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Manaslu Circuit Trek trail with snow covered Himalayan mountains near Larkya La Pass, Nepal

How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost in 2026?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is around USD 800 to USD 1,700 per person, and this price usually includes all required permits, a licensed trekking guide, porter service, meals during the trek, teahouse accommodation, and ground transportation to and from the trek starting and ending points.Because the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area trek, trekking independently is not allowed, and hiring a guide is compulsory. As a result, the overall cost is higher than some unrestricted treks in Nepal, but it also ensures better safety, proper acclimatization, and a more organized trekking experience in a remote Himalayan region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost – 14 Days (All Inclusive)

The following prices are per person for a 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek. All prices include permits, licensed guide, porter service, meals, accommodation, and ground transportation.

Group Size (Pax) Price Per Person (USD)
1 Person USD 1,450
2 Persons USD 1,390
3 Persons USD 1,350
4–6 Persons USD 1,290
7–12 Persons USD 1,150
13–18 Persons USD 1,090
19–24 Persons USD 1,050

Prices are based on group size and season. Private and custom itineraries are available on request.

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Manaslu Trekking Guide Cost

Hiring a licensed trekking guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek because it is a restricted area. A government licensed English speaking guide typically costs USD 30 to 40 per day. For a standard 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek, the total guide cost comes to approximately USD 420 to 560. This cost usually covers the guide’s daily salary, meals, accommodation during the trek, insurance, and their experience in route navigation, altitude safety, and local culture. Trekking with an experienced guide significantly improves safety and overall trekking experience in the remote Manaslu region.

Manaslu Porter Cost

Hiring a porter is not legally mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for a long and high altitude trek like Manaslu. A porter helps carry your main luggage so you can trek comfortably with a light daypack. The average porter cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is USD 20 to 30 per day. For a 14 day trek, the total porter cost is around USD 280 to 420. One porter usually carries up to 20 to 22 kg, often shared between two trekkers. The cost generally includes the porter’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance when arranged through a trekking company.

Travel and Trekking Insurance Cost

Travel insurance is essential for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and is strongly required by trekking agencies. Insurance must cover high altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation. The average insurance cost for Manaslu trekking ranges from USD 100 to 200, depending on your age, nationality, length of coverage, and insurance provider. Your insurance policy should include medical treatment at high altitude, emergency evacuation up to at least 5,000 meters, trip cancellation or interruption, and trekking related risks. Without proper insurance, rescue and medical expenses in the Manaslu region can be extremely expensive.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation Cost

Transportation is an essential part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as there are no direct flights to the trekking route. All travel to and from the Manaslu region is done by road, starting from Kathmandu and ending after the trek.

Kathmandu to Trek Starting Point Transport Cost

The Manaslu Circuit Trek usually starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, both accessed by road from Kathmandu. The journey typically takes 7 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and weather. Public buses are the most budget friendly option. The cost from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola by local bus is approximately USD 10 to 20 per person. While affordable, this option is slower and less comfortable. Shared jeeps are faster and more comfortable than buses. The cost of a shared jeep generally ranges from USD 25 to 40 per person, depending on group size and season. Private jeeps are the most comfortable and flexible option. A private jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola typically costs USD 230 to 300 per vehicle, which can be shared among 6 to 7 people. This option is popular for private treks and couples.

Transport Cost from Trek Ending Point to Kathmandu

The Manaslu Circuit Trek usually ends at Dharapani or Tilije. From there, travelers continue by road to Besisahar and then onward to Kathmandu. Using local transport or a shared jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, followed by a bus to Kathmandu, costs approximately USD 30 to 50 per person. For more comfort and a shorter travel time, a private jeep from Dharapani or Tilije directly to Kathmandu costs around USD 200 to 250 per vehicle, depending on road conditions and group size.

Summary of Manaslu Trek Transport Costs

Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola by local bus costs USD 10 to 20 per person Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola by shared jeep costs USD 25 to 40 per person Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola by private jeep costs USD 230 to 300 per vehicle Return transport from Dharapani or Tilije to Kathmandu by local transport costs USD 30 to 50 per person Return transport by private jeep costs USD 200 to 250 per vehicle In most all inclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek packages, transportation costs are already included, making planning easier and reducing delays caused by road conditions or limited vehicle availability. For trekkers who suffer from motion sickness, we recommend using a jeep instead of a public bus, as the ride is smoother, faster, and allows more flexibility for rest stops.

Extra Expenses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Even with an all inclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek package, trekkers should plan for some personal extra expenses during the trek. These costs are mainly for personal comfort and individual spending and are not included in standard packages. For a 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek, the average extra personal expense is around USD 70 to 100 per person, excluding tips for the guide and porter. There are no reliable ATMs along the Manaslu trekking route, so it is important to carry enough cash from Kathmandu.

