How Much Does It Cost to Climb Manaslu?

Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters is the world’s 8^th highest peak. It’s a fascinating Himalayan peak in the Gorkha District of west-central Nepal. Gyalzen Norbu and Toshio Imanishi were the first to summit the peak on May 9^th 1956. Since then, many have climbed to the top. It is a challenging expedition as there are many areas that require technical ascent. Manaslu is also more remote than Everest and thus offers pristine beauty. Climbing Mount Manaslu is totally worth it despite the challenges, tough terrain, costs, and the planning and preparation needed for the expedition.

Introduction to the Costs of Climbing Manaslu

The world’s eight highest peak, Manaslu is located in the Mansiri Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. It is known for its remote location, challenging terrain, and breathtaking beauty. Climbing Manaslu is a thrilling experience, just as exciting or more compared to Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu expedition is demanding as technical skills, mental endurance, and physical fitness are needed. However, many mountaineers consider it to be one of the easiest 8,000 meter high altitude climbs, which make it a favorite among many.

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu? The cost will depend on various factors like your itinerary, the tea houses you select, mountaineering gear, whether you decide to fly back on a helicopter or trek, and other factors. It is important to understand the various factors that affect the Manaslu expedition cost as this will help you plan and budget for the expedition.

Breakdown of the Manaslu Expedition Costs

If you are wondering how much does it cost to climb Manaslu, then you should know that there are two types of cost for the expedition – fixed costs and variable costs. Fixed costs include the permit fee, the cost of hiring a guide, and such others. Variable costs include your choice of transportation, the number of porters, equipment etc.

Here’s a breakdown of your overall Manaslu expedition cost. How much does it cost to climb Manaslu – this should give you a good idea.

Expedition Costs for Guides and Porters

The expedition is lengthy as it will take between 5 and 6 weeks. Climbing Manaslu is impossible without the assistance of able guides and porters. The authorities have made it mandatory to climb the peak and even trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area because of the remoteness of the area and the many challenges it offers. Thus, you will only get a permit if you hire professional guides.

Hiring a porter isn’t mandatory. But this is advisable because porters can take the load off you, which will make it more comfortable. So, guides and porters are both needed for this expedition. They will both make your work easier in this high altitude climb.

A licensed guide will cost between 25 and 30 USD for each day. This will cover the cost of accommodation, meals, wages, and insurance.

The cost of a porter will be between 20 and 25 USD for each day.

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu with a guide and porter? Naturally, your Manaslu expedition cost will vary depending on the number of porters in your team. You may also need more than one guide if your group size is big.

Cost of Climbing Permits for Manaslu

You will need several trekking and climbing permits and even to enter the Manaslu conservation area.

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

You have to pass through the Manaslu Conservation Area before reaching the base camp and then the advanced camps. The per-person cost is US$30. The amount collected is used to preserve the natural resources of the area, maintain the suspension bridges, keep the walking trails open, and help the villagers.

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

The cost of this trekking permit varies depending on the season. It is higher during the peak seasons of autumn and spring. The per-person cost is $100 for September to November and $75 for December to August. If you overstay for more than a week, then it will be $15 and $10 respectively for each day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The expedition ends in the Annapurna region so you will also need this permit. It is issued from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. The ACAP Manaslu permit cost is $US 30 per person. You will need this permit too before you can access one of the world’s highest mountains.

TIMS Card

This is a mandatory permit for those who want to trek in the Himalayas. The card helps the authorities keep track of those who are going up the hills. It is mandatory for the safety and security of the mountaineers and trekkers. Data is fed into a central information system. Rescue operations are organized if there are any missing climbers/trekkers or accidents.

Fixed Costs for the Manaslu Expedition

Some of the costs will be fixed, meaning they won’t change depending on your group size, season of expedition, and other factors. This includes permits, transportation, and gear.

