Cheapest Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal: Budget Guide for 2025

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most stunning off-the-beaten-path adventures, offering majestic mountain views, remote villages, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the dramatic crossing of the Larke Pass (5,160m). While less crowded than the Everest and Annapurna regions, many trekkers assume it’s expensive due to its restricted status and remote location.

The good news? With proper planning, it’s absolutely possible to trek the Manaslu Circuit on a budget — without compromising safety or experience. In this guide, we break down the cheapest cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, covering permits, guide fees, transportation, accommodation, food, and how to reduce costs without cutting corners.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Expensive?
At first glance, the Manaslu Circuit seems pricier than other treks because:
• It's a restricted area trek, requiring special permits
• You must hire a licensed guide
• There are no direct roads, making logistics a bit more complex
However, compared to guided Everest or Annapurna treks, the total cost for Manaslu is very reasonable, especially if you trek in a small group and choose budget-friendly options.

Total Estimated Cost (Per Person, Budget Trek)
Category Estimated Cost (USD)
Restricted & Entry Permits $110 – $140
Guide (10–14 days) $250 – $350
Transport (Kathmandu–Soti Khola / Dharapani–Kathmandu) $50 – $80
Accommodation (12–14 nights) $60 – $100
Meals & Drinks $150 – $250
Miscellaneous (tips, WiFi, charging) $30 – $50
Total $650 – $970
This cost assumes budget-level trekking in a small group (2–4 trekkers), using local transportation, and basic teahouse accommodation.

Permit Costs for Manaslu Circuit
Since the Manaslu region is a restricted area, independent trekking is not allowed. You must book through a registered agency and hire a licensed guide.
Mandatory Permits:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
   o Sept–Nov: $100 for first 7 days, then $15/day
   o Dec–Aug: $75 for first 7 days, then $10/day
   o Valid from Jagat to Sama Gaun
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – $30
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – $30
4. TIMS Card – Usually not required for restricted regions if trekking with a guide
   Total permit cost: Around $110–$140, depending on season and itinerary length.

Cost of Guide and Porter
Hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu trek. You’ll also benefit from their navigation, cultural insights, and safety expertise.
Guide Cost:
• $25–$30 per day, including food, accommodation, and insurance
• For a 12–14 day trek: $250–$350
Optional: Porter Cost
• $18–$25 per day
• They can carry 20–25kg of shared luggage
• For budget treks, two trekkers can share one porter
Pro tip: Trek in a group of 2–4 to split guide/porter costs.

Transportation Costs
There are no direct flights or roads to the start of the Manaslu Circuit. You’ll need a private jeep or public bus from Kathmandu to the trailhead.
Typical Transport Route:
• Kathmandu to Soti Khola (starting point)
o Local bus: ~$10
o Shared jeep: ~$25
o Private jeep: ~$120 (split among group)
• Exit from Dharapani to Besisahar
o Shared jeep: ~$15
o From Besisahar to Kathmandu: ~$10–$15
Budget total for roundtrip transportation: $50–$80 per person

Accommodation and Food Costs
The Manaslu region has basic teahouses in every village. Prices are generally lower than in the Everest region.
Accommodation:
• Budget teahouses: $4–$8 per night
• Some offer free lodging if you eat all meals there
Meals:
• Dal Bhat: $4–$6
• Noodles, pancakes, fried rice: $3–$5
• Hot drinks: $1–$3
• Bottled water: $1–$2 (carry purification tablets to save money)
Daily food cost: $10–$20
Daily accommodation cost: $5–$8
Total for 12–14 days: $150–$250 (food) + $60–$100 (lodging)

Budget Tips for Saving Money on the Manaslu Trek

1. Join a small group: Split the cost of guide, permits, and transportation.
2. Bring your own snacks: Energy bars and dry fruits are expensive in remote areas.
3. Use local transport: Avoid private jeeps unless in a group.
4. Boil water instead of buying bottled water.
5. Negotiate lodge prices: Many offer discounts for eating meals in-house.
6. Avoid unnecessary luxuries: WiFi, charging, and showers often come with extra fees.

Best Time for Budget Trekking in Manaslu
Spring (March–May)
• Stable weather and blooming rhododendrons
• Popular among trekkers, teahouses open and prices reasonable
Autumn (September–November)
• Best weather and clear mountain views
• Slightly higher permit fees and more crowded than spring
Winter (December–February)
• Fewer trekkers and lower accommodation demand
• Larke Pass may be closed due to snow
Budget tip: Trek in early spring or late autumn to avoid high prices and crowds.

Sample Budget Trek Itinerary (13 Days)
• Day 1: Drive to Soti Khola
• Day 2–6: Trek to Sama Gaun via Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung
• Day 7: Acclimatization in Sama Gaun
• Day 8–10: Cross Larke Pass and descend to Dharapani
• Day 11: Drive to Besisahar
• Day 12–13: Return to Kathmandu
Shorter or longer variations are possible depending on side trips and acclimatization.

Conclusion: Trek the Manaslu Circuit Without Breaking the Bank
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers one of the most authentic and rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal — and it’s absolutely doable on a budget. With some strategic planning, you can complete this unforgettable journey for as little as $650 to $970, all while enjoying rich mountain culture, towering peaks, and quiet trails.
Whether you’re a solo traveler joining a group or trekking with friends, hiring a local guide and choosing budget accommodations can help you maximize your experience without overspending. The Manaslu region is still under the radar — and now is the time to explore it affordably before it becomes the next big trekking hotspot.