Who might not have any desire to trek on the off-the-beaten-trail and get lost in the serene beauty of the Nepal Himalayas? If you are looking for that heavenly place then Manaslu Circuit Trek is worth trying. And today, I’m going to breakdown the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost and give you some tips to maintain the standard as well as cost.
Before that, do you know why you should visit Manaslu Circuit Trek?
A very upgrowing trekking route, rich in natural beauty – the Manaslu Circuit trek takes you to around the world’s 8th highest peak Mt. Manaslu (8,156m). For every travel wanderer, the Manaslu Circuit is a lifetime chance to explore an unspoiled side of Nepal. Similarly, every year the Manaslu Circuit attracts around 7000-8000 visitors.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is wrapped with dazzling snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and enthusiastic valleys. And you will be amazed by its flora & fauna with 33 species of mammals with some of the endangered species like snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, and more.
What’s more! Manaslu Circuit Trek is a budget friendly trek at just USD 1,090 to USD 1200 according to the services & itinerary you get. So, let’s talk to the main point.
What is the cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?
Without the Trekking permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can’t even enter the sanctuary. You will need at least three different kinds of permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek. And to issue the permits, you must have two or more than two trekkers (no individual) and a licensed holder trekking guide.
Here is the detail cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits in Nepal.
| Permits | For Foreign | For SAARC |
| MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project | NRS 3000 / Approx. USD 30 | NRS 1000 |
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) | NRS 3000 / Approx. USD 30 | NRS 1000 |
| Manaslu Restricted Permit (September-November) | USD 100/week | USD 100/week |
| Manaslu Restricted Permit (December-August) | USD 75/week | USD 75/week |
As you can see, in the Permits lists there, it has two prices for Manaslu Restricted Permit according to the seasons as well as two different prices for SAARC and Foreign countries.
The Manaslu Restricted Permit at the month of Sep-Nov costs USD 100 per week during peak season which is expensive due to high traffic of tourists. The nest reason for high price is due to finding accommodation during Sep-Nov month which is very challenging.
Whereas the Manaslu Restricted Permit during Dec-Aug month costs USD 75 per week because the accommodation can be booked easily. And if you are from any SAARC countries then it get’s even cheap for you.
Note*=Children under age 10 don’t need permits.
Transportation Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek
As the Manaslu circuit is an off-the-beaten-path and lies in the remote part of west Nepal, there are no good transportation facilities. The journey from Arughat or Soti Khola kicks off with a local bus or a private jeep. And the expenses for transportation through a local bus is USD 10 per person. Whereas, it costs USD 200-240 for traveling through a private jeep to Soti Khola.
As for returning back from Tal or Besisahar to Kathmandu, the cost get’s very low. You can find local jeeps which cost roughly USD 15-20.
Food and Accommodation Cost in Manaslu Circuit Trek:
The food and accommodation cost in the Manaslu Circuit area is non-negotiable because it is an off-the-beaten-path trek. On top of that, the prices of food and accommodation can get more expensive according to the altitude level.
Roughly, the food cost is between USD 5 to USD 7 per meal which is USD 20 to USD 25 on a daily basis. For any kind of beverage, the expenses will vary depending on the beverages you drink.
As for accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the rooms are provided on the basis of twins sharing. The expenses for the room can be USD 6-9 per night. Also, the cost of a cup of tea or coffee is USD 1-4 and USD 2-4 respectively. Likewise, bottled water will cost you USD 0.5-4.
Guide and Porter Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a highly restricted trekking region in Nepal where solo trek is not allowed. Without two members in your group, you cannot issue the permit for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Whereas, Guide and porter expense highly affect the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost.
Every local trekking agency in Nepal provides you with guides and porters for this trek at an average cost of USD 35 to USD 45 per day (excluding tips). The costs of the Guide and porter covers the food, accommodation, insurance, and services. However, the benefit of having a guide or porter is, you can get hotel rooms 100% guaranteed, you don’t have to worry about food and you won’t get lost.
Other Miscellaneous Costs of Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Make sure you carry some extra money to cover the miscellaneous costs which include charging batteries and electronic devices, hot shower, wifi internet, and hot waters during your stay.
Furthermore, while visiting monasteries, gumba or stupa they may anticipate a bit of donation for the maintenance of the area although it is not mandatory. Also, you might buy souvenirs during the trek or in Kathmandu.
Last but not the least, after finishing the trek your guide and porter also expect tips from you as gratitude. The tip cost is shared between the trekkers in your group.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek better than Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is gradually becoming the alternative trek of Annapurna Circuit Trek because Manaslu Circuit is still unspoiled. As for the difference in prices, Manaslu Circuit Trek cost may be higher than Annapurna Circuit trek. But, the less traffic in Manaslu Circuit makes it a peaceful journey rather than high traffic in Annapurna Circuit trek.
In my opinion, if you are a beginner then the Annapurna Circuit trek is best for you because it is easy and transportation is available too. However, if u have some experience in trekking field then the Manaslu Circuit trek is recommended. You will love it.
Manaslu Circuit Trek map:
The Manaslu Circuit Map shows how and where you will trek. This is the perfect map to read easily by any trekkers.
