This article is a complete guide, with a detailed breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for 2026, with up-to-date information. It is crafted with a genuine motive to let you plan your trip, with a free mind, comprehensively explaining personal expenses, package variations cost, transportation accessibility, and costing for the supportive crews, guides, and porters, for the years 2026 and 2027, based on duration, starting point, and providing the best Manaslu Trek cost and itineraries. Hence, if you are venturing out to the majestic land of the Himalayas and craving to cross the enchanting Larkya La Pass, circling the world's eighth-highest peak, then this guidebook is for you.
The cost for the complete package for theManaslu circuitranges between $500 and $1800, depending on the total distance covered, starting point, and mainly the number of pax (hikers) that your group actually carries. With Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, you can expect three variations of packages, ranging from budget to standard and luxury packages, with costs from $450 to $1650. These packages cover every requirement, including accommodations, permit arrangements, meals, experienced guides, transportation, porters, and other complements, managing everything essential for the trip.
Meanwhile, personal expenses for others' requirements, such as laundry services, tipping guide/porter, wifi usage, and charging gadgets, must be borne as your own, as it isn't covered by the tour and trek operators, and tea houses will charge you personally. The cost for the personal expenses during the Manaslu Trek depends on you, as the less you spend and the more you save wisely, it saves you hundreds of dollars; hence, planning the budgeting aspect remains crucial, for the unexpected, surprising cost, and be prepared accordingly.
The trek to the Manaslu circuit goes all the way through the remote and isolated trails, marking it as one of the best off-beaten trekking routes in Nepal, encircling the world's eighth-tallest peak, and reaching a new height at 5106 meters. Passing through several villages of the Tibetan communities, it covers almost 124 kilometers, trekking distance, with a daily hike of 5-6 hours, at the heart of Gorkha District.
Marked as a trending trekking route in the Himalayas, the Manaslu Trek costs, stands out as being noteworthy trip, where every penny is worth it, that, too, with such budget-friendly costing, not going beyond $1500 per head. While other remote sides of Nepal are more on the expensive side, the budget for the Manaslu is quite affordable, opening the gateway to every enthusiastic hiker, looking forward to conquering the route that encircles the Killer Mountain - Mount Manaslu (8163 m).
However, if combined with other trips, within this territory, such as the trail to Manaslu with Tsum valley, both in one, this Himalayan adventure might be costlier, increasing the time duration, a more remote trail, and isolated route optimization, which highly influences the overall cost and personal expenses for this trip.
In this blog, we will discuss the cost along with the combined trip, pricing as well, so it will be clear to you, helping you to be prepared financially and mentally at the same time. With the thriving rhododendron forest, alpine valleys, woodlands with distinct flora, fauna, diverse landscapes, and the warm hospitality and distinct culture and communities of the Tibetan people, this trip surely promises to be one of your most memorable adventures so far.
Meanwhile, if the Manaslu Circuit Trek price is the only thing setting you back from the trip, leaving you in a complete dilemma, how to plan the budget, what route to optimize, what kind of packages, itineraries to choose, the cost for personal expenses, tipping the supportive crews, then this article surely clears everything out.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost 2026: How Different Package Variations Affect the Price
The Manaslu Trek price highly varies, depending on the kind of packages that you are opting for, as the route doesn't fall under the well-maintained standard luxury terrains, you cannot expect luxury packages, like 5-star lodges, buffet meals, or regular flight route to reach the trailhead, at least for now, till 2026 and 2027. However, the trip can be more comfortable and standard, with a private trip, with personal private rooms, a private jeep to get to Maccha Khola, from where the trek officially begins, for a more relaxing journey, which costs you more than the standard packages. For this adventure to the Manaslu circuit, you can find budget to standard and private trips, where the cost surely varies accordingly.
Another factor that highly influences the overall cost for the Manaslu Trek marks to be the total trekking duration, the kind of route you are opting for, for instance, standard regular trail, or combined destination, group, and the time of the year as well. Here are some of the best Manaslu Circuit Trek costs and itinerary, with pricing for the adventure trekking to Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya La, especially customized for the year 2026, and covers the year 2027 as well.
Budget Package
The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trekstands out being an affordable option to venture out on this odyssey, where the cost starts from $ 750 to $ 1000 per head, lasting for 12-13 days straight following the standard route. Even though it is a budget trip, every requirement, such as permit arrangements, permit cost, transportation, meals, accommodations, and an experienced guide, overall everything gets covered, covering each highlighted spot, as the standard trailhead.
