How Much Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost? Permits & Budget Guide 2025

Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trekking popular among adventure seekers? 

The  Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most favored off-the-beaten-path trekking trails in Nepal, offering stunning vistas of the Himalayas from various vantage points, including the Manaslu Base Camp (4,700 m) and high mountain pass Larkya La (5,106 m). Before describing the factors that impact the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost, we will describe how the Manaslu Circuit has become the best option among several restricted areas in Nepal. 

Following the trails alongside the Budhi Gandaki River from lush subtropical forests to high pasturelands, traverse numerous quaint settlements of ethnic groups like Nubri, Gurung, and Tibetan refugees while immersing yourself in their unique cultural heritage and traditional hospitality. Walk through two conservation areas, Annapurna and Manaslu, with glimpses of a wide range of unique flora and fauna such as Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, blue sheep, langur Monkeys, Himlayan black bear, bamboo, rhododendron, oak, sal trees, maple, pine, etc.

Whether you are a novice or a professional photographer, the dramatic scenery creates a wonderful environment for photography, allowing you to capture the activities of animals, birds, and butterflies on your camera roll. Discover historically significant Buddhist monasteries and gompas where you are surprised by wonderful architecture, mani walls, small chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and prayer wheels, including beautiful Pun Gyen Gompa, a famous option for acclimatizing near Manaslu Base Camp, while staying in Sama Gaon, a Tibetan refugee village. 

Besides exploration of different remote areas near the Tibetan border, reaching the top of Larkya La is a sense of achievement, as you need to walk on narrow, steep, and snowy slopes to reach there. When you witness awe-inspiring vistas ofMt. Manaslu and other surrounding peaks such as Annapurna (8,091 m), Shringi Himal, Boudha Himal (6,672 m),  Ganesh Himal, Larke Peak,  Himlung (7,126m), Pun Gyen Peak (6,500 m), and Kang Guru (6,981m). Since the Manaslu trekking expenses is affordable with the focused itinerary, it should be on an adventurer’s bucket list of trekking destinations for a unique experience. 

Is there a standard Manaslu Trek Cost for 2025 and 2026? 

Trekkers often wonder about the Manaslu Circuit Budget, as any adventure requires good preparation to avoid surprise expenses on the trails. Numerous factors, including the selected itinerary (route and duration), group size, facilities, trekking seasons, permits, guide, porter assistance, etc., impact the Manaslu Circuit Trek daily expenses

Therefore, there is no fixed Manaslu Circuit Trek cost breakdown for 2025 as it depends on the trekker’s preferences. However, our comprehensive blog might help you in estimating the Manaslu Circuit Trek price, as we provide a vast discussion on elements that influence the trek’s cost. 

How do several factors impact the Manaslu Circuit Trek price? 

Since it is crucial to comprehend how the various elements influence the overall cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we have explained below each point, making your planning easier. It’s your preference to either increase or minimize the Manaslu Circuit budget. 

Means of Transportation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking 

Depending on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you use only four-wheel vehicles as the means of transportation. The trek’s cost might be cheaper than other commercialized routes such as Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, since the journey does not require a domestic flight to reach the initial point of the hike. When you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, we will transfer you by a private car or Jeep. The next day, you enjoy a guided sightseeing tour in the capital city by private vehicle, adding expense to the total Manaslu Circuit Trek price.

Public or local buses are an option for transportation, which is more budget-friendly than a private car or jeep. Hence, the vehicle costs depend on your preference and the number of people in the group. The price splits, and the payment becomes lower per person while hiring a shared vehicle. In this way, transportation cost is also a key element, impacting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. 

Special Manaslu trek permit fees 

Manaslu Circuit Treks require different permits, including a TIMS (Trekkers Information System), an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), an MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), and an  MRAP (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit). Generally, permit fees are standard, but the price might slightly decrease during off-seasons (winter and monsoon). If you have your group for the journey, it costs less than if you trek individually. 

Whether you are planning to trek in the Manaslu region with a large number of teams or alone, you need a seasoned trekking guide as per the Nepal Government’s rule, adding t expenses to the whole price of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. 

Nepal Travel Agencies and Chosen Itinerary 

Several trekking companies are in Nepal, serving adventurers by providing facilities ranging from basic to premium. However, it also depends on your preferences for how long an itinerary you want for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and what type of services you choose throughout the journey. If you select Adventure Treks Nepal, we have options for accommodation, food, and other services. 

