Hire a Guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Extra cost of Trekkers after Hiring Guide and Porter

After hiring a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should also consider additional costs such as permits, transportation, accommodations, food, and tips for the guide and porter. However, if you purchase the full package through High Pass Adventure, many of these expenses—including transportation, accommodation, meals, trekking insurance for the guide and porter, and necessary permits—are already included. Please note that your personal travel insurance and tips for the trekking staff are not included and must be covered separately.

Transportation and Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically begins in the town of Soti Khola or Machhakhola and ends in Dharapani. To reach Soti Khola or Machhakhola, you can take a direct public bus or hire private jeep transportation from Kathmandu. After completing the trek at Dharapani, you can take a shared jeep to Besisahar, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Besisahar is located about 176 km from Kathmandu, and several transportation options are available from there, taking around 5 to 7 hours to reach the capital.

The tentative transportation cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek is given below:-

Kathmandu to Soti Khola

• By Public Bus: Buses to Soti Khola leave from near Balaju Bus Park at Machha Pokhari in Kathmandu. The journey takes about 7-9 hours.
• Cost: NPR 800-12, 00 (approximately USD 7-10).
• By Private Jeep: You can hire a private Jeep, which can be arranged through travel agencies. They are faster and more comfortable than public buses, taking around 6-7 hours.
• Cost: NPR 15,000-20,000 (approximately USD 150-200) for the whole jeep, which can be shared among 6-7 people.

Dharapani to Kathmandu

• By Shared Jeep: Shared jeeps from Dharapani to Besisahar (the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and a hub for transportation).
• Cost: NPR 2,000-2,500 per person (approximately USD 20-25).
• Journey Time: 3-4 hours.

From Besisahar to Kathmandu:

• Public Bus: Buses are available from Besisahar to Kathmandu.
• Cost: NPR 700-100 (approximately USD 7-10).
• Journey Time:6-7 hours.
• Private Jeep: For more comfort, you can hire a private jeep from Besisahar to Kathmandu.
• Cost: NPR 12,000-15,000 (approximately USD 120-150) for the whole jeep, which can be shared among 6-7 people.

Permits cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu region is protected under the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), and all trekking activities are regulated by the Government of Nepal. As a result, you are required to obtain the necessary permits to trek in this area. The cost of these permits varies depending on the duration of your trek and the time of year. Additionally, since the trail crosses Larke Pass and enters the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need multiple permits issued by the Government of Nepal to complete the trek legally.

The required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are as follows:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The cost varies depending on the season and the number of days.

USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 each day from December to August for all nationality
USD 100 for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 each day from September to November for all nationality

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Required for trekking within the Manaslu Conservation Area.
SAARC Nationals' entry fee is 1000 (one thousand) Nepali Rupees per person 
Others nationality entry fee is 3000 (three thousands) Nepali Rupees per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required after crossing the Larke Pass and entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
SAARC Nationals' entry fee is 1000 (one thousand) Nepali Rupees per person 
Others Nationality entry fee is 3000 (three thousands) Nepali Rupees Per Person

Chum (Tsum) Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance fees: Required for visit the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality like villages of the villages of Sirdibas, Bihi, Prok, Lho, and Sama Gaun in the Nubri Valley, and Chekampar and Chumchet in the Tsum Valley.
Cost: NPR 1,000 for foreign visitors and NPR 200 for local travelers per person

Food and accommodation cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The food and accommodation cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek typically ranges from USD 25 to 35 per day, depending on the elevation and remoteness of the area. Basic teahouses along the route offer modest yet comfortable lodging, with prices ranging from USD 6 to 15 per night, and facilities becoming simpler at higher altitudes. Meals, including traditional Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread, usually cost between USD 6 to 10 per meal, while breakfast and hot drinks range from USD 4 to 7.

As the trek progresses into more remote regions like Samdo and Dharamsala, both food and lodging costs rise due to limited access and transport challenges. Over a 13–15 day trek, trekkers can expect to spend approximately USD 350 to 510 in total on food and accommodation.

Overall cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

The overall cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek typically ranges from USD 950 to 1,500 per person, depending on the duration, group size, and level of service you choose. This includes food and accommodation costs of around USD 350 to 510 for the 13–15 days on the trail, transportation (private jeep or public bus) costing USD 50 to 150 round trip, per person and trekking permits such as the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP, which together cost USD 120 to 150 depending on the season.

Hiring a licensed guide generally costs USD 25 to 35 per day, and a porter costs USD 20 to 25 per day, including their food, insurance, and accommodation. Tipping, gear rentals, and personal expenses are additional. Overall, this trek offers excellent value for a remote and culturally rich Himalayan adventure.

Tips to hiring Guide and Porter 

Guides and porters are essential to the success of your trip, ensuring it runs smoothly and without problems. Therefore, tipping is an important part of trekking in Nepal, as it shows appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the local staff who assist you throughout your journey.

It is customary to tip at the end of the trek. You should gather all team members—guide, porter, and assistant guide—together to distribute the tips. Tips are generally given in cash, preferably in US dollars or Nepalese rupees, and it’s best to use small denominations to make distribution easier.

As a general guideline, tipping around 10% to 15% of the total package cost is customary if you purchase a full package. If not, a tip of $10 to $15 per day per person is recommended. You can adjust this amount based on the quality of service provided.

These tips are highly encouraged to motivate the team and reward them for their outstanding service, contributing to a memorable and inspiring trekking experience.

Best time for  Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. 

• Spring (March to May): This is the post-winter season when the temperatures begin to warm up, and the rhododendrons bloom, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. The weather is generally clear, offering excellent visibility of the mountains, and the trails are alive with lush vegetation.
• Autumn (September to November): This is the post-monsoon season when the skies are clear, and the weather is stable. The temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for trekking, and the views of the surrounding peaks are stunning. Additionally, the trails are dry and relatively free from rain, making for easier trekking conditions.

