Are you planning to trek in Manaslu Circuit? If so, the first and foremost thing you will need to know about is the Manaslu Circuit trek permits and costs required to do the trek. The Manaslu trek is in a Restricted Area of Nepal due to which you will need to have different kinds of permits like Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit as some places of the Manaslu trek lies within the Annapurna region.
Manaslu circuit is also know as Manaslu round trek, around Manaslu trekking. So don’t be on confusion Manaslu round trek permit and Manaslu circuit trek permit is same thing.
Knowing the trekking cost before will help you to be prepared as well to make your journey enjoyable too. This blog will help you to tentatively calculate the total amount you need to carry for Manaslu circuit trek. When booking a package from trekking companies like Adventure VisionTrek they will cover all the expenses required during the trek like accommodations, permits, and transportation. Please confirm the cost includes and excludes before payment so your booking becomes more transparent and you will know what you will pay personally even booking with agency. However, there are miscellaneous costs which you will need to bear. Let’s discuss all the things in detail:
Table of Contents
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
Firstly lets know which permits are required for this trekking and how to obtain these permits?
Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
As the Manaslu lies in the Restricted Area as well as discussed above we will require the Restricted Area permit which can be taken from the Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu. During peak seasons, such as autumn (September to early November), Manaslu can be crowded for trekking. You would have to pay around USD 100 per person for the first week of the Manaslu circuit trek. If your circuit trek lasts longer than one week, you will be charged USD 15 each day. From December to August, you will need to pay USD 75 for the first week, and thereafter, it is USD 10 per day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permits (MCAP)
Another permit required for the Manaslu circuit trek is the Manaslu Conservation Area permit. The region lies in the Conservation area as well. Due to this, the MCAP permit is required. The MCAP permit can be obtained in the Kathmandu Tourism Board office itself from the same place where you will be obtaining the Restricted Area Permit. The permit cost for the MCAP is 30 USD per person. There will be no change in the cost does not matter whenever you visit for trek. You will need to carry your permit from the start of the trek to the end of the trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Another permit you will require for the Manaslu Circuit trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You will require the permit as you will be exiting your trek from Dharapani which is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area and Dharapani is also the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Due to this, the ACAP permit is necessary. The cost for the ACAP is also USD 30 per person. You will need to show your permits at the various checkpoints that are located during the trek.
Why do we require various permits during the trek to Manaslu Circuit?
You require various permits during the trek to Manaslu Circuit because the Manaslu region lies within the restricted area and the Conservation Area. The government of the Tourism Board has initiated the requirements of the permits to control the:
- Wildlife biodiversity of the region.
- To control the limitation of the trekkers in the culturally sensitive area.
- To monitor foreign visitors as the region lies in the sensitive border area of Tibet.
- The revenue collected from the permits is used to develop the local infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism, and help the local communities.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
Manaslu circuit trek is a 10 to 18-day-long circuit trek. As the trek takes a long day to complete. You will need to know about every cost that is needed to cover during the trek. . If you are taking an itinerary from the trekking agency every cost will be included in your itinerary itself. The Manaslu circuit trek cost depends on various factors like duration, meals options, hotel standard, vehicle types, Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek etc. However, if you are trekking in a group with no involvement of the trekking agencies you will need to know about the costs breakdown.
Guide
To complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek successfully, hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended. A guide plays a crucial role throughout the journey they are the backbone of your trek, offering support at every stage. With their deep knowledge of the region and experience at high altitudes, they help ensure your safety and enhance your overall trekking experience. The costs for hiring a guide can vary from the level of experience and the fluency of their speaking capabilities. In an average the guide will cost you around 30 USD to 45 USD.
Professional guides typically have strong English communication skills, minimizing any language barriers. However, if English isn’t your preferred language, you can also request a guide who speaks your native tongue. You can hire the guide from the Facebook pages, if you are trekking from agencies they will provide you guide or else you can hire from the website.
Porter
Porters, on the other hand, are there to carry your belongings during the trek. They are physically strong and familiarized to the demanding terrain. Each porter can carry between 20 to 25 kilograms (44–55 lbs), but to maintain a sustainable load, we recommend limiting your gear to around 15 kilograms (33 lbs) of essentials.
The costs for the porter is $25 to $30 USD per day. The porter will not be walking with you as they have lots of loads from the trekkers. They will carry your essentials and shift to tea house were there will be your next destination to stay.
Accommodation and Foods
While trekking in the Manaslu region, trekkers typically stay in teahouses or lodges, which are the standard forms of accommodation available throughout the route. These establishments offer basic lodging facilities, generally including simple rooms with twin beds, shared bathrooms, and limited amenities. The cost of a room ranges from USD 5 to USD 14 per night, depending on the location, altitude, and season.
Most teahouses rely on solar power for electricity. As such, certain services—such as hot showers (USD 2 to 5 per bucket), device charging, or Wi-Fi access (approximately USD 2 to 5)—are available for an additional fee. It is important to note that accommodation standards in trekking regions differ significantly from those in urban areas, and amenities may be limited.
Dining Options
Teahouses serve a variety of meals to cater to both local and international trekkers. While the staple Nepali dish “Dal Bhat” (rice, lentils, and vegetables) is commonly available, many teahouses offer an extended menu that includes noodles, soups, fried rice, pasta, pancakes, and other continental dishes. Due to the cold temperatures and high altitude, warm, soupy meals are particularly recommended for maintaining hydration and energy levels.
Menu options typically include appetizers, main courses, and basic desserts. The cost of meals varies, with traditional Nepali dishes generally priced between USD 10 and 12, while continental breakfasts range from USD 2 to 7, depending on the location and ingredients used. Though food variety may be more limited than in cities, teahouses strive to provide nutritious and filling meals to support trekkers on their journey.
Transportation
Reaching the trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires overland travel, as there are no direct flights to the starting point. The trek typically begins from either Soti Khola, Machha Khola, or Jagat, depending on your chosen itinerary. The journey from Kathmandu to these entry points takes around 7 to 10 hours and offers two main options: local bus or private jeep.
For budget-conscious travelers, local buses are available daily from Kathmandu’s Gongabu Bus Park. These buses depart early in the morning and cost approximately USD 10 to 15 per person. While this option is affordable, it may be less comfortable due to frequent stops, crowded seating, and rough road conditions—especially beyond Arughat, where the road becomes unpaved.
A more convenient and comfortable alternative is to hire a private jeep. The cost ranges from USD 180 to 250 per vehicle and can be shared among 6 to 7 passengers. This option allows more flexibility and faster travel time, particularly on the rugged, off-road sections. Private jeeps or cars follow the route through Dhading or Gorkha before reaching Soti Khola or Machha Khola, depending on accessibility and weather conditions.
Tips: Knowing or understanding Manaslu Circuit Trek Map will help you to better understand the transportation required or up to where you can travel in vehicle.
The trek usually ends at Dharapani, from where trekkers continue by jeep to Besi Sahar. A local shared jeep from Dharapani to Besi Sahar costs around USD 20 to 25 per person, while a private vehicle may cost between USD 100 to 150. From Besi Sahar, regular buses and jeeps are available for the return journey to Kathmandu, which takes another 6 to 8 hours. A bus ride costs around USD 10 to 15, whereas a private jeep will cost approximately USD 150 to 200. Due to the condition of mountain roads and the potential for landslides, especially during the monsoon season, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.
Planning your transportation in advance will ensure a smoother and more comfortable start and end to your Manaslu adventure. See 20 Stunning Manaslu Circuit Trek Photos.
Tags: manaslu circuit trek, manaslu region, nepal