A Manaslu Circuit Trek costs between $1,100 and $2,500 per person, depending on trek duration, group size, and season. Budget for $1,995 per person on a fully guided 18-day package with Explore Nepal Trails, which includes permits, guide, porter, teahouse accommodation, meals, and Kathmandu hotel stays. If you’re organizing independently, expect to pay separately for permits (roughly $130–170), a licensed guide (mandatory in this restricted region), porter service, and teahouse costs along the trail.
This guide breaks down the real cost across budget tiers, the full day-by-day itinerary, permit requirements, difficulty level, what to pack, and how the trek compares to the Annapurna Circuit, everything you need before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Cost: $1,100–$2,500 depending on tier, $1,995 per person all-inclusive with Explore Nepal Trails
- Duration: 18 days total (14–17 days actual trekking, including Kathmandu sightseeing and acclimatization)
- Highest point: Larkya La Pass, 5,160m
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. It is harder than the Annapurna Circuit
- Permits required: RAP, MCAP, ACAP (no TIMS card needed)
- Best seasons: September–November (autumn) and March–May (spring)
- Guide required: Yes, solo/independent trekking is not permitted in this restricted region
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown
The total manaslu circuit trek cost depends heavily on whether you book a package or organize independently, your group size, and the season you travel. Here’s how the three common budget tiers compare:
| Budget Tier | Price Range (per person) | What You Get |
| Budget / Group Trek | $1,100 – $1,400 | Shared guide across 8–10 trekkers, basic teahouse rooms, group meals, off-peak season |
| Mid-Range (Standard Package) | $1,600 – $2,000 | Dedicated guide-to-trekker ratio, comfortable teahouses, includes Kathmandu hotel & transfers, this is where Explore Nepal Trails’ $1,995 package sits |
| Premium / Private Trek | $2,200 – $2,500+ | Private guide and porter, better lodges where available, flexible dates, autumn peak season |
Here’s exactly what’s included and excluded in Manaslu Circuit Trek cost of Explore Nepal Trails’ $1,995 package, straight from the trip listing:
What’s Included
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking, government-licensed guide and assistant guide (1 assistant per 4 trekkers)
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Staff costs: salary, transport, equipment, food, and accommodation
- Manaslu special permit fee (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Project fee (ACAP)
- 3 nights’ accommodation at a 3–4 star Kathmandu hotel, twin sharing, with breakfast
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing with entry fees
- Insurance for all trekking staff
- All ground transportation in a private vehicle
- All government and local taxes
What’s Not Included
- International airfare and international airport departure tax
- Trekking equipment
- Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, phone, laundry, etc.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Trekking equipment isn’t included in the manaslu circuit trek cost, but most of it: down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, duffel bags etc can also be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara rather than bought outright. That’s a practical option if this is a one-off trek for you rather than gear you’ll use again.
Here’s the detailed Manaslu Circuit Trek cost breakdown by category:
| Cost Item | Estimated Price (USD) |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | $75–100 for first 7 days + $10–15/extra day |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | ~$30 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | ~$30 |
| Local Chum-Nubri municipality fee | ~$8 (NPR 1,000) |
A few things that move the number up or down:
- Season: Autumn (Sept–Nov) RAP fees run $25 more per person than the December–August rate.
- Trek length: A 12–14 day trek costs less in permits than an 18-day version with more acclimatization or a Tsum Valley extension.
- Group size: Group treks split the guide’s daily rate across everyone; private treks pay for a dedicated guide.
- What’s included: Some budget quotes exclude Kathmandu hotel nights, airport transfers, or insurance, always confirm the full inclusion list before comparing prices.
Booking a full Manaslu Circuit trek package with a registered trekking agency is almost always simpler than arranging each piece separately, since the Restricted Area Permit can only be processed through a registered agency. Independent booking of the RAP isn’t possible on this route, regardless of budget.