The package, highly focused on those adventure seekers who look forward to more cost-effective packages for group hikers, backpackers, or even friends and group departures. The transportation to reach Maccha Khola from Aarughat, from where the walking trailhead begins, is on a sharing basis, with 5 other passengers, and a local bus, to reach Aarughat from Maccha Khola, minimizing the cost, and making the trip more on the budget side. One can minimize the overall cost for the package by hiking along with a group, as well, by joining, or with your own group of over 6 pax, which can decrease your price to $ 550 per head, which is the most affordable option.
Standard Package
The standard Manaslu Circuit Trekking package cost ranges from $ 899 to $ 1300 per person, which covers the standard facilities and all requirements, such as permit cost, accommodation, 3 standard meals with a cup of tea or coffee, transportation access to reach the route, experienced guides, and porters to carry backpacks and assist you throughout the trek. What makes this trip stand out is the long-duration route, following the comfort journey lasting for 14 to 15 days, with fixed airport departure, with airport shuttle included, both ways, as well. Other than that, nights' accommodations are included in the standard hotels, with other additional commodities such as gears like trekking t-shirt, duffle bag, basic med kit, and others, offering a comfortable journey, with 2 acclimatization days included.
This kind of package comprises many facilities, with other complements, and a slow-paced itinerary, making it more costly than the budget package, which suits those seeking for private trek or duo (2 hikers), adventure looking for a gradual pace, side trips, and personal preferences, as the itinerary can be customized, as one's choice as well.
Does the trailhead offer the luxury trekking packages?
No, unlike Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu circuit doesn't offer any luxury packages, as it is one of the remote and isolated trailheads, the tea houses and lodges are mostly on a tea house basis, with no luxury 5-star kind of amenities. As, higher, as you go higher, the remoteness of the lodges gets more expensive, with fewer amenities.
For instance, in the villages of Jagat, Deng, Seti Khola, Namrung, below 3000 meters, there are private rooms with more options and attached washrooms, whereas, moving to the higher side, like Samdo, Lho, near the pass, and so on, the cost tends to be higher, with shared toilets. If you want a private room, an option with an attached washroom, then that becomes the luxury at the mountains, even a washroom and single bedding is considered a modern luxury in the Himalayas, that's how the mountain is considered a luxury trip.
On the other hand, another luxury option, marks the transportation accessibility to reach the trekking route, the budget and the standard packages, shares the jeep transportation to reach the starting point, Macche Khola, however, some individuals, doesn't like to consider the sharing basis, jeep access, and seek for private option, that increases, the cost from $ 120 to $ 180, in the package, making the overall trip, more on the luxury side, with private rooms, and transportation accessibility. Even though luxury packages aren't available, the comfort and add-on options, due to the personal choices of the hikers, and the accountability of crafting the packages, with additional services, make the trip more on the luxury side, highly influencing the cost of theManaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 and 2027.
What are the services included in such packages?
With the packages, no matter whether you opt for the standard or budget-friendly packages, all essentials, from the basic coverage of the meals, accommodations throughout the route, or the hotels in Kathmandu, transportation (jeep), accessibility to get to the starting point, and others, such as permits arrangements, experienced guides, and porters, are included in every variation of packages. Whereas, the services that are not included in the packages include personal expenses, like additional costs, for laundry, wifi, charging gadgets, hot shower, bottled water, tipping guides, and porters.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the services included in the cost of the Manaslu Circuit package:
Services Included in the Package Cost
What is Included?
Details and Approximate Cost
Required Permits
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs approximately. USD 70 per pax, with additional cost for extra days, USD 10 per head
MCAP: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, regular permit (USD 30 per pax)
TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System Card: $ 18 per hiker
The total permit cost is approximately $100-110, which is covered in the package
Transportation
Complimentary Airport Pick Up and Drop off services
Sharing a Jeep or a Local Bus to reach the starting point, Maccha Khola - $ 30-40 per person
Guide and Porter Services
Guide (compulsory to trek along the restricted area): $ 30-35 per day
Porter (optional): $ 20-25 per day
Accommodation
Tea house cost is based on a stopping point basis, for a twin-sharing room: $ 10 to $ 15 per room
Meals
3 standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) cost approximately. $ 10 to 20 per meal, estimated to be USD 30-35 per day
Support and Services
Agency support, for crafting itineraries, side trips included, arranging permits, route planning, arranging logistics, and emergency communications
Other Charges
Government official taxes, entry fees, along the route, agency service costs, insurance, and gears for staff
Additional compliments as a gratitude
Additional gears if required, such as a duffle bag, a sleeping bag, a trekking company t-shirt, crampons (to cross the Larke Pass), a Basic First Aid Kit with oximeter, and a water purifying tablet
Thus, understanding the services that are included in your packages is crucial, so that you can make the preparations accordingly, with the cost ranging from USD 500 to USD 1500 per head, no matter what kind of route, or packages, you are rooting for, all the esssentials, required for the trip, will be covered, at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition, ensuring safety and comfort, with the best logistical and human resources of supporting crews (guides and porters), to assist you.
