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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most adventurous and culturally rich trekking routes, taking you around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Known for its remote trails, Tibetan-influenced villages, dramatic landscapes, and challenging high passes like Larkya La (5,160m), this trek offers a less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp Trek.
Since the region is classified as a restricted area, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory. Many trekkers also choose to hire a porter to carry their bags, making the trek safer, more enjoyable, and less physically demanding. But how much does it actually cost to hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026/27?
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of guide and porter hiring costs, permits, services, tips, and practical advice to help you plan your Manaslu adventure with Himalayan Adventure International Treks.
Unlike some trekking regions in Nepal, the Manaslu Conservation Area and restricted zone require trekkers to have a registered trekking guide by law. Here’s why:
Restricted Area Rule – Solo trekkers are not allowed. A licensed guide is compulsory for the Manaslu region.
Permit Handling – Guides arrange the necessary permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP).
Safety & Navigation – Trails can be confusing, especially in rural sections and during snow in high passes. Guides ensure safety.
Cultural Interpretation – Guides act as translators, helping you connect with locals in remote Tibetan-influenced villages.
Emergency Support – In case of altitude sickness or injury, guides manage rescues and first aid.
The trek is physically demanding, spanning 12–14 days, with steep ascents and long daily walking hours. Carrying 12–18 kg backpacks can drain your energy. Hiring a porter allows you to:
Walk comfortably with just a day pack.
Reduce the risk of injury or fatigue.
Focus on enjoying landscapes and photography.
Support local employment, as porters are often from mountain villages.
The cost of a professional trekking guide depends on experience, language skills, and the trekking season.
Average Daily Cost (2025/26): USD $25–30 per day
This includes food, accommodation, insurance, and salary for the guide.
Guides are licensed by the Nepal Government, TAAN, and NMA.
👉 Example: For a 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, the guide cost will be around USD $350–420 in total.
Hiring a porter is optional but highly recommended for comfort.
Average Daily Cost (2026/27): USD $20–25 per day
A porter can carry 15–20 kg of luggage.
Cost includes meals, accommodation, insurance, and salary.
👉 Example: For a 14-day trek, porter cost will be around USD $280–350 in total.
If you hire both a guide and porter, you can expect the following:
Guide + Porter Package (per day): USD $45–55
For 14 days: USD $750–950 total
This ensures full support – the guide handles logistics and communication, while the porter carries your heavy load.
Besides guide and porter fees, trekkers need several permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Sep–Nov: USD $100 per week + $15 per extra day
Dec–Aug: USD $75 per week + $10 per extra day
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD $30
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD $30
Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Fee $10
TIMS Card: Not required for Manaslu Circuit (covered by restricted area permit).
Your guide/agency arranges these permits in advance.
Several factors influence hiring costs:
Season – Peak trekking seasons (Spring & Autumn) have slightly higher rates.
Experience & Skills – Guides fluent in English, French, German, or Japanese charge more.
Trek Duration – Longer treks cost more.
Group Size – Larger groups may share guide costs, reducing per-person expenses.
Agency vs. Freelance – Hiring through a registered agency like Himalayan Adventure International Treks ensures licensed, insured, and trained staff, while freelance may be cheaper but riskier.
| Service | Cost per Day | Total (14 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Guide | $25 | $350 |
| Porter | $20 | $280 |
| Permits (RAP + MCAP + ACAP) | Fixed | $170–240 (season-dependent) |
| Total (Guide + Porter + Permits) | – | ~$950–1,150 |
👉 Additional expenses: food, accommodation, transport (Kathmandu–Soti Khola/Arughat, Besisahar–Kathmandu).
When you book with Himalayan Adventure International Treks, you get:
Licensed and insured guides with years of experience.
Strong, reliable porters from mountain communities.
All logistics, permits, and paperwork handled.
Emergency assistance and insurance coverage.
Fair wages ensuring ethical trekking practices.
Book in Advance – Especially in peak seasons (March–May, Sept–Nov).
Check Credentials – Ensure your guide is licensed by TAAN/NMA.
Pack Smart – Keep porter load within 20 kg.
Respect and Tip – Tipping is expected; budget around 10–15% of trek cost.
Communicate Clearly – Discuss itinerary, pace, and responsibilities before starting.
Day 1: Drive Kathmandu – Soti Khola (710m)
Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (930m)
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,860m)
Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,660m)
Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,180m)
Day 7: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m)
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Samagaun (optional Manaslu Base Camp hike)
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,860m)
Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) – Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)
Day 12: Trek to Tilije (2,300m) & drive to Besisahar
Day 13: Drive to to Kathmandu
Day 14: Departure or leisure day in Kathmandu
Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?
No. Solo trekking is prohibited in the Manaslu region. A licensed guide is compulsory.
Can I hire just a porter without a guide?
No. Due to the restricted area rule, at least one licensed guide must accompany the trek.
How much should I tip a guide and porter?
Guide: USD $150–200 per trek
Porter: USD $80–120 per trek
Can I share one porter with another trekker?
Yes, if your combined luggage is under 20 kg.
