Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

10 June 2026

By admin

Have you ever planned on trekking on of the eight highest mountains in the world? Well, if you have, the Manaslu Circuit Trek should be among your option if you plan to take such adventure in Nepal.

In recent years, Manaslu Circuit Trek has been attracting more attention compared to other trekking trails in Nepal. As trekkers got tired of visiting overcrowded routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, they search for less known destination. In addition, there is also something refreshing about the local culture, which seems much more authentic and genuine than any other route in the region. With this trend growing, more and more trekkers are adding Manaslu to their must-list trekking destination each year.

But, before you even think about trekking in Manaslu Region, you need to understand Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. While many trekking trails in Nepal don’t involve additional costs, the Manaslu Circuit trek is done in a restricted region where permits, guides, and other factors have an impact on the amount you will spend. Knowing about the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 can save you from a lot of surprises down the road and put you in a great place to plan the journey ahead of time.

There are several factors that can affect the total expenses that will be involved in hiking around Manaslu Circuit Trail including seasons, the quality of accommodation, number of hikers in the team, agencies fees, and the permit charges. The costs can also change between 2026 to 2027 because of new government permits as well as upgrades made in the infrastructure.

This detailed guide provides an extensive analysis of all possible expenditures during the trek including the permits, gear, food, accommodation, and even the total expenses for Manaslu Circuit Trek Package cost.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Overview 2026 and 2027

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost depend on your choice of travel style and how you want to travel. A budget trek is for someone who is low on budget but want to experience the Himalayas, a standard trek is a normal package which offers slightly more feature that budget trek and Luxury Trek is for someone who don’t want to miss any comfort and luxury thought out the whole trek.

Trek Style

Budget Trek $000 – $000
Standard Trek $945 – $1000
Luxury Trek $000 – $000+

Factors Determining the Total cost

There are a few factors that will be responsible for your total cost while trekking. It is important to have knowledge about these aspects to make the right choices and spend money wisely.

Trek Duration plays a big role for total cost. An average Manaslu Circuit Trek last between 14 to 18 days. Adding additional days for acclimatization or visiting other sites adds more to your total expenses due to accommodation, food and guide fees.

Group size also influences your overall cost quiet significantly. The larger the group, the more affordable it becomes due to sharing cost for guide, porters and accommodation. If you are solo trekkers, you have to pay more for such services than group trekkers.

Season is another important factor. If you trek during peak season everything becomes expensive due to more demand. The prices of teahouses go really high and it will be difficult to find a good and experienced guide. While off season treks help save some money, but they come with their own problems, including unpredictable weather, lack of services, closed teahouses and others.

In addition, choosing to travel via a private jeep or a shared vehicle, or by air transportation, can significantly affect the overall Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Costs. And finally, services of guides and porters, and either using a travel agency or going individually, will increase your total expenses by a few hundred dollars easily.

Permit Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit sits inside a restricted zone designated by the Nepal government. The introduction of these restrictions came to preserve the pristine eco system and unique culture heritage of the region. You can’t simply go on this route freely. You must arrange your permits before starting your journey.

Why Manaslu Requires Special Permits

According to the regulations put in place by the Nepal government, the Manaslu Circuit trek is classified as part of the controlled trekking zones of Nepal, meaning it requires special permits and has strict entry requirements, mandatory use of licensed guides, and a number of other permits to trek in. This also helps regulate tourist’s numbers and preserve the trail’s natural beauty something which many trekkers come for.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Restricted Area Permit is a major factor associated with Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. Here how season determines its cost:

September to November (Peak Season)

First week: $100 per person
Each additional days: $15 per person per day

December to August (Off Season)

First week: $75 per person
Each additional days: $10 per person per day

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

At the moment, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit cost $30 per person. The money will be used for conservation activities, trail maintenance, and community development in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The last section of the circuit takes through the Annapurna Conservation area. Therefore, you need to obtain an ACAP. It costs each person US $30. Most people are unaware of this necessity, yet a permit is compulsory for anyone who wishes to enter the Annapurna zone near Dharapani.

Guide and Porter cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Is hiring a Guide Mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory to hire a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek according to Nepal’s restricted area trekking policies. Every trekker trekking in restricted must have a licensed guide which will help to navigate various confusing route, manage permits and handle any problem.