Why Do Manaslu Trek Prices Differ Between Local and International Agencies?
While you search on Google, Instagram, Facebook, or even Ask, ChatGPT, regarding the cost for the Manaslu circuit, various packages pop out, as it is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal; hence, every tour operator tends to offer many packages within this territory. However, depending on the country you are from, you can see the differences in cost, and yes, the costs do differ, between the local and international agencies, due to many reasons, such as service offerings, operation cost, extra facilities, experiences, and so on, with some hidden cost included, as well, if you are not well aware, about how costing works, for the odyssey to Himalayas.
Manasu Circuit Trek with Local Operators
The cost of trekking to Manaslu, with local operators, is more on the budget-friendly side, costing from $ 600 to $ 1600 per pax with minimal personal expenses charges, and covers every requirement for the trip, from the standard service such as permits, transportation, meals, accommodation, supporting crews, and essentials required for the trip.
Being at the service for more than decades, and close relationship with the experienced guides who assist you to the trailhead, and updated with the news, climatic change, the local operators like Destination Himalaya Treks, know what they are offering, as per the recent update, terrains, service charges at the route, and so on, making your trek safe and comfort at the same time.
For instance, if there is a bad climatic situation such as heavy snowfall, due to which many trekkers got stuck on the trail, just 2-3 days back, as per the updated news in November 2025, if you are hiking through the local operator, then, they ensure that, your trip is planned well, and they get updated with the weather forecast accordingly, and starts the trip, accordingly, avoiding such hassle, and mental trembling situations.
Crossing Larkya La Pass, at 5106 meters, following slippery navigation
On the other hand, as the local operators have a close bond and relationship with the locals, running the tea house, the locals offer the best affordable costing for local operators, which minimizes your overall trip cost. While you are trekking with the local operators, besides the costing factor, the authentic experience will be one of the best highlighted parts of your adventure, as the local operators only operate experienced local guides from the Manaslu region, making the trip more intriguing. They ensure that you are hiking along with the local guide, reside in the authentic tea houses at stopping key points, and ensure the authentic cultural exchanges, and you are even boosting the local economy as well, as the money that you spend on directly contributes to the local business operators, local guides, porters, and the communities residing at the manaslu region.
Amongst all, the main beneficial aspect of hiking through the local operator is the clear-cut cost breakdown of the Manaslu circuit trek, with no hidden cost, and the accountability, you get to change the itinerary as per your choice and budget, even in an emergency way.
Package
Cost Range
What is Included?
Private Package (1-3 pax)
USD 1250 - USD 1350
Private local experienced guide and porter, with a complete briefing
Walking at your pace, budget as per your cost, and itinerary as per your preference (Full Accountability) in customization
Private rooms, with some attached washrooms (whenever it is possible)
Side Trip options, with gradual acclimatization as per your experiences
Airport Shuttle (Airport Pickup and Drop off)
Other facilities, like permits, jeep transfer, meals, logistics, and other complements
Suits for solo, couple, and friend adventures having fewer than 3 hikers per group
Group Joining (more than 8)
USD 600 - USD 999
More budget-friendly option
Covers permits, arrangements, and cost
Guide and Porter (depends on the no. of hikers), for a group
Sharing a Jeep or a local bus to reach the starting point
Other facilities, like meals, logistics, and other complements
Agency support for finding a group (if you don't have one), local taxes, and services cost
Meals and accommodation on a twin-sharing room basis
Small Group (fewer than 6 and more than 3)
USD 800 to USD 1200
Standard package, costing the same as a private package, but more on the cheaper side
Arrangements that include all requirements, such as permits, transportation, meals, accommodation, guides, porters, agency support, airport shuttle, and flexibility to craft packages, as per time and budget
What to expect while booking with the International Tour Operations?