Manaslu Climbing Permits and Fees

You will need the following trekking and climbing permits for the Manaslu expedition. This includes trekking permit for the Manaslu Conservation Area, the base camp, and the climbing permit to reach the summit.

1.    MCAP or the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

2.   MRAP or the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

3.   ACAP or the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

4.   The TIMS Card

The cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit varies depending on the season but the Manaslu expedition price for the others is always constant. Here’s how much it will cost you – 

MCAP – US$30 per person

ACAP – US$30 per person

TIMS Card – US$ 14.81

Cost of Transportation to and from Manaslu Base Camp

You will begin your walk for the Manaslu base camp from Machha Khola village. There is no airport nearby, so you will have to drive from Kathmandu. On a bus, the transportation cost will be between 5 and 8 US$ per person. You can also rent a jeep, which can seat eight people. The rental price is between $150 and $190. Or, you can take a shared jeep with other travelers. Each seat costs between $40 and $50.

Most expeditions end at Dharapani. From here, you have to drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar.

You can also fly back from Samagaon to Arkhet on a helicopter and then drive to Kathmandu if you want. This will save you a few days but it will increase the cost. The cost of this expedition with helicopter return varies, depending on the group size.

Variable Costs of Climbing Manaslu

There will be some variable expenses depending on your group size and the choices you make. Here are the major variable elements of Manaslu expedition price – 

Accommodation Costs: Tea Houses and High Camps

You will have to stay in a tea house all the way up to the base camp. From there, there will be different high camps until the summit.

A tea house is the standard accommodation in most Nepali treks and expeditions. There are some exclusive places to stay in the lower regions but higher up the trail, you must stay in a tea house. You will get basic amenities there like bedding, laundry, electricity, and bathroom. Do not expect a private bathroom. Some bathrooms have Western seats.

The cost of a room is around $5 or $6. You will get Wi-Fi in most places in the lower altitudes. The cost is $3 each night. Charging the camera, power bank, and phone will cost $2 to $3.

However, the price in a tea house will vary depending on the season. During spring and autumn, you will have to pay the standard rate.

You have to eat where you sleep. You can only get the food that you see on the menu in your tea house. Breakfast with bread, pancakes, omelets, muesli, oats, and fruits will cost $5 to $7. For lunch, you can choose from noodles, pasta, momo, or Nepalese dal and bhat at $4 to $8. Desserts like chocolates and pudding will cost around $3.

Climbing Equipment and Gear Rental Costs

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu will also depend on the climbing equipment you choose. You can rent the gear in Kathmandu but like many climbers you may want to bring your own things, equipment you have used before. Common climbing equipment you will need – 

Ice axe

Crampons

Accessory cord

Carabiner System

Fixed ropes

Alpine climbing harness

Belay device

Trekking poles

Ascender

Sleeping bags

Oxygen tanks

You will also need a backpack, thermal jacket, primaloft trousers, liner gloves, a sun hat, a sunglass, and many other things. The cost for high-quality branded items can be around US$300. If you rent, then it will be between US$ and 7, based on the type and grade of the gear.

You will also need a first-aid kit for the high altitude climb. The kit should contain – 

A pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen saturation

1 roll of athletic tape

2”x 2” sterile gauze pads

2” roller gauze

Thermometer

Dettol

Water Proof Band-Aids

Also carry medicines like Disprin, Vomistop, and Diamox. How much does it cost to climb Manaslu depends on the contents of your kit. However, generally, it should be around US$20-25.

Additional Costs and Considerations for a Manaslu Expedition

There can be a few additional costs that will increase your overall Manaslu expedition price. This includes insurance, extra days, and the cost if there is a medical emergency.

Extra Days and Emergency Costs

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu is calculated on a standard itinerary to reach the Manaslu base camp and then proceed to reach the top of the peak. For most individual mountaineers and groups it is between 5 and 6 weeks.

