Group Join Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is one of the most compelling Himalayan adventures in Nepal: remote villages, Tibetan-influenced culture, the towering peak of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the dramatic Larkya La pass (5,106 m), and a trail less crowded than the commercial routes. And with the experienced local operator Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks, you’ll join a group departure, benefit from fixed dates, and have the support of equipment rental, permits, logistics, and guidance.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need: what a “group join” trek means, fixed departure dates, packing list (and rental gear: sleeping bag, jacket, walking pole), permit costs, trek costs (for Nepali, Indian & foreign trekkers), 14-day full itinerary, options for shorter treks (10, 11 days), and how you can join the group. We’ll also mention other trekking teams/groups across Kathmandu, group trek advantages, and how to choose your trek.

Group Join Trek – What it Means & Why it Works

A group join trek means you join a scheduled fixed-departure trek with other travellers, all organised by the trekking company. This has several advantages:

• Cost sharing: group size means lower per-person cost.

• Fixed departure dates: you don’t have to set up your own private trek.

• Logistical ease: permits are processed, guide/porter assigned, transport organised.

• Social experience: You trek with like-minded people, which can boost morale and enjoyment in remote terrain.

For the Manaslu Circuit, group joining is particularly ideal because:

• The area is a restricted region, and solo trekking is not permitted; you need to trek with a guide and at least another person/team. 

• Permits are more complex (see next section), so having everything handled simplifies it.

• The trail is remote: having a group improves safety, shared costs, and social support.

The operator Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks notes that their “Group Join Manaslu Circuit Trek – Fixed departure date” is part of their 2025/26 schedule.

Thus, when you join one of their fixed-date departures, you simply choose the date, book, pay the deposit, and show up. The rest is handled.

Permit Requirements & Costs

Because the Manaslu region lies within a restricted area (for reasons of conservation and security), the permit regime is slightly more involved than for standard trekking areas in Nepal. Here are the key permits and their approximate costs:

Key Permits

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): mandatory for the restricted zone around Manaslu.

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): required for the conservation area component. 

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): required because the route exits via the Dharapani / Annapurna region.

Approximate Costs (for foreign trekkers)

• MRAP: ~ USD 100 for the first 7 days in peak season (Sept–Nov, Mar–May) and ~USD 75 in off-peak, plus USD 15 (or USD 10) per extra day. 

• MCAP: ~ NPR 3,000 (~USD 30) for foreigners. 

• ACAP: ~ NPR 3,000 (~USD 30) for foreigners. 

Cost for Nepali and Indian Nationals

• Nepali trekkers pay significantly lower amounts. For example, for Nepali, the overall cost (including transport, accommodation, meals) of Manaslu Circuit is estimated at NPR 35,000 – 45,000. 

• Indian nationals (SAARC) typically pay a reduced permit fee: e.g., MCAP & ACAP ~ NPR 1,000 each for SAARC nationals. 

Key Notes

• Permits must be obtained through a registered trekking agency; you cannot go entirely independently.

• The permit fees are non-refundable.

• Carry printed copies of all permits, as there are checkpoints along the route.

Trekking Costs – Breakdown by Category

Here we break down typical cost components and then give sample total costs for different categories of trekkers.

Cost Components

• Transport: Kathmandu → Soti Khola (or Machha Khola) by bus/jeep; exit via Dharapani → Kathmandu. 

• Accommodation (tea-houses) + meals: each day during the trek.

• Guide (licensed) and optionally porter. Mandatory guide for Manaslu Circuit. 

• Permits as detailed above.

• Gear rental (if you don’t have your own) – sleeping bag, down jacket, walking poles. 

• Miscellaneous: hot showers, WiFi, device charging, snacks, tips. 

Sample Total Costs

For International Foreign Trekkers

• An affordable 14-day Manaslu Circuit trek via a local operator: ~ USD 950 – USD 1,050 per person (group of 11–14) for standard services.

• A more inclusive package (13 days) may cost USD 1,200 – USD 1,400 per person. 

For Indian Nationals

• The cost for Indian trekkers (11-13 days) is lower: around USD 700 – 950, depending on season and group size. 

For Nepali Nationals

• As above, Nepali trekkers can expect the full-circuit cost to range from ~ NPR 35,000 to NPR 45,000 inclusive of transport, accommodation, gear rental, etc. 

Additional Notes

• If you have less time (10-11 days), the cost may be slightly lower – but you sacrifice acclimatisation time, which can increase AMS risk. 

• Gear rental: e.g., sleeping bag, down jacket, poles: maybe ~USD 1.50-3 per item/day. 

• Tips, hot showers, and charging: extra USD 5-10/day. 

What Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks Provides / Rental Equipment

The operator Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks offers the following in their group join package:

• Fixed departure dates for the Manaslu Circuit. 

• Professional English-speaking licensed guide(s).

• All required permits processed.

• Transport Kathmandu → trailhead and exit.

• Accommodation (tea-houses) + meals during trekking days (depending on package).

• Rental of essential equipment: sleeping bag (suitable for -10 °C or below), down jacket, walking poles.

• Logistics, rescue backup, group support.