Explore Nepal Trails’ 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek Costs $1,995 per person and includes all three permits, guide and porter service, all meals on trek, teahouse accommodation, airport transfers, 3 nights in a Kathmandu hotel, and guided Kathmandu sightseeing. View the full itinerary and book here.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary (18 Days)
The standard route covers roughly 177km, with the trekking portion taking about 14–17 days depending on acclimatization needs. Here’s what each stage of the journey looks like.
Days 1–2: Kathmandu Arrival and Preparation
Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel for a rest day. Day 2 covers a half-day sightseeing circuit of Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites such as Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, followed by a final gear check and trek briefing with your guide.
Days 3–5: Soti Khola to Jagat
The trek proper begins with a 6–8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. From there, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river through narrow, rocky terrain to Machha Khola, then on through forest sections thick with monkeys and langurs to Jagat, the checkpoint where your permits are first verified and you officially enter the restricted area.
Days 6–9: Jagat to Sama Gaun
This stretch climbs steadily through Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages like Philim, Namrung, Lho with the first clear views of Manaslu (8,163m) appearing around Lho. Namrung, at 2,660m, is a good rest point with some of the better teahouses on the route. By the time you reach Sama Gaun, the principal Nubri village with its large gompa and small health post, you’re well into high-altitude territory.
Days 10 & 12: Acclimatization Days
Two built-in rest days protect against altitude sickness. At Sama Gaun, most trekkers hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) past Birendra Lake, or to Pungyen Gompa on the valley’s eastern side. At Samdo, the second acclimatization day often includes a short excursion toward the Tibet border, with views over the Samdo Glacier and a chance to spot blue sheep and marmots.
Days 11, 13–14: Samdo to Larkya La Pass
From Samdo, the trail climbs through yak pastures to Dharmasala, the last stop before the pass. Day 14 is the trek’s defining day: a pre-dawn start (typically around 3am) to cross Larkya La (5,160m) before the afternoon winds pick up. The descent to Bimthang rewards the effort with sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
Days 15–18: Descent and Return to Kathmandu
From Bimthang, the trail drops through rhododendron and oak forest into increasingly agricultural terrain, reaching Dharapani by Day 15. A jeep to Beshi Sahar and a 6–7 hour drive return you to Kathmandu, with a free day for rest or shopping before departure.
For the complete day-by-day itinerary with fixed departure dates, see the Manaslu Circuit Trek package page.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
Three permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and no TIMS card is needed, since the Restricted Area Permit replaces it.
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Covers the controlled zone between Jagat and Dharapani, checked at Jagat and Philim checkpoints.
- September–November (autumn): $100 for the first 7 days, then $15/day after
- December–August: $75 for the first 7 days, then $10/day after
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
A flat fee of approximately $30 (NPR 3,000), covering the Manaslu Conservation Area itself.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Also approximately $30 (NPR 3,000), required because the route exits into Annapurna region territory near Dharapani.
A small local Chum-Nubri Rural Municipality development fee (around NPR 1,000) is also collected at Jagat, separate from the three main permits.
Independent trekkers cannot apply for the RAP directly, it must be processed through a registered trekking agency, and a licensed guide is mandatory throughout the restricted section. This is a firm regulation, not a recommendation, and trekkers without proper permits are routinely turned back at the checkpoints.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit is rated moderate to difficult, a step up from the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp in terms of physical demand, mainly because of the Larkya La Pass crossing.
What makes it harder:
- Daily walking distances of 10–15km over 14+ days
- Altitude gain from 710m (Soti Khola) to 5,160m (Larkya La)
- A demanding pass-crossing day starting around 3am to beat afternoon winds
- Limited rescue infrastructure compared to more popular routes
Good general fitness and prior trekking experience at altitude are recommended. Two built-in acclimatization days help manage altitude sickness risk, but symptoms should still be taken seriously. See our guide on altitude sickness symptoms and prevention techniques along with the 12 weeks training plan for fitness to overcome some difficulties during the trek.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- September–November (Autumn): Peak season, stable weather, clearest mountain views
- March–May (Spring): Second-best window, with rhododendron blooms at lower elevations
- December–February (Winter): Clear skies but very cold, with risk of Larkya La closing due to snowfall
The June–August monsoon is best avoided, as trails become slippery and leech-heavy, and mountain visibility drops significantly. For a better understanding of the seasonal weather conditions in Nepal, you can read our article regarding Nepal’s Weather for trekkers and travellers.
