Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu region sits in western Nepal, home to Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters. It's one of the few remaining restricted trekking areas in the country, which keeps the trails quiet compared to Everest or Annapurna.
Along the way, you'll pass through Gurung- and Tibetan-influenced villages, cross the Larkya La Pass at over 5,100 meters, and walk through forests, farmland, and high alpine terrain in the same trek. Few routes in Nepal offer this much variety in under two weeks.
Adventure Hikers is a registered Nepal trekking agency that follows the sustainable tourism practices set by Nepal's tourism board. We've helped hundreds of trekkers plan and complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and we always aim to give honest, accurate information rather than inflated numbers. If you're planning other routes in the region too, check out our guides on the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Photography Trek, and Tsum Valley Trek.
How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek for the 2026/2027 trekking season starts from $900 to $2500 per person. A typical 12- to 14-day guided package with a licensed guide, permits, teahouse stays and meals generally costs between $1,100 and $1,600. Budget trekkers can get by at the lower end. Those looking for private guides, upgraded lodges or a shorter customized itinerary will be closer to the top of the range.
The final Manaslu Trek cost will depend on a few things: group size, trek length, season and whether you book with a local Nepal-based agency or an international operator. Local agencies like Adventure Hikers tend to have the lowest prices because you’re paying Nepal-based rates on guides, porters and permits, not overseas markups.
At Adventure Hikers, we've guided trekkers through the Manaslu region for years and know exactly where costs add up and where you can save. This blog breaks down every part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost per day, from permits to porters, so you know exactly what you're paying for before you book.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown: Budget vs Standard vs Luxury
Not all trekkers are looking for the same experience and the Manaslu Circuit Trek price reflects that. Backpacking on a shoestring? Just looking for a little extra comfort at altitude? Here’s what each tier really gets you.
Most trekkers who book with us prefer the standard package, as it includes everything you need and no extras that you won’t use. The budget option is ideal for solo trekkers watching their Manaslu Trek budget closely and the luxury tier is ideal for couples or small private groups who want more comfort after a long day on the trail.
And remember: the size of your group will also affect your price. When you trek with 4 people or more, the cost per person usually decreases as the cost of the guide and transport is divided between the group.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Costs 2026/2027
The Manaslu region is a restricted area so you can’t just walk in without the right paperwork. Solo trekking in Manaslu is not permitted here, so you’ll need to arrange your permits through a licensed guide from a registered agency. Here is the actual cost of this circuit trek permit for the 2026/2027 season.
To complete the trek you will need three permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This is the base one and it is charged by week. Peak season (September to November) is $100 for the first 7 days and $15/day extra. During the off-season (December to August), the cost is $75 for the first 7 days, and then $10 for each additional day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): A flat fee of around $25 to $30 per person.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Also around $25 to $30 per person, since the trail crosses into the Annapurna region after Larkya La Pass.
Chum Nubri Municipality entrance fee: $15 per person for local government.
For a standard 13-day trek in peak season, total permit costs usually land between $180 and $230 per person. Trekking in the off-season can save you $30 to $50 on permits alone, though you'll want to weigh that against colder weather and fewer open teahouses.
We handle all permit paperwork for you as part of every package. You won't need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board or immigration office yourself, since our office in Kathmandu takes care of it before you even start the trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary and Daily Cost
Here's the day-by-day route for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, along with what you can expect to spend on each stretch. Costs stay low in Kathmandu and Machha Khola, then climb gradually as you gain altitude, since teahouses higher up pay more to transport supplies.
This 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is the most common version we run at Adventure Hikers, and it builds in one full acclimatization day at Samagaon before the Larke La Pass crossing. Skipping this day isn't recommended, even though it would technically lower your Manaslu Trek cost per day. Altitude sickness is a real risk here, and one extra day of food and lodging is a small price next to your safety.
Daily costs stay highest between Samagaon and Dharmasala, since these are the most remote stops on the trail and everything from dal bhat to a hot shower gets pricier the higher you climb. If you want to trim your budget, this itinerary can be adjusted, but talk to your trekking agency first so you don't cut a day that matters for acclimatization.