Cost of hiring a Guide

The rates for licensed guides in the Manaslu Circuit range from $25-$35 per day. Expert guides who are fluent in English and experienced in high altitudes charge $35-$50 per day. Therefore, a guide hired for 14-18 days costs tourists $350-$900. If you book a Manaslu Circuit Trek package cost, you will find that the cost of hiring a guide is included in the package rate.

Porter Charges

Porters are charged from $20 to $25 per day. The total weight that can be carried by each Porter ranges from 25kg to 30kg. A guide is not compulsory to hire, but we advise trekkers to hire Porters if they don’t want to carry heavy backpack on their back.

Option For a Guide and Porter

There is this option available where you can hire a guide porter, which will do the by a single person. This choice is perfect for solo travelers or budget tight person. This will cost less than hiring two different individuals but lacks more detail in providing guidance.

Transportation Cost

The trek to the Manaslu Circuit trailhead is an adventure all by itself before the actual hiking begins. Normally, you will start trekking from Machha Khola, which is located about 140 km away from the capital city of Kathmandu. The roads are really rough and bumpy at some stages, so the means of transportation that you choose is very important when it comes to the overall cost and comfort.

From Kathmandu to Machha Khola

To begin with, a Public Bus will be the least expensive option costing around $8 to $12 per person. It will take you about 10 to 12 hours to reach your destination point with the price greatly dependent on the road conditions and stops. You can expect an extremely uncomfortable and crowded journey though.

A Shared Jeep represents a significant improvement in terms of comfort for the price of only $25-$35 per person. The travel time will be reduced to somewhere between 7 to 9 hours. One should note that you will be traveling alongside some other trekkers or local residents; hence, the prices will remain fairly low while the comfort will remain relatively high.

A Private Jeep give you the highest flexibility and comfort, which cost about$150-$220 per person. You will be able to choose your own time of leaving, make all desired stops on your own and have comfortable for yourself.

Dharapani/Besisahar to Kathmandu – Return

It is common for most trekkers to leave the trekking circuit through Dharapani or Besisahar once they reach the Larkya La Pass point.

Local Bus: $6-$10 per person
Tourist Bus: $15-$20 per person
Private Jeep: $130-$200 per vehicle

The inclusion of transportation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost from the beginning will prevent any surprises in terms of the budget.

Accommodation Cost during the Trek

During the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will rest only in teahouses. They are simply the local guest house that offer accommodation services with basic meals and comfortable bed for night stay. The facilities in the teahouses depend on the altitude. Lower villages usually have better facilities and as you go higher the facilities become much more basic.

Room Prices by Places

Machha Khola: $3 – $5
Jagat: $3 – $5
Deng: $4 – $6
Namrung :$5 – $8
Samagaon: $6 – $10
Samdo: $6 – $10
Dharamsala: $5 – $8
Bhimthang: $5 – $8
High altitude Pirce difference

The price at higher altitudes such as Samagaon and Samdo is more expensive due to logistical challenges. Every item needs to be carried by porter or a animal, which makes it difficult for teahouses’ operators resulting in expensive items.

Peak Season Availability

Teahouses can easily get booked during the months of September to November. We would advise that you to makes bookings in advance via a agency/guide to avoid problems.

Accommodation Costs Estimates

It is wise to budget an estimated expense of $5-$10 per night. On average, a person would expect to pay between $80 and $160 for a 16-night hike on Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026.

Cost of Food and Drinks

The food on the trail is very basic. You will be eating to fill your stomach instead than for taste. Just like accommodation, the food and drink also get expensive as you ascend higher toward the main areas. It is important to understand that all the ingredients in the high-altitude areas have to be transported on the backs of people. Such a difficult task impacts food price as well.

You may be charged only $4 in Machha Khola, but your lunch may cost as much as $7 or $8 in Samagaon. This does not mean that prices were increased artificially, this is simply how things work in such places.

Meal Prices

Breakfast: $4 – $7 (eggs, porridge, panckage)
Lunch: $5 – $8 (noodles, fried rice, soup)
Dinner: $6 – $10 (da bhat, pasta)

Beverages Cost

Tea and Coffee: $1 – $3
Soft Drinks: $2 – $4
Water bottle: $1 – $ 3 per liter
Popular Trekking meals

The best choice for trekkers during the trek is Dal Bhat which includes rice, lentil soup, vegetables and is sold in the range of $6-$9. Another very popular meal is Fried Rice (which can be purchased anywhere for just $5-$7). Soups are light for your tummy and cheap as well. If you like pancakes, then you should definitely give this delicacy a try.

