Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide: Updated Cost and Permits 2026

Pradip Tamang
Updated on December 13, 2025

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative trek to the former world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek. The Manaslu Trek Route is a complete blend of cultural and natural heritage; it is a forbidden region that needs restricted area trekking permission, and trekking with a licensed Nepali local guide through a certified local trekking agency in Nepal is obligatory. Foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a registered Nepali guide in the area. Do not worry about the guide fee! It is not that costly, plus trekking with a local guide is great fun, which can make for a local experience. Whenever you go trekking, it’s always a good idea to check if your trekking team has a local person on board. It’s not the same as speaking the language and asking for directions. It is more about learning and knowing about the people, place, culture, and customs, and knowing what and who is around the next corner, what happens where, and the stories a place has to tell.


Pradip Tamang, Manaslu Trekking Guide, with our clients from the Netherlands in November 2013

It’s not always easy to find one, however! The most able people often leave the hills and head to the city or overseas employment. So it requires some effort, and only by trekkers asking their trekking companies about this will more reliable, secure work begin to come about. Supply will follow demand. This is in addition to useful training courses that help guides provide better services.

Explore the Manaslu route uniquely, unlike other common trekkers. Enjoy solitude away from the main trail’s evening crowds. Recommended Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary 2026

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (887 m), 7 to 8 hours. End of part dirt road.
Day 02: Trek to Jagat (1345 m), 7 hours.
Day 03: Trek to Deng (1860), 6–7 Hours. There were two good lodges.
Day 04: Trek to Bhi Village.
Day 05: Trek to Serang Gompa – the region’s most active monastery.
Day 06: Extra day at Serang, observing morning chants and rituals. Rejuvenate yourself.
Day 07: Trek to Prok Village (2380 m).
Day 08: Day hike to Kaal Taal (3570 m). It can be a long day.
Day 09: Trek to Lho Village (3180 m) 4 Hours.
Day 10: Trek to Samagaon (3520 m). 3-4 hours walk.
Day 11: Extra day: Explore around and relax or hike to Pungyen Gompa / MBC.
Day 12: Trek to Samdo (3860 m), 3-hour walk.
Day 13: Trek to Dharma Saala (4460 m). 4-hour trek..
Day 14: Trek to Bimthang (3750m) via Larke La (5135m).
Day 15: Trek to Gowa (2360 m) 6 Hours.
Day 16: Trek to Chyamje, 6 to 7 Hours.
Day 17: Drive to Besi sahar and connect drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara according to your choice.

Shortening this trek:

There is dirt road access to Gowa; you can consider taking a public jeep ride from there straight to Kathmandu (it can be 10 to 12 hours long). Alternatively, stop over at Besishahar for a night to split the long drive, and the next day, take a comfortable bus ride or a car can be ordered to Kathmandu or Pokhara at extra cost.

Explore the Manaslu route uniquely without unlike other common trekkers. Check out Manaslu Trekking Itinerary for full insight, and details study about its main route and recommended side trip to explore. We have included two best side trips (Serang Monastery and Kaal Taal above).

View  of Mt. Manaslu (8163 meters) and a Buddhist Entrance gate at Lho Village (3180 m)

How much does it cost to hire a guide for a Manaslu Trek for 14 to 15 Days? 

Of course, this question arises in every trekker’s mind when they plan to hire the best guide for Manaslu. Yes, as per most of the website information, usually the Nepal trekking guide hire cost is between 25 and 35 US dollars, depending on the quality and experience of your guide. Some guides are so highly educated that your guide can explain about history, culture, religion, geography, wildlife, and vegetation in better language skills; they demand a high wage as they have vast knowledge of trekking needs, along with other basic guiding knowledge such as trekking routes, first aid training, and handling a critical situation just in case of an emergency. 

And in general, hiring a licensed Manaslu trekking route guide costs USD 30 to 35 a day. Porter guide cost is USD 20 to 23 a day. The price includes the guide and porter's expenses, such as meals and accommodations, and daily wages. There will be an additional fee of USD 100 per person as a company service charge for documentation fees, legalizing your trek with us, and insuring your trekking crew. 

The list of local Manaslu trekking guides and updated rates for Spring and Autumn Season 2026. Get a discounted price if you are trekking in winter and summer (June to Ma). Check our Monsoon Trek here. 

Pradip Tamang  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00
Rahul Tamang  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00 
Garap Sangpo Lama   Fee per day:  USD 35.00
Prakash Praja  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00 
Ek Bahadur Tamang  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00 
Mingmar Tamang  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00 
Yuhan Tamang  Fee Per Day: USD 35.00 
Nurbu Sherpa  Fee per day:  USD 35.00
Ajaya Tamang  Trek Guide Hire Cost USD 35.00 Per day
Krishna Tamang    Trek Guide Hire Cost USD 35.00 Per day
 Heriman Tamang   Guide cum Porter Cost USD 25.00 Per day
Upendra Tamang Guide cum Porter Cost USD 22.00 Per day 
Luresh Tamang  Guide cum Porter Hire Cost USD 22.00 Per day
Porter Hire Cost  USD 20.00 per day per porter

View of Mount Manaslu from Pungyen Gompa, which is a full-day excursion from Sama Gaun

How much does the Manaslu Trek Permit cost? 

A Manaslu trekking permit is only obtained through a government-approved trekking agency in Nepal, and trekking with an approved guide is compulsory as per the Department of State Law. There must be a minimum of two foreign trekkers in the group to get permits issued. 

Manaslu trek permit cost varies as per season

Autumn (Sept - November) USD 100.00 per person for the first week and USD 15.00 per person each extra day after 7 days.
Winter (December - February): USD 75.00 for 7 days per adult, and after 7 days: USD 10.00 per person. 
Spring (March - May): same rate as in the winter season
Summer (June - August) has the same rate as in winter. 

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You will need two extra permits, one of which is the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Entrance Permit. NPR 3000.00 per person
MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) entrance permit. NPR 3000.00 per person. 

If you are making a 7 to 8-day side trip to Tsum Valley

It will cost USD 40 / person/week from September to November and USD 30 / person/week from December to August. Beyond 7 days, it costs USD 7 / day/person. 

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Finally, should we arrange a hassle-free, budget-friendly Manaslu Circuit Package Trip to Manaslu? Yes, we do. Check our 13-Day Trek Package above.


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