Guide and Porter Costs for Manaslu Trek
A licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking since the region falls under Nepal's restricted area rules. You can't trek here independently, no matter how experienced you are. Guide costs usually run between $25 and $35 per day, depending on their experience and language skills. For a 13-day trek, that adds up to roughly $325 to $455 in total.
Porters are optional, but most trekkers hire one anyway. Carrying your bag over Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters is tough even for fit hikers. A porter typically costs $20 to $30 per day and can carry 18 to 22 kilograms. Most agencies assign one porter to every two trekkers, so the cost is for every two trekkers, allowing you to split the cost if you trek with a partner or in a small group.
Tipping is also part of the Manaslu guide and porter cost, even though it's not officially required. It's standard practice in Nepal's trekking industry to tip $10 to $15 per day for your guide and $5 to $8 per day for your porter at the end of the trek. Budget an extra $150 to $200 total for tips across the full trip.
At Adventure Hikers, our guides are locally trained, government-licensed, and know the Manaslu trail well since many of them grew up in the region. That local knowledge matters more than people expect, especially when weather changes fast near Larke La Pass or when a teahouse is fully booked and your guide needs to find you a backup option.
Accommodation and Food Costs on the Manaslu Circuit
Teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit are basic, but they get the job done. Most rooms are simple twin-share setups with a wood bed frame and thin mattress, so bringing a proper sleeping bag is worth it, especially higher up. Room prices range from $5 to $15 per night at lower altitudes and can climb closer to $15 to $20 near Samdo and Dharmasala.
Some teahouses lower the room price if you eat your meals there too, which is common practice across the trail. It's worth asking your guide about the practice before you settle in for the night.
Food is where your Manaslu Trek budget takes the biggest daily hit. You'll find dal bhat, noodles, soup, and basic Western options like pancakes or porridge at most stops. Expect to pay:
- $35 to $50 per day for three meals if you mix it up
- $30 to $40 per day if you stick to one main dish per meal, like dal bhat, which usually comes with free refills
Prices rise as you gain altitude, since everything from rice to eggs has to be carried in by a porter or mule. A plate of dal bhat that costs $4 in Machha Khola can cost $8 or more near Dharmasala.
Extras like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or a chocolate bar add another $5 to $10 per day if you're someone who needs a mid-afternoon boost. Hot showers usually cost $2 to $5 where available, and Wi-Fi runs $2 to $4 per hour in the villages that have it.
At Adventure Hikers, our standard packages include three meals a day and teahouse accommodation, so you won't need to carry extra cash for basics. We do recommend keeping some cash aside for snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi, since those costs can be higher than most trekkers expect.
Transportation Costs: Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Back
When trekkers budget for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, they often overlook the cost of getting to the trailhead. The trek starts from Machha Khola, both roughly 7 to 8 hours from Kathmandu by road.
You have a few transportation options here:
- Private jeep: $160 to $190 for the full vehicle, one way. This is the most comfortable option and lets you stop when you want, but it's pricier if you're trekking solo.
- Local bus: NPR 1,600 to NPR 2,400 for a round trip. It's the cheapest way to reach the trailhead, though the roads are rough and the ride takes longer than a private jeep.
- Shared jeep: A middle ground between the two, usually split among 4 to 6 trekkers heading to the same starting point.
On the return leg, you'll come out via Dharapani and Besisahar instead of going back the way you came. A private jeep from Tilje or Dharapani to Besisahar costs NPR 10,000 to NPR 12,000, and from there it's another few hours by road back to Kathmandu.
Road conditions on this route can change fast depending on the season. Monsoon months sometimes wash out sections of the road, which can add time and occasionally cost if you need a detour or extra vehicle.
Adventure Hikers includes private jeep transport to and from Besisahar in all our packages, as this method is a more reliable way of keeping to your Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. A good compromise for saving money on your Manaslu Trek budget is the local bus; just add extra time for the journey to and from the trek.
Hidden and Miscellaneous Costs to Budget For
Most trekkers plan for permits, guides, and meals, but the smaller costs can be surprising on the Circuit Trek. While none of these costs are significant individually, they can accumulate quickly over the course of 12 to 14 days on the trail.
