Manaslu Trek which is believed to be the best alternative trek to former world famous Annapurna Circuit trek. Manaslu area is complete blend of cultural and natural heritage; is forbidden region that needs a restricted area trekking permission and trekking with licensed Nepalese guide is a must through a certified local trekking agency in Nepal. Do not worry for the guide fee, it is not that costly and trekking with a local guide is great fun that can make for a local experience. Whenever you go trekking, it’s always a good idea to witness if your trekking team have a local person on board. It’s not the same as speaking the language, and asking directions. It is more about learning and knowing about the people, place, culture, 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 his clients from the Netherlands in 2013 November
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 as local guides begin to come about. Supply will follow demand. This in addition to useful training courses which help guides provide better services.
Hiring Manaslu Trek Guide
Table of Contents
Sample Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Arughat (525m) – Soti Khola (700m) 7-8 Hours. There are 4-5 lodges.
Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola (887m), 6-7 Hours. Road building work is on. Several lodges at Machha Khola.
Day 03: Trek to Jagat (1345m), 7 Hours. Good lodges there.
Day 04: Trek to Deng (1860), 6 -7 Hours. There were two good lodges.
Day 05: Trek to Namrung (2600m), 7 Hours. Several descend lodges with WiFi service.
Day 06: Trek to Lho Village (3180m) 4 Hours. Good lodges available there.
Day 07: Trek to Samagaon (3520m). 3-4 Hours walk. Several lodges available.
Day 08: Rest and acclimatization day. Explore around and relax or hike to Pungyen Gompa / Manaslu Base Camp.
Day 09: Trek to Samdo (3860m), 3 Hours walk. Some reasonable lodges.
Day 10: Trek to Dharma Saala (4460m). 4 Hours trek. Two basic lodges available.
Day 11: Trek to Bimthang (3750m) via Larke La (5135m), Many good lodges.
Day 12: Trek to Goa (2560m) 6 Hours. Many good lodges.
Day 13: Trek to Chyamje 6-7 Hours. Many good lodges.
Day 14: Drive to Besi sahar and connecting drive to Kathmandu either Pokhara according to your choice.
View of Mt. Manaslu (8163 meter) and a Buddhist Entrance gate at Lho Village (3180m)
How much does it cost to hire a guide for Manaslu trek?
Of course; this question is rised in every trekker’s mind when they plan to hire a best guide to Manaslu. Yes; as per most of the website information; usually the Nepal trekking guide hire cost is between 25 to 35 US Dollar depending on the quality and experience of your guide. Some guides are highly educated that your guide can explain about history, culture, religion, geography, wildlife and vegetation in better language skill, they demand high wage as they have vast knowledge of trekking needs along with other basic guiding knowledge such as trekking route, first aid training, handling a critical situation just in case of emergency.
And in general; hiring a licensed trekking guide hire cost is USD 25 - 30 a day. Porter guide cost is USD 20 to 23 a day. The price includes their fees, meals and accommodation. You will be lavied of USD 55 - 75 per pax as company service charge to legalize your trekking with us and insuring your trekking crew.
The list of local trekking guides for the Manaslu Trek.
| Pradip Tamang | Guide Hire Price USD 50.00 Per day |
| Rahul Tamang | Guide Hire Price USD 35.00 Per day |
| Prakash Praja | Guide Hire Price USD 30.00 Per day |
| Ek Bahadur Tamang | Guide Hire Price USD 30.00 Per day |
| Mingmar Tamang | Guide Hire Price USD 35.00 Per day |
| Aital Sing Tamang | Guide Hire Price USD 28.00 Per day |
| Nurbu Sherpa | Guide Hire Price USD 30.00 Per day |
| Garap Sangpo Lama | Guide Hire Cost USD 30.00 Per day |
| Suppa Lopchan | Guide cum Porter Hire Cost USD 25.00 Per day |
| Yuhan Tamang | Guide cum Porter Hire Cost USD 25.00 Per day |
| Porter Hire Cost | USD 18.00 Per day per porter |
View of Mount Manaslu from Pungyen Gompa which is a full day excursion from Sama Gaun
How much does Manaslu Trek Permit cost?
Manaslu trekking permit is only obtained through a government approved trekking agency in Nepal and trek with an approved guide is compulsory as per Department of State Law. There must be minimum two foreign trekkers in the group to get permits issued.
Manaslu trek permit cost vary as per season
Autumn (Sept - November) USD 100.00 per person for first week and USD 15.00 per person each extra day after 7 days.
Winter (December - February) USD 75.00 for 7 days per person and after 7 days USD 10.00 per person.
Spring (March - May) same rate as in winter season
Summer (June - August) same rate as in winter.
You will need extra two permits that is 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 7-8 days side trip to Tsum Valley
It will cost USD 40 / person / week for the months of September to November and USD 30 / person / week for the months of December to August. Beyond 7 days, it costs USD 7 / day / person.
Finally; do we arrange a hassle free budget package trip to Manaslu? Yes we do, click here for more about inclusive package.
