Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 Cost Breakdown and Saving Tips

What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is one of the renowned trekking routes around Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trek offers a blend of natural beauty and enriched culture. It is tremendously thrilling while being less explored and crowded than the Everest Trek and the Annapurna Trek. The Manaslu trek is an extraordinary delight.

The trek is located in the Manaslu Conservation Area in Gorkha district, bordering with Tibetan region. The trek is named after Mt. Manaslu, revered by locals as the mountain of spirits.

The trek to Manaslu takes 11 to 14 days, depending on the route and pace of trekkers. The trek is considered moderate to difficult, which involves a long day of hiking, ascending, descending, high high-altitude pass, and the risk of high altitude, especially when you ascend towards Samdo, Larky Pass (5106m).

The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trekis Larkya La Pass (5106m), located between Samdo and Bhimtang, the gem village of the Manaslu region. The journey required well-maintained physical fitness and proper acclimatization as you gain toward high altitude.

Typically, the trek begins from Machha Khola and gradually ascends through dense forests, traditional villages, and scenic views of river valleys. The route offers landscape, subtropical meadows, and alpine glaciers. The trail goes through the Buddhist monastery, Chortens, and Mani walls, including a Tibetan-influenced village where trekkers can experience great culture.

The major attraction of the region is the small towns of Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo, before Larkya La pass, which is considered a challenging side of the trek that descends toward the Besi Sahar to the ending point of the trek.

Why Trek Manaslu Circuit?

The Manaslu Region trek offers less crowded and unspoiled trekking experiences compared to other popular treks like Everest,Annapurna, andLangtang. The off-the-beaten-path of the Manaslu trek is beneficial for adventure seekers. The11-day Manaslu Circuit trekprovides breathtaking views of some of the world's tallest mountains, including Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal. It also engaged the trekkers with diverse people and their cultures, including Tibetan Buddhism and other indigenous traditions. Trekking to manaslu is a rewarding journey that offers multiple activities, including stunning views of mountains, and immersing in rich cultural traditions. The Manaslu region is ideal for those looking for adventure, remote, off-beaten trails, and a tranquil trekking experience.

Highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Mount Manaslu: It offers stunning views of the majestic peaks and glaciers.

Larkya La Pass: A challenging high pass of the trek, offers the panoramic glory of the region's peaks.

Cultural Experiences: The trek goes through Tibetan villages, where trekkers can immerse themselves in local culture and traditions, including Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa communities.

Buddhist Monuments: The trek featured Buddhist sites, including Samagaon monastery, Mani walls, and Chortens along the trails that provide opportunities for spiritual experiences.

Best time to trek Manslu Circuit

The best months for Manaslu Circuit trekkingare spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons at which time weather becomes smooth, mild, clear, and warm and trails become smooth for walking. Spring and autumn are perfect for trekkers, bringing the best Mountain View and nature bloom.

How much does Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost?

Budget fortrekking in Nepal is a major topic that matters for every trekker, whether that is a Budget trek or a Package trek. The Manaslu Circuit is a stunning trekking destination in Nepal that is unmissable for nature, culture, and adventure seekers. The Manaslu Trek offers dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and views of towering Mt. Manaslu and other glorious peaks. To complete the trek successfully, it is necessary to account for the various costs involved, including transportation, accommodation, food, permits, and additional expenses.

The cost of trekking in Nepal varies depending on the destination and package you choose. Here is a Manaslu Circuit Cost breakdown.

Trekking Permit Price for Manaslu Trek

After the flight ticket, the most significant cost is the Manaslu circuit trek permit cost, which is a key consideration. Trekking permits are mandatory for trekking in the Manaslu region, where you need to find a restricted area. The required permits include

Manaslu Conservation Area - costs NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR, 100 for SAARC nationalities.

Annapurna Conservation Area- costs NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC Nationalities.

Manaslu Restricted Area permit- the restricted area permit offers different costs for in spring and autumn seasons.

• Spring (December to August) - It costs USD 75 per person for the first week and USD 10 per person per day beyond a week. 

