Most Manaslu Circuit Trek budget articles get the numbers wrong. They either underestimate the permit costs, ignore the mandatory guide requirement, or present a single figure that means nothing without context. This guide gives you the complete, fact-checked cost breakdown, verified permit fees, realistic food and accommodation budgets, guide and porter costs, transport options, and a comparison against other major Nepal treks so you can plan with accurate numbers rather than estimates.
The headline figure first: the Manaslu Circuit Trek costs between USD 1,100 and USD 2,500 per person depending on group size, package type, and season. That range is wide because the variables are real. The sections below break every cost into its actual components so you can calculate your own number precisely.
Mt. Manaslu stands at 8,163m the 8th highest mountain in the world. The Larkya La Pass at 5,160m is the circuit’s high point and its defining challenge. Because Manaslu is a restricted area, the cost structure is fundamentally different from treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Poon Hill mandatory permits, mandatory licensed guide, minimum group size rules, and no possibility of independent trekking. Understanding these requirements is the starting point for any accurate budget.
Table of Contents
How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost in 2026/2027?
The total cost per person for the Manaslu Circuit Trek falls into three clear tiers:
| Trek Style | Total Cost Per Person | What It Includes |
| Budget (group join, shared guide) | USD 900–1,100 | Public transport, shared guide, basic teahouses, own gear |
| Mid-range (private guide, porter) | USD 1,200–1,800 | Private guide, porter, comfortable teahouses, agency support |
| Private or luxury | USD 1,800–2,500 and above | Private guide, private jeep, better accommodation, full service |
These figures exclude international flights to Kathmandu, Nepal tourist visa fees, personal trekking gear, travel insurance, and tips for guide and porter. Every cost in those three tiers is detailed in the sections below.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Costs: MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP
Permits are the biggest cost differential between the Manaslu Circuit and lower-profile Nepal treks. Three mandatory permits are required, and all three must be processed through a registered Nepal trekking agency. There is no option to obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit independently.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
The MRAP is the primary permit and the most expensive single cost item in the Manaslu permit stack.
Peak season (September to November): USD 100 for the first 7 days, plus USD 15 for each additional day.
Off-peak season (December to August): USD 75 for the first 7 days, plus USD 10 for each additional day.
For a standard 14-day trek completed during peak season, the MRAP calculation is: USD 100 plus (7 additional days multiplied by USD 15) = USD 205 per person.
For the same 14-day trek in off-peak season: USD 75 plus (7 additional days multiplied by USD 10) = USD 145 per person.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
USD 30 per person, year-round. Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board. This fee has been updated from the USD 25 figure that appears on some older competitor sites; the current verified figure is USD 30.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30 per person, year-round. Required because the standard Manaslu Circuit exits through Dharapani in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers completing the full circuit cannot avoid this permit.
Total Permit Cost Summary
| Trek Duration | Season | MRAP | MCAP | ACAP | Total Permits |
| 14 days | Peak (Sep–Nov) | USD 205 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 265 |
| 14 days | Off-peak (Dec–Aug) | USD 145 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 205 |
| 16 days | Peak (Sep–Nov) | USD 235 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 295 |
| 16 days | Off-peak (Dec–Aug) | USD 165 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 225 |
These figures are verified as of May 2026. The total permit cost for a standard 14-day peak season trek is approximately USD 265 per person, meaningfully higher than the ACAP-plus-TIMS combination required for the Annapurna Circuit.
Guide and Porter Costs Mandatory and Recommended
Licensed Guide Legally Required
The Manaslu region is a restricted area. Solo trekking is illegal under Nepal government regulation. A minimum of two trekkers and one licensed, government-approved guide are required for the restricted zone between Jagat and Dharapani. This is not a recommendation, it is a legal requirement enforced at permit checkpoints.
Licensed guide fee: USD 35 to 40 per day.
For a 14-day trek, the guide cost totals USD 490 to 560 per person when trekking solo or as a pair. For a group of four sharing the same guide, the per-person guide cost drops to approximately USD 123 to 140 one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall budget.
Tips are expected and appropriate: USD 5 to 10 per day for the guide is the standard range.
Porter Strongly Recommended
A porter is not legally required but is strongly recommended on the Manaslu Circuit. The daily distances, elevation gain, and duration of the trek make carrying a full pack to Larkya La (5,160m) a significant physical burden that most trekkers underestimate during planning.
Porter fee: USD 30 to 40 per day.
For a 14-day trek, the porter costs USD 420 to 560. Standard tipping for porters is USD 3 to 5 per day.
Porters typically carry a maximum of 20 to 25 kg. If you are trekking with a group, one porter can often manage the bags of two lighter-packing trekkers, reducing the per-person cost.