Although you prefer basic services and common food, you do not have to compromise the trekking experience since our priority is making your dream journey come true, depending on your choices. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on the company, based on the transportation used (private or local), upgraded accommodation, and the guide and porter (professional with fluency in the English language).  Local companies are more affordable than international companies since some international trekking agencies may raise costs due to insurance, branding, and foreign operations. 

Trekking seasons, guide, and porter services 

 Selecting an optimal period of the year is crucial to make your journey successful with minimal challenges. Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are usually considered the best trekking seasons in Nepal due to pleasant weather conditions with moderate temperatures that allow you to walk comfortably on dry trails, savoring the beauty of towering mountains in the crystal clear skies. You know that hiring a seasoned and licensed holder guide is mandatory for obtaining trekking permits in Nepal. 

The journey becomes more joyful when you are accompanied by a local porter who lets you be stress-free while hiking through strenuous sections, including landslide-prone areas and high mountain passes. However, keep in mind that the  Manaslu Circuit Trek may cost more during the peak climbing/trekking seasons due to higher demand in comparison to the off-seasons. 

Although trekkers get a discount on the package during monsoon and winter, we advise trekking in the spring and autumn seasons due to the potential possibility of weather-related challenges.  As a porter and a guide, ensure your safety and deep cultural immersion; their wages add to the budget. The best idea to reduce money for guides and porters is to hire them with a sharing purpose. 

What are the inclusions and exclusions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

When you know the inclusions and exclusions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost, preparation will be more manageable since you can calculate an approximate daily expense and search for budget tips that help in reducing unnecessary costs. Generally, the cost does not drastically differ from the estimated one, minimizing your surprising expenses on the trails.

If you choose Adventure Treks Nepal’s itinerary, it’s like a golden opportunity to have an experience in your adventurous life. We have tailored it, considering every economic level of people. Check the following. Included and Excluded from the Manaslu Circuit Trek price:

Included

• Arrival & Departure Transfers.
• Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast. (Twin Sharing).
• Trekking Duffel Bag.
• Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
• Accommodation in a teahouse (mountain lodge) while trekking.
• Kathmandu Machhakhola transport.
• Bensisahar Kathmandu transport.
• Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
• Trekking Guide with insurance.
• Trekking Guide and Porters food and accommodation, wages, etc.
• Manaslu Circuit Trekking map.
• Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. 
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) entry permit fee.
• Special Manaslu trek permit fees. 
• Water purification tablets.
• Government taxes.
• Office services charge.

Excluded

• International Airfare.
• Your travel insurance of any kind
• Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days, you should get visa open your arrival)
• Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Wifi, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking, and main meals in cities.
• Tips for Guide, Porter, and driver.
• Sleeping Bags (-20C) and Down Jackets.

Why should you obtain a Special Permit for the Manaslu Region? 

Trekkers must obtain a Manaslu Trek Permit before embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek since the journey takes you to restricted areas. As the trail lies adjacent to the Tibet boundary, the key reason is also for border security and preservation of the region’s surreal charm and authentic cultural heritage.

The government has made these Nepal Trekking Permits mandatory to monitor tourism in a systematic way, control overtourism, and assist in protecting the fragile environment and its biodiversity. While hiking through the portions of the Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Areas, there is a potential chance of impacting the wildlife and vegetation. Therefore, Nepal’s rules require ACAP and MCAP permits to be compulsory for making travelers responsible as well as promoting the local economic system. 

At different checkpoints, you should verify your Manaslu Trek Permits. If you have no essential paper documents for the trek, you might pay penalties depending on Nepal’s law. Since the Manaslu region gives you more authentic and peaceful Himalayan encounters, you should obtain these Nepal trekking permits to hike without any stress about them. 

While talking about the obtaining process for a Special Permit for the Manaslu Region, you can take them through government-licensed trekking companies. Before starting the trek, complete the process, since these are not only legal requirements but also a contribution to eco-friendly tourism approaches in Nepal.

Which would be more affordable, the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking?

Both Manaslu and Kanchenjunga Circuit Treks are popular remote trekking routes in Nepal. Although both are restricted areas due to proximity to other countries, the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is slightly lower and easier to obtain through travel companies. The Manaslu trails are better-marked, and settlements are developed with better guesthouses, making transportation access easier. 

