The Real Cost of Manaslu Circuit Trekking: Permits, Guides

Introduction: Beyond the Mountains—Into Your Wallet

Imagine standing beneath snow-capped peaks, surrounded by ancient monasteries and whispering pine forests. This is the Manaslu Circuit Trek—a raw, untouched trail that’s steadily climbing the bucket lists of adventure seekers worldwide. But what does it really cost to embark on this journey?

While the Everest Base Camp trek often steals the spotlight, the Manaslu Circuit offers a quieter, more authentic Himalayan experience—and at a different price tag. From mandatory permits to guide fees, gear rentals to transportation, this is your ultimate guide to understanding the Manaslu Circuit trekking cost, and how it compares with Nepal’s most famous trek.

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Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Over Everest Base Camp?

Let’s start with the obvious: both treks are epic. But they offer different flavors of adventure.

• The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), passing through remote Tibetan-influenced villages, lush green valleys, and the iconic Larkya La Pass at 5,106m.

• The Everest Base Camp trek, on the other hand, is about walking in the footsteps of legends, surrounded by crowds, teahouses, and the Khumbu icefall.

So, why are more people asking about Manaslu Circuit trekking cost these days? Because it's a wild, lesser-trodden path that offers solitude, culture, and challenge—all for a cost that's often lower than Everest’s famous trail.

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Permit Fees – The Mandatory Entry Ticket

Unlike the Everest region, where you just need a TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit, the Manaslu region falls under a Restricted Area, which means more permits—and more cost.

Here’s the breakdown for Manaslu Circuit trekking permits (as of 2025):

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

• USD 100 per person for the first 7 days (September–November)

• USD 15 per additional day

• USD 75 for the first 7 days (December–August)

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• USD 30 per person (valid for the whole trek)

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• USD 30 per person (as the trail joins Annapurna region after Larkya Pass)

Total Permit Cost:

• USD 160–190, depending on the season and number of trekking days

Note: Solo trekking is not allowed. You need a registered guide and must trek in a group of at least two (on paper—you can hire a “ghost” trekker to fulfill this).

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Guide and Porter Costs – Local Heroes Who Make It Happen

Guides and porters aren’t just “help”—they are storytellers, safety nets, and your bridge to the local culture.

Hiring a Licensed Guide

• USD 25–35 per day, including food, accommodation, and insurance

• Helps with permits, navigation, and communication in local villages

Hiring a Porter

• USD 18–25 per day, including meals and lodging

• Carries up to 20–25kg of your load, letting you trek lighter

Combo: Porter-Guide

• USD 30–40 per day, for someone who does both jobs (great for budget travelers)

Total Cost for 14 Days

• Guide: USD 350–490

• Porter: USD 252–350

Pro Tip: Always hire guides and porters through a reliable agency. It ensures insurance and fair treatment.

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Accommodation – Teahouse Life in the Himalayas

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit has improved significantly in recent years. Simple teahouses provide beds, blankets, and food.

Average Cost Per Night

• USD 6–10 for a twin-sharing room

• In higher altitudes, you might pay more for hot showers or charging devices

Food Cost

• USD 20–30 per day, depending on how much you eat and drink (dal bhat is the staple!)

14-Day Estimate

• Accommodation: USD 90–120

• Food: USD 280–400

Tip: Most teahouses provide free accommodation if you eat all meals there. Negotiate smart!

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Transportation – Getting to the Trailhead

The trek begins in Soti Khola or Machha Khola, and ends in Dharapani or Besisahar, from where you’ll connect back to Kathmandu.

Options & Costs

• Kathmandu to Soti Khola (via Arughat):

  • Local Bus: USD 10–15

  • Private Jeep: USD 180–220 (shared among 6–7 people)

• Return from Dharapani to Kathmandu:

  • Jeep + Bus Combo: USD 25–30

  • Private Jeep: USD 200

Total Transport Cost (per person)

• Shared: USD 40–80

• Private: USD 100–150

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Trekking Gear – Rent, Buy, or Borrow?

If you're doing the Manaslu trek on your own gear, you're set. But for many, renting in Kathmandu is a good budget choice.

Essential Rentals & Prices

• Down Jacket: USD 1–2/day

• Sleeping Bag: USD 1–2/day

• Trekking Poles: USD 1/day

• Backpack: USD 1–2/day

Gear Purchase Options

• Decent down jacket: USD 50–100 (fake North Face everywhere)

• Good boots: USD 80–150

• Thermal layers, gloves, beanies: USD 10–30 each

Estimated Cost

• Rent everything: USD 30–50

• Buy everything: USD 300–500

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Travel Insurance – The Smart Expense

While it's easy to skip, don’t. Manaslu Circuit goes above 5,000m. You’ll want evacuation coverage.

• Insurance with helicopter rescue: USD 100–150 for a month (World Nomads, Global Rescue, etc.)

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Comparing Costs: Manaslu Circuit vs. Everest Base Camp Trek

Key Differences:

• EBC is pricier, mainly due to the Lukla flight

• Manaslu feels more off-the-grid, with more raw beauty and fewer crowds

• Permit fees are higher for Manaslu, but daily costs are often lower

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Sample 14-Day Budget Itinerary (Mid-Range)

This budget assumes you're not being overly frugal but not going full luxury either. Perfect for most trekkers.

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Hidden & Miscellaneous Costs

Don’t forget these sneaky extras:

• Charging devices: USD 1–3 per hour

• Hot showers: USD 2–5

• Wi-Fi access: USD 2–4 per use

• Tips (guide/porter): USD 100–150 total

• Snacks & drinks: USD 2–5 per item

Plan an extra USD 100–150 for such surprises.

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Summary: What’s the Real Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost?

The real cost of Manaslu Circuit trekking can vary greatly depending on your style, season, and level of comfort. But here’s the takeaway:

• Shoestring Backpacker: USD 1,000–1,300

• Mid-Range Trekker: USD 1,500–1,800

• Comfort Seeker (private jeep, porter-guide, better food): USD 2,000–2,300

When compared to the Everest Base Camp trek, Manaslu offers better solitude, richer cultural encounters, and arguably deeper rewards—at a comparable, and sometimes lower, price.

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Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny

Whether you’re counting dollars or counting stars, the Manaslu Circuit is worth it. It’s more than just a trek—it’s a journey into silence, culture, and the shadow of giants.

So lace up your boots, pack smart, and step onto one of Nepal’s best kept secrets. The mountains are calling—and now, you know exactly how much to bring.