Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

At an abode of the world’s 8^th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the tranquil and spiritual hidden realm awaits people. The centuries old monasteries and pristine Himalayan environment yet to be tainted by the human encroachment of modern society are blissful heaven to get repose from mental drabness of routine life. Relish diverse vegetation, landscape, wildlife, and people at once while trekking in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is so special! Lots of people are attracted to this trekking trail. So, in today’s blog, we will delve into the details about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost.

The peak season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn season and shoulder season is spring season. These two seasons are suitable time to do the trek. However, you can also trek during the off season as well. The safety concern is high if you trek in the monsoon season because of the geographical terrain and streams of the region.

Trekking to the base camp of the Mt. Manaslu and crossing the Larke La Pass (5106 m) is never easy. In addition, the uphill and downhill sections of the trekking trail make it hard for trekkers. The high – altitude places are never easy to breathe or live. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek cannot be classed as the easy trekking trail. It is moderately difficult trekking route. You need good physical fitness and mental strength. In an average, trekkers have to walk for about 6 to 7 hours every day during the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown

Trekkers need valid permits to do the Manaslu Trek. Let’s know more about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost in terms of permits. Special Restricted Area Permit cost for the trek during September to November is 100 USD per person for a week and additional 15 USD per day for the extended period of time. Similarly, the cost of the special restricted area permit is 75 USD per person for a week and additional 10 USD per day for the extended period of time if you trek during December to August months. Besides the Special Restricted Permit, trekkers must acquire the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. These permits cost Nrs. 3000 each.

The trek starts from Machhakhola, Gorkha which is about 160 kilometers from Kathmandu. It costs about 10 $ to 12 $ to travel by local bus from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The jeep costs about 180 $ to 200 $. The return transportation is from Tilje or Besisahar. Most of the trekkers return to Kathmandu from Tilje village. The cost of jeep is about 200 $ to reach Besisahar from Tilje and bus ticket from Besisahar to Kathmandu is about Nrs. 900. The jeep costs about 180 $ to 200 $.

Porter is optional as per need but trekking guide is compulsory for the Manaslu Trek. Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost needs to include the trekking guide’s salary. Normally, the trekking guide salary starts from 35 $ to 55 $ depending upon the experiences and language proficiency. Special language speaking guide costs about 45 $ to 55 $ per day! The wages of porter starts from 25 $ to 30 $ per day. Please note that a porter carries about 18 to 20 kilograms only and two trekkers are assigned with one porter.

The cost of Accommodation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route starts from 3 $ to 8 $ per night. The lodging facilities present in the trekking trail are basic to medium range rooms with attached bathroom. Most of the trekking lodges in the trekking trail are similar in terms of amenities. However, there are few tea houses in some places where you may find luxury (mountain region luxury) rooms with attached bathroom and heated bed! It may cost about 10 $ to 15 $ per night.

The cost of food and drinks is very high as you trek to the higher altitude destinations. Allocate about 35 $ to 45 $ per day for meals. This is the cost of basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food cost depends upon your preferences and appetite.

Package Tours vs Independent Trekking in Manaslu

Independent trekking is out of option in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route as it is inside the restricted region of Nepal. Therefore, don’t try to do independent trekking in the region. Avoid unnecessary hassles by booking the package tours for the trek. It is mandatory for any trekkers to get the trekking permit with the help of the trekking agency that is registered with the Nepal Government. For solo and independent trekker, Manaslu Circuit Trek is not an option! You must trek in a group of at least two trekkers. However, the agency can arrange a ghost trekker for you!

Safe trekking is utmost necessity! If you don’t want to end up in the tricky situations especially high up in the mountains then you must get a trekking package from the trekking agency! There is an option where you can get the permits and guide from the trekking agency and do the service trek! You have to pay for food, accommodation, transportation, and miscellaneous in the service trek. This blogger highly recommends you to choose the trekking package to avoid hassles.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Packages and Price

1. Manaslu Luxury Trek

2. Manaslu Circuit Trek 7 Days

3. Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

4. 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek

6. Manaslu Circuit Upper Route Trek

7. Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Gompa

8. Manaslu Annapurna Circuit Trek

9. Manaslu Rupina La Pass Trek

10. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Seasonal Price Variations for Manaslu Trek

The peak season for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is during the months of September to November. During this time of the year, the view is clear and weather is fantastic. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost is slightly higher than during the off season. Please note that the cost of the trekking is similar during autumn season (September – November) and spring (March – May) except that the cost of the permit is 25 $ less in spring than in autumn season.

Trekking during winter season (December – February) can be less costly. It is because the chances of completing the trek are very low due to heavy rainfall. The trail may be closed beyond Samagaon or Samdo village. It is highly risky as well as the trail is covered by snow and trekkers may get stranded in harsh weather conditions.

Additional Expenses to Consider

If you are to purchase the full trekking gear and equipment then you can budget about 250 $ to 550 $. However, you can also rent these gears in Kathmandu. The cost of the gear and equipment rental starts from 1 $ to 5 $.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost adds up due to the purchase of the travel insurance as well. The trekking crew members’ insurance is done by the trekking agency and trekker’s insurance must be done by the trekker. It costs about 30 $ to 500 $ according to the duration and altitude. For example, the Everest Base Camp Trek insurance may costs about 250 $ to 450 $ per person!

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal. However, trekking guide and porter expects tips. It is a custom to tip your staff members after the trip. Generally, the tip is about 150 $ to 200 $ for trekking guide and 80 $ to 100 $ for a porter!

Make sure that you have an emergency fund as well. In case of emergencies and if you need to extend the trek due to weather conditions, you may require additional funds. Therefore, having extra cash allotted for emergency purposes can be handful. It may increase the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost but it ensures safety.

Ways to Save Money on Your Trek

Having a large group of trekkers in a group can effectively lower the overall cost of the trek. Large group of trekkers can share the cost of the transportation and tips. In addition, trekking agency also provide significant discounts on the original trek cost for larger groups. The choice of accommodation can also save money for the trek. If you share the room with other trekkers then you can share the cost of the lodging! Furthermore, always plan properly while eating as well. Make sure that you are well stocked with the packed food items purchased in city before trekking. Instant cup noodles can be money saving. However, you need to carry these with you but if you are getting a porter anyway then think about stocking these packed foods.

The season for the trek can also determine the cost. Normally, off season trekking costs lesser than the peak season. Please beware that the views and walking conditions may not be in top notch during off season. In some places, you may not find proper accommodation as well. Normally, high – altitude places’ people usually migrate to lowlands during the winter season. Heavy rainfall and snowfall can be fatal while trekking through valleys, hills, forests, passes, and crossing several rivers! Therefore, think twice before choosing cost over safety!

Sample Budgets for Different Travel Styles

Travelers can find different budgets for their different preferences in terms of travel styles. The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost can be divided into three major categories. They are budget trekking experiences, mid – range comfort options, and luxury trekking packages. Please note that luxury word doesn’t mean the comforts of modern life. It may indicate the best available facilities in the trekking trail.

I hope that this blog has helped you to know more about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. It will help you to do planning for this wonderful trekking journey towards an abode of the Mt. Manaslu!