For a realistic assessment of how guide quality affects the trekking experience on this specific route, the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty guide gives context on where guide knowledge is most critical, particularly around Larkya La.
Transportation Costs to and from the Trailhead
Kathmandu to Sotikhola or Machhakhola
The standard Manaslu Circuit begins at Sotikhola or Machhakhola both reached by road from Kathmandu via Arughat.
Public bus: USD 8 to 12 per person from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu. Journey time is approximately 8 to 9 hours. This is the most budget-efficient option and entirely functional, though the road beyond Arughat is rough.
Private jeep: USD 200 to 250 for the whole vehicle, carrying up to 7 passengers. Per-person cost for a group of 4 is approximately USD 50 to 60, a meaningful comfort upgrade over the public bus for a modest premium when split across a group.
Return from Dharapani or Besisahar
Most trekkers complete the circuit by exiting at Dharapani and continuing to Besisahar for transport back to Kathmandu.
Local jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar: USD 20 to 25 per person. From Besisahar, buses and jeeps run regularly to Kathmandu at similar prices to the outbound journey.
The total round-trip transport budget from Kathmandu to trailhead and back is approximately USD 20 to 25 per person by public transport, or USD 100 to 120 per person by private jeep (group of four sharing costs).
Food and Accommodation Costs on the Trail
Teahouse Accommodation
The Manaslu Circuit has a well-developed teahouse network throughout the route, though the accommodation standard is generally lower than the Annapurna Circuit due to the more remote location and fewer trekkers generating infrastructure investment.
Basic twin or shared room: USD 8 to 12 per night in most sections of the circuit.
Rooms with attached bathroom at lower elevations: USD 20 to 30 per night.
At higher altitude stops Samagaon (3,530m), Samdo, and Larkya Phedi rooms are typically USD 5 to 8, but teahouses expect and often require that you take your meals there. This is standard practice in Nepal’s high-altitude teahouse system and is factored into how they price accommodation.
Meals
Three meals per day on the Manaslu Circuit costs approximately USD 25 to 35 per day at current prices.
Dal Bhat is the best value meal on any Nepal trek and the Manaslu Circuit is no exception. Priced at approximately USD 5 to 7 and typically served with unlimited refills of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables, it provides better caloric value per dollar than any other option on the menu. For a 14-day trek, eating Dal Bhat once or twice daily instead of pasta or noodle dishes saves USD 3 to 5 per meal.
Prices rise noticeably with altitude. Meals at Samagaon and Samdo cost more than the same dishes at Jagat or Deng. Budget an additional USD 5 to 8 per day for the high-altitude sections above 3,500m.
Additional Daily Expenses
| Item | Typical Cost |
| Hot bucket shower | USD 3–5 |
| WiFi (per session) | USD 3–5 |
| Phone or device charging | USD 1–2 |
| Chocolate bar or snack | USD 2–4 |
| Bottled water (above Namche equivalent altitude) | USD 1–3 |
| Canned drink (cola, juice) | USD 2–5 |
Carrying a reusable water bottle with purification tablets eliminates most bottled water costs above the lower trail sections, a saving of USD 3 to 6 per day over 14 days.
Full Cost Breakdown by Budget Type
Budget Trekker Group Join, 14 Days
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Permits (peak season) | 265 |
| Guide share (group of 4, 14 days at USD 35/day) | 123 |
| No porter own gear carried | 0 |
| Public bus transport (both directions) | 25 |
| Accommodation (14 nights at USD 10 average) | 140 |
| Meals (14 days at USD 25/day) | 350 |
| Miscellaneous (tips, extras, showers, WiFi) | 150 |
| Total | Approximately USD 1,053 |
Mid-Range Trekker Private Guide and Porter, 14 Days
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Permits (peak season) | 265 |
| Licensed guide (private, 14 days at USD 38/day) | 532 |
| Porter (14 days at USD 35/day) | 490 |
| Private jeep share (group of 4, both directions) | 100 |
| Accommodation (14 nights at USD 20 average) | 280 |
| Meals (14 days at USD 30/day) | 420 |
| Tips and miscellaneous | 200 |
| Total | Approximately USD 2,287 |
Most trekkers booking through an agency fall between these two tiers, with all-inclusive packages typically priced at USD 1,100 to 1,800 depending on group size, season, and accommodation standard. The per-person cost drops meaningfully as group size increases.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Options
Booking through a registered Kathmandu agency is not just a convenience on the Manaslu Circuit; it is the only legal way to obtain the MRAP. Agencies handle all permit applications, guide licensing verification, accommodation bookings, and transport logistics.
HimalayaHub is a registered Kathmandu-based agency with verified Manaslu Circuit experience. Their packages include permits, licensed local guide, accommodation, meals, transport from Kathmandu, and porter where included in the package tier.
