A Detailed Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost For 2024- 2025

Cost Includes 

• Airport pickups and drops.
• Welcome and farewell dinners.
• Sightseeing Package in Kathmandu Valley.
• Permits for Any Tourist Areas including Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, & more.
• Trekking Permits (RAP, MCAP, and ACAP).
• Professional Guide and Porters (Fluent in English).
• Accommodation Fees in Tea Houses
• Three Meals A Day (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
• Transportation Facilities (From Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Besi Sahar to Kathmandu)
• Medical and Rescue Insurance.
• First Aid Kits and Essential Medical Supplies.
• Government Taxes and Other Legal Expenses.

Cost Excludes 

• International Flight Fees.
• Visa Fees.
• Personal Expenses.
• Additional Permits.
• Tips and Gratuities.
• Trekking Gear.
• Rescue and Evacuation Fees.

Detailed Breakdown of Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost For 2024-2025

Permit Cost

The first thing to consider for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is its cost. And when it comes to it, Permits stand in the frontline that contributes to the overall costs. There are three types of trekking permits required for this trek. They are listed in the following blog with respective costs and requirements. Explore them all:

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

If anyone looks forward to embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP) is the first permit you should obtain. This trekking permit comes into action when trekkers enter the Manaslu Valley, starting from Jagat Village to Samagaon. It allows trekkers to have a soothing and enjoyable trek without any legal issues or barriers.

One of the crucial things to acknowledge about Special Restricted Permit For Manaslu (RAP) is that it comes with a certain validity. The RAP has a validity of 7 days, which might not be enough. The average trekking duration from Jagat to Samagaon is around 10 to 12 days, so it is recommended to acquire the validation of around two weeks in advance. The extra days after a week comes with extra charges, so be prepared for the permit fees during your trek to Manaslu Circuit.

Restricted Area Permit For Manaslu (RAP) Cost | Pricing 2024-2025

We have already discussed the essence of the Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (RAP). Now, let's dig into the actual best price and cost of this permit. 

Trekkers must pay anywhere from USD 75 to USD 100 per person for the RAP. Remember, the cost is highly influenced by the itinerary of your package and the time of the year. For example, if your itinerary has longer days, the validity of the permits are not enough, where you should purchase extra validation and it comes with additional best prices.

Similarly, the timeframes of the year makes a huge difference in permit costs. In the peak trekking seasons like Spring and Autumn, the prices are relatively higher than the off-trek seasons like monsoon and winter.

During the Spring season that lasts until the end of May from March, the cost of RAP is around USD 100 per person. Similarly, the cost is around USD 75 per person during Autumn (September to November). 

On top of that, this permit only has a validity of 7 days. During Spring, trekkers need to pay extra costs of USD 10 per person per day. Similarly, the additional cost is USD 15 per day during the Autumn Season. The cost will be stacked upon one another depending on how long you take to complete your trek in the Manaslu Region.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

Before talking about this, let us remind you that Manaslu Trek is done within the trails of Manaslu Region inside Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a protected land area, usually covered with forests, to conserve wildlife species. So the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit) is essential to get through this conservation area.

Established in 1998, it lies in the Mansiri Mountain Range of the Nepalese Himalayas. It covers the land area of 1,663 square kilometers in the lap of Mount Manaslu. Said that, the Manaslu Conservation Area is home to numerous wildlife and plant species.

It provides shelter to around 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles. With this, you might know why the government made it compulsory to acquire MCAP in the first place for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The main motive of this permit is to track down the records of trekker’s activities in order to mitigate the human encroachment in the natural ecosystem.

Talking about the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), this permit is required for at least a week. But there’s a good side; there’s no expiry date of this permit and it can be used for infinite days (only in a single trek). So, there’s no worrying about the expiration of this permit and paying additional costs for extra validation.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit) Cost | Pricing 2024-2025

Considering the cost of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), it is somehow the same as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The cost of MCAP is NRs. 3000 per person (only for international trekkers). The price of national park and conservation entry permit is relatively cheaper for the SAARC nationals, which regulates this permit as well.

Trekkers from SAARC Nation (South Asian Countries) must pay NRs. 1000 per person, while the Nepalese trekkers can obtain this permit at just NRs. 100 per person.

