Manaslu Trek Cost

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the classic walks that has long been considered the best in terms of scenery and cultural diversity. Protected as a restricted area by the government of Nepal, this Himalayan classic route witnesses relatively less number of trekkers compared to Everest or Annapurna.

Combining the cultural experiences along with the magnificence of some of the world’s highest massifs, this trek offers an authentic feel of the Himalayas. The walk passes several traditional villages with varied landscapes that offer a picturesque view of Manaslu and Annapurna. The trail eventually leads you to the icy path of Larkya La Pass, which most likely will test your endurance at the elevation of 5,135 meters.

This 14 days Manaslu Circuit trek is the best treks and also consider as an alternative of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek starts from Soti Khola and ends at Besi Sahar of Lamjung district. The trek can also be extended up to 22 days with an additional trek of Tsum Valley. 

This is the best trek for those who want to avoid the crowd and experience the best view without any physical and natural obstruction. Less than two percent of trekkers only visit Manaslu due to the lack of infrastructure and advertisement. Manaslu trek is remote, physically challenging, culturally enriching and scenically mesmerizing.  

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Avoid the crowd in the secluded trail of Manaslu.
• Massive diversity in landscape extending from subtropical forests to the high mountain pass.
• Walking across the icy trail of Larkya La Pass at 5,135 meters.
• Ever-changing culture and lifestyle of the Manaslu region.
• Panoramic views of Manaslu, Himung Himal, Nemjung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II and Cheo Himal. 

Cost of Permits for Manaslu Trek 

The government of Nepal has declared the Manaslu region as a restricted trekking site. In order to preserve the area, control the borders with Tibet and limit the number of tourists the region has been restricted. It requires different types of permits to enter this special protection region.  

Basically, these permits are required particularly for Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. The permits are obligatory to enter the conservation area. The amount of the permit card varies according to the nationality, month and duration of your trip. During the month of September to November, the cost will be about USD 100 in the first week per person and thereafter around USD 15 per day per person. The price is high during this month due to the peak season.  

Whereas, due to the offseason between December and August the cost is slightly cheaper. It cost USD 75 in the first week per person, and about USD 10 per day person thereafter. 

Similarly, if you choose to trek in the Tsum Valley as an additional trip for your Manaslu trek then you are required to purchase another restricted permit. It costs about USD 40 per week per person during the month of September and November. While between December to August it cost USD 35 per week per person.   

Actually, the price of the Manaslu trek is quite higher in comparison with other trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Kanchanjunga. But, still less cheap than the Upper Mustang Trek. 

Cost of Accommodation During Manaslu Trek 

Trekking in Manaslu is famous for its natural beauty and traditional ethnic culture. But, this is also a good place to accommodate yourself with a good accommodation service. During the earthquake of 2015, many house structures and tea accommodations were affected. But nowadays, the accommodation around this area has been more flourished. The teahouses and the trail have been recovered or rebuilt. 

Almost most of the restaurants and tea houses are back in the service. So, trekkers can be easily accommodated at any time without any difficulty. The accommodation in the Manaslu region is pretty cheap. It will cost you roughly USD 6 – USD 9 per night. Most of the rooms are very basic with a twin bed, a cupboard and a table. But, if you don’t want to share your room then you will have to pay the whole price of the room.      

Food Cost During Manaslu Trek 

Manaslu is still a rural and isolated area of the country. Due to the lack of good transportation and bad roads, it becomes very difficult to transport the goods and food materials in this region. So, the cost of the food is quite expensive than Kathmandu and the menu is also limited. You may have to estimate the budget of around USD 10 – USD 15 per meal. So, this means it will cost you USD 25 – USD 35 on a daily basis. The best part of having food in this region is that normally the vegetables that get served in a restaurant or tea houses are organic and fresh. Generally, in the breakfast, they served you a meal of steamed rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and a pickle. It is considered a very good appetite for trekking.        

Cost of Drinks at Manaslu Trek 

The cost of drinks like tea, coffee has almost similar kind of price range in the mountain region. But, it is slightly cheaper than at Everest Base Camp. The cost of drinks in the Manaslu region is relatively cheap in comparison with EBC due to the low altitude.     