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Charging Electronic Devices

Charging mobile phones, cameras, and power banks is provided free of charge for guests trekking with Manaslu Treks and Expedition. There is no additional cost for charging electronic devices during the trek.

Wi Fi and Internet Access

Internet access on the Manaslu Circuit Trek has improved in recent years. Using a Namaste SIM card from Nepal Telecom provides reliable mobile data coverage on most parts of the route, especially in lower and mid altitude villages. As part of our service, Manaslu Treks and Expedition provides free internet access to our guests, allowing you to stay connected during the trek.

Hot Shower Cost

Hot showers are usually charged separately at teahouses, especially at higher altitudes. The cost of a hot shower typically ranges from USD 2 to 5 per shower, depending on the location and availability.

Snacks, Drinks, and Bottled Water

Snacks and drinks such as chocolate, biscuits, bottled water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and beer are personal expenses and not included in trekking packages. Prices increase with altitude, so buying snacks regularly can increase daily spending. Many trekkers prefer to carry some snacks from Kathmandu.

Tips for Guide and Porter

Tips are not included in trekking packages and are given separately at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation. For a 14 day Manaslu Circuit Trek, the commonly expected tipping amount is approximately USD 200 for the trekking guide and USD 150 for the porter. The final amount depends on group size and satisfaction with the service.

Other Small Personal Expenses

Other minor personal expenses may include laundry services, hot bucket water, toilet paper, extra blankets in some lodges, and small personal purchases along the trail.

How Much Extra Cash Should You Budget

For most trekkers, budgeting USD 70 to 100 per person for extra personal expenses is sufficient for the entire trek, excluding tips for the guide and porter. Carrying a small additional buffer is recommended for comfort and flexibility.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost vs Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

When comparing trekking costs in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek are often compared. While both are high altitude Himalayan treks, the starting cost and main cost drivers are different.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from around USD 800 per person and can go up to USD 1,700, depending on group size, season, trek duration, and service level. The main cost factors for Manaslu include restricted area permit fees and the mandatory requirement of a licensed trekking guide. Transportation is done entirely by road, which keeps costs lower as there are no domestic flights involved. Most all inclusive Manaslu packages cover permits, guide, porter, meals, accommodation, and ground transportation.

Everest Base Camp Trek Cost

The Everest Base Camp Trek cost starts from around USD 1,100 per person and can reach USD 1,600 or more, depending on itinerary length, flight availability, group size, and accommodation standard. The higher starting cost is mainly due to round trip domestic flights to Lukla, which significantly increase the overall budget. Although permit costs in the Everest region are lower than Manaslu, higher transportation costs and higher daily food and accommodation prices raise the total cost.

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Tips for Budgeting the Manaslu Circuit Trek (How to Trek Cheaper)

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit does not have to be expensive if you plan correctly. One of the most effective ways to control costs is choosing services based on your experience level and working with a trekking company that specializes in the Manaslu region.

Choose a Manaslu Focused Trekking Company

Companies that mainly operate in the Manaslu region are often able to offer better prices. Because they work regularly on the Manaslu Circuit, they manage permits, guides, accommodation, porters, and transportation more efficiently and without middlemen. Booking with a Manaslu focused company such as Manaslu Treks and Expedition can help reduce overall costs while ensuring all legal and safety requirements are met.

Join a Group Trek Instead of Trekking Privately

Since Manaslu is a restricted area, permits and a licensed guide are mandatory. Joining a group trek reduces the per-person cost of guides, porters, and transportation, making the trek cheaper than a private arrangement.

Hire Only a Guide if You Are an Experienced Trekker

For seasoned and physically strong trekkers, hiring only a licensed guide and trekking without a porter can reduce costs. This option is suitable if you are comfortable carrying your own backpack and trekking long days. A guide is still mandatory in the Manaslu region, but a porter is optional. Skipping a porter can lower the total trek cost while still keeping the trek legal.

Choose Standard Teahouse Accommodation

Teahouse accommodation in Manaslu is simple and functional. Choosing standard rooms keeps daily costs low and avoids unnecessary upgrades that increase the overall trek price.

Eat Local Meals and Control Daily Spending

Eating local meals such as dal bhat is more affordable and filling than Western dishes. Limiting snacks, bottled drinks, and extra beverages helps keep personal expenses under control.

Use Shared Transportation

Shared jeeps or local transport between Kathmandu and the trek starting and ending points are significantly cheaper than private vehicles and help reduce transportation costs.

Trek in the Shoulder Season

Trekking in early March, late May, or early September often offers lower prices compared to peak months like October. Group availability is also better during these periods.

Book an All Inclusive Package

Booking an all-inclusive package through a Manaslu-focused trekking company is often cheaper than arranging each service separately. It also prevents unexpected costs during the trek.

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