Compared to local trekking operators, the cost for the Manaslu Trek for 2026, with international agencies, is more on the expensive side, costing heavily on the international airport transfer charges, higher facilitated accommodation, rather focusing on the authentic cultural expenses, third-party optimization (depending on the local operators fully), and giving just a few percentage benefits to local agencies, costly travel insurance, private jeep expensive transfers, and so on. They focus more on the premium guest, and for those who are willing to pay, more than USD 3000 - 4000 per head, which doesn't sound practical at all, costing quadruple the cost, when you can do the trip at a lesser price with local tour operators. On the other side, international agencies highly believe in marketing, spending dollars in ads, boasting giveaways, and other expenses, for the administrative expenses, highly influencing, on the trip, to become more on the luxury side.
However, looking at the brighter side, for foreign travelleres, who do not want to feel any hassle, of booking international flight, plan the travel insurance policies, and wants an accountability, from their home country, right from the very beginning till the end, then, hiking through international agency, is one of the best option as well, if higher pricing isn't an issue.
What are the factors that influence the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost: Detailed Breakdown 2026
Before planning the budget for the Manaslu Trek, knowing the detailed cost beforehand, what the package covers, how much it covers per day, and overall costing, based on service, helps you to financially plan the trip and estimate the personal expenses, as well, at the same time. Here are the detailed breakdown costs for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 and 2027, so that you can get prepared accordingly, avoiding the shocking Himalayan reality, where the costing is completely unrealistic than the city areas or other holiday adventures.
Required Permit Fees
As this trip falls under the restricted areas of Nepal, demanding a group trek, as a solo trek is completely banned, to get access to the restricted area permit, one must access the permits from the registered local agency, with a minimum of 2 hikers (travel partner), in your group, guided by the experienced licensed trekking guide. If you are hiking through the guided tour operators, then arranging the required permits won't be a hassle, as the paperwork and documentation are handled by the agency itself.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee: Foreign visitors must pay USD 30, yet SAARC nationals have a lower fee at USD 10.
MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) cost: Same fee as ACAP at USD 30.
Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Different price based on the trekking months. USD 100 for their first week in September through November, and each additional day after that costs USD 15. USD 75 from December to August, with an additional fee of USD 10 per extra day.
To know more about the restricted area permits for Manaslu Trekking, you can check our other detailed article, which has comprehensive guidance on how to acquire permits, costing, and their influence on the region itself and locals.
Transportation cost
The starting point of the trip stands out to be Maccha Khola, from where the walking trail begins via Aarughat. To get to the trekking route, there are two options such as sharing a local bus to get to Aarughat, and then opting for the shared jeep to get to Macchakhola, or another option, marks to be the private jeep ride from Kathmandu to the starting point. For the round transportation cost, before and after the trip, it costs approximately from USD 65 - USD 80 per pax (bus and sharing jeep ride), whereas, for the private jeep ride, it costs around USD 180-USD 200 per head.
Local Bus or Sharing Jeep: A local bus journey from Kathmandu to Aarughat provides the most affordable transportation to the Manaslu trek starting point at $5 to $8. The early morning buses at Gongabu Bus Park, which depart before 7:00 AM, are marked as budget-friendly travel through a bumpy ride. Shared jeeps from Aarughat to Soti Khola via Machha Khola cost $10 to $15 per person, while private jeeps for this route charge $60 to $80 per vehicle.
Private Jeep: Direct access to Soti Khola by local bus, which costs $26 but takes 8 to 9 hours, whereas private jeeps cost between $150 $160 and take 6 to 7 hours.
Return Transportation cost: A return ride from Soti Khola to Kathmandu/Pokhara can be reached by shared jeep for $25 to $30 and takes 7 to 8 hours. Private jeeps cost $180 to $250. Helicopters offer speed yet charge steep prices above $350 for each traveler- but lower rates occur when splitting costs with other passengers.
Guides and Porter cost
Under new safety regulations, trekking Manaslu solo without a guide is not possible; one must hire an experienced licensed guide along with a partner and must acquire their permits from an approved local trekking agency.
