How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, nestled in the western region of Nepal, is an unexplored gem that promises breathtaking visual experiences. Spanning roughly 18 days, this journey led you through a myriad of terrains – from high-altitude passes and rugged landscapes to challenging rocky paths interspersed with landslide-prone areas. This makes the Manaslu Circuit one of Nepal's most demanding treks, suggesting that it might not be suitable for beginners. However, what makes the trek truly remarkable isn't just its natural splendor. The heart and soul of the journey lie in the rich cultural tapestry of the Nubri and Tsum Valley communities. 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. 

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. It's worth noting that each additional day can increase the trek's total cost, as daily expenses for meals and accommodation add up. So, when planning the trek, it's crucial to select 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. 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 inviting weather and breathtaking scenery during 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. These local meals cost around $5 to $ 10 dollar. On average separating $15 to $25 dollar is rough for three meals on the Manaslu circuit trek. For bottled water, tea, and coffee $2 to $5 is more than enough.

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

Options of accommodation on the trek start from luxury hotels to teahouses and lodges. 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. These type of teahouses costs around $7 to $10 per night on average while luxury hotels cost range from $20 to $250 per 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.

The transportation in the entire trek is done from Kathmandu to Sotikhola typically at the beginning of the Manaslu circuit trek and from Jagat to Kathmandu at the end of it. You need to drive by road and have two options

1. Use the local bus ( costs around $20 for one way )

2. Reserve a jeep ( costs around $200 )
   

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. The 30 days travel insurance costs approximately $150 to $250.

Check our travel insurance blog to know all the details about it.

Tip: while choosing an insurer make sure they have a helicopter evacuation service in case of emergency)

Permits cost

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

1. The Manaslu conservation area permit - this costs $30 (irrespective of the number of days and season)

2. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - this costs $30  (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.

 During the spring season, the permit for a week costs $75, and if you add more days than a week then you are eligible to pay $10 per day. 

During the Autumn season, this permit costs $100 for a week and with additional days you need to pay $15 per day.

Note:

If you want to go for the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek you need the Tsum Valley trek permit which costs $40 from the month of September to November and $ 30 from the month of December to the month of August.

Cost of trekking clothes, gear, and types of equipment

If you are to buy all the trekking clothes and every piece of equipment it is most likely to be covered by $2500. You better not be thinking about saving money while buying your gear for the trek as they keep you safe and protected throughout. Not to forget Manaslu circuit trek is dangerous hence, spend some extra buck and make sure not to compromise on your safety.

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. $30 to $50 approximately covers the wage of all types of guides. And for porters, the daily wage falls around $25. Or you could hire a guide porter ( they do both works of guides and porters and charge less )

Note: hiring a guide with proper certifications is a must for the Manaslu circuit trek.

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.

• Calculate all the risks and see if you can travel during the off-season that is summer season and the Winter season.

 Conclusion:

Although the total cost of the Manaslu circuit trek can not be the same for everyone. On average it rounds off around $1500 to $2500. Now, how to decrease the total cost and make it work for you according to the cost breakdown above is up to you.