However, sometimes you may need an extra day or two for various reasons. Some people can be slow trekkers or climbers. Others may require an extra day for acclimatization. Bad weather or excessive snowfall may also hold you back and prevent you from progressing at the desired speed. All these factors may delay your progress.

There can also be a medical emergency, which is common in this high altitude climb. The group may be forced to stop and deal with the emergency before it can proceed, which will also delay the progress.

Plus, there is also an additional cost for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. If you overstay for more than a week, then it will be $15 and $10 respectively for each day.

Insurance and Medical Emergency Costs

It is always advisable to get travel insurance for a high-altitude trek because a medical emergency can happen in the highest mountains. Depending on the coverage plan you select, the insurance will cover expenses for medical care, unpredictable weather, lost or stolen possession, cancellation or postponement, emergency evacuation, and such others.

The insurance cost will depend on the overall coverage plan and your age. Standard insurance plans can be as low as US$ 30. An extensive coverage will be around US$ 150.

Make sure that the policy you select covers emergency rescue because in extreme cases, emergency evacuation might be necessary. The emergency costs of evacuation in a helicopter vary between US$1,000 and 5,000 depending on how far the climber has progressed before he or she needs to be brought back and the complexity of the operation.

The Role of Guides and Porters in the Manaslu Expedition

The Nepal government has made it compulsory for mountaineers and trekkers to be accompanied by a registered guide. So, you cannot go to the Manaslu region without a guide because the Manaslu conservation area is a restricted zone. The government has taken various steps to preserve its natural beauty, flora and fauna, promote eco-tourism, and improve the lives of the local communities.

For those concerned about how much does it cost to climb Manaslu, yes the cost will go up, but honestly, there is no other way.

A professional guide can help in many ways. The person knows the area, guide you through the climbing routes, help you deal with the technical climbs, fix the ropes and ladders, and also has the training to manage emergency situations. A guide will also be able to identify the subtle weather changes and situations.

In the lower altitude below the Manaslu base camp, the guide can take you to the villages of the local Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Sherpa communities. They all have unique lifestyles, customs, and cultures. A guide can help you learn their history, cultural practices, and traditions.

The Role of Porters

It is not mandatory to have porters on this expedition. But practically, climbing Manaslu is impossible without a porter for most people. Porters carry your luggage and gear, which reduces your load and makes it easier for you to do the climb. This will certainly improve your chances of standing on the summit. Besides, the chance of your staying physically fit also increases if you don’t have to carry heavy equipment.

Porters also help in setting up the camp and also in rope and ladder fixing. Most expeditions require several porters depending on the group size.

Cost of Hiring Guides and Porters for the Manaslu Expedition

You may be worried about the question “how much does it cost to climb Manaslu” but the fact is that you will need both guides and porters for the expedition. The expertise of a certified guide will help you in the technical sections of the climb, including crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. The guide will also help in fixing the ropes and ladder.

A porter will carry the supplies, sleeping bags, first-aid kit, and mountaineering equipment so that you can walk and climb comfortably. This will increase your chances of standing on top of the peak.

The cost of a certified guide is between 25 and 30 US$ for each day.

The cost of a porter is between 20 and 25 US$ for each day.

Comparing Manaslu to Other 8,000m Peaks

The world has fourteen 8,000 meter peaks and 8 of them are in Nepal, either wholly or shared with India or China. This includes Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Kanchenjunga (8598 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,463 meters), Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Manaslu (8,163 meters), and Annapurna (8,091 meters).

How does climbing Manaslu compare with the other peaks technically, difficulty-wise, and how much does it cost to climb Manaslu in comparison to some of the other major and popular peaks?

Manaslu vs. Cho Oyu: Which is More Affordable?

A Cho Oyu expedition costs between US$ 25,000 and 30,000. This includes the permits, fees of porters and guides, accommodation, and food. On the other hand, an average expedition to Manaslu, the world’s eight highest peak, is between US$ 15,000 and 20,000. This means, Manaslu is cheaper. There are many climbing routes for this 8,000m peak. You can reach for this price through the northeast face, which is the most popular route.

