Marvel Adventure Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Package Cost
Marvel Adventurer’s 19 days Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek is a fully guided and all-inclusive package. This itinerary plan is designed for the trekkers who want to focus on the experience without having to worry about the logistics.
This trek lasts a total of 19 days. Within this period, you will explore the sacred Tsum Valley and the adventurous Manaslu Circuit Trek which culminates at Larkya La Pass (5,206 meters). You will walk through Buddhist villages, lush rhododendron forests, glacial valleys and rugged Himalayan terrain all while gradually gaining elevation.
We emphasize valuable experience; that’s why we keep our group sizes small and personal. Our group size is a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 12 people. We also provide an assistance guide if the group size is near the maximum threshold to ensure an immersive experience.
Marvel Adventure guarantees that you will get individual attention, cultural insight and a sense of connection. With our operating group limit, it also provides better safety, efficient pacing and deeper experience along the trail.
Why Book With Marvel Adventure?
- We ensure hassle hassle-free experience and guaranteed access (both Manaslu and Tsum Valley are restricted regions in Nepal)
- Experienced guides with local roots, they excel at interpretation, translation and offering that cultural connection
- Marvel Adventure is a government-licensed local expertise, we are fully certified by the Department of Tourism and are committed to ethical tourism practices
- We offer personalized itineraries and acclimatization planning, we don’t believe that one-size-fits-all trekking
- Seamless logistics even in the isolated region
- Culturally sensitive approach; we are deeply committed to respecting local customs, religious spaces and community norms
- Real-time trail information and updates
- 24/7 support during the trek
- Marvel Adventure also boasts strong community relations, we have been trekking these trails for years, forming strong ties with natives and local businesses
What’s Included in the Package Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek cost will provide coverage for all essential services. Here is our coverage list to help you understand more about the nature of the package.
Package Includes
- All necessary ground transportation (including hotel pick-up and drop-off)
- Accommodation at teahouses along the trail
- Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) throughout the trek
- Licensed and expert trekking guide fluent in English
- Strong porter to assist you with luggage (one porter carries about 30 kg of luggage; a single porter is assigned to two trekkers)
- Coverage for salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guides and porters
- Fresh seasonal fruits every night after dinner
- All required permits for the trek (MCAP, ACAP, RAP for Manaslu and RAP for Tsum Valley)
- An extensive first aid kit with an oximeter for daily oxygen saturation check-up
- Our service cost, VAT and government tax
Package Excludes
- Cost of international airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance for trek with high altitude and helicopter coverage (getting insurance is mandatory)
- Drinks, dessert and snacks during the trek
- Other personal expenses (charging, shower, internet, etc.)
- Tips to guide and porter (a tip is expected in the trekking industry)
Cost Breakdown for Independent Trekkers (For Comparison)
If you are planning independently, you will have the freedom to craft and choose where you stay or eat. However, it does come with more responsibilities, hidden costs and logistics burden.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek Cost if you are planning your trek on your own.
Trekking Permits Cost
Unlike the more accessible treks in the Annapurna or Langtang region, trek in Manaslu is regulated under Nepal’s restricted area system. Thus, you cannot trek independently without a registered guide and the cost for permits is non-negotiable.
The total permit cost required for this trek is approximately around US$ 245 per person. Here is the list of permits you will need to acquire for this trek:
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Guide and Porter Wages
Hiring a licensed trekking guide is an absolutely mandatory requirement for trekking in the Manaslu and Tsum Valley region. Even seasoned trekkers will need a government-certified guide to navigate the remote trail under Nepal’s restricted area regulations. Independent trekking without a guide is illegal.
Most trekkers also hire porters to help them carry their luggage, especially on a long itinerary route like this one. Here is what the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek cost structure for guide and porters will be like:
- Licesned Guide— US$ 25 to US$ 35 per day
- Porter— US$ 20 US$ 25 per day
So, if you are doing independent trekking, you will have to oversee these expenses by yourself. Also, most guides and porters expect food and accommodation to be provided by trekkers. Unless those costs are included in the daily wages.
As for a guided trek, the cost of guides and porters is covered by the package itself.