Drinking water in the Manaslu region will cost you roughly NPR 200 (USD 2) in the lower elevation whereas in the higher elevation it will cost you NPR 400 (USD 4). Relatively, the water in the mountains is of spring water which is clean and pure. So, we recommend you to carry water purification tablets or drops or a water filter. In this way, you can drink clean natural water and can also save money.  

Cost of Transportation for Manaslu Trek 

The roads to the Manaslu region are not fully developed. Due to its lack of infrastructure and off road-trails the region is not yet connected to the outer world. There are mainly two options to enter this region. The trekkers can take local buses or hire a private jeep. A local bus will cost you around NPR 100 (USD 10) per person. The same price would apply to return back from Besisahar to Kathmandu. Traveling on a local bus is much more adventurous and cost-effective. 

Whereas, in a private jeep it will cost around NPR. 15000 – NPR 20000 (USD 150 – USD 200) . A private jeep ride is an alternative option for those who don’t want to compromise about their comfort. In this case, you will find the jeep price convincing, better than to get on the packed bus. However, if you travel in a group then you can share the cost and also enjoy the travel without any issue.       

Cost of Guide and Porter

If you are thinking to go for solo trekking then we strongly recommend you hire a guide. As per the rule without a guide, you are not allowed to trek in this region. According to the policy, the trekkers need to be accompanied by an authorized trekking guide from the Nepal Trekking Association. A guide will help you to make your trail more interesting and worth it. He will provide you the information about the mountain peaks, landscapes, flora, fauna, and wildlife on the trails. 

As the guide and porter are familiar with the place they can recommend the good tea house to stay or eat and the best vantage points.

While a porter can help you to share your loads. Treks are physically challenging and having lighter weight can make a huge difference in your trekking experience. 

In general, a guide costs around Nrs. 2200 – 2500 (USD 22- USD 25) per day. This will includes both accommodation and food.  A porter costs around Nrs.1800 – Nrs.2200 (USD 18 – USD 22) per day inclusive of accommodation and food. You can also give a tip at the end of the trekking day. Most importantly, before hiring a guide or porter, make sure to check their credentials for your own safety. And, also interact with them to ensure that you will have a safe and comfortable trek. 

Tips to minimize Manaslu Trek Costs 

• Buy the necessary things in Kathmandu since the price of the same thing will double in the higher elevations. 
•  Carry water purification tablets or drops or a water filter so that you can drink clean natural water and can also save money.  
• You can prefer the local meal like Rice, lentil and vegetable curry than the western foods. Local meals are cheap in price and save your time. 
• Bring an extra battery or solar battery charger or a portable power bank for the camera. In some tea houses, they will charge you around USD 2 – USD 3 per hour to recharge the electronic devices or equipment. 
• Travel in local transportation. It is cheap, adventurous and experience of a lifetime.

Some tips for trekking in Manaslu

• Always carry some extra money as they do not accept the credit card nor you get the ATM to withdraw.  
• Carry an extra battery or charger
• Pair of easy and comfortable dry hiking spare and pants
• Get hiking socks especially of woolen that will help to keep your feet warm
• Buy water bottles and along with that get water purification drops or tablets.
• Cary headlamp, windproof gloves, trekking pole and first aid kit

Conclusion

Manaslu Trek is regarded as one of the best treks in Nepal. It offers you everything that you are looking for trekking. This 14 days trek gives you the chance to explore the natural beauty and experience both Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic culture. Manaslu Trek is the best alternative to the Annapurna circuit trek. Though the roads are poor, it has an expensive permit, compulsory to hire a guide but still, Manaslu trek has much more to offer you.

However. In this trek, you will find the same level of quality at a fraction of the price. There is no luxurious or 5-star hotel so whether you choose to go with the expensive or the cheaper one as mostly everyone falls in the same category as teahouses. In a total estimate, the Manaslu trek package for 14 days will cost you between NPR. 90,000 – NPR. 110,000 (USD 900- USD 1100) per person on a full board package. This trek is for those travelers who want to avoid the crowd and enjoy the adventure.