The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures, but it comes with unique costs that differ from more popular routes like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. Because it passes through a restricted area, permits are more expensive and a licensed guide is legally mandatory. Here is every cost you need to know for 2026.
Mandatory Permits
Every trekker on the Manaslu Circuit must carry four separate permits. There are no exceptions.
| Permit | Cost (Sep-Nov) | Cost (Other Months) | |---|---|---| | Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD $100/week | USD $75/week | | Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | | TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 (~$15) | NPR 2,000 (~$15) | | Total | ~$159-180 | ~$134-155 |
The RAP is the most significant permit cost and is charged per week. Most trekkers complete the circuit in 14-16 days, meaning you will need at least two weeks of RAP coverage. The ACAP is needed because the trail connects to the Annapurna region near Dharapani at the end.
Guide and Porter Costs
A licensed guide is not optional on the Manaslu Circuit — it is required by Nepalese law. Solo trekking is not permitted in this restricted zone.
| Service | Daily Rate | 16-Day Trek Total | |---|---|---| | Licensed Guide | $25-35/day | $400-560 | | Porter (optional) | $20-25/day | $320-400 |
Guides typically handle checkpost paperwork, which saves significant time and stress. Porters carry up to 20-25 kg, allowing you to trek with just a daypack. If you are trekking as a pair or group, sharing a porter dramatically reduces the per-person cost.
Accommodation Costs
The Manaslu Circuit is a classic tea house trek. Rooms are basic but sufficient.
| Location / Elevation | Room Cost Per Night | |---|---| | Lower villages (Soti Khola, Jagat) | NPR 200-400 ($1.50-3) | | Mid-altitude (Deng, Ghap) | NPR 300-500 ($2.25-3.75) | | High altitude (Samagaon, Samdo) | NPR 400-800 ($3-6) |
Most tea house owners charge minimal room fees and expect you to eat meals at their establishment. This is an unwritten but widely understood arrangement.
Food Costs
Food prices increase with altitude. Expect to spend more the higher you go.
| Meal | Cost Range | |---|---| | Breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast) | NPR 300-600 ($2.25-4.50) | | Dal Bhat (lunch or dinner) | NPR 500-800 ($3.75-6) | | Dinner mains (noodles, pasta, momos) | NPR 400-700 ($3-5.25) | | Tea or coffee | NPR 100-300 ($0.75-2.25) | | Daily food estimate | $15-25 |
Dal Bhat is the best value meal on the trail. Most tea houses offer unlimited rice refills with dal bhat, making it the most filling and cost-effective choice for trekkers burning 2,000+ calories per day.
Transport to the Trailhead
Getting from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (the typical starting point) involves a long road journey.
- Local bus: NPR 1,500-3,000 (~$11-22) — takes 8-10 hours, bumpy but very affordable
- Private jeep: $60-100 — faster, more comfortable, door-to-door service
Total Budget Summary
| Budget Level | Estimated Total (Excluding Flights) | |---|---| | Budget (local bus, dal bhat, basic rooms) | $800-1,000 | | Mid-range (jeep, varied meals, decent rooms) | $1,200-1,800 | | Full guided agency package | $2,500-4,000+ |
Additional Costs to Factor In
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation: $100-150 (strongly recommended)
- Device charging at tea houses: NPR 200-400 per device
- Hot shower: NPR 200-500
- WiFi: NPR 200-500/day (slow and unreliable above lower villages)
- Guide tip: $100-150 for the full trek
- Porter tip: $70-100 for the full trek
Final Thoughts
The Manaslu Circuit is not the cheapest trek in Nepal due to the restricted area permit and mandatory guide requirement. However, it remains excellent value compared to fully guided expeditions elsewhere in the world. Plan for $1,200-1,500 as a comfortable mid-range budget, and make sure travel insurance is not an afterthought — a helicopter rescue without coverage can cost $3,000-8,000.