The most intriguing part of this permit is that it does not have any expiry date. And there’s no worrying about paying extra costs. But remember, this does not mean that the permit can be used anytime. If your trek is completed before and you are visiting for another trek in the Manaslu Region, you must purchase a new permit. 

Infinite validity is only applied on a single trek. For example, if you purchase MCAP and trek to Manaslu Region, which might take 10 days or 100 days, there’s no extra costs applied. But if this trek is completed and you will be here for the next trek, you must purchase the permit another time during your trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

One of the important things to acknowledge is that trekking to the Manaslu Circuit requires Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit. Since the trail to Manaslu passes through Annapurna Region as well, trekkers need to purchase ACAP, which assures their safe trek without any legal issues.

Just like the Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area is also established to protect the wildlife and plant species in the Annapurna Region. It was established in 1992, which covers an area of 7,629 square kilometers. It sits in the lap of Annapurna Mountain Range, facing towards the famous peaks like Mount Annapurna, Himchuli, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Not only this, but MCAP and ACAP have one more thing in common. The validity of both permits is infinite whether you trek in Spring, Autumn, or winter. On top of that, the prices are the same during all seasons in Nepal.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit Cost | Pricing 2024-2025

When it comes to the cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, it costs NRs. 3000 per person (for international trekkers). Similarly, the cost is NRs. 1000 per person for SAARC Nationals and NRs. 100 for the Nepalese trekkers.

Accommodation Cost For Manaslu Circuit Trek 2024-2025

This circuit trek is not a single day hike. It requires at least 15 to 18 days to fully complete this trek from the starting point to the end. Here at Adventure Altitude Treks, we have the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package of 17 days. And during these days, accommodation is one of the integral necessities.

While we embark on this multi-circuit hike, we can find two types of accommodation facilities; Tea Houses and Hotels.

Tea houses are the most common accommodation facilities available en route to Manaslu Circuit. The major stops, including Machhakhola, Namrung, Samagaon, Dharmashala, Dharapani, and many others feature tea houses for accommodation. These services come with basic amenities like shared bedroom, shared bathroom, and electricity. Some tea houses even facilitate you with internet services.

If you look in terms of price, tea houses are the budget-friendly accommodation facilities. The average cost of staying at a tea house during the hike is around USD 7 to USD 10 per night. The only thing you must compromise is sharing your room with fellow trekkers. Similarly, there’s not much privacy as expected like in hotels or guest houses. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly accommodation service, tea houses are only an option during this trek.

Another option is staying at a hotel. Hotels and guest houses are not available at all the stops en route to the Manaslu Circuit. Only a few stops like Soti Khola and Besi Sahar feature hotels that might meet your staycation expectation. While it meets your expectations, the price tag is also high for these kinds of accommodation. The average price for staying at a hotel might range anywhere from USD 10 to USD 25 per night.

Hotels and guest houses come with several amenities like a personal room with an attached bathroom, hot showers, 24/7 electricity, and internet services. You will also have enough privacy as you do not need to share your room with others. The only thing to consider is the high price tag but you will cherish the luxury services. Remember, hotels and guest houses are very limited around the Manaslu region, so for this circuit trek you will need to prepare in advance for your accommodation.

The third and alternative option for accommodation during the Manaslu Trek is camping. Here, you might not find all the luxury of hotels or tea houses, but you will save enough money. If you do not care about your luxury and compromise staying open in nature, camping is the only option you have.

The only thing you must consider is carrying all the essentials for cooking and sleeping. You must carry your own food, gas canisters, utensils, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tents, and other gear for camping. Some trekking agencies provide the facilities of camping during the trek while some do not. So it is recommended to put an inquiry regarding the provision of camping.

Transportation Service Cost

Planning on embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is fine but taking yourself to the starting point is an important thing. How can we reach the starting point of the hike in the Manaslu Region? And how much does it cost to reach there? You might wonder how and when we can do it all. No worries, we have got you covered. Read the following explanation:

The starting point of the trek is the famous Soti Khola. So trekkers must have their plan in advance to reach Soti Khola via several means of transportation. First things first, trekkers cannot reach Soti Khola by flight, so we only have to travel through the black-topped road to reach there. There are two means of reaching Soti Khola: the first is by public bus and the second is by Jeep.

