit trek takes about two weeks to complete. But the actual duration can vary by 2 to 3 days based on the chosen path and the trekker's pace. Each extra day adds to the bill, because meals, rooms, guide wages and the restricted area permit are all charged by the day. So when planning the trek, pick a route that fits not only your walking capability but also your financial budget.

Number of people on the trek (group size)

For those considering the Manaslu Circuit trek, it's mandated to engage with a travel agency and hire a guide. This is mainly due to the necessity of obtaining specialized permits, which only travel agencies can secure. Since the March 2026 rule change, a minimum of two trekkers is no longer required, so solo travellers are welcome, though the guide rule still applies. Traveling as part of a larger group can be financially advantageous. Travel agencies often offer group discounts, and typically, the more significant the group size, the greater the discount. Booking vehicles, teahouses, and lodges also becomes more economical with a larger group, leading to potential savings. 

The season for the trek

The months of March through May in Spring, and September through November in Autumn, are the most popular times for trekking across the country, including the Manaslu Circuit. The settled weather and clear mountain views in these seasons attract trekkers from around the globe and within Nepal. But this popularity comes at a cost. With a surge in demand, prices for food, lodging, and trekking packages tend to climb. Those looking for a more economical option might consider trekking during the off-peak season.

Approximate cost for food on Manaslu Circuit trek

Now, if you are tight on budget and want to work your way through it this is the aspect where you can do so. There are many options for food starting with local Nepali meals like dal, bhat, tarkari, aachar, roti, tea, coffee, noodles, momo, etc. to other Western dishes. Going for the local Nepali meal is better from both your health as well as your pocket’s perspective. A local meal such as dal bhat costs roughly USD 4 to 10, more in the upper villages. Budget about USD 25 to 40 a day for three meals, with a cup of tea or coffee at about USD 1 to 3. Carry a bottle and purifying tablets rather than buying bottled water.

Note: The same meal costs more as the altitude increases (Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharamsala and Bhimtang) compared to lower altitude (Machhakhola, Deng, Jagat, and Namrung)

Expenditure on accommodation while on the Manaslu circuit trek

There are no luxury hotels on the Manaslu Circuit. Every night on the trail is spent in a teahouse or lodge. Teahouses are operated by the local people to provide you with service. The most common rooms in teahouses of the Manaslu circuit trek consist of twin beds and shared bathrooms. The rooms are facilitated with warm beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets. A room costs roughly USD 5 to 15 a night, a little more than on the Annapurna side, because supplies come up by mule or porter. Comfortable hotels are only an option in Kathmandu, where they cost USD 20 to 250 a night.

Things to know before choosing the accommodation:

1. Ask the owners if they have WiFi services and if they do whether or not you have to pay extra for it.

2. Know if they take an extra amount for letting you charge electrical devices like phones, cameras, etc.

3. Lastly, some teahouses charge extra for hot water as well so, make sure to ask about it beforehand.

Note: going with a travel agency means you do not have to go through all this hassle they will take care of it on your behalf.

Transportation cost

For international trekkers, this excludes your flight cost from your country to Nepal.

You drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870 m), or Soti Khola just below it, at the start, a 7 to 10 hour trip. At the end you drive from Dharapani or Besisahar on the Annapurna side back to Kathmandu. You have two options

1. Use the local bus (about USD 7 to 10 per person each way)

2. Reserve a private jeep (about USD 120 to 200 per vehicle, for up to six people)

Travel Insurance cost

Manaslu circuit trek falls on the difficult side of the scale. The climatic conditions are unpredictable and trails are dangerous. That is why travel insurance is mandatory before opting for the trek. To pick the right travel insurance and insurer you can take help from the internet, your guide, or travel companies in Kathmandu. A very wide range of travel insurances are offered and their cost varies depending on factors like duration, age, destinations, etc. A 30-day policy costs roughly USD 150 to 250.

Check our travel insurance guide for trekking in Nepal to know all the details about it.

Tip: choose a policy that covers trekking up to at least 5,200 m, since the Larke La is 5,106 m, and that includes helicopter evacuation.

Permits cost

The Manaslu circuit trek requires the following permits and here is how much they cost

1. The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) - this costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 20), irrespective of the number of days and season

2. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - this costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 20), irrespective of the number of days and season

3. Restricted area permit for Manaslu region - the cost of this particular permit differs with the time of the year and the duration of the trek.

From December to August, the permit costs USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each extra day.

From September to November, it costs USD 100 for the first seven days and USD 15 for each extra day. No TIMS card is needed, because the restricted area permit replaces it. For a standard 14-day circuit, with about nine days inside the restricted zone, the permits total roughly USD 180 to 200 per person in autumn, as our Manaslu permit guide for 2026 explains.

The Chumnubri Rural Municipality also collects a local fee of about NPR 1,000 to 2,000 per person.

Note:

If you add the Tsum Valley, you need a separate Tsum permit: USD 40 for the first seven days from September to November, or USD 30 from December to August, then USD 7 for each extra day. See our Tsum Valley guide.

Cost of trekking clothes, gear, and types of equipment

If you are to buy all the trekking clothes and every piece of equipment expect to spend around USD 1,000 to 1,500 if you buy everything new. You better not be thinking about saving money while buying your gear for the trek as they keep you safe and protected throughout. The Larke La can be icy and cold, so spend where it matters: boots, a down jacket and a warm sleeping bag.

Expenditure on guides and porters

Guide’s wage is affected by their experience in the field and their qualifications. But it is good to hire more experienced guides even if they cost a little more as you need to completely rely on them until the end of the Manaslu circuit trek. Around USD 30 to 40 a day covers an experienced guide licensed for restricted areas, and porters charge USD 20 to 25 a day. A porter-guide, who does both jobs, charges about USD 25 to 35. At the end, crews usually receive tips of about 10 percent of their wages.

Note: a licensed guide is compulsory on the Manaslu Circuit, even if you travel alone. Read whether you can trek Manaslu without a guide.

Manaslu Circuit Costs, Item by Item

Typical 2026 costs for one trekker on a 14-day trip, on a scale up to USD 600. Trail prices are rough ranges from lodges and trekking agencies, and they rise the higher you go.

Without a porter, these items add up to about USD 1,250 to 2,000. A porter adds USD 240 to 300, or half that if you share one.

How to save some money while on the Manaslu circuit trek?

• Look for travel packages that are affordable.

• Instead of buying every snack and bottled water, carry some snacks on your own and take your own water bottle, and refill it from time to time.

• If you did not know you can rent trekking clothes and gear. There are many places in Kathmandu and Pokhara providing this service. Instead of buying everything rent them and relieve your pockets a bit.

• Carry power banks so as not to pay extra at teahouses.

• Consider the quieter months, but check the risks first: monsoon landslides in summer and snow on the Larke La in winter. Our guide to the best time to trek Manaslu covers each month.

How Much the Manaslu Circuit Costs in Total

The total cost of the Manaslu Circuit is never the same for everyone. Most trekkers spend about USD 1,250 to 2,100 per person, including insurance and tips but not international flights or gear. How far you bring that down depends on the choices in the cost breakdown above.

Manaslu Circuit Cost FAQs