The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered as one of the best treks in Nepal. Mt. Manaslu is a part of the Nepalese Himalayas and is the eight highest peaks in the world. Next only to the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp trek, the cost of Manaslu Circuit trek is very reasonable.
There are various things along the trek that you need to consider to evaluate the expenses you will have to bear while trekking in the Manaslu region ranging from food, accommodation, gear, to the cost of the mountain passes you have to obtain while trekking.
If you are looking for the best package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it will cost you anywhere from US$ 1390 to US$ 1685. But if you are a solo traveler, look at the following things where you will need to spend your money:
Transportation Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The first thing that you will spend your money on if you want to trek is the transportation charge. The starting point of your trek is the place called Sotikhola.
If you want to go there by a local bus, you will be charged 10$ (NRs.1000). Local buses in Nepal can be extremely crowded. If you want to go there in a jeep, you can do that too. A private jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat will cost you 150$-200$ (NPR.15,000 – NPR. 20,000).
If you are traveling in a group, the cost can be divided among the travelers thereby reducing your cost. You will pay an identical sum of money while returning after the completion of your trek as well.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost of Guides & Porters
You might want to consider the option of hiring a guide or a porter or a porter cum guide while trekking in any region of Nepal and that includes the Manaslu region as well.
Guides are a key to your safety. They will take you along the safest routes in the Manaslu region. The porters, who shed your load earn their livelihood by carrying your backpacks, will be of great help and relief if you don’t have to carry your backpacks.
The fact that the Manaslu Circuit trek is quite tricky makes it necessary for you to have a guide. The guide will cost you 30$ to 35$ per day and that will cover the guide’s accommodation, food as well as insurance. And 15$-20$ is the cost of a porter in the Manaslu Circuit trek. A similar charge will be taken by a porter cum guide.
Accommodation Cost During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Most of Nepal’s trekking places were affected by the Nepal Earthquake of 2015. And the same was true for the Manaslu Circuit trek. But, most of the places of accommodation that were damaged during the earthquake have already been renovated.
Besides, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not fairly populated even in the trekking season. This makes finding accommodation extremely easy. There are various tea houses along the trek that makes it cheap as well.
A twin room that can be shared with someone ranges from 6$-9$. If you want the whole room to yourself, it will cost you the double of that.
Meals Cost During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Do you know what gives you a sense of comfort after a hard day’s trekking? The food! Nepalese food rich in a balanced diet will charge you up before, during and after your treks.
As with a trek to the Base Camp to any region, food costs here are high. This is partly due to the fact that most of the land in the trekking regions are not suitable for cultivation. This means that most of the food served here needs to be imported and transportation is difficult.
But this doesn’t mean that the food costs are unbearably high. The food is cheaper than in the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. The cost of a meal will range between 5$ – 10$. The varying cost is dependent upon the variety of food you want to eat as well as your appetite.
Thus the total cost of food will be 20$ to 30$ for a day. A typical Nepalese breakfast will constitute bread, eggs and pulses. The lunch and dinner will generally be Dal Bhat.
Drinks Cost During the Manaslu Trek
You will certainly want to try beverages of all sorts while trekking in the Manaslu region. The beverages will include water, tea/coffee, beer and local alcoholic drinks.
A bottle of water/soda will cost 0.5$ – 4$. Tea and coffee will range 2$ – 4$. Beer costs 2$ – 5$.
Manaslu Trek Permit Cost
Another cost you will have to bear is the trekking permit. Trekking permit is required because this money will be used for the development as well as the preservation of the area. The trekking permit cost is dependent upon the seasons that you trek in.
From September to November, the trekking permit per person costs US$ 110 per week and additional 15$ per day after that. From December to August, this charge becomes 90$ per week per person with an additional 10$ per day if you want to stay beyond a week.
Other permits required for the trip are the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and Manaslu Conservation Area permit, both of which cost 20$ each.
If you want to trek in the Tsum Valley, you will have to pay US$ 35 per person per week for the Tsum Valley trek. You will need a TIMS card if you are extending your trip to the Annapurna Base Camp.
Trekking Gear
There are a variety of things that you need to buy while considering trekking in the Manaslu region which include your sleeping bags, down jackets, hiking boots as well as other items. If you buy all of the items needed first hand, you will spend close to 1000$. For more details about the equipment list click here.
Travel Insurance for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Although not mandatory, travel insurance is offered by lot of travel companies and helps you feel safe about yourself as well as your belongings. You can obtain a 30-day travel insurance for around 150 USD.
Make sure that you check with your travel company what is the list of things insured in your travel package.
Other Costs
There are other costs that you might have to bear while trekking in the Manaslu region. Some of them are the following:
- If you want to charge your gadgets in the Manaslu circuit region, it might cost 2$ per hour.
- The tips and gratitude that you might want to give to your porter, guide and waiters along the way is not fixed. You can tip them as much as you want.
Conclusion
Manaslu Circuit Trek is quickly becoming a very popular trek among trekkers in Nepal. And that is due to the excellent view and great features along the trek.
The costs are varying and have to be borne for a variety of reasons. Make sure that you read into it properly before embarking on your journey.
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