If you opt for a bus, the journey starts from Kathmandu that leads you towards the countryside landscapes of Dhading district. After riding for a few hours, the bus will take you to Muglin and then Aabu Khaireni. From Aabu Khaireni, the off-road journey starts towards Soti Khola. On the way, you must pass through several settlements, including Mangaltar, Aarughat, Arkhet, Khoketar, and others. A few hours of riding on a bus and you will finally reach Soti Khola, from where your trek to Manaslu Circuit begins.

Considering the price of traveling on a bus, it takes you around USD 15 to USD 25 per person to reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu.

Similarly, traveling on a jeep is time-saving and customizable. Trekkers can hire a private jeep to take themselves to Soti Khola, which costs anywhere around USD 175 to USD 200 per person. But if you travel in a group, the cost can be less than the designated amount. The beauty of traveling on a jeep is that you can make stops on the way for sightseeing the surrounding beauty and for lunch and snacks.

While you return after the completion of the circuit hike, you must take a jeep from Dharapani to Kathmandu or trek down to Besi Sahar and catch a bus to Kathmandu. The cost of traveling from Dharapani to Kathmandu on a jeep is around USD 25 per person. Similarly, taking a bus from Besi Sahar might cost you anywhere around USD 15 to USD 20 per person.

Food Cost And Pricing

Food and drinks are the major factors to keep you surviving and energetic during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is not-to-be-missed preparation, when it comes to allocating budget for this trek. Trekkers can enjoy Traditional Nepalese Cuisine, including Daal, Bhaat, and Tarkari with fermented pickles during the journey. At some spots, the taste of Thakali Khana Set, Dumplings, Dhindo, and Gundruk will take your breath away with its spices.

Considering the cost of food, the cost of breakfast in the tea house is around USD 8 to USD 12 per day. Similarly, the cost for lunch is around USD 10, while the dinner has the price tag of around USD 10 to USD 15 per meal.

If you are looking for drinks during your stay, you can get local tea at around USD 2 to USD 5. Similarly, coffee costs you around USD 3 to USD 7. Soft drinks like beer will cost you around USD 8 to USD 10 per bottle, while drinking water bottles have the price of around USD 2.

Guide and Porter Service Cost

Guides

Guides are the integral parts of the trek and they are one of the contributing factors of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. Currently, trekkers must have a professional and certified guide in their team to embark on any rural trekking in Nepal. The Nepal Government and Nepal Tourism Board have passed a law to mitigate the risk of missing and injured people during treks in Nepal. The law came to action from April 1, 2023.

Trekkers might wonder why they must hire a professional guide for this hike. Here’s why:

First, guides are very knowledgeable about the Manaslu Circuit Region and trails. So you will get the optimum help in navigation during your journey. They will suggest the best spots for sightseeing and also suggest shortcut ways to reach the destination faster.

Second, guides are experts in local culture, lifestyle, and tradition, so they will cater your stay depending upon which settlements you are on. You can learn the dos’ and don'ts of the community and follow the social guidelines that do not encroach other cultures and beliefs. This not only allows you cultural immersion but also helps you learn about the local culture and tradition through assimilation.

Third, guides are the first-hand support during any treks including the ones in the Manalsu. . Remote trekking is unpredictable; anything can happen at any time. So hiring a guide makes you assured of your safety as they are professional in emergencies, including medical attention and evacuation. Last but not least, who knows more about Manaslu region’s weather and climate conditions than the local guides? Being well-known about the local environmental condition, a professional guide can help you prepare well for this trek.

How Much Does A Professional Guide Charge?

A professional guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek for 2024-2025 charges you anywhere from USD 25 to USD 35 per day. But the cost is highly influenced by the weather patterns, time of the year, level of their experience, and other services they offer. Highly experienced guides can charge you up to USD 50 per day, which is the highest price for a guide, you need to allocate your budget for.

We recommend every trekker to sit and negotiate their price in advance before embarking on the hike. 