Besides, having a guide with you is like having the best travel buddy. A guide can direct you on the path, give you a peek into and knowledge of the culture and the local life, and even aid you when an emergency arises. Like a superhero, he will keep you out of danger and keep you safe. And the best part? You don't have to stress over logistics as he will take care of it all. It's win-win!
Hiring professional guides for the Manaslu Circuit costs between $ 25 to $ 35 per day and porters between $ 15 to $ 25 per day, based on carrying 15–20 kg weights per day. A basic 14-16-day adventure typically costs between $ 600 and $ 1,000 for guide-porter services based on their experience levels, together with language skills and provided services. The price includes guide and porter fees, which cover their wages as well as food costs and accommodation expenses, and insurance coverage for the trek period.
Accommodations Cost
The accommodation along the Manaslu region is on a tea house and lodge basis, run by the local communities, where the cost starts ranging from USD 10 to USD 12 per room; however, the costing depends on the key stop basis, for instance; as higher, as you ascend, the cost increases accordingly.
Nights at a teahouse cost between $5 $10, at the lower terrains, whereas, might cost around USD 15 at higher elevations near the pass of Larke, depending on the amenities provided. Each room in the teahouse features basic amenities while using communal restrooms and offering a shared dining area. Some standard teahouses may provide you with a single bedroom with an attached bathroom for $ 10 to $15. As you get to higher altitudes like Samdo or Dharamsala, the price can increase from $10 to $25 per night. However, an extra cost will be added for the facilities, such as laundry service, usage of wifi, telephone service, telephone calls, hot shower facilities, and so on, which will not be covered in your guided package; hence, it falls under the personal expenses.
Meals Variations and Cost
Various types of food are served at tea houses throughout the trip, ranging from traditional local cuisine to Indian, Continental, and Chinese. Yes! You can find something that fits your palette!
Dal Bhat stands as the fundamental food choice across the entire Manslu Region. Between $5 and $10 will get you steamed rice accompanied by lentil soup (dal) with either a veg or nonveg curry, along with traditional pickles. And you know what? You can enjoy unlimited refills!
At breakfast, you can have Tibetan bread, eggs, soup, porridge, and potato-based meals for as little as $3 to $7. There are momos, soups, Thukpa, Thenduk, sandwiches, noodles, pasta, and fried rice on the menu for lunch or dinner, with the prices varying from $5 to $8. And of course, Dal Bhat!
There is a wide range of beverages you can choose from, including a coffee for the cost of $3 to $5 and tea for $2 to $4, whereas you can also buy a bottle of water for USD 0.5 to 0.8. The transportation expenses of ascending to higher altitudes drive up prices, so food expenses may rise by 20 to 30 percent.
Gears and Equipment cost
A proper gear is crucial when it comes to planning and prepping for the expedition, and significantly contributes to the overall Manaslu Circuit cost at the same time. The total cost of the gears and essentials can cost somewhere between $ 100 $ 150, if only considering the basic items. Meanwhile, if sleeping bags and crampons are included, then it can cost like $ 200 to $ 300, depending on the quality of the gear. If you are not hiking in winter cold seasons, then these things can be excluded; however depends on your preference. At the same time, you might not require technical gear; just buy basic items, like t-shirts, comfortable shorts and parts, warm jackets, windproof jackets, and most importantly, a hiking backpack of 25 L to 40 L.
On the other hand, for a budget-friendly option, you can rent the gears, rather than purchasing them, which costs approximately USD 50 - 60, for everything, summarized in one, at Thamel, or on Facebook pages. To make your trip easier, many agencies, including us, provide extra complimentary gear such as trekking t-shirt, cap, duffle bag, and sleeping bag (must be returned), and basic first aid kit at the same time, to minimize the overall budget for the Manaslu Trek.
Personal Expenses: Hidden Costs That Make Your Trip More Expensive
Other than the standard requirements cost for the Manaslu Circuit, hidden costs, which are also known as personal expenses (pricing that you gotta pay on your own), affect the overall pricing of the trip. While spending money on personal spending, make sure to pay it wisely and not overpay for the basics. Here is an outline of the personal expenses and the cost for the essentials, so you can make the payment to the tea house or local shops wisely.
Gadget Charging
You will find that most charging services in teahouses cost between $2 and $5 per device, depending on which altitude you are at. Remote mountain areas have limited electricity access, and that causes charging to become progressively more expensive at higher elevations.
WiFi Expenses
WiFi services for electronic devices require a fee between $3 and $6 per device, but the signal and connection quality decline in high altitudes.
