The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a unique journey through lush forests, high-altitude deserts, traditional villages, and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, making it one of Nepal's most rewarding trekking adventures. While trekkers often focus on major expenses like permits, guides, and accommodation, there are several smaller, personal costs that can add up during the journey. Being aware of these costs can help tourists better plan and budget for a hassle-free experience.
These costs, which can range from hot showers and device charging to snacks at altitude, can accumulate to NPR 2,000–4,000 per day (approximately USD 15–30), depending on the elevation and your comfort preferences. Since there are no ATMs or card-payment facilities once you leave Arughat, carrying the right amount of Nepali Rupees in cash is essential.
This guide breaks down every personal cost you’re likely to encounter on the Manaslu Circuit, based on our experience guiding trekkers at Master Himalaya Treks and Expedition through this route over multiple seasons.
Highlights of Personal Costs on the Manaslu Circuit
Expense Category
Cost Range (NPR)
Cost Range (USD)
Bottled water
NPR 50–900
USD 0.40–7
Snacks & energy bars
NPR 100–500
USD 0.75–4
Hot shower
NPR 300–700
USD 2–5
Electronic device charging (per device)
NPR 200–900
USD 1.50–7
Wi-Fi and connectivity access
NPR 500–1,000
USD 4–8
Toilet paper (1 roll)
NPR 50–200+
USD 0.40–1.50
Guide tip (per day)
NPR 800–1,500
USD 6–12
Porter tip (per day)
NPR 500–800
USD 4–6
Souvenirs and handicrafts
NPR 2,000–5,000+
USD 15–38
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by season, altitude, and individual teahouse. All figures are based on 2025/2026 trail conditions.
Snacks and Beverages:
During the trek, you’ll find the cost of snacks and beverages increases as you ascend to higher altitude. Basic items such as chocolate bars, chips and energy drinks can cost significantly more in areas like Samagaun or Dharmasala compared to Kathmandu. Hence, we always recommend taking enough energy bars and necessary snacks with you, while also being mindful of the weight you carry.
Similarly, a simple bottle of water can cost NPR 50 in lower regions but may rise to NPR 900 at higher elevations. Carrying purification tablets or a reusable water bottle with a filter can help reduce their expenses. As part of our trekking packages, we provide tea or coffee three times a day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner to keep you energized throughout the journey. However, it’s important to note that hard drinks are not recommended during the trek. As they can negatively impact the health and acclimatization of trekkers.
Hot Showers:
After a long day of trekking through river gorges and mountain passes, a hot shower feels like an absolute luxury. Most teahouses along the Manaslu trail offer hot bucket showers for a fee ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 700 (approximately USD 2–5), with the price depending on altitude and the fuel source available — whether gas, firewood, or solar heating.
If you want a hot shower at any point, simply let your guide know, and they will arrange it with the teahouse. Payment is typically required before checkout from the lodge.
Health Note: We advise trekkers to avoid showers between Samagaun and Bhimtang due to extreme cold and high altitude. Wet hair and damp skin at elevations above 4,000m significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Using biodegradable wet wipes is a safer, more practical alternative for maintaining hygiene during this stretch.
Charging Electronic Devices:
Electricity is a scarce resource in the Manaslu region, and teahouses typically charge a fee for using their power outlets. At lower elevations, charging may be free or minimal, but as you climb toward Dharmasala and the Larkya La Pass area, expect to pay NPR 200 to NPR 900 per device. Power is usually generated from small solar panels or micro-hydro systems, and during peak trekking season (September–November), high demand can limit your available charging time.
To reduce these costs and ensure you stay connected, carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh or more) and, if possible, a portable solar charger. Switching your devices to aeroplane mode during the day, reducing screen brightness, and turning off unnecessary background apps will also help conserve battery life significantly.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity:
Staying connected with friends and family is possible but increasingly limited as you gain altitude on the Manaslu Circuit. Teahouses in lower-elevation villages typically offer Wi-Fi for a fee of NPR 500 to NPR 1,000 per session or per day, depending on the location. Speeds are generally slow — enough for messaging but not for streaming or large file transfers.
For mobile coverage, the Namaste (NTC) SIM card provides the most reliable service in the Manaslu region and can be purchased affordably at Tribhuvan International Airport with your passport and a photo. Other providers like Ncell currently lack proper coverage along most of the trekking route, though new towers are reportedly being built in the area.
