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 Trek is 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, and Langtang. The off-the-beaten-path of the Manaslu trek is beneficial for adventure seekers. The 11-day Manaslu Circuit trek provides 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 Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Trek around one of the highest mountains in the world (Mt. Manaslu-8163m)
- Experiencing the authentic Nepalese village and diverse cultural group like Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa
- 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 trekking are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, at which time the weather becomes smooth, mild, clear, and warm, and the trails become smooth for walking. Spring and autumn are perfect for trekkers, bringing the best Mountain views and nature bloom.
How much does Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
Budget for trekking 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. To complete the trek successfully, it is necessary to account for the various costs involved, including transportation, accommodation, food, permits, and additional expenses. Generally, Manaslu Circuit Trekking price starts from US dollar 890 to 940 and covers permit, transportation (pickup and drop), guide, food, and accommodation during the trek.This price is based on group size.
Permit Price for Manaslu Region
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
- 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.
the restricted area permit offers different costs for in spring and autumn seasons.
Tsum Valley Trek Permit Cost
- The cost of the Tsum Valley Trek permit is $ 40 per person for the first week and $7 beyond week (autumn season permit cost)
- During spring it cost $30 per person for first week and continuously $7 beyond week.
How to apply Manaslu Restricted Permit Online?
In the past, you had to visit the National Tourism Board in Kathmandu to obtain the Manaslu trek permit. Fortunately, it can now be obtained online. But the thing is, that only a travel agency can issue this Manaslu trek permit on your behalf. You can trust Himalayan masters to assist you in getting the permit for the Manaslu trek even if you do not book the full package. For issuing a Special permit for a restricted area, you apply online and visit the Department of immigration with the help of a registered company
The agency will handle obtaining the permit for you, download it online, and print it. You should then keep the printed permit with you throughout the trek.
Obtaining a Permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area and the Manaslu Conservation Area
For issuing the trekking permit for Annapurna Conservation area and Manaslu Conservation you can get from Nepal Tourism Board (in context of Solo trekkers) otherwise, your company will organized the permit. Your passport copy, photo is required.
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: Cost of hiring a guide on Manaslu circuit trek ,is 25 dollars to 35 dollars, as the experience of the guide and the trekking season. Which covers everything about them, including insurance, food, accommodation, and salary.
Porters: Porters are not necessary, but for a luxury trek, it's essential. The cost of the porters starts from USD 18 to USD 25, they carry baggage up to 15 kg to 20 kg according to the rules.
Cost of Accommodation based on altitude
During the Manaslu circuit trek tea houses provide basic to standard room facilities to the trekkers. Where the price of room can be different in the trekking region and the trekking altitude.
- Lower altitude Room Price: Typically, in lower areas like Sotikhola, Machhakhola, and Jagat, it starts from an average of NPR 500 ($4)for accommodation.
- Mid-Range Altitude: In areas like Namrung, Samagaun, and Samdo, the accommodation cost starts average of NPR 800 $(7) with standard and basic facilities.
- Higher Altitude: Above Larky la Pass, accommodation starts from NPR1000 up to 1500 ($10-$15) depending on the trekking season.
- Overall, the average cost per day of accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be $5-$15
Food and Drinks Cost
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 ($1) as you gain elevation. It is better if you bring water purification to save costs.
- Overall, 20 -30 dollars per day per meal and drink is perfect.
Transportation cost for Manaslu Circuit.Trek
The trek to Manaslu starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola, the gateway of Manaslu Region Trekking with direct vehicle 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 Manaslu.
- Hire a Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, approx.USD 100 to USD 150, which depends on the number of travelers.
- Drive-through Public Transportation cost starts from USD 15 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. You can find a local or standard tourist bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu.
Additional Expenses
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, 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.
Tips for Guides and Porters: You can divide the tips for guides and porters after completing your trek. It depends upon your experience (typically, the client provides $15 to $20 per day based on the nature of the trek)
Cost-saving tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Trek on Low season ( permit cost will be low)
- Trek on Group
- Follow Customize your standard Itinerary ( 11- short Manaslu Circuit Trek)
- Understand all the Permit Requirements like MCAP, ACAP, Chum Nurbi Ruler Municipality
- Book a tea house for food and room service on the Manaslu Trek
- Carry a personal Power bank to charge your mobiles
- Drive through local transportation like a Bus, or find a shared jeep for low vehicle cost.
- Rent Gear in Kathmandu ( not to buy)
- Travel with effective coverage insurance
- Be prepared for small fees
- Carry enough Nepali cash
- Trek with reputed trekking company
On-arrival Tourist Visa fee in Nepal
Upon arrival in Nepal, you will need to obtain a tourist visa. The visa costs are as follows:
- 15 Days: 30 USD
- 30 Days: 50 USD
- 90 Days: 125 USD
Besides 90 days of tourist visa, you can extend it.Conclusion
Planning Your Manaslu Trek?
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 costs and other essential details of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek is well worth investing your time and money for lifetime happiness.