Porters

If you are on a long-day trek, porters are what you should not miss. This multi-day Manaslu Trek is very physically demanding and your backpacks and gears feel burdened during the journey. On top of that, you do not want to mess up with your chilling adventure around the Manaslu Region. So, what can be the best option than hiring porters?

Hiring porters for this trek has many benefits. The first thing is porters help carry your backpacks, luggages, and trekking gear, which will clear off your physical burden. With this, you can focus on enjoying your thrilling adventure and the beauty of the remote Manaslu Region.

Remember, a porter carries the highest weight of 25 kg. If you have big luggages, it’s recommended to hire more than one porter and if you have less than 25 kg of gear and essentials, two trekkers can share one porter for the service. 

Second, porters are also very knowledgeable about the local people, their lifestyle, and culture. So it will be very helpful to get the insights of the community, their lifestyle, religion, and culture.

How Much Does Porter Charge?

A porter usually charges you anywhere from USD 20 to USD 30 per person. But the price range fluctuates depending on the weight they carry and the season you are traveling. As mentioned above, it is recommended to negotiate with porters about your cost, expectations, and other essential things.

Gears and Equipment | Cost and Pricing

Trekking gears and equipment are another factor that contribute to overall Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost in 2024 and 2025. This trek is a remote trek which features rugged and rocky trails and trekking gears are much more essential here. Similarly, it takes trekkers 5000 meters above sea level for which they need to prepare with gear that is favorable for high altitude. 

In the meantime, the weather condition of the Manaslu Region is unpredictable. Most of the time, the temperature is cold and places like Larkya La Pass feature sharp winds. To withstand such weather conditions, gears are very essential.

Here are the lists of some essential trekking gears and equipment for your trek this 2024-2025.

Travel Insurance 

It might not be the thoughtful one at first, but it is very crucial to have travel insurance for long treks like the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Travel insurance is such insurance that helps cover financial losses associated with unseen circumstances. Usually, such circumstances ruin a trip, including illness, injury, accidents, flight or other transportation delays, and other issues are covered by this insurance.

Talking about the cost, travel insurance costs around 4% to 10% of the total trip’s cost. Here in Adventure Altitude Treks, we have a 17 Days Package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek that costs around USD 1400. So the travel insurance can cost you anywhere from USD 56 to USD 140 per person.

Remember, travel insurance is highly recommended for the circuit trek. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The average cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek for 2024-2025 ranges anywhere from USD 1,200 to USD 2,500. At Adventure Altitude Treks, we have this package for USD 1400. But remember, there are some features excluded from the package, including international flight and rescue and evacuation fees.

What does the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek typically include?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost usually includes meals, domestic transportation, permits, guides, porters, and accommodation fees. Besides, you must prepare yourself for the trek in terms of pricing.

Are there any additional fees or permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. Generally, trekkers need to obtain three major permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2024-2025. They are Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. These permits are an additional cost, and prices may vary.

Is it possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently to reduce costs?

Previously, it was possible to trek independently to reduce costs. But from April 1, 2023, trekkers must hire a professional guide to embark on any treks within Nepal. The main motive is to secure the safety of trekkers while they remain in the wilderness and remote areas of Nepal.

What is the best time of year to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in terms of cost?

Looking at the weather structure and climate pattern of Nepal, the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). The weather is usually stable during these seasons.

Can I use credit cards or ATMs during the trek?

Credit cards and ATMs are generally not available on the trail. It's recommended to carry enough cash (Nepalese Rupees) with you.

Are there any insurance requirements for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

It's strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities and medical emergencies. This cost is separate from the trek itself and around 4% to 10% of the total trek’s cost should be allocated for travel insurance. 

Do I need to bring my own gear, or can I rent equipment along the way?

You will have both options while you embark on this trek. You can either bring your own gear if you already have them. But if you do not have one, there’s an option to rent equipment. Several trekking gear stores in Thamel offer renting services at an affordable cost, which can be done for budget-friendly trek as well.

Is negotiation possible for the trek cost, and how can I get the best deal?

Of course yes, negotiation is always a main mantra before booking your trekking package. To get the best deal, compare offers from different trekking agencies and teahouses before making a decision.