Required Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

5th Oct, 2023

Learn about the latest permit requirements for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including the rules for obtaining permits, restricted area regulations, and essential information to help you plan your trek without any problems.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located within the Manaslu Conservation Area and passes through a designated restricted area due to its proximity to the Tibet (China) border and its location within the environmentally sensitive conservation zones of both the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. As a result, all trekkers must obtain the required permits before starting the trek.

To complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will need the following permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance Fee

These permits are mandatory for entering the restricted and protected areas. They must be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal, as independent trekking is not permitted in the restricted section of the trail.

Contrary to previous regulations, a minimum of two trekkers is no longer required. Solo travelers can now obtain permits, provided they trek with a government-licensed guide and meet all permit requirements.

Required Permit Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek in Nepal, so you need several permits to start this trek. You have to confirm the current permit requirements and fees before starting your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

This is the main permit you need to trek in the Manaslu region including Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through authorized local trekking agencies.

The permit fee is varies depends on the season
September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, and USD 15 per day thereafter.
December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, and USD 10 per day thereafter.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek route is located in Manaslu Conservation Area. So that the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). This permit is issued by Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or in Pokhara through a registered local trekking agency.

The cost of the ACAP permit varies depending on your nationality. For foreigners, it typically costs around NPR 3,000 and the SAARC Nationals' entry fee is 1000 (one thousand) Nepali Rupees per person 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

The Manaslu Circuit Trek also enters the Annapurna Conservation Area after Larke-La Pass. Therefore, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit, which is also issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or in Pokhara through a registered local trekking agency.

The cost of the ACAP permit varies depending on your nationality. For foreigners, it typically costs around NPR 3,000 and the SAARC Nationals' entry fee is 1000 (one thousand) Nepali Rupees per person. 

Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance fees 

The Manaslu Region Trekking area is located within the Manaslu Conservation Area, most of which falls under the Chum (Tsum) Nubri Rural Municipality. This region combines the villages of Sirdibas, Bihi, Prok, Lho, and Sama Gaun in the Nubri Valley, and Chekampar and Chumchet in the Tsum Valley.

To enter these areas, visitors are required to obtain local permits, which are issued for the development of the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality. The cost of the permit is NPR 1,000 for foreign visitors and NPR 200 for local travelers per person.

This rule has been implemented starting from 2024-09-01 by the local government, following decisions made during an executive council meeting and an all-party meeting at the local unit. The purpose of this initiative is to generate revenue for the local government. Additionally, a checkpoint has been established in Jagat, Ward No. 3, to collect the entrance fees.

How to Get Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Unlike the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, or Langtang Trek, individual trekkers cannot obtain permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek on their own. This is because the Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal due to its proximity to the Tibet (China) border.

To obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) and other required permits, you must apply through a registered and government-licensed trekking agency in Nepal. The trekking agency will process the permits on your behalf after collecting the required documents.

According to the latest regulations, a minimum of two trekkers is no longer required to obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. Solo travelers can also apply for the permits, provided they are accompanied by a government-licensed trekking guide and meet all permit requirements.

To apply for the permits, you will generally need the following documents:

• A valid Nepal visa (recommended validity of at least 30 days, depending on your itinerary)
• A clear copy of your passport
• Your Nepal visa number
• Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation
• A government-licensed trekking guide
• Guide insurance arranged by the trekking agency, as required by current regulations

Once you provide these documents, your trekking agency will submit the permit application to the Department of Immigration, Nepal, and the relevant authorities. After the application is approved, the required permits will be issued, allowing you to begin your Manaslu Circuit Trek legally and without any hassle.

Where To Obtain Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?

Permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are obtained through designated government offices in Nepal by a registered trekking agency. These permits include:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and must be processed by a registered trekking agency on behalf of trekkers. Individuals cannot apply for this permit themselves.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): These permits can be obtained from the Tourism Board Offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. While individuals can arrange these permits themselves for general trekking, for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is mandatory to obtain them through your trekking agency.

Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entrance fees: You can obtain this permit at the Jagat checkpoint. To get the permit, you must present all the required permits mentioned above, but your trekking guide will manage the process for you.

How many days are there need the Restricted permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is required for a minimum of 7 days as per government regulations. However, if your trek extends beyond 7 days in the restricted area, you will need to pay an additional fee for each extra day. The restricted area mainly extends from Jagat to Bhimthang, so if trekkers have only a 7-day permit, they must exit Bhimthang within one week. However, if you have a 7-day permit but are unable to reach Bhimthang due to unforeseen circumstances, you can spend one extra day there. For stays longer than 8 days, the permit must be extended through a registered trekking agency. We inform all trekkers who want to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek that they must obtain an 8-day Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as 8 days are sufficient to travel from Jagat to Bhimthang including one extra acclimatize day at Samagaun.

Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Us!

If you want to book the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we offer expertly guided and fully customized treks tailored to your needs. Our well-prepared itineraries include acclimatization days and emergency arrangements to ensure your safety and comfort.

We provide a comprehensive trekking package, including accommodation, meals, permits, guide, and porter services. Our expert local guides are licensed and experienced, offering safety, cultural insights, and local expertise throughout the journey.

We are flexible and open to both group join options and private treks. Our motto is to provide the best value for your money with transparent pricing and no hidden costs, ensuring an affordable yet high-quality trekking experience. Pricing depends on group size, package inclusions, and trek duration.

With these advantages, you are guaranteed a lifetime journey along the pristine trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness come together. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or seeking a unique Himalayan adventure, this trek promises an unforgettable experience.

High Pass Adventure is a best and reputable trekking agency and familiar with the permit requirements and application procedures for various trekking routes in Nepal, including the Manaslu Circuit. 

Total Cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The total cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is based on trekkers' requirements. Our program includes various packages with different itineraries, depending on the starting and ending points and the trekkers' pace.

The full-board package costs between USD 950 and 1500 per person in a group. These packages provide an all-inclusive and hassle-free adventure in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, typically covering everything from arrival to departure in Kathmandu. This include three nights' hotel stay in Kathmandu, all private transport in Kathmandu and Public transport during the trekking,  logistics, accommodations, meals,  all permits, guide and porter services, and a basic first aid kit for the trek.

This full-board package makes planning easy, as all logistics and permits are managed by our agency. Our experienced local guides ensure a safe and enriching trekking experience, while meals and accommodations are arranged so you can focus entirely on the trek.