Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Spend & How to Budget

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most adventurous and scenic off-the-beaten-path journeys—but it comes with unique costs. From restricted area permits to mandatory guides, expenses can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.

If you’re planning to explore the remote beauty of the Manaslu region, knowing the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost in advance is essential. It helps you budget smartly, avoid hidden expenses, and make the most of your trip.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from permits and guide/porter fees to accommodation, meals, transport, and gear—so you can plan your Manaslu adventure with confidence.

Let’s break this down in detail:

As the Manaslu region is a restricted area, trekkers must obtain multiple permits before starting the trek along the trail. The most crucial is the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). From September to November (the peak trekking season) the RAP is $100 for seven days, and $15 each day thereafter. From December to August (the off season) the RAP is $75 for seven days, and $10 each day thereafter. So for example, if you were trekking for 12 days in October, the RAP would be $100 + (5 x $15) = $175.

In addition to the RAP you will also need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), each costing NPR 3,000 (about $25). As and aside from the MCAP and ACAP, you do not need a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) for the Manaslu Circuit, like most other treks in Nepal. The Manaslu trek permit cost is one of the most frequently searched topics for this trek route and with good reason. When trekkers have a clear idea about all the total permit fees, no one gets puzzled. On average, most trekkers are spending between $125 to $175 per person permit costs, dependent on when you trek and how long you trek.

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in a restricted area, you must hire a licensed guide. Not only is having a guide imperative for safety and navigation, they add to your Manaslu experience with their local knowledge and insight. On average, you can expect to pay from $25 to $35 per day for a guide as per the cost structure for a trek in the region, this means on a 14-day trek you will spend between $350 and $490 on your guide.

If you don’t want to carry luggage and wish to have some extra support, I suggest you hire a porter. A porter typically charges $18 to $25 per day so that’s $250 to $350 for 14 days. As a rule of thumb, porters can carry up to 20-25 kg of your gear so you can enjoy your trek without so much physical effort.

If you’re on a tight budget, a number of local agencies also offer guide-porters or one person who can do both jobs, typically around $30 per day, which is a good deal and helps if you are solo or on a budget.

There is a little overland travel involved at the start of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Most treks start at either Soti Khola or Machha Khola and finish at Dharapani where it connects to the Annapurna Circuit. There are local buses to take you from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the cost is around $10 per person which is the cheapest option available. However, many trekkers hire private jeeps for comfort and flexibility during the trip, which cost between $150 and $180, this can be shared with a group of 6–7 trekkers if you prefer reducing the cost per person.

At the end of the trek you will have to travel from Dharapani  to Kathmandu where this can be done in a local jeep or bus costing about $25 to $50, depending on route taken and vehicle quality.

You can expect to pay about $50 to $100 each in transport for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, depending on how many people there are in the group, the type of vehicle and how much comfort you require. Transportation vehicles can be shared with fellow trekkers which can also lessen the cost.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek, meaning you’ll find basic lodging and meals at small mountain guesthouses along the trail. Accommodation is quite affordable, especially at lower altitudes, with rooms typically costing between $3 and $6 per night. However, in higher-altitude villages—where supplies are harder to deliver—prices can rise to $8 or more per night. Most rooms are simple, often with twin beds and shared bathrooms.

When it comes to meals, expect to pay around $5 to $8 for a standard Dal Bhat (Nepali rice and lentil set meal), which includes unlimited refills in most places. Breakfast items like porridge, pancakes, or eggs usually cost between $4 and $6, while drinks such as tea or coffee range from $1 to $3. On average, your daily expense for food and accommodation will fall between $20 and $30, depending on your appetite and comfort preferences.

Over a 14-day trek, the total cost for food and accommodation typically ranges from $250 to $350. Keep in mind, prices tend to increase with altitude due to transportation challenges in remote areas.

If you’re not a regular trekker or don’t want to carry bulky gear from home, renting trekking equipment in Kathmandu is a smart and budget-friendly option. Most items can be rented easily at affordable daily rates. For example, a sleeping bag or down jacket typically costs around $1 to $2 per day, while trekking poles can be rented for just $1 per day. A sturdy backpack might cost $1.50 per day to rent. For a standard two-week trek, you can budget around $50 to $100 for all essential gear rentals.

However, if you prefer to buy your own equipment—either for comfort or for future use—expect to spend over $200 for good-quality gear. A sleeping bag usually costs $50 to $100, a down jacket ranges from $60 to $120, trekking poles go for $10 to $25, and a solid backpack can cost $40 to $80.

