Manaslu Circuit Trek is a relatively cheaper trek than Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek, like the majority of treks in Nepal, varies depending on criteria such as route, number of trekking days, transportation fees, package category, and so on. Generally, it can cost between $1000 and $1550 on average.
Expense Categories for Manaslu Trek
Transportation Cost
This will be included in your trekking package if you are booking one.
Kathmandu to Sotikhola (Starting point of Manaslu Trek)
Public Bus: $10 per person
Private Jeep: $150 to $200
Helicopter: Around $350 per person
The public bus operates until Arughat. So you need to hire a jeep from there to get to Soti Khola. Alternatively, you can take a jeep from Kathmandu all the way up to Soti Khola. Renting a jeep costs the same whether there are fewer or more people. Hence, the pricing may vary depending on the number of passengers. If you travel in a group, a helicopter flight can cost you significantly less during your Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Returning from Dharapani to Beshi Sahar
Local Jeep: $20 to $25 per person
Private Jeep: $200 to $250 per person
There is no public bus service from Dharapani to Beshi Sahar.
Returning to Kathmandu from Beshi Sahar
Public Bus: Around $25 per person
Private Jeep: $250 per person
Permits Cost
The following permits are required for the Manaslu Trek.
Manaslu Restricted Permit:
This permit is free for Nepalese citizens and children under 10.
- September to November: $70 per person for the first 7 days, after 7 days $10/per day per person
- December to August: $50 per person, after 7 days $7/day per person
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):
During Manaslu Circuit Trek, MCAP does cost NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 3000 for all others. It is free for children under the age of ten.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
ACAP also costs NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 3000 for others. It is also free for children under the age of ten.
Tsum Valley Permit (if you go to the Tsum valley):
- September to November: $40 per person for the first week, and $7 per person/day beyond that
- December to August: USD30 per person for the first week, and $7 per person/day beyond that
Travel Insurance Cost
Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 5,160 m (Larkya Pass). It’s a high-altitude trek, so there is a serious risk of altitude sickness. Hence, get travel insurance for yourself from your home country. A 30-day insurance policy for up to 6,000 meters of elevation might cost between $150 and $250.
Expenses for Lodging, Food, and Beverages:
Everything becomes more expensive as you ascend. One twin-sharing room can cost between $6 and $10 per night during Manaslu Circuit Trek. During peak seasons, you may even have to share a room with other trekkers.
Meals might range between $5 and $7. Similarly, drinking water, tea, or coffee costs between $2 and $5. Food and drinks will cost between $25 and $30 per day.
Extra Amenities Cost:
You have to pay extra for services such as charging, internet, and a hot shower. Expect to pay $2-$3 for internet service and $1–$2 for charging gadgets. Likewise, a hot shower might cost between $4 and $7. Some teahouses may offer it free of charge. In the teahouses of Dharamsala, you may be charged NPR 200–300 for each additional blanket.
Guide and Porter Fees
As Manaslu is a restricted region, there must be at least two members trekking with a guide. So, you can’t avoid the cost of hiring a guide during Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Guides charge between $25 and $50 daily. Similarly, porters often charge between $20 and $25 per day. You can choose to hire a porter cum guide if you’re in a small group. This will cost you approximately $25-$30 per day.
Tipping Cost
Tipping is not required, but it is expected. So, you can tip your guide and porter 10%-15% of their salaries.
Visa Cost
Apart from a few nationalities, all nationalities are eligible for on-arrival visas in Nepal. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can obtain your visa. You can also obtain your visa from the Nepalese Embassy in your home country before traveling to Nepal.
Fee Structure for Nepali Visa
- $30 for 15 days
- $50 for 30 days
- $125 for 90 days
Gears and Apparels Cost
Overall, purchasing everything from trekking equipment to clothing and other items for Manaslu Circuit Trek can cost between $1500 and $2,000. Rather than purchasing anything, you can rent these products from Thamel’s rental stores for around $1 per item.