Is hiring through an agency better than freelance?
Yes. Agencies ensure permits, insurance, and ethical wages, while freelance may involve risks.
Hiring a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just about fulfilling legal requirements – it significantly enhances your trekking experience. With expert navigation, cultural insights, and reduced physical strain, you can truly enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the adventure of crossing Larkya La Pass.
For 2026/27, expect the cost of hiring a guide to be around $25–30 per day and a porter $20–25 per day. Including permits and services, the total comes to around $750–950 for 12 days.
Booking through a trusted operator like Himalayan Adventure International Treks ensures safety, reliability, and a meaningful trekking experience in the remote Manaslu region.
Hiring a trekking guide ensures safety, navigation through remote areas, cultural insights, and assistance with permits and accommodations. Our guides are trained, experienced, and knowledgeable about the Manaslu region, enhancing your overall trekking experience.
Our guides undergo rigorous selection criteria. They possess certified qualifications, such as Trekking Guide Licenses, Wilderness First Aid certifications, and extensive experience in guiding treks in the Himalayas. We prioritize guides who are intimately familiar with the Manaslu region and its culture.
Absolutely. We cater to solo trekkers, small groups, and larger parties alike. Hiring a guide ensures personalized attention, safety, and companionship throughout your trek. Our guides are adept at accommodating individual needs and preferences, enhancing your solo trekking experience.
When you hire a trekking guide with us, you'll receive comprehensive services, including route planning, accommodation arrangement, permit processing, meals, and assistance with any issues or emergencies that may arise during the trek. Our guides are there to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Absolutely. We understand that every trekker has unique preferences and requirements. You can customize your itinerary, add side trips, opt for different accommodation options, or even combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek with other adventures. Simply discuss your preferences with our team, and we'll tailor the experience to suit your needs.
Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a journey through Nepal's remote and majestic landscapes, offering trekkers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and cultural richness. However, due to its status as a restricted area and the challenging terrain, hiring a licensed guide and, optionally, a porter is not only mandatory but also essential for a safe and enriching adventure.
As of April 1, 2023, the Nepalese government has mandated that all trekkers in restricted areas, including the Manaslu region, must be accompanied by a licensed guide. This regulation aims to enhance the safety of hikers and support local employment .
The Manaslu Circuit traverses remote villages, dense forests, and high mountain passes. A licensed guide brings invaluable knowledge of the terrain, ensuring that trekkers stay on the correct path and avoid potential hazards.
Guides often hail from the local communities and can provide deep insights into the customs, traditions, and daily lives of the people in the region. This cultural exchange enriches the trekking experience, offering a more profound connection to the places visited.
While not mandatory, hiring a porter can significantly enhance your trekking experience. Porters carry the bulk of your luggage, allowing you to trek with minimal weight, which is especially beneficial in high-altitude conditions.
Load Capacity: Typically, a porter can carry up to 20-25 kg of gear.
Support to Local Economy: Employing porters contributes to the local economy, providing income to residents of the region.
Licensed Guide: USD 25–40 per day, which includes their meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation .
Porter: USD 20–25 per day, covering their meals, accommodation, and insurance .
Guide-Porter: USD 25–30 per day. This option is suitable for solo trekkers or those on a tight budget. However, it's important to note that guide-porters may have limited guiding experience and language proficiency .
For a standard 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Guide: USD 300–480
Porter: USD 240–300
Combined: USD 540–780
These costs are in addition to other expenses such as permits, accommodation, food, and transportation.
Trekkers must obtain several permits to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP):
September–November: USD 100 for the first 7 days, USD 15 for each additional day.
December–August: USD 75 for the first 7 days, USD 10 for each additional day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD 30
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30
Total permit costs range from USD 160 to 200, depending on the season and trek duration .
This itinerary offers a condensed version of the trek, suitable for those with limited time. It covers the essential highlights, including the crossing of the Larkya La Pass.
A more relaxed pace allows for better acclimatization and exploration of side trails and villages.
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a swift journey through the circuit.
For those unable to complete the full circuit, shorter treks focusing on specific sections of the trail are available.
Trekking agencies offer various packages that include guides, porters, permits, accommodation, and meals. Prices vary based on services and duration:
Budget Package: USD 1,100–1,300
Standard Package: USD 1,390–2,090
Luxury Package: USD 2,090–3,590 .
Combining the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits offers an extended trekking experience, showcasing diverse landscapes and cultures. Detailed maps are essential for planning and navigation.
Nepali trekkers benefit from reduced costs:
Permits: Not required for Nepali citizens.
Accommodation: NPR 300–700 per room.
Transportation: Lower fares compared to foreign trekkers.
Food: Similar costs to foreign trekkers, with meals ranging from NPR 200–500 .
Hiring a licensed guide and, optionally, a porter is crucial for a safe and enriching Manaslu Circuit Trek. While it adds to the overall cost, the benefits in terms of safety, cultural insights, and support to the local economy are invaluable. Proper planning and budgeting ensure a memorable adventure through one of Nepal's most stunning trekking routes.
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