Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost – Complete Price Guide 2025/26

Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is the first thing most trekkers want to know, and for good reason. Getting your budget right is the foundation of a great Himalayan trip. This complete Manaslu Trek price guide covers every cost in detail: permits, guide fees, porter fees, meals, transport, and accommodation.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost and itinerary always go together. A 12-day circuit costs much less than an 18-day package. But a rushed trek at high altitude is also riskier. Therefore, choosing the right itinerary for your budget and fitness level is the first important decision.

Overland Trek Nepal gives you a 100% transparent Manaslu Trek price breakdown here. No hidden fees. No vague estimates. Just real numbers for 2025 and 2026.

What Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is a spectacular high-altitude trek around Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 m. It sits in the Gorkha District of Nepal and is classified as a restricted trekking area.

The trek covers approximately 177 km of trail and crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. It takes 12 to 20 days to complete, depending on your chosen package.

Unlike Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit requires a special restricted area permit and a licensed guide. This keeps the trail uncrowded and the experience authentic. However, it also means the Manaslu Trek price is slightly higher than non-restricted treks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost — Quick Price Comparison

Use this table to quickly compare the Manaslu Trek price across all major itinerary options. All prices are per person and include all services.

Budget packages use local transport and standard teahouses. Standard includes a private jeep and extra service. Premium adds a 3–4 star Kathmandu hotel and a dedicated porter per person.

Key Factors That Affect Manaslu Trek Price

1. Duration and Itinerary

Longer treks cost more because of extra guide days, more porter wages, more accommodation nights, and more meals. A 12-day trek will always be cheaper than an 18-day trek for the same service level.

2. Group Size

Trekking in a group is the best way to reduce the Manaslu Trek price per person. Guide and porter fees are split across the group. Solo trekkers pay the full guide cost alone, making solo treks the priciest option.

3. Season

Peak seasons (March–May and September–November) have higher permit fees. Off-peak months (December–February) are cheaper but colder. The Larkya La Pass may be closed in deep winter due to heavy snow.

4. Service Level

Budget packages use public buses and basic teahouses. Premium packages use private jeeps, upgraded lodges, and one porter per person. The service level is the biggest variable in the final Manaslu Circuit Trek cost.

5. Permit Fees

Nepal Government permit fees are fixed and non-negotiable. Every trekker pays the same rate. However, peak-season permits cost more than off-peak for the Manaslu restricted area.

6. Guide and Porter Fees

Guide rates range from USD 25 to 35 per day. Porter rates are USD 22–25 per day. Always hire through a registered trekking company to ensure proper wages, insurance, and legal protection for both you and your crew.

Manaslu Trek Permit Fees — 2025/26 Complete Breakdown

The Manaslu region requires three mandatory permits. All are included in standard package prices. Here is exactly what each permit costs:

Guide and Porter Fees for the Manaslu Trek

Guide and porter fees are a major part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost. Here is exactly what you pay, and what every fee covers.

Licensed Trekking Guide Fee

A guide costs USD 25–35 per day. This is an all-inclusive rate covering their daily salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and return transport. Your guide manages all logistics: permits, bookings, route navigation, and emergency support.

Porter Fee

A porter costs USD 22–25 per day. This covers their salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transport. One porter carries up to 18–20 kg for two trekkers. Hiring a porter directly supports the local Manaslu community.

Transport Costs for the Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Circuit starts at Sotikhola and ends at Dharapani or Besisahar. You need transport at both ends. Here are your options and costs:

Most trekkers choose a private jeep. It saves 4–5 hours on the road and fits all your gear comfortably. The cost is shared among the group, making it cost-effective per person.

Accommodation Costs on the Manaslu Trek

The Manaslu Circuit uses a teahouse trekking model. Teahouses are small, family-run lodges along the trail. They provide a bed, blankets, and meals. All accommodation costs are included in standard package prices.

Meal and Food Costs on the Manaslu Trek

Food is a significant part of your Manaslu Trek price. All meals are eaten at teahouses along the route. Standard packages include full-board meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hot drinks beyond breakfast (tea, coffee, hot water) are not included in the package. Budget USD 3–5 extra per day for drinks. The menu at each teahouse is simple but nutritious: dal bhat, pasta, noodles, eggs, and local dishes.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost and Itinerary — By Package

12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost

The 12-day package is the shortest standard option. It suits very fit, experienced trekkers with limited time. The short Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from USD 1,299 per person.

• Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Sotikhola (700 m, 7–8 hrs)
• Day 2: Trek Sotikhola to Machhekhola (930 m, 6–7 hrs)
• Day 3: Trek Machhekhola to Jagat (1,340 m, 7–8 hrs)
• Day 4: Trek Jagat to Namrung (2,630 m, 7–8 hrs)
• Day 5: Trek Namrung to Sama Gaun (3,540 m, 6–7 hrs)
• Day 6: Acclimatization — optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp
• Day 7: Trek Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,865 m, 4–5 hrs)
• Day 8: Rest at Samdo / side trip toward the Tibetan Border
• Day 9: Trek Samdo to Dharmashala (4,460 m, 4–5 hrs)
• Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) to Bhimthang (7–8 hrs)
• Day 11: Trek Bhimthang to Dharapani + drive to Besisahar
• Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu — Departure

12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost: From USD 1,299 (budget) to USD 1,699 (standard) per person

14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

The 14-day trek adds two extra days for a safer, more comfortable experience. It is the most popular short Manaslu Circuit option. This package balances cost, safety, and experience well.

