The Cheapest Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most beautiful and less-traveled trekking routes. It offers incredible views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, and takes you through lush forests, charming villages, and high-altitude deserts. While it's an amazing trek, many people wonder about the cost of doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially for budget travelers. In this article, we will discuss how to plan for the cheapest cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, without compromising on the quality of the experience.

Understanding the Costs of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The total cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on several factors, including permits, accommodation, food, and guide/porter fees. Let's break down these costs to help you plan the cheapest way to do the trek.

1. Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek, which means you need special permits to hike in this region. There are two main permits you'll need:

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This costs about NPR 2000 (around $20 USD) for foreigners.

Trekking Management Permit (ACAP): This costs approximately NPR 3000 (around $30 USD).

Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The most expensive permit, costing around NPR 5000-7000 (approximately $50-$70 USD) depending on the season.

The RAP is required because the Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a restricted area to preserve the local culture and environment. These permits are usually arranged by your trekking agency or can be done directly in Kathmandu.

2. Hiring a Guide or Porter

Hiring a guide or porter is not mandatory, but it is recommended for safety and convenience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or high-altitude trekking.

Guide: A licensed guide will cost around $25-$30 USD per day, depending on the season and the agency. A guide will help with navigation, ensure your safety, and provide cultural insights.

Porter: If you choose to hire a porter to carry your bags, it will typically cost around $15-$20 USD per day. This is a great option if you want to reduce the strain of carrying a heavy backpack.

To save money, some trekkers decide to do the trek without a guide or porter. However, this is not recommended if you’re unfamiliar with the route or trekking at high altitudes.

3. Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies depending on the location and the type of tea house. The prices for accommodation are generally affordable:

Tea House Accommodation: In lower-altitude areas, a basic room can cost around $5-$7 USD per night. As you go higher, the cost increases, reaching about $10-$15 USD per night at higher altitudes.

Meals: The cost of food is higher in the mountains due to the difficulty of transporting supplies. On average, you can expect to pay around $5-$7 USD per meal in lower-altitude villages. In higher-altitude areas, meals may cost between $8-$12 USD.

To save on food costs, many trekkers choose simple meals like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) as it is both filling and affordable.

4. Transportation Costs

Getting to the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires transportation. Most trekkers start from Soti Khola, which is about 6-7 hours by bus from Kathmandu. A local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola typically costs around $10-$15 USD. Alternatively, you can hire a private jeep for around $100 USD, but the local bus is much cheaper and a great way to save money.

5. Other Costs

Tips: It is customary to give tips to your guide and porter at the end of the trek. A typical tip would be around $10-$20 USD for a guide and $5-$10 USD for a porter, depending on the level of service.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Don’t forget to budget for things like water, snacks, and other personal expenses. In the mountains, bottled water can cost up to $2-$3 USD per bottle, but you can also bring a water purification system to save money.

How to Save Money on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you're looking to keep your costs low, here are a few tips:

Travel during the off-season: The peak trekking seasons in Nepal are from September to November and March to May. Traveling during the off-season (June-August or December-February) can help you avoid higher prices, but be prepared for colder and more unpredictable weather.

Travel in a group: If you’re traveling with friends, you can split the costs of a guide and porter, making it more affordable for everyone.

Stay in budget tea houses: Stick to basic tea houses that offer lower rates for accommodation and food.

Conclusion

The cheapest cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal depends on a few key factors such as permits, accommodation, food, and whether you hire a guide or porter. On average, the cost of the trek can range from $600 to $800 USD for a 14-15 day trek, excluding international flights. By being smart about your choices—such as traveling during the off-season, using local transportation, and staying in budget tea houses—you can keep your expenses low while still enjoying this incredible trek. Whether you choose to hire a guide or go solo, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable experience that offers amazing views and cultural richness, all while being affordable for those on a budget.