What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit crosses a wide range of climates, from subtropical river valleys to a glaciated 5,160m pass, so layering matters more than any single piece of gear.
Clothing
- Insulated down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or softshell mid-layer
- Waterproof, windproof outer shell
- Trekking trousers plus a warm pair for high camp
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or neck gaiter
- Insulated gloves plus a thin liner pair
Footwear
- Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Wool trekking socks (bring several pairs)
- Camp shoes or sandals for teahouse evenings
- Gaiters, useful for early snow on Larkya La
Gear
- Four-season sleeping bag (rated to at least –15°C for high camp nights)
- Trekking poles, genuinely useful on the Larkya La descent
- Headtorch with spare batteries (for the pre-dawn pass crossing)
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- Basic first-aid kit including altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before travel)
- Power bank, since charging is limited and often paid for above Namrung
Technical mountaineering gear: ropes, ice axes, crampons is not required. This is a trekking route, not a technical climb, though micro-spikes are sometimes useful on the Larkya La descent in icy conditions.
For more detailed information, visit our Trekking Equipments page or read our guide regarding the equipment required for trekking in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit vs. Annapurna Circuit
Both treks circle a major Himalayan massif and cross a high pass, which makes them a natural comparison for trekkers deciding between the two.
| Factor | Manaslu Circuit | Annapurna Circuit |
| Highest point | Larkya La (5,160m) | Thorong La (5,416m) |
| Typical duration | 14–18 days | 12–18 days |
| Crowd levels | Low due to restricted area, limited permit | Moderate to high, especially in peak season |
| Permits needed | RAP, MCAP, ACAP | ACAP only (TIMS also required) |
| Guide requirement | Mandatory | Not legally required, but strongly advised |
| Road access | Minimal, as trail is largely undeveloped | Partial roads now cut into sections of the classic route |
| Overall difficulty | Moderate to difficult | Moderate |
If solitude and untouched trails matter more to you than well-established infrastructure, Manaslu is the better choice. For a slightly easier logistics setup with more teahouse variety, see our Annapurna Circuit Trek package.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Worth It?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards trekkers who want the scale of an Everest or Annapurna trek without the crowds. You get the same sense of scale, an 8,000m peak, a high mountain pass, days of walking through terrain that shifts from subtropical forest to glacial high desert but with a fraction of the foot traffic on the trail and teahouses that haven’t been shaped by two decades of mass tourism.
That said, it’s not the easiest introduction to Himalayan trekking. The restricted-area permits, mandatory guide requirement, and the demanding Larkya La crossing mean this trek suits people who’ve done at least one high-altitude trek before, or who are prepared to train seriously beforehand. Budget-wise, it sits comfortably between the Annapurna Circuit and more remote treks like Upper Dolpo which is accessible, but not cheap, and worth booking through a registered agency given how permit-dependent the route is.
Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is another key factor to weigh. It sits comfortably between the Annapurna Circuit and more remote treks like Upper Dolpo which is accessible, but not cheap, and worth booking through a registered agency given how permit-dependent the route is. With Explore Nepal Trails, the 18-day package is priced at $1,995 per person, covering permits, guide and porter, teahouse accommodation, meals on trek, and Kathmandu logistics. So once you’ve budgeted for the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost upfront, there are few surprise expenses on the trail itself.
If solitude, untouched trail, and genuine cultural immersion in Tibetan-influenced villages matter more to you than convenience and crowd-tested infrastructure, the Manaslu Circuit is one of the best treks in Nepal you can still do without fighting for teahouse beds.
Ready to plan your trip? Explore the full Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary and fixed departure dates, or get in touch with our team for a custom itinerary.
