Overview

Embarking on a trek in the majestic Himalayas of Nepal can be a thrilling adventure, but knowing how much to budget for your journey is essential. In this post, we'll provide a breakdown of the cost for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek, including permit fees, accommodations, food and drinks, guide and porter, and transportation. We'll also discuss the expenses to consider before and after the trek, such as visas, travel insurance gear, and equipment. 

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek is an off-the-beaten trek that leads you to the pristine region of northern Nepal allowing you to experience the tranquility of remote Nepal as well as its unique culture. This trek is one of the best treks in the world as it remains in its true form unbothered by the modernization of today’s world. Here, travelers can witness the world’s eighth-highest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), and trek circumambulating it.

This journey to the wilderness will allow you to experience hiking on terraced fields and woodlands, through the secluded villages, Mani walls, Chortens, and monasteries, and passing the dramatic Larkya La (Pass). Upon reaching the beautiful Tsum Valley, one will be astounded by its beauty and the heartwarming hospitality of the indigenous Tsumba community.    

Whether you're an experienced or a novice trekker, this extensive guide will help you plan and budget your epic adventure in the Himalayas. Likewise, the cost for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek depends on various factors such as:

Group Size

Group size affects the cost of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. The larger the group, the lower the price per person is likely to be. This is because the expenses such as accommodation, food, guide and porter, transportation, and permit fees can be shared among a larger group, reducing costs. At the same time, small groups or solo trekkers may have to pay a higher price per person as they'll need to cover all costs themselves. 

Level of Services

The cost also varies depending on the service and level of comfort you choose. Basic teahouse accommodation and food will be cheaper than luxury lodges and hotels. In addition, opting for a helicopter return will add certain fees to your trip package. 

Trekking Season

The cost also varies depending on your trekking season. The best seasons of autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are comparatively more expensive than summer (June to August) and winter (December to February). This is because the prices of permits are higher in peak season and lower during the off-season.

Trek Duration

The cost greatly depends on the number of days on the mountain. The longer the trek, the higher the price, as they require more resources and support. 

General Cost Breakdown for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek costs incurred before and after the trek can vary depending on your itinerary and preferences. Proper planning and budgeting enable an affordable and memorable trekking experience in the Manaslu region. Here are some common expenses to consider: 

Cost Incurred Before Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Nepal Visa Cost

The cost of a Nepal visa depends on the duration of your stay and the type of visa you need. But the price of a tourist visa to Nepal is as follows:

• 15-day multiple-entry visa: USD 30
• 30-day multiple-entry visa: USD 50
• 90-day multiple-entry visa: USD 125

Important Note:Visa fees are subject to change. You must check with the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country or the Department of Immigration of Nepal for the most up-to-date information. 

Accommodation and Food Costs in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and a hub for luxury tourism. You'll get many options for accommodation in Kathmandu, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels with excellent facilities. Budget travelers may consider staying in guesthouses. These are typically simple but comfortable, with basic amenities such as a bed, hot shower, and Wi-Fi. Those looking for more comfort and luxury can opt for mid-range and luxury hotels. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including air conditioning, swimming pools, and fitness centers. 

Trekking Permit Cost

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):  You needManaslu RAP, and the cost of the permit is as follows: 

For Peak Season (September - November)

• USD 100 per person for the first 7 days
• USD 15 per person per day for each additional day

For Other Months (December - August)

• USD 75 per person for the first 7 days
• USD 1 per person per day for each additional day

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The Tsum Valley RAP is required to enter the Tsum Valley region. The cost of Tsum Valley RAP is as follows: 

For Peak Season (September - November)

• USD 40 per person for the first 7 days
• USD 7 per person per day for each additional day

For Other Months (December - August)

• USD 30 per person for the first 7 days
• USD 7 per person per day for each additional day

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Since the trail passed through the Manaslu conservation area, you need this permit, which costs approx. USD 30 per person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek also pass through the ACAP, so you must obtain an ACAP. It costs approx. USD 30 per person. 