Important: Internet access is available up to Sando, but from Dharmasala to Bhimtang there is no mobile signal or Wi-Fi connectivity whatsoever. Inform your family about this communication gap before you start the trek, so they aren’t alarmed by a few days of silence.
Personal Hygiene and Toiletries:
Teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit do not typically provide toiletries. Items like toilet paper, wet wipes, shampoo, toothpaste, and soap must be purchased separately or, ideally, brought from Kathmandu. A single roll of toilet paper that costs NPR 30–50 in the city can cost NPR 200 or more at higher altitudes, and availability becomes unreliable above Samagaun.
We strongly recommend packing biodegradable wet wipes and eco-friendly toiletries to minimise your environmental footprint along the trail. The Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected zone, and responsible trekking practices help preserve the pristine environment for future visitors. In high-altitude areas where water sources may be frozen or scarce, wet wipes become your most practical hygiene tool.
Tips and Gratuities:
Tipping is a respected practice in Nepal’s trekking culture, and your guides and porters genuinely appreciate it after days of physically demanding work at altitude. Based on standard practice in the industry, recommended tipping amounts are:
Guides: NPR 800–1,500 per day (approximately USD 6–12)
Porters, who assist with carrying luggage and equipment, are typically tipped NPR 500–800 per day (approximately USD 4–6).
Drivers: A small tip for the transport driver is also appreciated.
Tips are typically given at the end of the trek, often in an envelope as a group gesture. Planning your gratuity budget in advance ensures you can express your appreciation without financial stress. For a 14-day trek, budgeting NPR 15,000–25,000 total for tips is a reasonable estimate.
Souvenirs and Handicrafts:
The Manaslu region is rich in Tibetan-influenced cultural heritage, and you’ll encounter local artisans selling handmade jewellery, woollen garments, prayer flags, and traditional artefacts at various points along the trail. On the way to Namrung, a charming apple farm offers locally dried apples that make for a delicious and lightweight trail snack.
Prices vary, and friendly bargaining is part of the experience. Setting aside NPR 2,000–5,000 for souvenirs allows you to support the local economy while taking home meaningful mementos from your journey through the Himalayas.
Plan Smart, Trek Happy
Being aware of these personal costs and budgeting accordingly can transform your Manaslu Circuit experience from stressful to seamless. The trek itself is a spectacular journey around the world’s eighth-highest mountain — the last thing you want is to worry about running short on cash at 4,000 metres.
At Master Himalaya Treks and Expeditions, we help trekkers prepare for every aspect of the Manaslu Circuit, from permits and logistics to practical budgeting advice. Our packages include three daily meals with tea or coffee, but we’re always happy to advise on how much extra cash to bring based on your personal comfort level and travel style.
Frequently Asked Question
How Much Cash Should I Carry for Personal Expenses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
We recommend carrying NPR 25,000–40,000 (approximately USD 180–300) in Nepalese rupees for personal expenses on a 14-day trek. This covers snacks, hot showers, device charging, Wi-Fi, toiletries, tips, and souvenirs. There are no ATMs on the trail, so withdraw or exchange all cash in Kathmandu before departure.
How Much Does a Hot Shower Cost on the Manaslu Circuit?
Hot bucket showers at teahouses cost between NPR 300 and NPR 700 (USD 2–5), depending on the altitude and fuel availability. Prices tend to be higher at remote, high-elevation lodges, often exceeding NPR 700 due to increased operational costs and limited access to resources.
Is Wi-Fi Available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Wi-Fi is available in teahouses up to Sando, costing NPR 500–1,000 per session. However, from Dharmasala to Bhimtang, there is no mobile signal or Wi-Fi. The NTC (Namaste) SIM card offers the best mobile coverage in the region.
What Is the Tipping Etiquette for Guides and Porters in Nepal?
Tipping is customary and appreciated. Recommended amounts are NPR 800–1,500 per day for guides and NPR 500–800 per day for porters. Tips are usually given collectively at the end of the trek.
Are Snacks and Water Expensive on the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes, prices increase significantly with altitude. A water bottle can cost NPR 50 in lowland villages but up to NPR 900 near the Larkya La Pass. Stocking up on energy bars and trail mix in Kathmandu and carrying water purification tablets can save considerable money.
Speak to our experts
We offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Nepal.