Whether you rent or purchase depends on your trekking frequency, comfort needs, and budget. For most first-time trekkers, renting in Thamel (Kathmandu’s tourist hub) is a practical and cost-effective choice.

While not always included in package deals, travel insurance is a crucial part of budgeting for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your policy should specifically cover high-altitude trekking (above 4,000 meters), emergency evacuation by helicopter, and medical treatment. Good insurance for the duration of the trek typically costs between $50 and $100, depending on the provider and coverage.

Don’t forget to account for small but frequent extra expenses like snacks, Wi-Fi, battery charging, or hot showers in teahouses. These extras can add up quickly, especially in higher-altitude villages where everything is more expensive due to transport challenges. On average, trekkers spend an additional $30 to $60 on these miscellaneous items over the course of the trek.

That’s $840 – $995 per person, depending on your choices!

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy this incredible Himalayan adventure while keeping costs under control. One of the best ways to save is to travel in a group, which allows you to split the cost of transportation and the mandatory guide, significantly reducing your per-person expense. Another budget-friendly option is to hire a guide-porter—a single person who handles both guiding and carrying light loads—for around $30 per day, making it both efficient and economical.

Instead of buying expensive trekking gear, you can rent everything you need in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Quality items like jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are widely available for low daily rates. Along the trail, choose basic teahouses for accommodation and consider skipping paid extras like Wi-Fi or hot showers, especially at higher altitudes where prices rise steeply.

Finally, avoid buying bottled water every day—it’s both costly and environmentally unfriendly. Carry a reusable bottle and use water purification tablets or a filter, which saves money and reduces plastic waste. By following these tips, you can experience the magic of Manaslu without overspending, while still trekking safely and comfortably.

While the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost may be higher compared to more accessible treks like Langtang or Poon Hill, what you get in return is unmatched. The trail offers a truly less-crowded experience, taking you through the heart of raw Himalayan wilderness where modern life feels far away. You’ll pass through remote villages rich in Tibetan-influenced culture, witness dramatic mountain scenery, and enjoy the serenity of untouched nature—without paying Everest-level prices.

The trek also delivers something increasingly rare: a real sense of remoteness and discovery. Every dollar spent supports local communities and ensures a safer, more immersive experience through guided travel.

So yes, the cost is slightly higher—but for what you experience on the trail, the Manaslu Circuit is absolutely worth every rupee. It’s not just a trek—it’s a life-changing Himalayan journey.

Understanding how your budget is distributed helps you plan better and avoid unexpected costs on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The biggest portion of your spending typically goes toward permits, which are required to enter this restricted region—expect to pay between $125 to $175, depending on the season and duration. Another major expense is hiring a licensed guide, which is mandatory. Guide costs range from $25 to $35 per day, and if you hire a porter, that adds $18 to $25 per day.

Food and accommodation in teahouses average around $20 to $30 per day, with higher costs at altitude. Transportation—to and from trailheads like Soti Khola and Dharapani—can cost anywhere between $50 to $100, depending on whether you choose public buses or private jeeps. Additionally, you may spend $50 to $100 on travel insurance and $30 to $60 on extras like Wi-Fi, hot showers, snacks, and tips for your guide and porter. All in all, your money goes toward ensuring a safe, comfortable, and legally compliant trek, while also supporting the local communities along the route.

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit can be budget-friendly with a few smart strategies. One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to join a group trek, which allows you to share the expenses of a licensed guide, porter, and transportation—some of the biggest costs of the journey. Choosing a local trekking agency instead of an international operator can also offer significantly better pricing while supporting the local economy.

Another way to save money is by carrying reusable trekking gear and refillable water bottles. This not only reduces rental and daily water costs, but also minimizes your environmental footprint. To avoid overspending, try to rent gear in advance in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, and avoid last-minute bookings, which tend to be more expensive.

By planning ahead and making thoughtful choices, you can experience the breathtaking Manaslu Circuit Trek without straining your budget.

While most Manaslu Circuit Trek packages cover the essentials like permits, guide/porter services, meals, and accommodation, there are several key expenses that are not included and should be budgeted separately. First, travel insurance—especially one that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation—is not part of standard packages and typically costs $50–$100. You’ll also need to bring or rent your personal trekking gear, such as jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and boots, which are often excluded from package pricing.

Additionally, small day-to-day costs like snacks, bottled drinks, Wi-Fi, charging devices, and hot showers in teahouses are considered extras and can add up quickly. Finally, tips for your guide and porter—although not mandatory—are strongly recommended. A common guideline is tipping around 10–15% of their total fee as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

Being aware of these non-included costs will help you prepare a more accurate trekking budget and avoid surprises during your journey.