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card

A TIMS card is optional for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. However, this card ensures the safety and security of trekkers, so it's worth taking. In addition, it also provides information on trekking routes and trekkers' demographics. You can apply for a TIMS card through the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency. The cost of the TIMS card is USD 20 or local currency equivalent NPR 2000 approx. per person.

Important Note: These permit fees are subject to change. You can check with us for the most up-to-date information. 

Travel Insurance Cost 

Since Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a high-altitude trek, the cost of travel insurance will be higher than regular travel insurance due to the increased risk of altitude sickness and other health issues. The travel insurance cost can range from USD 4,000 to 10,000 or more, depending on the level of coverage, trip duration, age, health condition, and the insurance provider you choose.

An evacuation of a helicopter in Nepal costs at least USD 4,000. However, your travel insurance policy should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, loss or stolen luggage, and other unexpected events that may occur during the trekking journey. 

Trekking Equipment Cost 

The trekking equipment cost for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek can vary depending on the quality and brand of the gear. Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay for some essential trekking gear: 

Important Note: All the items mentioned above might not be necessary for everyone, they are a brief list prepared in order to give you a partial idea of the items and their prices. These prices are rough estimates, and the actual cost can fluctuate depending on the quality, brand, and purchase location.

You can rent some of this gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara, significantly reducing costs. In addition, it's always wise to invest in high-quality gear and equipment that will last for multiple treks. 

Transportation Cost 

During the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek, you will take a jeep ride to Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. The cost of the private jeep transfer is already included in the trip package cost. So, you don't have to pay again during the trip. Also, it's important to note that the transportation cost may vary depending on the season and availability. The Manaslu trail lies on the most remote and not easily accessible, so the transportation price is comparatively higher than that of other reasons. 

Likewise, there is also another option for transportation which is traveling on a sharing basis, either by jeep sharing or via public bus. This will reduce transportation costs for the trip.

Cost Incurred During Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek 

Cost of Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Tea houses are the most common accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Also, it's worth noting that the accommodation facilities are more basic in Tsum Valley than on the Manaslu Circuit trail. Most teahouses offer basic facilities, such as a bed, blankets, and a shared bathroom. The approximate price for accommodation on Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek ranges from USD 5 to 20 per night, depending on the location, level of comfort, and facilities. 

Cost of Food and Water on Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

The cost of food and water during the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek can vary depending on the location and type of food. 

Meals: The meals during the trek, on average cost USD 10 per meal, depending on the location and type of food. Local Nepalese dishes are typically less expensive than Western-style dishes. Also, the food cost increases as you climb high on the trail. 

Water: An average of USD 2 per liter, depending on the location. It's important to note that bottled water is not readily available on the Manaslu trail. Thus, you need to use water purification tablets or water filters to treat water from natural sources. 

Cost of Guide and Porter on Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Here are the approximate prices for a guide and porter during Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek:

Guide: USD 25 to 40 per day. A guide is recommended for everyone trekking in this region because it is very important to be safe. Our guides are professionals, skilled, helpful, and highly experienced in the mountains so your safety is ensured. Similarly, they have experience of many years so they can navigate the place easily and can provide you with all the information about the destination. Our guides are local so they can easily communicate with the natives and help you to interact with them.

Porter: USD 20 to 25 per day. A porter is recommended for those who avoid carrying heavy backpacks. 

Important Note: Tipping the guide and porter at the end of the trek is customary. It typically costs around USD 10 to 20 per day for the guide the porter. 

Extra Cost-cutting Tips for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek 

Here are some additional cost-cutting tips specifically for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek:

• Contact an authorized local trekking agency: Local agencies are familiar with the trekking route and are up-to-date with all the information and situation of the trekking destination. Contacting a local agency saves you additional costs required by middlemen. Likewise, before traveling with a local operator, it is very important to check their authenticity and experience.

• Bring a water purifier or purification tablets: Buying bottled water along the trekking route can be expensive and contribute to plastic waste. Bringing a water purifier or purification tablets can save money and reduce environmental impact. 

• Eat local food: Eating local food is cheaper and a great way to experience Nepali cuisine. Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepal dish of rice, lentils, and vegetables, is a staple along the trekking course and is often served in unlimited portions. 