Transportation (Kathmandu–Soti Khola, Dharapani–Kathmandu)
Getting to and from the Manaslu trailhead is not an easy feat or as straightforward as other routes. There are no direct tourist buses and the roads are rough and seasonal. So, you will need a combination of jeeps, buses and patience to get to the starting point.
- Local Bus: US$ 15 to US$ 20 (is crowded, includes long travel time and is very bumpy)
- Shared Jeep: US$ 35 to US$ 45 per person (is faster, more comfortable)
- Private Jeep: US$ 150 to US$ 250 (can be split in a group of 4 to 7 trekkers)
For the return trip, the jeep and loco bus combo is most ideal. But the transportation option varies based on weather and road conditions. If you are short on time or prefer private travel both ways, the cost will rise exponentially.
Teahouse Accommodation and Meals
Trekking in this remote region is also a logistical challenge. Unlike the popular routes, you will be relying on basic family-run teahouses in some of the least commercialized terrain in Nepal. So, the pricing and comfort vary significantly depending on location and altitude.
- Teahouse Accomodation Cost— US$ 4 to US$ 8 per night
- Standard Meal Cost— US$ 4 to US$ 8
- Beverage Costs— US$ 1.5 to US$ 5 (depening on altitude)
Due to the complexity in transport, food and beverages are more expensive at the higher regions.
Other Miscellaneous
Even if you strictly monitor the meals and lodging other miscellaneous costs can creep up, especially as you venture into a region with limited infrastructure and facilities. These are the kinds of expenses that trekkers often forget to budget for. But, they are essential for your comfort, hygiene and connectivity.
Typical Miscellaneous Costs
- Device Charging— US$ 2 to US$ 4 per hour
- Hot Shower— US$ 2 to US$ 5 per use
- Wi-Fi (where available)— US$ 2 to US$ 5 per session
- Snacks— US$ 2 to US$ 5
- Boiled Water Refill/ Bottled Water— US$ 1 to US$ 3 (more expensive in higher regions)
Permit Costs and Government Fees
Trekking Manaslu and Tsum Valley requires multiple sets of permits due ot the region’s restricted status. The pricing structure for the permits also varies by season and is non-negotiable. Even if you are trekking solo or in a group, you will need to acquire all these permits.
These regulations exist to preserve local culture, monitor tourism impact and secure sensitive border zones near Tibet. That’s why you will need to meet specific legal requirements before you set foot on the trail.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit— US$ 100 for the first 7 days and US$ 15 per day after that (September to November) and US$ 75 for the first 7 days and US$ 10 per each additional day (December to August)
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit— US$ 40 per person for the first 7 days (September to November) and US$ 30 per person for the first 7 days (December to August)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)— US$ 30 per person
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)— US$ 30 per person
Importantly, you cannot trek solo here. Permits are only issued via a government-registered trekking agency. You must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times. If you are trekking via a reputable agency like Marvel Adventure, they will handle the permit process once you book for the trek.
Transportation Costs to and from the Trailhead
Accessing the remote trailheads of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek requires careful planning and budget allocation. Compared to the popular trekking hubs like Lukla or Jomsom the trailheads to Machha Khola and Dharapani are not directly served by an airport or fast transport links.
So, overland transport is your only option. The Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek cost for transportation varies significantly based on comfort and reliability. Options range from economical, slow public buses to expensive private jeeps, which cut travel time and add comfort.
- Private Jeep (Kathmandu to Machha Khola)— US$ 150 to US$ 250
- Shared Public Bus— US$ 15 to US$ 20
- Return Trip (Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar)— similar transport options at similar prices (private jeep and shared bus)
Understanding these transport costs and options is crucial. Especially if you are trekking independently, then you will need to coordinate timing carefully as well too avoid missing critical connections. You don’t want to waste valuable trekking days.
Accommodation and Meal Costs on the Trail
While trekking the Manaslu Circuit and the Tsum Valley, you will need to account for the daily expenses of lodging and food. You can estimate the expense to go higher if you are doing it independently rather than booking a full-service package.
The teahouses' infrastructure in Manaslu and Tsum Valley region is gradually improving. But, in comparison to regions like Annapurna and Everest, they remain quite basic and somewhat pricier due to their remote location and logistical challenges for transportation.