Here's what to keep in mind:
- Hot showers: $2 to $5 per shower, and not available at every teahouse, especially above Samagaon
- Wi-Fi and charging: $2 to $5 per hour or per device charge, since most villages run on solar power with limited capacity
- Travel insurance: $30 to $80, depending on your coverage. This is non-negotiable for a trek that crosses 5,106 meters at Larke La Pass
- Gear rental: $2 to $5 per item per day if you need a down jacket, sleeping bag, or trekking poles instead of bringing your own
- Tips for guide and porter: roughly $150 to $200 total across the trek, as covered earlier
- Bottled or boiled water: $1 to $2 per liter, which adds up if you're not carrying a filter or purification tablets
- Emergency buffer: $100 to $150 set aside for unexpected delays, extra nights, or last-minute transport changes
A few of these, like insurance and an emergency buffer, aren't optional in any real sense. Others, like Wi-Fi or a hot shower every night, are more about personal comfort. Either way, it's worth padding your Manaslu Trek budget by an extra $150 to $250 beyond the core package price so nothing on the trail catches you off guard.
At Adventure Hikers, we walk every client through this list before departure, so you know exactly what's covered in your package and what you'll need cash for on the trail.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu for the Lowest Cost
Seasons affect much more than just weather on the Manaslu Circuit. It changes your permit fees, your teahouse rates, and how accessible a room is after a long day. Generally, the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek is autumn and spring.
Autumn is peak season (September to November), and for good reason. The weather is good, the trails are dry and the views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks are superb. The cost is the trade-off. RAP lets you jump to $100 for the first 7 days. Teahouses also tend to increase their rates slightly as demand is high. It’s also worth booking ahead here, as people snap up the rooms quickly in October and November.
Spring (March to May) is not as popular as autumn but costs about the same and is a little less crowded. Rhododendrons bloom along the lower sections of the trail and the weather is generally stable, but the clouds in the afternoon are more frequent than in the autumn.
The off-seasons are winter (December to February) and summer/monsoon (June to August), where the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost drops to $75 for the first 7 days. Teahouse prices also tend to soften with fewer trekkers on the trail. Larke La Pass (5106 m) is cold and can be snowy in the winter, making it more suitable for trekkers who are comfortable in more challenging conditions. Rain leaches on lower parts of the trail, increasing the chance of flight or road delays, especially during monsoon season. But the upper Manaslu region is in a rain shadow and gets less rain than places like Annapurna region.
If saving on your Manaslu Trek budget is more important than having perfect weather for photos, then late spring or early winter—think late May or early December—will often give you a reasonable middle ground. You’ll find less expensive permits and fewer crowds without having to contend with the worst of deep winter or peak monsoon. At Adventure Hikers we can help you choose a trek date that meets your requirements for weather, cost and trail conditions.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for Indian and SAARC Trekkers
SAARC trekkers (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan and Maldives) have a different permit rate than other international trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit. If you are in this category, then the reduced permit rates really can cut down your overall Manaslu Circuit Trek cost.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) both offer reduced or in some cases discounted rates for SAARC nationals compared to other foreign trekkers. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP), however, is priced the same for everyone regardless of nationality, since it's set by the Nepal government at a flat rate by season.
Indian trekkers also have an advantage most other nationalities don't: no visa is required to enter Nepal. This alone saves on visa fees and paperwork that other international trekkers need to sort out before arrival. A valid photo ID, like a passport or voter ID card, is enough to cross the border or fly in.
Guide, porter, food, and accommodation costs stay the same regardless of nationality, since those are set by local rates on the trail, not by where you're from. So while SAARC trekkers save on permits and visa costs, the bulk of the Manaslu Trek budget, meals, lodging, and staff wages, works out the same for everyone.
At Adventure Hikers, we regularly guide Indian and SAARC trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit and can walk you through the exact permit savings and paperwork needed before you book.
Ways to Save Money on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
A few smart choices can help lower your Manaslu Circuit Trek cost while keeping safety and experience intact. Here's where trekkers usually find the most savings.
- Trek in the off-season: Choosing December to February or June to August drops your RAP permit cost from $100 to $75 for the first week, and teahouse prices tend to soften too.
- Trek in a group: Guide and jeep costs get split across more people, so a group of 4 or more can lower the per-person price noticeably compared to trekking solo.