Bottled Water
Bottled water costs between $2 to $4 per liter, but consumers will encounter higher rates at increased elevations. The more affordable and eco-friendly solution for trekkers includes water purification tablets or filters instead of buying expensive bottled water.
Tipping
Tourists should follow standard tipping norms to give guides $5 to $10 daily and porters $3 to $5 daily. Mountain culture values tipping as an essential part of their tradition, yet it remains optional to show gratitude towards them.
Chocolates for Locals
Small chocolate or candy packages available for $2 to $5 can be used to express gratitude to local children while meeting members of the community. Remote mountain villages show high appreciation for these treats.
Souvenirs
The cost for the souvenirs starts at $5 for simple items and can reach $50 for intricate handmade products. The trailhead offers visitors the chance to purchase traditional handicrafts, prayer flags, local textiles, and small artifacts, which become meaningful mementos.
Does the distance influence the Manaslu Trekking cost?
Yes, the total duration of the trip and the route optimization highly contribute to your overall trip cost; the longer the duration is, the expensive it gets, and the shorter and rapid the odyssey is, the more budget-friendly it becomes. In total, the Manaslu circuit covers the distance of approximately 154 kilometers, if followed standard route, covering 15-16 days, with airport departure fixed dates, then the cost becomes more on the higher side, as compared to the short ones. The short trek to Manaslu costs range from $ 600 to $ 800 per pax, depending highly on the number of pax in your group.
Even though the duration is minimized, there is no huge gap (differences), regarding cost, like other treks, and the reason is simple, as the short ones demand the restricted area permit, with the other two, access the trailhead, through same transportation option, and even covers the same regular trails, however, in a shorter time period, making the trip, less cheaper. Cutting off the extra 3-4 duration accommodation, meals, guide, and porter costs, and overall, the duration minimizes the cost, making it slightly cheaper than the regular itinerary.
On the other hand, covering the longer distance, if combined with other famous destinations, within this itinerary, you can expect the cost, tend to be expensive, as extra meals, accommodations, guides, porter costs, and even extra permits, requirements, such as combining Manaslu with the Tsum Valley Trek, which takes almost 18-22 days, of total time frame, costing approximately between USD 1630 to USD 1890, per head, with additional Tsum valley permit requirements, and lengthens the trip by 6-7 days, making the trek more on the expensive side.
Does the total cost vary according to trekking seasons: Peak Time Vs Off Season
Yes, the Manaslu circuit trek cost, highly influenced by the seasons you are heading to venture out for this Himalayan adventure. During trekking at peak seasons, the cost is the standard rate, just as it is, regularly; meanwhile, it gets cheaper during off-seasons. There are basically four seasonal variations in Nepal, while the ideal seasons are Spring (mid-March till the end of May), and Autumn (between September and mid-November), the off seasons are marked to be the summer and winter, due to the high level of precipitation, making the route overall challenging. During the peak times, as it is a crowded season, the route, accommodation, and transportation accessibility are jammed with many hikers, and demand is higher, the cost is on the standard basis (regular price), with limited options to choose from, especially, booked at the last minute. Hence, it is highly suggested to make the bookings at least 2-3 months, for more budget options.
Mount Manaslu hiding behind lush green woodland
Meanwhile, the cost of the Manaslu Trek, during off seasons, is more on the cheaper, or budget-friendly side, as the permit cost during this time falls by 50% during the winter and monsoon season, making the trip cost-effective. Also, there is a wide variation of the tea house, that you can choose, cheaper jeep cost; however, the guide cost, and gear cost, make the trip costlier, as the trek gets more challenging, in this span of the year, due to continuous rain and snowfall, influencing the guide cost to the expensive side.
Manaslu Package Cost Vs Independent Trekking Cost: Which is cost-effective?
Comparing both the package cost guided by a tour agency and the independent trek, solo, without any assistance through the agency, which means, solo adventure, the overall costing is somewhat similar. For instance, if the standard 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package costs approximately USD 1300 per head, through the local trekking agency, where all the requirements, such as guides, porters, transportation access to reach the starting point, everything gets covered, excluding tipping the guide and porters.