Also, keep in mind that the permit fees of Cho Oyu has increased recently, which means it has become more expensive to climb this peak.

Many climbers believe that Manaslu is a much easier peak to climb compared to Annapurna and K2. Also, climbing Manaslu is a very good practice for those who want to do the Everest expedition later.

Manaslu vs Everest Expedition: Cost and Difficulty

The higher altitude of Everest means you will be higher up in the Death Zone with even less oxygen. This is why many feel that it is more difficult than Manaslu. Many mountaineers believe that it is always good to climb Manaslu before the Everest expedition to find out how the body reacts in a high altitude climb.

Both Everest and Manaslu offer unique challenges. In Manaslu, the ascent to Camp 1 is fairly easy, whereas in Everest, you must cross the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. In Everest, the ascent from Camp 1 to Camp 4 shouldn’t be an issue for most climbers but above Camp 4, they must cross the Hillary Step, which is extremely challenging. The climb from Camp 1 to 4 is more challenging compared to Everest. However, the ascent to the summit is easier by comparison.

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu compared to Everest? A Manaslu expedition price is cheaper. Even reaching the base camp is cheaper. In Everest, you have to take a flight to reach Lukla before the walk begins. But in Manaslu, you can drive to Dharapani, Soti Khola, or Barpak before beginning the trek to the Manaslu base camp. There is no need to fly, which saves you money.

The average price of an expedition to Mount Everest is $59,069 and the median price is $51,000. Generally, the Everest expedition is more costly.

Preparing for the Manaslu Expedition: Tips and Budgeting Advice

You will need to be in your best physical condition for the Manaslu expedition. You will need the right climbing equipment and must take every precaution to reach the top. If the question how much does it cost to climb Manaslu worries you, then the following tips will help you.

Planning the Budget for Your Manaslu Expedition

The Manaslu expedition price may seem costly for some people. But it is certainly worth it considering what you will gain in return. You will stand on top of one of the world’s tallest peaks. You will see pristine nature and overcome many obstacles, which will give you a sense of achievement.

If how much does it cost to climb Manaslu worries you, then you will be happy to know that there are some ways to save money. You can select cheaper transportation before and after the expedition. Also, you can join a large expedition group. A large group size will make it cheaper for everyone as the cost of the porters and the guides will be divided between all the climbers. You can also decide to stay in modest tea houses. Such small changes will all reduce your Manaslu expedition cost.

It is good to minimize your Manaslu expedition cost. But while trying to save money, never compromise on your safety gear, guide, porters, sleeping bags, climbing equipment, insurance, and such other things. Always allocate adequate funds towards the important things.

What to Pack for a High Altitude Climb

Here’s a list of essential items you will need for the expedition, including warm clothing, climbing equipment, and sleeping bags for high camps. You will find them all useful in this high altitude climb.

Ice axe

Crampons

Accessory cord

Carabiner System

Fixed ropes

Alpine climbing harness

Belay device

Trekking poles

Ascender

Insulated boots

Neck gaiters

Sunglasses

Sun hat

Backpack

Headlamp

Sunscreen

Sleeping bag

Down jacket

Down suit

Primaloft trousers

Primaloft jacket

Waterproof jacket

Thermal tops

Short/long Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt for the lower altitude

Liner gloves

Thermal underwear

Conclusion: Is Climbing Manaslu Worth the Cost?

Summiting the eighth highest peak in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are a mountain lover, you will enjoy every moment of this adventure. Imagine the feeling of standing on the top of a 8,000m peak. The Manaslu expedition cost isn’t a factor for those who want to enjoy this experience. There are ways to reduce the Manaslu expedition price as well.

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu will be determined by seven main factors.  The cost of the permits, accommodation, transport, guides and porters, insurance, supplies, and the mountaineering gear you choose. Make sure that you work with the best guides and select good climbing routes for this awesome high altitude climb.