Ultimate Guide: Manaslu Trek Cost Breakdown

Overview

Mount Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world, is becoming increasingly popular among trekkers. Located about 64 km east of the famous Annapurna range in the Gorkha District, it offers a dangerous climbing experience but the Manaslu circuit trek is renowned for its wilderness and beauty. Trekking on this mountain for half a month is a new experience. Additionally, the Manaslu Trek Cost that we offer is very affordable, making Nepal one of the cheapest places to visit in the world. Therefore, you should not be concerned about the cost of this trek.

The alluring attractions of Manaslu Peak include the bottomless Georges, remarkable landscape, hospitable locals, insight into century-old culture and architecture, and incredible biodiversity. Those who have visited Manaslu have fallen in love with this place, and we guarantee that you will also adore it. If  the Manaslu Trek Cost is your only concern, we will provide you with all the necessary details. Here is everything you need to know about the cost of the Manaslu Trek in detail.

Let’s start,

The biggest travel expense is the transportation from your home country to Nepal. The cost will vary depending on the distance and the mode of transportation you choose. Make sure to include the price of a round-trip flight or ride in your budget.

Manaslu Trekking Permits Terms and Conditions

Before going on the Manaslu trek in Nepal, it’s essential to secure travel insurance that includes coverage for high-altitude rescue. Trekking in Nepal’s mountains carries inherent risks, despite precautions taken. The cost of insurance may vary depending on your home country, so ensure to include it in your budget considerations before booking the trek package.

A. Nepali Travel Visa: 

As soon as you land in Nepal, you need to issue a tourist visa to Nepal. A Nepalese visa is available on arrival and costs:

15 Days: 30 USD

30 Days: 50 USD

90 Days: 125 USD.

It should be noted that the visa cost is not included in the Manaslu Trek cost for Indian and SAARC citizens, making it relatively inexpensive.

B. Manaslu Permit Cost:

Trekking to Manaslu needs three kinds of permits.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: 

The Nepal government requires a special permit for trekking in the Tsum Valley. The permit costs USD 100 per person from September to November, with an additional $15 per day if staying longer than a week. From December to August, the permit costs USD 75 per person, with an additional $10 per day if visiting for more than a week.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit:

For foreigners, the cost of this permit is USD 30 per person, while for people from SAARC countries, it is approximately USD 10.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is required only for the Manaslu trek if you plan to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreigners are charged USD 30 per person for the ACAP entry fee, while people from SAARC countries are charged approximately USD 10.

Total Cost For Guide And Porters to Manaslu

In Nepal, there are certain trekking trails that allow tourists to trek without a guide. However, this rule does not apply to Manaslu. To obtain a Manaslu permit, it is mandatory for either a private group of at least two trekkers or an individual joining an existing group. Another important aspect of the Manaslu travel cost is the hiring of a licensed trekking guide. 

The daily cost for a guide ranges from USD 25 to USD 30. These guides are fluent in English and have extensive knowledge of the trekking route, making them invaluable in case of emergencies. Establishing a good rapport with your guide enhances your overall journey experience. They can assist you in connecting with the locals, finding suitable accommodations, and ordering meals.

Cost of Transportation for The Manaslu Trek

Before starting the trek, we will travel from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, passing through Barpak. The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Manaslu Base Camp trek typically end at Dharapani/Besisahar. If you are doing the TSUM valley trek, you will likely finish it in Arughat. Neither of these places has a nearby airport, so your only option is to drive for 6 to 8 hours from Kathmandu. However, there are several vehicle options available. 

A. Local Vehicle during Manaslu Trek:

Every morning, a bus departs from Gongabu Bus Park to Soti Khola. However, it is important to note that public buses in Nepal are not known for their comfort or cleanliness. These buses are usually overcrowded and the noise can make the journey difficult. There is often limited space for both your legs and your belongings. Despite these drawbacks, the cost of traveling on these buses is very affordable, ranging from USD 5 to USD 8 per person. If you are looking for an adventurous experience and want to witness the local Nepalese lifestyle, this could be a great opportunity.

B. Private Jeep during Manaslu Trek:

A Jeep is a suitable vehicle for traveling on the rough highways of Nepal. It can accommodate up to eight people and takes approximately six hours to reach Soti Khola. This option is highly comfortable for tourists and offers ample space for luggage. If you prefer to book a Jeep exclusively for yourself, the cost ranges from USD 150 to USD 190, and they will arrange pick-up from your hotel. Alternatively, you can also share the Jeep with other travelers, which costs around $40 to $50 per person. However, it may not always be easy to find a group to share the Jeep with. Your guide will assist you in making the necessary bookings.

C. Taxi (Cabs):

Although it is a highly luxurious choice, it may not be the most suitable option for the challenging terrain in Nepal. Opting for a private car allows you to have the vehicle all to yourself and travel at your own convenience. On the other hand, a taxi can accommodate up to four people and typically costs between USD 100 and USD 120 (slightly cheaper than a Jeep). It is advisable to ask your guide to negotiate with the driver in order to secure the best possible deal.

Manaslu Trek Accommodation Costs

The tea houses are referred to as hotels. These hotels are small wooden houses that are owned by the local residents of Manaslu. Due to recent construction, you can anticipate them to be well-maintained and pleasant. Each hotel will have a dining area that is heated for a cozy dinner. The rooms in these hotels are designed to be comfortable and typically consist of two to three single beds. Inside the hotel, you will find a mattress, a blanket, and a pillow.