• Rent trekking equipment: Several trekking equipment shops in Kathmandu offer a wide variety of trekking equipment. Their costs depend on the quality chosen and the required duration. Purchasing good quality trekking items could cost you hundreds of bucks so it could be ideal to rent them if you are traveling on a budget. These renting shops provide down jackets, hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles, and many more. 

• Travel during the low season: Like other trekking routes in Nepal, traveling during the low season (June to August and December to February) can save you money on accommodations, food, and transportation. But we do not suggest trekking during core monsoon months and very cold winter months. It is ideal to contact an experienced travel agency first.

• Invest in portable solar power banks and extra batteries: In the elevated regions of the trek, the tea houses will charge you for charging your phone, cameras, and other devices. So we advise you to carry solar power banks and extra batteries so that it saves you the cost of charging multiple devices.   

• Travel in local/sharing transportation: Means of transportation is quite expensive in Nepal owing to its difficult geography, limited resources, and high taxes. But, there is an option of traveling in a local bus to Soti Khola or Machha Khola depending on the season and condition of the road. This option is much cheaper than traveling in a private jeep.

• Travel in a group/join a group: Traveling in a group can significantly reduce the cost of trekking. Guide, porter, transportation, accommodation, etc could be shared between the travelers making it affordable for everyone. You could plan with your friends, family, colleagues, or travel buddies and trek together or if you are a solo enthusiast, you could join a fixed departure group of Himalayan Trekkers.   

If you follow these cost-cutting tips, you can save money while enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture of Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley in Nepal. 

Why choose Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek?

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley are located in the same region complementing each other beautifully by offering unique experiences. Including Tsum Valley in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very ideal choice. Even though located in the same region, Tsum Valley has a completely different feel to it that seems unreal. This hidden gem wasn’t open for travelers until 2008 and still is one of the most off-the-beaten trekking routes in Nepal.

By combining these treks, travelers have the opportunity to not only explore the wonders of the Manaslu Circuit but also indulge in the fascinating beauty of Tsum experiencing the unique culture and warm hospitality of Tsumba people. One of the key advantages of combining these treks is the cost-saving factor.

Traveling from far away requires a lot of time, effort, and money. Being a travel advisor, it is our responsibility to advise you to make the best out of your long-awaited trip. Both of these destinations have their specialty and even though close by location, they are very different from each other. So it’s just the facts to combine these treks if you are planning on visiting one of these beautiful places.

Likewise, the logistics of trekking in remote regions can be challenging, especially when it comes to arranging transportation, accommodation, permits, and guides. But including Tsum Valley, travelers can streamline their planning process and make efficient use of their time and resources. This not only simplifies the logistics but also provides an appealing choice for budget-conscious adventurers.

More Information

Can I carry the currency and change it in Nepal?

Yes, you can carry foreign currency and exchange it in Nepal. However, the exchange rates may vary depending on where you exchange your currency. It is highly advisable to exchange at authorized money exchange counters or banks. Also, bring clear and undamaged bills, as banks or money exchange counters may not accept torn, damaged, or older bills. 

Are there any ATMs or banks on the Manaslu trail?

Yes, but only some ATMs or banks exist on the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. It's good to carry enough cash in Nepalese rupees to cover your expenses throughout the trek. The last place to withdraw money is in the Arughat, the starting point of the trek. After that, a few small shops and lodges may accept credit cards or allow cash withdrawals, but these are rare. Also, the exchange rates for cash transactions on the trail may not be favorable, and the availability of cash may be limited. Therefore, it is advisable to bring enough money to cover all expenses. However, Himalayan Trekkers offers you an advance payment option which will alleviate the need to carry large sums of money. 

Conclusion

Planning a trek to the Manaslu region of Nepal can be an unforgettable adventure, but it's important to budget accordingly. As mentioned, the total cost for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek can vary based on several factors like mode of transportation, visas, accommodations, food, and equipment.  

Get ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime with the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. We hope this comprehensive cost breakdown will fully prepare you to budget for your dream trek. Don't let costs hold you back from this once-in-a-lifetime experience, so start planning your Manaslu Trek today. For further information, drop us a line, and we'll be happy to help.