Spend your hard-earned Money on something worth it, like the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu region is less commercialized than other treks like Annapurna and Everest, and you will have an adventure not only filled with natural splendor but also will have an adventure filled with a whole spiritual and cultural abundance in remote locations.
Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure of a lifetime, and understanding the costs involved can help you prepare for this epic journey. In this guide, we’ll break down the expenses you can expect, so you can focus more on the stunning views and rich culture awaiting you in the majestic Himalayas. Let's dive into what’s on your financial horizon for this unforgettable experience.
The Manaslu Circuit is a highly restricted area that requires you to get a few permits. The government has strict regulations and has set specific fees to go ahead with the majestic trekking adventure. Overall, these permit costs play a crucial role in protecting the Manaslu region’s natural and cultural resources.
This is only issued to two or more than two individuals.
September-November: USD 100 per week and USD 15 for each additional day
December-August: USD 75 per week and USD 10 per each additional day
MCAP permit fee contributes to the conservation of area’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
Foreign: USD 30
SAARC: NPR 1,000
ACAP permit is for the local community’s support for their efforts in sustainable tourism with the protection of wildlife and cultural landscapes.
Foreign: USD 30
SAARC: NPR 1,000
Foreign: USD 8 (NPR 1,000)
September-November: USD 40 per week and USD 7 for each additional day
December-August: USD 35 per week and USD 7 for each additional day
Transportation costs should be taken into account, as they are crucial while accounting for the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The transportation costs will vary depending on the mode and route you will choose. The journey will begin from Kathmandu to Machha Khola by taking a public vehicle, but if you want to opt for more privacy and comfort, then you can hire a private jeep as well.
A public bus or a tourist bus will take approximately 8 to 9 hours to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu, and this is the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is the most economical transportation option for you or for people who are short on budget.
Public Bus: USD 10-USD 15 per person
A private jeep will offer you a more personalized and comfortable journey to Machha Khola. This transportation option will give you chances for a faster journey, taking 6 to 7 hours, but is also flexible with your stops along the way.
Private Jeep: USD 150-USD 200 per vehicle (carries up to 7 people)
Note: Additional expenses might be incurred if there are additional stops and scenic detours planned along the way.
Considering the cost of the flights to Nepal is crucial when budgeting for the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is beneficial to consider flying mid-week rather than during weekends to get cheaper tickets. Additionally, make great use of websites for flight cost comparison. The average cost for your international flight to Nepal would range from USD 750 to USD 1200, depending on the places you depart from.
While budgeting the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the cost of travel insurance is a crucial consideration. It covers your unexpected medical expenses and cancellation and interruption expenses. Along with this, a visa for Nepal is essential too. You can get a visa in Nepal or in advance through a Nepalese embassy or consulate. Moreover, you must get an emergency evacuation but it also depends on your circumstances and the transport requirement such as helicopter evacuation. It can help you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, choosing comprehensive travel insurance that covers visa fees and emergency evacuations will ensure you a safer and more prepared Manaslu trek.
15 days of Tourist Visa for Nepal: USD 30
30 days of Tourist Visa for Nepal: USD 50
90 days of Tourist Visa for Nepal: USD 125
USD 1000 to USD 1000 plus (depending on your illness or injuries)
Average cost of Travel Insurance: USD 50 to USD 150
Note: Give a thorough check to the package of your destination before signing the policy.
You can get a number of hotels and lodges in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but the cost will vary based on your choices.
In Kathmandu
Mid-range hotel: USD 25 to USD 70 per night
Luxury hotel: USD 100 to USD 300 per night
In Pokhara
Mid-range hotel: USD 30 to USD 80 per night
Luxury hotel: USD 100 to USD 500 per night
The expenses of accommodation can widely vary depending on your preferences and on the seasons you embark on. You will have two options for lodging: teahouses or camping. Tea houses are small, family-run lodges that provide basic amenities such as food, beds, and sometimes hot showers. These establishments are found in abundance along the trails of the Manaslu Circuit, which will offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and local culture of the local communities. Additionally, the cost of the lodging may rise during the peak seasons, spring and autumn, due to the busiest trails.
