Himalayan trekking adventure cost is based on which route you choose and the quality of the treks you walk. Both Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit treks show Nepal’s mountains, challenging routes, and ethnic groups but offer very different costs when it comes to trekking.
The Everest Base Camp Trek budget is usually higher because of Lukla flight fees, pricier hotel rooms, and improving infrastructure in the Khumbu region. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers budget friendly travel because it costs less for transportation and accommodation even though you must pay more for permits and a guide.
This guide shows you how much money each trek costs by listing all trip expenses such as permits, lodging, meals, guides, travel, and extra fees.
Following cost are noted in January 2025, price may hike with the time.
| Category | Everest Base Camp (EBC) | Manaslu Circuit |
| Permit Fees | $50 (Sagarmatha + Khumbu Municipality) | $110+ (Restricted Permit + MCAP + ACAP) |
| Accommodation | $10 to $50 per night | $6 to $15 per night |
| Meals | $25 to $30 per day | $20 to $30 per day |
| Guide Fees | $30 to $50 per day (optional) | $30 to $50 per day (mandatory) |
| Porter Fees | $22 to $28 per day (optional) | $22 to $28 per day (optional) |
| Transportation | $4000 round-trip flight (Kathmandu to Lukla) | $10 to $15 bus or $150 to $450 private jeep (shared) |
| Charging Devices | $2 to $5 per charge | $2 to $5 per charge |
| Wi-Fi Access | $3 to $5 per session | $2 to $5 per session (limited availability) |
| Hot Showers | $2 to $5 per use | $2 to $5 per use |
| Total Cost (Budget Trek) | $1,200 to $1,500 | $900 to $1,500 |
| Total Cost (Luxury Trek) | $2,500 to $3,000 | $1,500 to $2,000 |
Permit Costs
Obtaining trek permits adds substantially to both trek’s costs but Manaslu’s special restricted area fee makes it more expensive. To hike the Everest Base Camp route you must buy a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit ($30) and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit ($20). You can simply purchase these permits because they come without needing assistance from trekking agencies.
You need multiple permits to hike the Manaslu Circuit because it has a restricted status. To enter the Manaslu area trekkers need both Manaslu and Annapurna conservation permits ($60 total) and a restricted area pass ($100 for the first week then $15 extra each day). As part of government rules, every Nepalese trek needs both a guide and group members for trekking.
Accommodation and Food Expenses
You have many accommodation choices during your Everest Base Camp adventure since Namche Bazaar and nearby villages provide tea houses starting at $10 per night to luxurious hotels priced around $50 per night. Food costs rise sharply in Everest area hiking areas since supply routes get more distant which pushes meal rates up to $25 to $30 per day.
Lodging on Manaslu costs less while staying basic compared to the rest of the Himalayas. Tea house nights cost between $6 and $10 except that basic services in Manaslu don’t match Everest accommodations. People spend about $20 to $30 for their daily meals and discover limited menu options. The low number of hikers help keep the trekking cost at Manaslu under the levels of the Everest area.
Guide and Porter Fees
Trekkers must have professional guides and porters (optional) during their trips on both the trek, but for Manaslu, there are strict regulations.
During your Everest trekking adventure, you need to spend $30 to $50 daily for guide services plus $22 to $28 per day for a porter. The walking routes allow budget-conscious hikers to leave the guide services behind if they want to save expenses.
The Manaslu Trek demands all visitors hire licensed guides without exception. The rates for local guides and porters along Manaslu match the prices near Everest although both treks involve adding these professionals. Because this path is difficult to access and demanding to hike many people decide to use both guides and porters even though it makes their adventure more expensive.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs make up most of the price difference when choosing between these treks. Trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp must spend about $600 roundtrip to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Many trekkers choose a faster Lukla beginning because hiring a jeep from Jiri would stretch their itinerary by several days.
Manaslu Circuit costs less than Everest Base Camp because you travel by bus but the ride takes longer and feels unsteady. Travelers have two options to reach Soti Khola to begin their trip, they can either ride a local bus for $10 to $15 or rent a private jeep sharing the $150 to $200 fee with the group.
The trip back to Kathmandu from Dharapani or Besisahar runs $10 to $15 on public buses or $200 to $250 with a private shared jeep. You can take this drive instead of flying to Lukla yet it needs 8 to 12 hours on bumpy roads because it costs less than an airplane ticket.
Additional Expenses (Charging, Showers, and Wi-Fi)
Hikers need to pay for electricity use plus hot showers and Internet access on both trekking routes. Everest tea houses charge guests $2 to $5 to power their electronic devices and Wi-Fi access runs around $8 per day.
Trekkers in Manaslu will pay similar charges to power their devices yet access to Wi-Fi runs lower and operates poorly across the route. Staying warm in your shower will add $2 to $5 to your expenses at any altitude since prices increase in these remote areas.
Total Estimated Cost Comparison
Trekking to Everest Base Camp with basic services costs $1200 to $1700 but luxury treks reach $2500 to $3000 per person. Hiking the Manaslu Circuit Route costs between $900 and $1,500 for all budgets because the remote region results in fewer expenses.
You won’t be paying high in the Manaslu region because accommodation here is basic and costs less while food is simple and filled. The hike demands for logistics are also fewer. The lack of tourist services oinManaslu means the trekking company reduces expenses for participants.
Everest Trek remains cheaper in terms of a guide, as it doesn’t require one, and Manaslu on the other hand, is less expensive looking at an overall perspective.
Which Trek is More Expensive?
The Everest Base Camp trek costs more than other options because it demands expensive Lukla flights plus increased rates for both accommodations and tourism services. Although traveling Manaslu means you need a guide alongside special permits it stays cheaper thanks to budget-friendly accommodations and reduced transportation prices.
Individuals planning to catch their first glimpse of Mount Everest should invest their money in an Everest Base Camp trek for excellent convenience and service.
If you want to take a ride for wide and broad views, we have a helicopter tour for Everest Base Camp. This Everest Base Camp helicopter tour costing $1400 per person provides you with amazing views that can not be perceived when trekking on foot.
Those seeking affordable adventure in Nepal will enjoy Manaslu’s lower price points and lighter tourist areas while enjoying peak trekking activities.
Choosing these trails depends on personal budget limits, trekking choices, and which Himalaya experience feels best.
Why Choose Everest Base Camp Trek
- Stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Thamserku.
- Well-developed trails with comfortable amenities, including lodges, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.
- Quick and scenic access via Lukla flights.
Why Choose Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Quiet, remote trails through Tibetan-influenced villages like Samagaun, Samdo, and Lho.
- Deep cultural immersion with visits to Pungyen Gompa, yak herding settlements, and traditional homes.
- More affordable, with basic accommodations and cheaper transportation options.