Rental Equipment – Key Items

Here is a quick list of rental equipment you’ll likely need (and can rent via the operator):

• Sleeping bag rated for cold (-10 °C to -20 °C)

• Down jacket (insulated)

• Walking poles (pair)

• Optional: crampons/ice-axe (if going via Larkya La when snow/ice present)

• Others: warm hat, gloves, gaiters, headlamp, daypack (often your own)

Packing List (your own gear)

• Trekking boots (well-broken in)

• Hiking socks (several pairs)

• Thermal base layers (top & bottom)

• Fleece or soft-shell mid-layer

• Waterproof shell jacket & trousers

• Warm hat + sun-hat + buff/scarf

• Gloves (one thin, one warm)

• Sunglasses (UV protected)

• Sunscreen + lip-balm (high SPF)

• Water bottle/hydration bladder

• Daypack (20-30 L)

• Headlamp + spare batteries

• Personal first aid kit + altitude sickness medicine (consult doctor)

• Trekking permit copies, passport, and insurance details

• Snacks, power bank, charging cables (electricity in tea-houses limited)

• Thermal underwear, warm down jacket (if not rented)

• Sleepwear, personal items, toiletries (pack out waste)

Sample Itinerary – 13 Days (Group Join)

Here is a sample 14-day itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks (subject to confirmation and local conditions).

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). Hotel stay, orientation meeting, gear check.
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu → Arughat → Machha Khola (trailhead) (approx 8 hrs).
Day 3: Trek Machha Khola → Jagat (~7 hrs).
Day 4: Trek Jagat → Deng (~7 hrs).
Day 5: Trek Deng → Ghap (~6 hrs).
Day 6: Trek Ghap → Lho or Lo Village (~6 hrs).
Day 7: Trek Lho → Sama Gaun (~5 hrs). Acclimatisation day here.
Day 8: Trek Sama Gaun → Samdo (~4 hrs).
Day 9: Trek Samdo → Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi base) (~4–5 hrs).
Day 10: Early ascent: Dharmasala → Larkya La pass (5,106 m) → Bimtang (~6–7 hrs).
Day 11: Trek Bimtang → Tilje and drive to Besisahar (~7–9 hrs).
Day 12: Drive → Kathmandu.
Day 13: Departure.

Highlights: Larkya La Pass, Mt Manaslu views, Tibetan-style villages, glaciers, and high alpine scenery.

Note: This is a moderate-strenuous trek (altitude up to ~5,100 m) and requires proper acclimatisation and fitness. The rest day in Sama Gaun is important.

Shorter Options: 11-day / 10-day Manaslu Trek

For trekkers with less time, the operator also offers shorter variants, such as:

• 10-day Short Manaslu Circuit Trek: A more compressed trek, fewer rest days, quicker pace.

• 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek: Essentially a shorter version of the full circuit, ideal for fit trekkers who have limited vacation time.

Important: The shorter route comes with increased risk of altitude sickness because of fewer acclimatisation days. It’s recommended only for experienced trekkers. 

Cost Summary for Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks (Group Join)

Here’s how the cost stacks up when you book via Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks for their Group Join departures.

For Foreign (non-SAARC) Trekkers

• 14-day Manaslu Circuit Group Join: Estimated around USD 950–1,050 per person (based on group size). According to their own website, the group join cost is in that ballpark. 

• Higher tiers (smaller group, extra services) will cost USD 1,200+.

For Indian Nationals

• The cost is reduced given lower permit fees; the typical range is USD 700–950 for 12-14 days. 

For Nepali Nationals

• As noted earlier: ~ NPR 35,000 – 45,000 (for full circuit), depending on services and transport. 

What’s included (check with operator):

• All required permits

• Licensed guide

• Accommodation during trek (tea-house)

• Meals during trekking days

• Transport to/from the trailhead

• Fixed departure group logistics

What’s not included (check with you):

• International flights to/from Nepal

• Nepal entry visa (for non-Nepali)

• Travel/trek insurance (including evacuation)

• Personal gear (unless rental)

• Hot showers / WiFi / charging devices (may cost extra)

• Tips for guide/porter

• Extra days or changes to the itinerary

Why Choose Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks & How to Join

Here are reasons to choose Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks and how you can join their group:

Why choose them

• Established local operator, experienced in the Manaslu region.

• Offers fixed departure dates for group join – easy to plan.

• Handles all permits, logistics, gear rental – you focus on the trek.

• Shared group model reduces cost vs private trek.

• Knowledge of remote regions, culture, and altitudes.

How to join

• Check their website (or contact them) for upcoming fixed-departure dates of the Manaslu Circuit group join.

• Choose your date, confirm availability, and pay the deposit.

• Confirm what’s included (gear rental, accommodation, meals, transport) and what you must bring or pay for.

• Arrange your visa/insurance.

• Arrive in Kathmandu on time, attend orientation/briefing, and gear check.

• Trek with the group, follow the itinerary, enjoy the experience.

Kathmandu & Trekking Groups / Teams

While you’re in Kathmandu, you’ll of course link with your trekking operator, but it’s worth knowing that many trekking teams/groups in Kathmandu also organise group-join treks and can provide the community/booking support. For example:

• Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks – active on Tripadvisor, offers group trek options in Nepal.

• Multiple “trekking team” and “hiking group in Kathmandu” forums exist.
  It’s good to verify credentials, check reviews (e.g., Tripadvisor), ensure guide licensing, equipment quality, and emergency support.

If you’re keen to trek one of Nepal’s most majestic circuits, the Manaslu Circuit is a superb choice – remote, powerful scenery, rich culture, and strong logistic support via a group join with Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks. With fixed departure dates, gear rental, permit handling, and cost-effective group pricing, this trek offers excellent value for money (especially when you compare it with the more commercial Everest or Annapurna routes).

Whether you’re a Nepali, Indian, or international trekker, make sure you plan: secure your date, gear up, ensure your fitness and acclimatisation, and prepare for a life-changing Himalayan adventure.

If you like, I can pull up exact fixed-departure dates for 2026/27 that Himalayan Adventure Intl Treks currently has for the Manaslu Circuit, and send you a full itinerary in Excel/PDF form. Would you like that?