On the other side, for a solo trip, if in case, you find a guide for USD 30 per day, with an overall assistance cost of 15 days approximately, USD 300 in total, and you might feel like, oh, it's so much cheaper and affordable, so why the agency, then, you are mistaken. As there are many hidden costs, such as the cost for the permits, approximately USD 120 per head, the hassle of arranging permits, as it must be managed through the local trekking agency, the accommodation and meal cost,, and tipping guides and porters, which in total costs you approximately USD 1100, per pax, which is near to the package trip.
Now, just imagine, you are on the trail, where you find it challenging to sleep at a proper tea house, due to peak times, getting ample of questions at the checkpoints, guides, costing you higher than expected, now think, how frustrating it becomes, ruining your overall trip, just because of hundreds of facts of dollars. Hence, a guided trekking option is always a better and wiser thing to choose, for when you are heading to such isolated and remote sections, and for a hassle-free adventure.
How to Lower Expenses While Trekking to the Manaslu Circuit: Tips to Save Unnecessary Costs
Negotiate wisely yet, in a respectful manner, for better prices for transportation, lodging, and souvenirs, especially if you are trekking off-season or in a group.
If you haven't sorted out the gears and other equipment yet, and are considering buying or renting while being here in Kathmandu, then opt for the budget-friendly shops, or rent it, at USD 30-50, for the overall trip
Do not miss out on asking for the extra complimentary, provided by the company, such as a sleeping bag, duffle bag, first aid kit, and extra items, which are only provided if requested.
Make sure to check the weather forecast, and choose ideal seasons, to avoid the unexpected, lengthening of the trek, to avoid extra expenses, due to long duration
If you want to reduce your spending, carry a power bank and solar batteries, as in the high altitudes, there is no electric plug available in the room, and teahouses charge you $2- $5.
Trekking in groups will be cheaper because many trekking agencies offer family and group discounts (5–10% off) for 4+ people.
Do not buy unnecessary items and souvenirs, as they can cost you extra and increase your load. Pokhara and Kathmandu give you better deals.
Stay in local tahouses run by local families to experience authentic life in the mountains while enjoying the traditional vibe.
Carry enough Nepalese cash as there are no ATMs in the Manaslu Region, and teahouses accept cash only.
Carry a large capacity water bottle instead of buying bottled water. You can use a purification tablet so the water is safe to drink.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in 2026 and 2027?
The Manaslu guided circuit trek cost for 2026 and 2027 ranges from approximately USD 800 to USD 1300, depending on the route, itinerary you choose, and the trekking duration.
Is Manaslu cheaper than the Everest Base Camp (EBC)?
Yes, even though the permit for the Manaslu circuit is expensive, the trailhead accessibility to the EBC is more on the costlier side (expensive), with a flight to Lukla, and the accommodation and meals cost are on the costlier side compared to Manaslu.
How much personal expenses estimated for the Manaslu Circuit?
While the guided trip package covers every requirement essential for the trip, some of the personal expenses include laundry services, wifi usage, and charging, which cost between $3 $5, depending on the tea house. Whereas, for the beverages, sovuniers, bottled water, cost approximately USD 5 to USD 10, on a daily basis, estimate the daily expenses to be around USD 18 maximum, for the extra personal spending.
Do I need to carry cash, or ATM services are available along the route?
Yes, make sure to carry Nepali currency (NPR) or euros or dollars to use along the trailhead, for personal spending, as ATM services aren't available on the route, from Maccha Khola.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for Nepali citizens?
The trek to Manaslu costs fall on the budget-friendly side for Nepalese, costing ranging from USD 400-500 per head, minimizing the permit cost, local foods cost less than western cuisines, lower tea house cost with personal contact, and mostly the bargaining skills, as locals know the best
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a must-do trekking experience because this remote trail presents amazing natural scenery alongside cultural insights to explore. A complete experience of this trek depends on understanding all expenses. The price of trekking packages depends on the overall duration and planned itinerary. Total expenses will include trekking permits, travel insurance, guide fees, accommodation, and food costs that build up quickly. Your financial preparedness will allow you to fully experience the landscapes while crossing Larkya La Pass and connecting with the local culture.
But hey, you don't have to worry about it because Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition has well-planned and diverse packages to make your odyssey to the Manaslu a success! Whether you choose the 13-day classic trail or combine it with other famous trekking adventures, the beauty and charm of the Manaslu region will not disappoint you. Ready for an epic adventure?
We at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition offer this one-of-a-kind package, making sure that your trip to the Manaslu Circuit is 100% worth it. For more info, call or WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814 or info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com for budget-friendly and customized treks in Nepal.