Winter and summer seasons are considered off-season for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Hiring a guide during these times is highly recommended because they help navigate any potential challenges, especially crossing the Larke Pass, support your logistics, and enhance your overall trekking experience.

Winter is not a good time to trek because it is very cold and the views around the mountains are not clear. The monsoon season is also not recommended for trekking the Manaslu Circuit because there is a lot of rain, and the trails can be blocked due to landslides, making the trek very risky.

Important Note for the Larke Pass:

It's important to consider the possibility of bad weather during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially when crossing the Larke Pass, as it is the highest point of the trek. There are times when difficulties, such as bad weather, are beyond our control due to heavy snowfall at the top, making it difficult to find the right trail to cross the pass. This could lead to changes in our schedule.

However, it is extremely unlikely that the schedule would vary significantly.
The guide and trekking leader will make the best modifications if needed, prioritizing the group's overall satisfaction. In such cases, we may have to return the same way. Our trekking staff members are knowledgeable and courteous, and they will make every effort to address any issues that may arise during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, hiring a guide is important and necessary to successfully complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek without any hassle. 

Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek

We offer a full package with fixed departure group join treks for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you want hassle-free trekking and wish to experience high-altitude trekking, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, this is an excellent option. Please note that this journey is not permitted for solo trekkers due to restricted area regulations, so a minimum of two people is required.

For those who want hassle-free trekking on the Manaslu Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Group Join Trek is a fantastic option. It allows solo trekkers to experience one of Nepal's most scenic and culturally rich treks while sharing the adventure with like-minded individuals. Joining a group trek offers the benefits of shared costs, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to make new friends, all while exploring the remote and stunning Manaslu region, making it a more affordable and rewarding trekking experience. We offer many fixed departure dates for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, specifically designed to accommodate solo trekkers at a reasonable cost within a group, making it a wonderful budget trek in the Nepal Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging because of the trek involves a variety of terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and possibly some snow-covered sections, especially around the Larkya Pass. Weather conditions in the Manaslu Circuit route are always changeable, with cold temperatures and the possibility of snowfall, especially at higher altitudes. So this makes the trek physically challenging.

The trail is well-maintained, with a mix of uphill and downhill terrain at progressively increasing altitudes. This trek typically takes 10 to 12 days. Moderate fitness is required, but good health, physical fitness, and mental preparedness to ascend to 5,106 meters are highly recommended. Some experience in multi-day hiking or trekking is beneficial.

The walking distances are manageable, taking you through farmland, local villages, and lush rainforests, with a gradual increase in altitude. Starting Machha Khola, where you'll spend your first night at an altitude of 750 meters, the trek ascends to 5106 meters to Larke Pass. From Namrung to Larke Pass top, the trail poses more difficulty due to significant altitude gain and rugged terrain, but it is generally not extreme. Proper acclimatization days, such as staying at Samagaun, help trekkers adjust to the elevation and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

The trek to the Manaslu Circuit, circle to the tenth-highest mountain in the world is definitely not simple. Some sections of the trail are relatively challenging, with steep slopes and rocky terrain within lush bamboo and rhododendron forests. Some parts of the trail can be prone to landslides and avalanches. Snowfall and rainfall can make the trek more challenging, so it is important to prepare with proper seasonal equipment.

Having a guide and porter is highly recommended for successfully completing the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek without difficulties. A guide will provide valuable information and assistance, while a porter will carry your luggage, making your trip to Annapurna Sanctuary more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Acclimatization day to reduce the Altitude Sickness for Manaslu  Circuit Trek

An acclimatization day is necessary during the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek because it is located in high-altitude terrain, with Larke Pass at 5,106 meters. The trek starts at 750 meters Soti Khola and you gradually climb to 5,106 meters at Larke Pass, passing through several villages and high-altitude places. As you ascend, oxygen levels and air pressure decrease compared to sea level. Once you reach an altitude above 3,000 meters, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, loss of appetite, tiredness, dizziness, and sleeplessness.

So, Samagaun is our acclimatization rest days in our itinerary. This rest days help prevent altitude sickness and allow you to adapt to the environment. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness during the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is important to address them immediately to avoid difficulties in completing the trek. To prevent these issues, you should follow your guide's instructions, as they are knowledgeable about high-altitude sickness.

When ascending on the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Lho Village, be honest with your guide about how you are feeling. Your guide will advise you to walk slowly and may suggest that you sleep at a lower altitude before ascending further. This practice, known as acclimatization, helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

To prevent altitude sickness, you should follow the itinerary closely, as proper acclimatization helps your body adapt to higher elevations. Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet with sufficient carbohydrates, maintain a comfortable pace, and avoid alcohol and sedatives. By adhering to these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of altitude sickness and have a safer and more enjoyable trek on the Short Manaslu Circuit. However, if you continue to feel unwell despite following these recommendations, you should return to a lower altitude.

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Packing for the Manaslu Circuit  Trek requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need while keeping your pack as light as possible, so only bring the necessary things. You can also rent or purchase trekking gear in Kathmandu if you don't have everything you need.

Here's a recommended packing list:

Clothing:

• Lightweight trekking pants
• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-shirts
• Down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof and windproof pants
• Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Hiking socks

Footwear:

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals
• Micro Crampons 
• Gaiters

Accessories:

• Daypack
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Power Bank (Portable charger or solar charger)
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Trekking towel
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Personal first aid kit

Other Gear:

• Sleeping bag (comfortable to 10°C)
• Backpack rain cover
• Duffel bag or backpack for porters to carry your gear
• Personal identification and travel documents
• Travel insurance policy
• Snacks and energy bars