Nepal is a mountainous country bestowed with several mountains and peaks including the 8 highest peaks above 8000m in the world is located in Nepal. Moreover, Nepal is multi-culture, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious with a tremendous variety of flora and fauna. With its Himalayan ranges and bio-cultural diversity, Nepal is a popular spot for mountain adventures such as trekking, expedition, peak climbing, motor biking, and so on. There are several trekking routes in Nepal including 'The Great Himalayan Trail' the longest trekking trail in the world.
Among them, Manaslu Circuit is another popular trekking route in Nepal. Rich in cultural and natural scenic beauty Manaslu region is yet to explore. Manaslu Circuit trek takes you around Manaslu Conservation Area and the route passes along the Budi Gandaki river bank to the foothill of the 8th highest mountain 'Mt. Manaslu' in the world. Mt. Manaslu is also presumed as the 4th most dangerous 8000m peak. It is a perfect choice for those adventure seekers and Himalayan admirers who would like to immerse a couple of weeks in the lap of the Himalayas with a beautiful mixture of culture and nature. It is quite less expensive and more adventurous than other treks of Nepal. The best season to visit the region is from March to May in spring and September to December.
The cost for this trek basically goes for a permit, transportation, guide, porter (if necessary), food, and accommodation. Let's sketch down the cost more in detail.
1. Transportation
The trek begins from Sotikhola or Machhakhola. To reach there, you can take local bus or hire a private jeep (which is preferable). The local bus would cost less than USD 15 per person to reach Sotikhola from Kathmandu. Jeeps are pretty costly as compared which costs approx. 175 to 200 USD each way. But the cost can be reduced if you share (approx. $30 per seat for 7 people). At the end of the trek from Dharapani to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu.
2. Trekking Permit Cost
Nepalese Government has announced this place as the special region for its preservation. It is restricted because of a sensitive area and one should have enter to this area. This strict rules has been allowed due to the area is close border with Tibet (China). Thus, nobody is allowed to enter in the area without a special permit issued by Government of Nepal and it should be accompanied by an authorized registered trekking agency.
Trekking permits that you will need in Manaslu Circuit Trek are as following:
3. Manaslu Restricted Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (if you wish to go to the Tsum valley)
NOTE: For this trek TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card is not required as you already have the special trekking permits.
The cost of the permit depends on the month and number of days you will be in this region. The cost can be given as:
100 USD per week + 15 USD per extra day thereafter for months from September to November.
75 USD per week + 10 USD per extra day thereafter for rest months.
Average total no. of trekking days is 14. For this, you will likely need the restricted permit for about 8 or 9 days.
If more than 14 days, then there will be 10 days of special permit required.
For MCAP $30 USD & ACAP $30 USD per person is required.
If you choose TSUM Valley as a side trip for your trek, USD 40 per week per person and after 1 week $7 USD per day for September to November and December to August USD 30 per week per person and after 1 week $7 USD per day per person.
So, as these things are a bit confusing, it is best to consult this with your local travel agency or simply you can contact us.
4. The Cost for Guide and Porter
If you are thinking to go on this trek without a guide, then you are not allowed as in this case also the rule is strict due to the specialty of this region.
So, if you hire a professional guide, on average USD 30 to 40 per day is charged which includes the guide’s food, accommodation, and insurance.
But, if you are thinking of taking only the porter not guide then that is possible here. Roughly, the charge is same due to the cost of food and accommodation i.e. $20 to 25 a day.
Thus, to go there you will basically need an authorized guide or porter or both depending on your choice. But, we would strongly recommend you to go with a professional guide due to safety and sophistication reasons.
5. The cost of accommodation in Tea Houses
Trekking in Manaslu is famous for its natural high Himalayas as well as ethnic local culture, traditional monastery and local people with unique housing. Also, it is good to know that there are tea houses in the region which have begun to spring up. Nowadays, Manaslu Trek is also known as tea- house trek.
So, camping is not required unless you go off the beaten tracks.
The cost for one twin sharing room is roughly USD 6 to USD 10 a night. If you are renting one room with two twin beds so you could sleep on your own, please be reminded that you must pay for the total cost of the room, meaning the cost for two people.
In case if you wish to modify your trekking as camping trekking, then our organization provides that too. So you can contact or mail us for latest updated info and price for camping trekking.
5. The cost of food and drinks
As we all know in Manaslu till date, no good transportation is available, it becomes very difficult to transport goods and food material in this region. All the available supplies are being transported simply by man and mule.
Since there is transportation problem and due to the trend in the increase in price with an increase of altitude, you may have to budget yourself roughly 10 USD per meal i.e. USD 25 to 35 on daily basis.
Obviously, the cost may vary depending on your appetite, no. of meals and your beverages. Here comparatively the cost of breakfast is quite cheaper than that of other trails.
The cost of drinks on this trek is similar to other mountain regions. A cup of tea and coffee costs USD 2- 5 and USD 3 – 7 respectively. Similarly, the cost of beer is USD 8-10 – whereas a bottle of water/soda will cost you USD 2 – 7.
6. Other miscellaneous costs
Miscellaneous cost may include few dollars which can be charged for other things like charging your gadgets (mobile phone, camera etc.), or may be for bucket shower, heated by gas or firewood. As these trails are tourist areas, the cost cannot be expected to be cheap.
So, you need to make your pre-preparations for these things.
Also, some rupees for monasteries, gumbas, or stupas while visiting, might expect a bit of donation for the maintenance of the area. And your porter and guide expect tips from you as gratitude. These things depend on your willingness and experience during the trek.
Conclusion
For the Manaslu trek, different travel agencies publish their own different cost, which can make you a bit confused. If you go to an international travel agency, then the charge could be more than 2000 USD.
But, our organization has a whole Manaslu package for only 1400 USD -$1600 USD. which includes all the expenses for 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek . The group is minimum 2 Pax- 14 Pax.
So, come and trek with Himalayan Companion Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd, a well-established trekking company registered to Government of Nepal, under Tourism Ministry.