- Book directly with a local Nepal agency: International operators often add a markup for booking through them. Going directly with a Nepal-based agency like Adventure Hikers means you're paying local rates, not overseas commissions.
- Skip the private jeep if budget matters more than comfort: The local bus to Machha Khola or Soti Khola costs a fraction of a private vehicle, even though the ride takes longer.
- Stick to dal bhat: It's filling, comes with free refills at most teahouses, and costs less than ordering pizza or pasta at altitude.
- Bring your own gear instead of renting: A sleeping bag or down jacket rented for 13 days adds up. If you already own trekking gear, bringing it saves that daily rental fee.
- Limit hot showers and Wi-Fi use: These small charges seem minor per use, but they add $50 to $100 to your total if used daily across the trek.
- Avoid last-minute bookings: Permits and teahouse rooms tend to cost more when arranged in a rush during peak season. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you better rates and more room options.
None of these mean sacrificing safety. Your guide, porter, and permits should never be the place you cut costs, since those exist to keep you safe on a trek that crosses over 5,100 meters. The real savings come from timing, group size, and where you choose to spend on comfort versus necessity.
At Adventure Hikers, we're upfront about where you can save and where you shouldn't, so your Manaslu Trek budget goes toward what actually matters on the trail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost vs Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit
If you're deciding between Nepal's most popular trekking routes, cost is often the deciding factor. Here's how the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost stacks up against Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost falls comfortably between the other two, mostly because it skips the expensive Lukla flight that drives up Everest Base Camp pricing. At the same time, it costs a bit more than the Annapurna Circuit due to the mandatory guide requirement and higher permit fees for the restricted area.
Manaslu's unique feature is its low crowd levels. Since it's a restricted area with a guide requirement, trail traffic stays far lower than Everest or even Annapurna during peak season. You get similar mountain views and a comparable high pass crossing without the crowded teahouses.
If budget is your main concern, Annapurna Circuit is the cheapest of the three. For fewer crowds and lower prices than Everest, Manaslu Circuit offers better value. At Adventure Hikers, we can help you weigh these routes based on your budget, timeline, and what kind of trekking experience you're after.
Ways to Save Money on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
A few smart choices can bring your Manaslu Circuit Trek pice down without cutting corners on safety or experience. Here's where trekkers usually find the most savings.
- Trek in the off-season, since RAP permit costs drop from $100 to $75 for the first week
- Book directly with a local Nepal-based agency instead of a western booking company, since local operators skip the middleman commission.
- Compare quotes from a few licensed Kathmandu-based agencies before you commit.
- Make sure the price of the package includes the cost of guides, porters and permits and not extra.
- Join a fixed-departure group trek and share the costs of guide, porter and jeep with other people.
- Instead of booking a solo ride, share a private jeep to Machha Khola or Soti Khola with other trekkers.
- Take the local public bus if the lowest possible transit cost matters more than comfort.
- Stick to dal bhat, since it's filling and comes with free refills at most teahouses
- Bring your own gear instead of paying daily rental fees for a sleeping bag or down jacket.
- Carry a water filter or purification tablets instead of buying bottled water on the trail.
- Pack snacks and chocolate bars from Kathmandu, where they cost far less than on the trail.
- Remember to bring a portable power bank to avoid paying teahouses for device charging.
- Limit hot showers and Wi-Fi use, since these small charges add up over 13 days.
- Avoid last-minute bookings, since permits and rooms tend to cost more when arranged in a rush during peak season.
None of these mean sacrificing safety. Your guide, porter, and permits should never be the place you cut costs, since those exist to keep you safe on a trek that crosses over 5,100 meters. The real savings come from timing, group size, and smart packing.
At Adventure Hikers, we're upfront about where you can save and where you shouldn't, so your Manaslu Trek budget goes toward what actually matters on the trail.
Conclusion
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on a few key choices: your package type, travel season, group size, and how you handle extras like transport and gear. Budget $1,100 to $1,600 for a standard guided trek, and add a bit more for tips, hot showers, and unplanned delays.
What you get in return is one of Nepal's quietest high-altitude routes, with views and a pass crossing that rival Everest Base Camp at a fraction of the crowd.
If you're ready to plan your trek or just want a personalized quote based on your travel dates and group size, reach out to Adventure Hikers today and we'll walk you through every cost before you book.