Current package options include a 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, a 13-day compressed version, and a 22-day Manaslu plus Tsum Valley combined trek starting from USD 1,590 per person for groups of two to five. Group discounts are available approximately USD 1,410 for groups of six to eleven people and USD 1,270 for groups of twelve to eighteen.
HimalayaHub’s packages are structured across four service tiers: Guide Service (minimum), Budget, Standard, and Full Board allowing trekkers to match their budget accurately to what they actually need rather than paying for services they will not use.
For the full itinerary structure that informs which package length suits your available time, the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary guide covers each day-by-day route option.
Seasonal Cost Differences
The season you choose affects both your permit cost and your on-trail expenses.
| Season | Months | MRAP Rate | Accommodation Availability | Budget Impact |
| Peak Autumn | September to November | USD 100 per week | High demand book ahead | Higher teahouse prices; October busiest |
| Spring | March to May | USD 100 per week | Good availability | Moderate pricing; April most popular |
| Off-peak Winter | December to February | USD 75 per week | Low demand easy availability | Cheapest overall; cold gear required |
| Monsoon | June to August | USD 75 per week | Very low demand | Trail conditions challenging |
The cheapest month to trek the Manaslu Circuit in terms of total cost is January or February off-peak MRAP rates, very low teahouse pricing due to minimal demand, and no competition for accommodation. The tradeoff is Larkya La Pass conditions: the pass can be snowbound in January and February, and the circuit should only be attempted in deep winter by trekkers with appropriate cold-weather experience.
October offers the best trekking conditions but the highest costs. The MRAP rate is at its peak, teahouses in Samagaon and Samdo are in high demand, and some operators charge seasonal premiums on accommodation. For first-time Manaslu trekkers, October remains worth the additional cost for the reliability of the experience.
For the full seasonal breakdown including temperature data, Larkya La conditions by month, and crowd level guidance, the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek guide covers every month in detail.
Ten Ways to Reduce Your Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
Join a group trek rather than booking a private guide. The guide cost split across four trekkers reduces the per-person daily guide expense from USD 35 to 40 to approximately USD 9 to 10. This is the single most effective cost reduction available on this trek.
Take the public bus to the trailhead. The Gongabu Bus Park to Sotikhola public bus costs USD 8 to 12 per person versus USD 50 to 60 per person for a private jeep share. Over both directions, this saves USD 80 to 100 per person.
Trek in the off-peak season. December to February MRAP rates are USD 75 per week rather than USD 100. For a 14-day trek, this saves USD 60 per person on permits alone, with additional savings on accommodation and potential guide rates.
Eat Dal Bhat at least once daily. At USD 5 to 7 with unlimited refills, Dal Bhat costs USD 8 to 15 less than a pasta or noodle dish for equivalent calories. Over 14 days, eating Dal Bhat once per day instead of a more expensive alternative saves USD 112 to 210.
Carry a reusable water bottle with purification tablets. Bottled water above the lower trail sections costs USD 1 to 3 per bottle. A USD 10 bottle of purification tablets covers the entire trek and eliminates this expense.
Bring a power bank from home. Charging devices at teahouses costs USD 1 to 2 per session. A power bank purchased before departure eliminates this cost entirely over 14 days.
Use wet wipes at altitude rather than paid hot showers. Hot bucket showers cost USD 3 to 5 each. Above Samagaon, most trekkers skip showers entirely. Below, wet wipes handle the essentials at a fraction of the cost.
Buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu. An Ncell or NTC SIM with data costs less than USD 5 and provides connectivity in lower and mid-altitude sections where signal exists. This eliminates most teahouse WiFi charges of USD 3 to 5 per session.
Rent trekking gear in Kathmandu rather than buying. Sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and gaiters are all available for rent on Thamel’s Freak Street at USD 1 to 3 per day. For one trek, renting is significantly cheaper than purchasing quality gear. The Manaslu Circuit Trek packing list identifies what is worth renting versus what you should bring from home.
Book early for group discount pricing. Agencies including HimalayaHub offer tiered group discounts that reduce per-person costs meaningfully at four, six, and twelve-person group sizes. Booking early enough to assemble a larger group or joining an existing group departure is one of the most effective ways to access the lowest per-person pricing.
Is the Manaslu Circuit More Expensive Than Other Nepal Treks?
| Trek | Permit Cost | Guide Required | Average Total Cost Per Person |
| Manaslu Circuit | USD 205–295 | Yes legally mandatory | USD 1,100–2,500 |
| Everest Base Camp | USD 70–100 (TIMS plus SAP) | Required since April 2023 | USD 1,000–2,000 |
| Annapurna Circuit | USD 35–50 (ACAP plus TIMS) | Required since April 2023 | USD 600–1,500 |
| Upper Mustang | USD 500 (Restricted Area Permit) | Yes legally mandatory | USD 2,000–3,500 |
The Manaslu Circuit is more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit primarily because of the restricted area permit structure. It is broadly comparable to the Everest Base Camp Trek in total cost, though the EBC route has a more developed teahouse infrastructure that can push accommodation costs higher in peak season.