• Days 1–2: Kathmandu arrival, permit prep, drive to Machhekhola
• Days 3–5: Trek through Jagat and Pewa to Namrung
• Day 6: Reach Sama Gaun (3,540 m) — acclimatization begins
• Day 7: Manaslu Base Camp hike — rest at Sama Gaun
• Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3,865 m)
• Day 9: Trek to Dharmashala (4,460 m)
• Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) — descend to Bhimthang
• Days 11–12: Descend through Tilije to Besisahar
• Day 13: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu
• Day 14: Final Departure

14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost: From USD 1,399 (budget) to USD 1,899 (standard) per person

18-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek — Best Price and Best Value

The 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most recommended package and the Manaslu Circuit Trek best price option for value. It gives proper acclimatization time, includes side trips, and lets you absorb the culture without rushing. The 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from USD 1,899 per person.

18-Day Cost: Budget $1,899 | Standard $2,299 | Premium $2,699 per person

Tsum Valley + Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost (20 Days)

Adding the Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit creates a 20-day cultural and adventure mega-trek. It requires an extra Tsum Valley restricted area permit. The combined trek offers ancient monasteries, Tibetan villages, and stunning mountain scenery.

• Trek duration: 20–22 days total
• Tsum Valley permit: USD 40/week peak or USD 30/week off-peak
• Key stops: Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa
• Highlight: Ganesh Himal Base Camp side trip (4,200 m)

Combined 20-Day Cost: From USD 1,799 (budget) to USD 2,599 (premium) per person

What Is Included and Excluded in the Manaslu Trek Package?

Extra Costs to Budget for on the Manaslu Trek

Even with a full package, you will spend extra money on the trail. These costs are not included but should be budgeted in advance:

• Hot shower: USD 2–4 per shower
• Wi-Fi: USD 2–5 per session at higher altitude villages
• Device charging: USD 2–4 per device
• Extra hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot water): USD 1–3 per drink
• Snacks and extra food beyond package meals: USD 5–10 per day
• Tips for guide: USD 10–15 per day recommended
• Tips for porter: USD 5–10 per day recommended
• Nepal entry visa: USD 30 (15 days) or USD 50 (30 days)
• Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation: USD 100–200 for the trip

Suggested extra daily budget: USD 15–25 per day on top of your package cost.

Best Time for Manaslu Trek — How It Affects the Price

October is the single best month to trek Manaslu. Clear skies, dry trail, and stable temperatures make for a superb experience. Spring (March–April) is the second-best option with spectacular rhododendron forests in full bloom.

Book Your Manaslu Trek with Overland Trek Nepal

Overland Trek Nepal is a government-registered trekking company specializing in the Manaslu region. Our guides and porters are locals from the Manaslu area with 5–10 years of experience on this trail.

We offer transparent Manaslu Circuit Trek costs with no hidden charges. Every package is customizable to your group size, fitness level, and budget. Contact us to get your personalized quote today.

FAQs — Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

1. What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost per person?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from USD 1,299 for a 12-day guided package and goes up to USD 2,999 for a premium 20-day package. The average 18-day standard package costs USD 1,899–2,299 per person, including all permits, guide, porter, meals, and transport.

2. What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek best price for an 18-day package?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek best price for the 18-day itinerary starts from USD 1,899 per person for a budget package. This includes all permits, licensed guides, porters, full-board meals, accommodation, and transport. Premium service starts from USD 2,699.

3. How much does a 12-day Manaslu Circuit trek cost?

The 12-day Manaslu Circuit trekking cost starts from USD 1,299 per person. It is the fastest and most affordable option. However, it has limited acclimatization time and is best suited for experienced, fit trekkers.

4. What is the short Manaslu Circuit Trek cost for 14 days?

The 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from USD 1,399 per person for a budget package. Standard service costs around USD 1,599–1,899 per person. This includes all services from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

5. What are the Manaslu Trek permit fees for 2025?

You need three permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (USD 100/week peak, USD 75/week off-peak), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (USD 30), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30). The Tsum Valley permit costs an additional USD 30–40 per week if applicable.

6. Is a trekking guide mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes. A government-licensed trekking guide is legally required. You cannot obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit without one. Solo independent trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu restricted zone.

7. How much do guide and porter fees cost for Manaslu?

A licensed guide costs USD 25–35 per day. A porter costs USD 22–25 per day. Both fees are all-inclusive, covering salary, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transport. These fees are included in all standard package prices.

8. What extra costs should I expect on the Manaslu Trek?

Budget an extra USD 15–25 per day for hot showers, Wi-Fi, drinks, device charging, and snacks. Also allow for Nepal visa fees (USD 30–50) and travel insurance (USD 100–200) before your trip starts.

9. How does group size affect the Manaslu Trek price?

Larger groups reduce the cost per person because guide and porter fees are shared. A group of 4–6 trekkers gets the best per-person rate. Solo trekkers pay the full guide fee alone, making solo treks the most expensive option.

10. What is the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit combined Trek cost?

The combined 20-day Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek costs between USD 1,799 and USD 2,599 per person. It requires an additional Tsum Valley restricted area permit costing USD 30–40 per week on top of the standard Manaslu permits.