- Basic Teahouse Accomodation— Us$ 4 to US$ 8 per night
- Meals— US$ 4 to US$ 8 depending on preference
- Drinking Water and Beverages— US$ 1.5 to US$ 5
Guide and Porter Cost (If Hiring Separately)
Another major aspect of the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek cost is hiring a licensed guide. It is not just a recommendation but is mandatory by law. Moreover porters are a smart investment as they ease your load and help in navigating challenging sections.
If you are trekking through an agency, the cost of a porter and a guide is included in the price bundle. But if you are trekking independently, which allows flexibility, you will need to understand typical wage ranges.
- Guide Fees— US$ 25 to US$ 35 per day
- Porters— US$ 20 to US$ 25 per day
Normally, agencies pay for food, accommodation and insurance of guides and porters. It is necessary to clarify these terms upfront with guides and porters. Some freelance guides may expect these costs to be covered separately.
Hiring a qualified support personnel not only complies with local laws. But it also contributes to your safety, comfort and cultural experience on this demanding trek.
Travel Insurance and Emergency Costs
When planning a trek in a remote and challenging region like Manaslu and Tsum Valley travel insurance isn’t optional it is essential. Given the high-altitude nature of the trek, unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, your insurance must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue).
- Standard Insurance Cost— US$ 70 to US$ 100 for 30 days
- Comprehensive Insurance Plan— US$ 120 to US$ 180
In the event of an emergency at such a significant altitude, helicopter rescue is the only viable option. Without a comprehensive package to cover it, the rescue can be shockingly high, anywhere between US$ 3,000 to US$ 5,000 per person.
Securing a right insurance will give you peaced of mind nd a vital safety net in this remote region.
Extra Trekking Costs to Consider
Beyond permits guides, accommodation and food, the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek cost also hosts other small but unavoidable expenses. These extras add up as you move along the journey. So budgeting for them helps to avoid surprises.
- Hot Showers— US$ 2 to US$ 5
- Battery Charging— US$ 2 to US$ 4
- Wi-Fi— US$ 2 to US$ 5
- Snacks and Drinks— US$ 2 to US$ 5
- Tips— US$ 10 to US$ 15 per day (guide) and US$ 5 to US$ 10 per day (porter)
While these smaller costs may appear trivial at first glance, they can accumulate significantly over the course of a multi-day trek. Factoring them into your budget ensures that you are prepared for the realities of trekking in the remote mountain region. This will allow you to maintain comfort and flexibility without financial stress.
Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Safety
- Travel in small groups. Sharing costs with fellow trekkers, can significantly reduce the expenses
- Bring your own water purification system; buying bottled water along the trail adds up quickly and creates plastic waste
- If you don’t have the necessary trekking gear, rent it in Kathmandu rather than purchasing expensive gear
- Book transportation early and share rides, as it reduces the risk of last-minute expensive bookings
- Buy high-energy snacks in Kathmandu to avoid paying altitude-inflated prices on the trail
- Avoid excessive use of paid services like hot showers, internet use and phone charging; bring a power bank and use data
- Bring a basic first aid kit and altitude medication to avoid paying high costs are remote clinics
- Avoid overpacking; heavier loads mean higher porter costs
- Choose the teahouse wisely, lower elevation lodges offer better prices for both meals and accommodations
- Avoid unnecessary souvenirs and trinkets; focus on meaningful purchases
- Respect local customs and build rapport; positive relations with locals often lead to better services, fairer prices and helpful tips for improved safety and budget
Conclusion: Invest in Experience, Not Just the Trek
When planning the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek it is tempting to solely focus on cutting off the cost factors. But in reality this adventure in isolated Himalayas demands more than just money; it demands a thoughtful investment in safety, comfort and authentic experience.
Due to the unique challenges of this remote and restricted region, every dollar you spend isn’t just an expense, but it is a crucial part of the journey for unlocking the true essence of the trek. These cost heads for Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek ensure you can navigate the remote trail legally, enjoy cultural insights and handle emergencies confidently.
Ultimately, investing properly means your trek becomes more than a trip, it becomes a meaningful adventure which challenges you, connects you to the unique cultures and helps you create lasting memories.