What the Manaslu Circuit delivers that no other Nepal trek matches at a similar price point: significantly fewer trekkers, more authentic Tibetan Buddhist cultural villages that have not been shaped primarily by tourism infrastructure, views of Manaslu (8,163m) throughout the upper circuit, and the Larkya La crossing experience without the queue that characterises Thorong La in October.
The permit cost premium over the Annapurna Circuit is real but it is also the mechanism that limits visitor numbers and preserves what makes this trek worth doing. The restricted area status is not an administrative inconvenience; it is the reason the trail feels the way it does.
What the Cost Usually Does NOT Include
Any Manaslu Circuit Trek cost, whether quoted by an agency or calculated independently, typically excludes the following. Understanding what falls outside the package price prevents unexpected expenses.
International flights to and from Kathmandu are never included in trek package pricing. Nepal tourist visa fees (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, payable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport) are separate. Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking above 5,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation from Nepal is not included; this is not optional, it is a necessity. Helicopter evacuation from the Manaslu region without insurance costs USD 3,000 to 10,000 or more.
Personal trekking gear and clothing, alcoholic beverages, tips for guide and porter, personal snacks, bottled water above base pricing, souvenirs, and extra nights in Kathmandu before or after the trek are all expenses outside the standard package scope.
Tips are a meaningful additional budget item that many first-time trekkers underestimate. For a 14-day trek with a private guide and porter, appropriate tipping totals USD 140 to 210 for the guide and USD 42 to 70 for the porter add this to your overall budget as a confirmed expense rather than an optional extra.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Worth the Cost?
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the few treks in Nepal where the cost structure actively protects the quality of the experience. The restricted area permit, mandatory guide requirement, and minimum group rule keep visitor numbers genuinely low. In October Nepal’s busiest trekking month the Manaslu Circuit feels remote in a way that the Annapurna Circuit, with its established teahouse highway, no longer does.
What you get for USD 1,100 to 2,500: views of Manaslu (8,163m) for ten consecutive days, the Larkya La Pass crossing at 5,160m, Tibetan Buddhist village culture in Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo that has not been fundamentally altered by tourism, and a trail quality that justifies every permit fee in the stack.
The mandatory permit and guide system is not a bureaucratic obstacle, it is the reason this trek remains worth doing. The trekkers who resent the permit cost most are usually those who have not done the trek yet.
Ready to plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek with accurate costs and verified itinerary options? HimalayaHub’s Manaslu Circuit Trek packages cover all permit applications, licensed local guides, and flexible itinerary lengths for both peak and off-peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in 2025 and 2026?
The total cost ranges from USD 1,100 to 2,500 per person depending on group size, package type, and season. Budget group treks can be completed for USD 900 to 1,100. Private packages with licensed guide, porter, and comfortable accommodation run USD 1,500 to 2,500.
How much are the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits?
Three permits are required: the MRAP (USD 100 per week peak season, USD 75 off-peak), MCAP (USD 30), and ACAP (USD 30). Total permit cost for a 14-day peak season trek is approximately USD 265 per person. Off-peak total is approximately USD 205.
Can I do the Manaslu Circuit Trek without a guide?
No. The Manaslu region is a restricted area and solo trekking is illegal under Nepal government regulation. A minimum of two trekkers and one licensed guide are required. The MRAP cannot be obtained without a registered agency.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek more expensive than Everest Base Camp?
The total costs are broadly comparable: USD 1,100 to 2,500 for Manaslu versus USD 1,000 to 2,000 for EBC. Manaslu has higher permit costs due to the restricted area fee, but similar guide and accommodation expenses. Manaslu is significantly less crowded than EBC, particularly in October.
What is the cheapest way to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Join a group departure during off-peak season (December to February), take public buses from Kathmandu, share guide costs across four or more trekkers, eat Dal Bhat daily, and carry your own gear. This approach reduces costs to approximately USD 900 to 1,100 for a 14-day trek.
Are there ATMs on the Manaslu Circuit?
No. There are no ATMs past Arughat or Sotikhola. Carry sufficient Nepali Rupees from Kathmandu for the full duration of the trek. Budget approximately USD 15 to 25 per day in cash for on-trail expenses above the amounts covered by your package.
Does the trek package price include a porter?
It depends on the package tier. Most full-board packages include a porter. Guide Service and Budget tier packages typically do not. Always confirm inclusions explicitly with your agency before booking.