The rooms with private bathrooms are not available; you will have to use the bathroom on a shared basis. Some bathrooms may have Western seats, but most bathrooms in Manaslu will have Indian seats. The cost of this room is only $5 to $6. This will only slightly increase your Manaslu Trek cost. In Kathmandu, you will have a variety of 3- to 5-star hotels to choose from. The cheapest bunk beds are priced at $5 per bed, and a decent room can cost around $20.

Additional charges in a tea house during the Manaslu trek:

• In the lower region, the majority of tea houses offer Wi-Fi connectivity, although the speed may not be very fast. The cost for accessing Wi-Fi is approximately $3 per night.
• In the tea house, you have the option to request either a hot water shower or a bucket of hot water. The cost for a hot water shower ranges from $4 to $5.
• The cost of charging your phone, camera, or power bank is approximately $2 to $3. The price may vary depending on the duration of the charging and the device you are using.

Food Cost During the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The cost of your Manaslu Trek is mainly determined by the food expenses. In Nepal, it is common practice to eat at the same place where you stay while trekking. Therefore, you will be provided with the food options listed on the menu at the tea houses. Enjoying a warm meal made with fresh ingredients in a remote area is truly a blessing. The menu remains mostly consistent along the trekking route, and the prices are generally similar (although slightly higher at higher altitudes).

For breakfast, you can choose from a variety of options such as bread, omelettes, pancakes, oats, muesli, and fruits. The prices range from $5 to $7. As for lunch, you have the option to select from pasta, momo, noodles, soup, rolls, or other dishes. However, it is recommended to try the Nepalese dal and bhat.

Moreover, you can also indulge in an unlimited buffet of Nepalese khana, which includes steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, spinach, and assorted pickles. There are also desserts such as pudding and chocolates. The price for lunch and dinner ranges from $4 to $8, depending on your choice, while dessert costs around $3. The daily cost of food in Manaslu is approximately $28 to $30, depending on your appetite for food.

Cost of Drink in Manaslu Circuit

During the trek, you will find regular milk and coffee available at a cost of $1 to $3 per cup. However, there are limited options for coffee. We recommend bringing your own instant coffee and tea. You can also find some strong alcoholic beverages, with a beer bottle priced at around $7. Additionally, there may be options for energy drinks and juice.

Manaslu Trek Packing List Cost

For several years, the Manaslu Circuit Trek was a camping trek. However, the trail has now been improved to offer tea house trekking in Nepal. This means that the Manaslu trekking region is still remote, and you must bring all the essential items with you. The price of this stuff can vary significantly depending on the brand and choice, and you can purchase it from your home country or Nepal. Therefore, we have not included the price here. In Thamel, you can rent sleeping bags, hiking bags, trekking boots, down jackets, and more for a daily rate of USD 1 to USD 2. If you prefer not to purchase them, simply inquire with your guide about the rental locations.

Other Manaslu Trek Costs

A. Donations:

During this trek, there will be opportunities to visit numerous temples, gompas, and monasteries. You might want to donate a few dollars here and there. Add a few dollars for that. Please allocate a few dollars for this purpose.

B. Tips:

Nepal is not renowned for giving generous tips, but it is customary to tip your guide and porter.Although the amount is your choice, you might want to keep it above USD 50 for them. You may also consider leaving a tip at tea houses and restaurants. However, this is just a suggestion, and you can make a reasonable decision on your own.

C. Souvenir:

Nepal’s handicrafts and artwork are highly regarded globally, including the exceptional metal and woodwork created by Nepalese women. Tourists often spend a significant amount on these souvenirs, so it is advisable to allocate some extra dollars to your overall Manaslu Trek budget for purchasing these items.

Manaslu Package Cost vs. Independent Travel Cost

Taking the example of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which lasts for 14 days and includes trekking through Himalayan peaks, we can come to a conclusion. If you choose to trek independently with a guide and a porter, you can expect to spend approximately USD 920 per person. On the other hand, the typical cost for the Manaslu Circuit, including a complete board package, is around $1400.

Manaslu Trek Costs For Nepali Citizens

As a domestic tourist, you have the advantage of traveling at a lower price. The Manaslu permit fee does not apply to Nepalese citizens. Additionally, opting for public bus transportation can help you save on travel expenses. However, the cost of food and accommodation remains the same for both Nepalese and international tourists.

If you possess good negotiation abilities, you can assist certain discounts during the offseason. Additionally, while a guide may not be necessary, having a porter can be extremely advantageous. Therefore, the cost of Nepal’s 14-day Manaslu Circuit with a porter is approximately NRP 70,000 or less, depending on the level of luxury you prefer.

Some helpful tips to lower Manaslu Trek costs:

• After departing from Kathmandu, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to withdraw cash, therefore it is important to ensure that you have an enough amount with you.
• Even though your package includes all the expenses for the trek, it is advisable to have some additional cash on hand. Keeping around $400 to $500 would be a reasonable amount.
• To avoid carrying a lot, you have the option to pay your guide and porter in advance.
• To keep your Manaslu Trek cost low, focus on essentials such as power banks, poles, and food, and carry fewer clothes.
• Make sure you establish a good relation with your guide, as they will assist you with packing, shopping, and any other challenges you may encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)