Cost of Purifying Water vs Buying Bottles

A good filter/purification tablet can help save quite a bit of money as well as reduce environmental impact. It costs about $0.10/liter of water to purify, compared to a minimum of $2/liter for buying bottled water. The cost difference becomes significant over a span of 16 days.

Total Cost for Food During Entire Trek

During a 16-day Manaslu Circuit, you would likely spend around $320 and $560 on food costs. Food is one of the more variable budget elements of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost.

Travel Insurance Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

First of all, let us tell you why you should buy it. If you have an accident and require a helicopter evacuation from the area around Larkya La Pass that is at altitudes of 5,160 meters or higher, you will be facing a bill ranging from $4,000 up to $8,000 and beyond. You have to pay all that by yourself if you don’t have the support of insurance.

Insurance Coverage Requirements

Make sure that your policy has coverage for high-altitude treks above 5,000 meters. This is often completely excluded in many travel policies and needs to be checked thoroughly. It needs to include helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, trip cancelations, and lost or stolen gear. Check if your travel insurance includes the exact maximum altitude for your trek.

Travel Insurance Prices

Basic Plans: $80 – $120 per 3 to 4 weeks of coverage
Comprehensive Plans: $150 – $250 for full coverage

Cost of Trekking gears and Equipment’s

Carrying the appropriate gear will not only keep you alive and comfortable but also ensure you successfully complete the trek without any regrets. Here’s a quick overview of the necessary equipment’s that you will need during the trek:

Clothing

Base Layer (Thermal top and bottom): $30 per set
Down Jacket: $80 – $120
Waterproof Jacket: $70 – $180

Trekking Equipment

Sleeping Bag: $80 – $200
Trekking Poles: $30 – $100
Trekking Boots: $100 – $160
Backpack: $60 – $150
Headlamp: $15 – $40

Purchase of New Gear

If you are a passionate trekker who loves treks a lot and wants their own equipment, purchasing new equipment is the best option. The cost of the entire kit will vary from USD 300 to 800, depending upon the quality and brand. The quality equipment helps in saving money in long run, but its purchase price is higher.

Equipment Rentals in Kathmandu

Thamel is the heart of Kathmandu and there are numerous rental shops of trekking gears that provide affordable and decent equipment for trekkers. Renting sleeping bags in USD 1 to 2 per night is possible and renting a down jacket cost USD 1 to 3 per night. Trekking poles can be rented in just a dollar per day while rental shops offer a duffle bag for free along with other things. Renting equipment is highly suggested for those who have planned Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost on low budget.

Hidden expenses on Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost

There are some small lists of expenses will not usually show up on your budget but will be quietly accumulated during the 14+ days on the trek.

Wi-Fi Fee: Wi-Fi is usually offered by teahouses between $2-$5 per use, but it is very slow and unreliable. The higher you are the less reliable the wifi.
Mobile Internet and SIMs: A Nepalese SIM card with an internet package will be available between $5 and $15 in Kathmandu. NTC and Ncell provide good reception in the lower part, but no signal once altitude increases.
Charging Devices: Teahouses will charge you from $1 to $3 per item for using the electric supply. It would be better to bring a power bank or solar charger.
Hot Shower: This service costs around $2 to $4. In lower part can get hot shower but after Namrung, you will have very limited options of hot showers.
Snacks and Chocolate Bars: These can be bought from trail teahouses for $1 to $4 per product. Make sure to stock up in Kathmandu or Arughat.
Emergency cash: It is always advisable to keep some extra money between $100 and $200 in case of emergencies like health issues, extended stay, or altered itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. There are no ATMs beyond Arughat. So make sure that you have withdrawn sufficient cash in advance in Kathmandu.

By including all of these costs into your Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost, it would be somewhere around $150 to $300.

Money Saving Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you know how to manage money and plan things properly, you will have no trouble for reducing the total Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost without affecting the quality of the trek. Some of the most effective tips to save money are as follows:

Travel in Groups: Guide fees, jeep rentals, and even permits cost becomes much lower per person when shared between large groups. In fact, being part of small groups with just one additional trekkers make a lot of difference over travelling alone.

Share Transportation Costs: The private jeeps to Machha Khola are fast and comfortable, but very expensive if alone. If distributed between 4-5 people, the whole cost of the vehicle becomes quite affordable. It is highly advised to meet other trekkers in your Kathmandu hotel and try organizing your departure at the same day.