You can get 2 to 3 single beds only, but the rooms are cozy. Additionally, you will get a pillow, a blanket, and a mattress to sleep on. You can have bathrooms, but you will be sharing them with other people, as there are barely any private bathrooms. Regarding the average cost at tea houses, the range would be from USD 5 to USD 25 per night, depending on the locations and services they provide you. The prices will range from USD 5 to USD 10 at lower locations, and at higher locations, they will range from USD 10 to USD 25 as you trek.
Basic tea house: USD 5 to USD 10 (Bed and a shared bathroom)
Medium tea house: USD 10 to USD 15 (Bed and an Attached bathroom)
Standard tea house: USD 15 to USD 20 (Includes hot showers and an Attached bathroom)
Additional charges
Note: Take Nepali rupees, as foreign currency is not used. ATMs and credit cards are not used at tea houses.
The cost of food depends on the altitude and location of the Manaslu region and it increases significantly as you ascend higher. The prices of food will increase in higher locations due to the transportation cost and limited availability of ingredients.
Daal Bhaat is the standard meal, which is served with rice, traditional lentil soup, vegetables, non-veg curry, salad, pickles, etc. Other food items that you can expect at the tea houses are dumplings, Mo:Mo, fried rice (veg), spaghetti, noodles, etc. For breakfast, you can get tea, coffee, pancakes, oatmeal, bread, etc. Similarly, if you want to buy snacks along the trail, you can have options such as energy bars or chocolate. For dinner, you can get daal bhaat, chapatis, soup, dumplings, curry (veg and non-veg), etc. You can also get beverages or drinks at the tea houses.
Staying hydrated is crucial while trekking. So, you need to take water with you in your water bottle and water purification tablets for purifying the unclean water that you can get to refill from the streams and taps along the trails. But if you want to buy water, then the cost will vary and increase as you ascend to higher locations.
Breakfast: USD 5 to USD 10 per day
Lunch: USD 5 to USD 10 per day
Dinner: USD 5 to USD 10 per day
Daily average cost: USD 25 to USD 30 per day
Note: Go for Daal Bhaat to stay on your budget as it is reasonable and filling at the same time.
Water Cost
Price of water bottle at lower locations: 150 to 200 NPR per litre
Price of water bottle at higher locations: 500 NPR per litre
Cost of Drinks and Beverages
Tea: USD 2 to USD 4
Coffee: USD 3 to USD 5
Beer: USD 5 to USD 8
For budgeting the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek accurately, you need to understand the fees of the guides and porters. A guide will enhance your trekking experience by not only giving you safety and navigation through the challenging terrain but also helping you immerse yourself in the local culture of the rich and unique local communities. Their presence is crucial, especially when there are minimal trail markings. On the other side, porters carry your essentials and lighten your load, ultimately allowing you to get less strain throughout the demanding trek. They also support the local economy. Overall, when budgeting for the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should not miss out on the fees of guides and porters to ensure your fulfilling adventure and also support the local economy.
Average cost of Guide: USD 25 to USD 35 per day
Average cost of Porter: USD 20 to USD 30 per day
Note: Cheaper guides may be available, but do invest in the proper, experienced guides to ensure your own safety and for a more enriching experience. Tipping is customary, but you can contribute to the local economy by being appreciative of their hard work.
The cost of gear and equipment for the Manaslu Circuit Trek will vary depending on whether you choose to buy or rent them. Most essential gear, such as sleeping bags, trekking boots, backpacks, appropriate clothes, waterproof jackets and pants, and trekking poles for various weather conditions. You can buy your essentials in Kathmandu.
On the other hand, renting gear can be economical for the short budgeters and for those who do not trek occasionally. There are complete rental packages available in Kathmandu. But you need to make sure that the rental gear is fitted and well maintained to ensure your own safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Additionally, the cost of the first aid kit and other accessories such as water bottles, water purification tablets, personal hygiene products, etc. will be incurred too.
Note: The cost will vary based on your preferences and the seasons as well.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is majestic and splendid in offering you the best time of your life. However, you must understand the associated cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in a comprehensive way. From the permit fees and international flight costs to the gear and equipment costs, do thorough research and manage your expenses with the right budgeting with the above guidelines. This trek will also support the local communities and give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique and rich local culture and lifestyle. With the various cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 2025, you will still be rewarded with its natural beauty, but do it with the right preparation.
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