•  Autumn (September to November) - it costs USD100 per person for the first week and continuously USD15 per person per day beyond a week.

Guide and porters cost for the Manaslu Circuit.

A hiring guide is mandatory, whereas a porter is optional for trekking in Nepal. But if you want smooth trekking, it's better to hire porters as well. Short cost breakdown for hiring guides and porters for trekking in Nepal.

Guide fees: the cost of hiring a guide for the Manaslu circuit trek starts from 25 dollars to 35 dollars, as the experience of the guide and the season. Which covers everything about them including insurance, food and accommodation, and salary.

Porters: Porters are not necessary but for a luxury trek, it's essential. The cost of the porter for Manaslu Circuit starts from, USD 18 to USD25, they carry baggage up to 15 kg to 20 kg as rules.

Manaslu Circuit Trek accommodation cost breakdown

During the Manaslu circuit trek and tea house provide, basic to standard facilities to the trekkers. Where the cost can be different in trekking region and trekking altitude.

• Lower altitude accommodation cost: typically, in lower areas like Sotikhola, Machhakhola, and Phillip it starts from an average of NPR 500 for accommodation.

• Mid-Range Altitude: In areas like Namrung, Samagaun, and Samdo, the accommodation cost starts average of 800 NPR with standard and basic facilities.

• Higher Altitude: Above Larky la Pass, accommodation starts from 1000 up to 1500, depending upon the trekking season.

Overall, the average cost per day of accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be USD 7-10.

Manaslu Circuit Trek food and drinks cost guide.

Food for the Manaslu Circuit trek can be basic, but expect a wide range of Nepali dal Bhat, noodles, fried rice, and mo: mo, as well as some Western dishes like pancakes, pasta, and other items in some parts of the trek.

Meal Cost: A typical meal costs between NPR 500 to 800. Depending on the location and altitude.

Drinks (Water & energy drinks): The cost of water starts from NPR 100 as you gain elevation. It is better if you bring water purification to save cost.

Overall, 20 -30 dollars per day per meal and drink is perfect.

Transportation cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The trek to Manaslu starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, the gateway of Manaslu Region Trekking. SSoti Khola or Machha Khola has direct access from Kathmandu. For the trek, you have to manage transportation from Kathmandu. You can find a private jeep or a public bus to reach Soti Khola.

• Hire a Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola approx.USD 100 to USD 150, which depends upon the number of travelers.

• Drive-through Public Transportation cost starts from USD 10 to USD 25. Sometimes it costs an extra USD 10 to drive to Machha Khola from Soti Khol.

• Return transportation cost from Dharapani via Besisahar in private transportation is similar to the drop-off cost.

Additional Expenses- Budget Breakdown for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Miscellaneous expenses for the trek are as follows.

Travel insurance: Insurance for high-altitude trekking is necessary. The basic insurance plan can be from 80 to 150 USD. If you have international travel insurance, be sure that it covers trekking too.

Snacks: items like chocolate, drinks, tea, and coffee during the trial, around 5 dollars per person per day on average,e. But it depends on you how much you can.

Trekking gear rental or buy: You can hire quality trekking gear and equipment for the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Thamel at a reliable cost, depending on your trek. Otherwise, you can buy the stuff at a variable price. Normally, hiring costs start from USD 8 and buying costs over 15 dollars, depending on brand quality.

Cost-saving tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trek during the low season, which helps to reduce permit costs, flight costs, and other basic costs during the trek.

Trek in a group: If you trek in a group, it saves your transportation costs, guide fees, permit costs, and accommodation costs.

Pack light and rent trekking gear: If you are planning a budget trek in Nepal, rent the necessary gear instead of buying to save cost.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Trek is an unforgettable trekking experience for both nature lovers and adventure lovers that immerses trekkers in the Himalayas' beauty. The real heart adventure of Manaslu is a tremendous opportunity for travelers who are seeking a remote, restricted trek in Nepal.

Use the provided tips to make your trip a memorable and worthwhile experience without breaking your finances. Visit us at Recreation Holidays for more cost and other essential details of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek is well worth investing your time and money for lifetime happiness.