Rent Gear in Kathmandu: Thamel offers all possible equipment in gear shop at a fraction of its original price. All basic equipment including sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles is easy to rent there starting from $1-2 a day. This decision can potentially save hundreds of dollars of your money.

Carry water purification tablets: Daily purchase of bottled water gets expensive at higher elevations, so purchasing water purification tablet or filter bottle that lasts for the entire trip costs less than $15 is a very smart move. In addition, you will have the advantage of not creating any garbage like bottles.

Book through Local Agencies: If you trek through a local agency like our “Epic Trek Nepal”, we will provide the same facilities at very lower price than foreign agencies. You could save up to 30% to 40% on your Manaslu Circuit Trek package cost while booking through a local agency than booking from outside Nepal.

Avoid last minute booking: Arranging permits, hiring guide and arranging accommodation at the last minute in peak season is always going to be more expensive. It is always recommended to make all the arrangements 4 to 6 weeks before the trek.

Travel between peak and off season: The month of March to April and early December offers you a quiet trails and slightly affordable prices at the teahouses compared to crowded season.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost vs Other Popular Treks in Nepal

Getting an idea about how the Manaslu Circuit Trek stands compared to other popular treks in Nepal will go a long way in helping you make a better-informed decision regarding where you want to explore more.

Trek and their average cost per person

Breaking down the comparison

The truth is that the Everest Base Base is always the best trekking places on the list of all treks available in Nepal. The expensive permit fees, heavy commercialization of the trail, and pricey teahouses in the Khumbu region make the trek an expensive one. No doubt, the views are totally breathtaking, but still, you have to pay the highest price everywhere!

Trekking in the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp is much cheaper and affordable than Everest with developed infrastructure, easier transportation access and many teahouses option.

Then you have the Langtang Valley Trek, which is the cheapest among all the above one. This trek is a shorter one too which is near Kathmandu, making it perfect for budget trek travelers.

And back to Manaslu. The Manaslu Circuit falls into the medium up upper category. Yes, the restricted area permit increases the cost, but it also gives you opportunity to enjoy a much more beautiful trail without much crowd. Overall, you can have an amazing Himalayan experience along with a much deeper cultural interaction and high-altitude views, which are comparable to those of Everest, without paying too much.

Which Trek Is the Best Value for Money?

For trekkers who are after authentic off-the-beaten path adventures in remote places, the Manaslu Circuit trekking route is the best option. Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is higher than Langtang and Annapurna, but the quality of the experience is totally worth the extra bucks. If Everest seems overcrowded and Annapurna is too touristy, go for Manaslu Circuit.

Conclusion

The trekking in the Manaslu Circuit is very fascinating and can be done by anyone depending on how well you plan. Budget trekkers can do this trek anywhere between $600 – $700, whereas for the standard trekkers it will take around $900 – $1000, while the luxury one can take $1800 – $2500 or even more.

It depends on the type of travel style, hiring charges, cost of transportation, time of trek. To make it easier, plan your trek in advance likes two or three months before the start of the trekking trip. This will give you enough time to secure permits, hire a good guide, etc. Book through a legitimate local tour operator in Nepal, trek with at least one person or even more, and buy the gear from the Thamel area to save maximum cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Frequently Asked Question for Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

What is the cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026?

The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 depends on the mode of your travel. Budget trekkers can complete the entire trek for $600-$700, whereas standard trekkers can complete in around $900 – $1,00 and luxury packages might cost up to $2,500+.

Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?

Absolutely not! The Nepalese government makes it clear that all Manaslu trekking trekkers should have a professional guide with them. It is because Manaslu lies in a restricted area. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed into the region and will get your permit refused right there.

Are permits included in pakage prices?

Yes! All the necessary permits included in the package price.

Is Manaslu more expensive than Annapurna Circuit?

Yes, but the fee charged for restricted area is itself around $100-$200 higher when compared to Annapurna Circuit. But considering the cost of Manaslu Circuit, you get a much more remote experience which is less frequented, so it’s definitely worth the extra money.

What should be my daily budget?

Around $60-$100 will be the amount you need for each day on a regular Manaslu Circuit trek. If you have to travel on a limited budget, then $45-$60 per day is the amount that could get the job done by sticking to Dal Bhat every day.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek worth the cost?

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit trek provides you some of the breathtaking and unique experience with less crowded trails than Ebc or Abc which is the best value for money.