Manaslu Circuit is one of these emerging trekking routes in Nepal. Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, is rich in natural beauty and has numerous untrodden slopes and trails. It is situated about 64 km (40 m) east of Annapurna and is the highest peak in the Gorkha district.
It is also the eight-most perilous 8000-meter summit, home to numerous endangered species of flora and fauna. Many trekkers may choose it to take advantage of the quiet, less congested surroundings with a lovely fusion of nature, art, and Nepalese-Tibetan culture. Additionally, it is more exciting and less expensive than other running expeditions. March through May in the spring and September through December in the winter are the best times to visit the area.
The Manaslu Circuit is undoubtedly remarkable. While traveling through the Manaslu region, ten peaks taller than 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) are visible, including summits higher than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). The Manaslu Circuit is much less crowded than its busier brother, the Annapurna Circuit, which distinguishes the journey from it.
The Nubri and the Tsum are this region’s two main ethnic groups. These two racial regions are divided by Chhikur, which diverges from the river. Following Nepal’s tourist opening in 1950, Nubri was widely visited, but Tsum has kept much of its traditional culture, art, and custom. In the region’s central hills, the Gurung people make up the largest ethnic group. You should locate a companion to go on the Manaslu Circuit with you if you’re traveling alone. You require a minimum of two people to obtain permission and a start date because the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted region. Find out which permit you require by reading on.
Manaslu circuit trek Cost overview
The Manaslu circuit trek alone can cost anywhere from US$1,500 to US$3,000 based on the preferred trekking routes, and preferred facilities. Here is the cost breakdown.
Permit costs:
You require three different types of permits for the Manaslu Circuit:
- Permit to Manaslu Restricted Area
The price of your Manaslu Trek permit will vary according to how many days and what month you visit this area. Three different types of licenses from the Government of Nepal are required to trek in the Manaslu region.
- Permit for the Manaslu Conservation Area
Entry costs for SAARC nationals are 200 NPR per person and 2,000 NPR for other nationals.
- Permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area
You will also need a permit for this since you will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Your hiking company arranges for all permissions. Due to its average length and exclusivity, the Manaslu Circuit Trip is one of the priciest treks in Nepal. Prices range from 1000 to 1400 USD per person or 900 to 1200 EUR.
Transportation cost:
From Sotikhola or Arughat, the trek starts. You must go via the off-the-beaten-path roads to get there, either by boarding a local bus (typically packed) or hiring a private jeep (preferable). To get to Sotikhola from Kathmandu would cost less than USD 15 per person on the local bus. Jeeps, which cost roughly $175 to $200 USD each way, are quite expensive in comparison. However, the price can be decreased if you split it (average $30 per seat for 7 people).
The same probably applies for the journey’s conclusion from Tal or Besisahar to Kathmandu. However, there are local jeeps that are slightly less expensive, costing Rs. 2500 (25 dollars) for tourists and Rs. 1500 (15 dollars) for Nepalese, between Tal and Besisahar.
Even though flying in a helicopter is convenient and excellent, it is somewhat pricey. A chopper rental costs about $350 per person, but the cost can be significantly reduced if several people go.
Accommodation and food cost
You can imagine staying at a quality hotel in Pokhara and possibly in teahouses while walking or climbing in the Manaslu Region. Expecting a luxurious show in Nepal is unrealistic, regardless of where you stay. Although the accommodations are rather basic, they are ideal for individuals who need to rest their legs after hiking and trekking. You may learn more about staying at tea houses down below.
Teahouses are a common accommodation alternative for people who are traveling to high altitudes. They can cost as little as $6 USD and only come with the bare necessities, such as a bedsheet, pillow, and blanket. However, they don’t provide many services because they are frequently in inaccessible isolated locations.
You might also have to share a room with other trekkers at the busiest times, which will increase the cost. Meals cost more at eateries at higher altitudes. Typically, meals cost between $15 and $20 USD. The lunch frequently includes rice, local fruit, and traditional Nepali fare like pulses.
Given their size, you might anticipate a certain level of comfort. You certainly can, but keep in mind that comfort is a relative term. They are cozy to the extent that you have a bed to sleep in and a kitchen to prepare meals in. Yes, local families who have opened their homes to passing trekkers manage the tea houses. There are many teahouses to be found around the Manaslu Circuit. Due to the difficulty in supplying them, they may be a little smaller and more basic than on the Annapurna Circuit.
On the other hand, Tea and coffee cost a lot in the mountainous region. They are still less expensive than at Everest Base Camp, though. USD 2.5 to USD 4 for tea and USD 3 to USD $5 for coffee.
Water costs between $2 and $5; beer costs between $5 and $8.
Travel Insurance cost
The trail is closed to trekkers without travel insurance, especially if they are climbing higher. For a 30-day period, the cost of trekking insurance for a trip higher than 6,000 meters is between $150 and $250. The price of the insurance varies according to your age, country, and length of the walk.
The high altitude and extremely low temperatures in this area, among other things, might be problematic for trekkers. Due to the high altitude and severe winter weather, anything could happen during the trip. If you need medical attention, a helicopter may be used to transport you to a hospital. You can therefore pay for the costs of the helicopter rescue with the premium travel insurance.
Porters and guides cost
The most dependable and loyal friends you will have on the trek to the Manaslu Circuit are the guides and porters. They’ll assist you with the weights on the challenging trails and guide you on the Manaslu Circuit and lessen the difficulty of your journey.
You must provide the porters a specified sum of money in exchange for their services. For carrying a load of 15 kg, they should receive a tip of between $20 and $25 each day throughout the Manaslu trip. If the weight is greater than the maximum, you must pay an additional fee based on the additional weight.
Getting a porter is less expensive than hiring a guide. For a certified tour guide, you must pay at least $25 USD. You can also give them a larger tip if you are pleased with the service. This won’t significantly increase the price of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, though.
Pro tips to make the Manaslu
Stock up on basic supplies in Kathmandu before you climb higher because the price of the identical item will quadruple. Carry water purification tablets, drops, or a water filter so that you can continue drinking pure, natural water and save money because the water is not safe to drink for foreigners. Instead of eating Western food, you can choose local fare like rice, lentils, and veggie curry. Local cuisine is affordable and simple to prepare. Bring a backup battery or solar battery charger if your camera runs out of power. For the chance to recharge your electrical devices and equipment, some tea shops demand a fee. This service can be had for about USD 2 and USD 3 per hour.
You can reduce the cost of this trek by renting gear for trekking in Nepal In lodges and teahouses, people share rooms. Use a powerbank to charge your devices while saving money by carrying one. Trekking in the off-season to save on permit costs Bring medications and toiletries.