Hence, trekkers can have more comfortable overnight stays with more varieties of Nepalese, Western, and Tibetan food items during Manaslu Trekking in comparison to Kanchenjunga Circuit Trekking. In the lower elevation, trekkers find luxurious hotels in both regions with modern facilities, including a private room with an attached bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, etc. 

However, the Manaslu Circuit food and accommodation cost also increases as you reach higher mountainous terrain due to remoteness, like during the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking. At that time, you should understand the conditions and pay money for the locals’ hard work without bargaining. 

If you want to reduce the total Manaslu Circuit Price, you can choose simple lodges and common food, “Dal and bhat,” which consists of lentil soup, steamed rice, green vegetables, pickles, and salad. As the snacks are more expensive in isolated settlements, you can carry some nutritious food, such as dried fruits, nuts, chocolate bars, cookies, boiled potatoes, etc., which gives you energy for walking through diverse terrain. 

On the other hand, Kanchenjunga is more remote, requiring longer trekking days, camping in certain areas, and higher logistics costs like porter wages and gear transport. Additionally, guide and porter services are more available and competitively priced in the Manaslu region. Though both treks offer stunning Himalayan experiences, the Manaslu Circuit is more budget-friendly, especially for trekkers looking for a shorter, well-supported journey without compromising on scenery or adventure.

Likewise, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek has a longer itinerary, requiring a high physical fitness level, higher arrangements, and camping in some areas due to remoteness.The wages for a porter and a guide are more higher price in comparison to the Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 days. 

Therefore, several trekkers choose the Manaslu Circuit to have a unique experience of hiking through off-the-beaten-path. Whether you choose the Manaslu or Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, we are here at Adventure Treks Nepal to provide you with the best services. You can see below the itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, and guess, by duration and acclimatization days, which will be more affordable. 

Map of Manaslu Circuit Trekking 

How can you prepare for making your Manaslu Circuit Trek more budget-friendly? 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek can become the best Himalayan odyssey of your life if you prepare well for it. Strategic preparation does not mean only making yourself physically and mentally ready as well as nicely packing your backpack. Estimating the budget for the entire tour also falls under the part of the preparation before starting the trip. 

Therefore, we have given some clues for calculating the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost, and now we will provide some tips to make your journey more affordable. 

• Select a reputable trekking agency that has an easy booking system and assists you in logistics from obtaining permits to accommodation, food, porter, and guide services without the purpose of personal gain. 
• Plan to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). At first, off-season packages may seem cheaper, but the overall expense is higher since many locals migrate to lower elevations, leaving fewer guesthouses open along the trekking trails. As a result, you have to pay higher because of limited accommodation, or you may need to hike longer distances between available lodges. 
• Obtain the right travel insurance from a prestigious company that covers helicopter evacuation coverage above 4000 meters, reducing expensive transportation fees in case of emergency. Having travel insurance lets you trek with peace of mind, as it covers medical expenses, emergency treatments, and unexpected situations such as flight delays or cancellations, as well as the loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.
• Carry some snacks such as chocolate chips, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, seeds, roasted chickpeas, glucose biscuits, beaten rice, instant noodles, etc., since the cost for them is higher in secluded locations of the Manaslu region due to Poor transportation connectivity. 
• You can take trekking gears on rent If you need them just for Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Conclusion 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more affordable compared to popular or commercial treks such as the Everest or Annapurna region. But you must balance the total cost, as it depends on how you adapt along the way. As mentioned above, your hiking itinerary (length and duration), time, group size, and choices are major factors that impact your Manaslu Circuit Trek daily expenses. 

Choose a reliable company that offers you the best experience, providing a seasoned guide, a local porter, and quality services at an affordable price. Adventure Treks Nepal has also been serving adventure seekers for more than three decades. in addition, Numerous Trekkers have provided good reviews, being, satisfied with our facilities throughout the Journey. 

Therefore, If you are seeking such a kind of odyssey in the wilderness of the Manaslu region, remember us, and we will make your dream tour very enjoyable. We have the best Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary of 16 days that may suit your fitness level. Nevertheless, you can fully customize it to your preferences.

If you want something easier or more strenuous, we have packages like the  Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Langtang Valley Trek,Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, etc.