The trekking adventure to the Himalayas is a dream for every travel enthusiast. The journey promises extraordinary experiences. However, without proper planning and the necessary permits, it is not possible. Likewise, if you're planning to trek in the Manaslu Region, obtaining Manaslu Circuit Trek permits are necessary.
Moreover, the Manaslu trek falls in a restricted region, so you need to obtain additional restricted area permits along with the usual conservation area permits. If so, you might consider it difficult to obtain.
But you've come to the right place. Here, we'll cover everything on the permits that are required for your adventure to the Manaslu region. In addition to this, all the necessary information including cost details, locations, and documents, are mentioned below.
Follow the guides below and you're ready to take on the adventure to the heavenly trek - The Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Permit Types
1. Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
The Manaslu region of Nepal, which is between Jagat and Dharapani, has been classified by the government as a restricted area. This means that in order to explore this area, travellers must get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
Because of the region's closeness to the Tibetan border, it has a restricted status that enables authorities to keep an eye on and regulate tourism and other activities there.
The RAP must be presented by trekkers at the Jagat entry point. It will also be checked at other checkpoints along the trail, the last of which is in Sama Gaun. It is necessary to have the permit with you at all times when you are in the restricted area.
Cost
The season and duration of your stay in the restricted area determine how much the Manaslu restricted area permit costs.
| Season | Cost for First Week | Cost for Additional Days |
| September to November | USD 100 | USD 15 per day |
| December to August | USD 75 | USD 10 per day |
Where to Obtain
It is important that the RAP can only be acquired via a local trekking agency that is regulated and registered with the government. Trekkers cannot apply for the permit on their own.
To ensure you have the required paperwork before starting your Manaslu trek, the trekking agency will take care of the application process and obtain the permit on your behalf.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP permit)
Trekkers who want to explore the Manaslu Conservation Area must have a Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit. This permit's objective is to promote the conservation area's growth and preservation while maintaining the area's natural resources and cultural heritage.
Starting at Philim, where the conservation area starts, trekkers must show their MCAP permit. You must keep the permit with you for the entire time you are trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Cost
Regardless of how many days you spend in the conservation area, the cost of the MCAP permit is the same every year, depending on your nationality.
| Nationality | Cost (per person) |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1000 (approx. USD 10) |
| Other Nationalities | NPR 3000 (approx. USD 30) |
Where to Obtain
You can obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP permit) at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project
Trekkers require the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit during the Manaslu Trek as well. This is because you will trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area from Dharpani to Besisahar. This permit is in favor of developing pathways in the Annapurna region and safeguarding the local flora and fauna.
Cost
The cost of the permit remains the same every year, no matter how long you stay in the conservation area.
| Nationality | Cost (per person) |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1000 (approx. USD 10) |
| Other Nationalities | NPR 3000 (approx. USD 30) |
Where to Obtain
In order to receive the ACAP permit, a printed photo of oneself is required. The Nepal Tourism Board has offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can obtain the permit. Getting the permit ahead of time is advised before beginning your trek.
Required Documents for Obtaining Permits
Here are the required documents for obtaining permits for the Manaslu Trek:
- Passport copy
- 2 Passport-size photographs (number may vary depending on the permit)
- Scanned photo for online form
- Trekking permit application form (provided by trekking agency or permit office)
- Trekking route details (entry and exit points, duration of trek)
- Travel Insurance
- Nepal Tourist Visa
Terms and Conditions for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
- Children under the age of 10 years are exempt from paying the permit fee, and no payment is required for them.
- Entry permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are not issued at any check posts along the trekking trail; they can only be obtained from designated offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- The permit is non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning it cannot be refunded or transferred to another person.
- Tourists entering the Conservation Areas must abide by the regulations outlined in the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973).
- The permit is valid for single entry only and cannot be used for multiple entries into the trekking area.
- Permits are issued strictly for individual trekkers and cannot be shared or transferred among multiple individuals.
- Trekkers must carry the entry permits with them throughout the duration of the trek.
- At various checkpoints along the trekking route, trekkers may be required to show their permits to the concerned officials upon demand.
- The stated permit costs are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) and any other applicable government taxes, with no additional charges levied.
- Permit holders are only allowed to enter and access the designated places inside the conservation area; trespassing into restricted or prohibited areas is strictly prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions for Everest Circuit Trek Permits
Is a TIMS Card required for Manaslu?
No, a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is not needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. A TIMS card is required, however, if you intend to carry on hiking from Dharapani towards the Annapurna Circuit.
Where can I obtain a trekking permit for Manaslu?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek trekking permits, which include the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, are exclusively available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, rather than at any of the trekking trail's checkposts.
How much time does it take to get the permit?
Getting the permits usually takes at least 1.5 hours. It could take several hours, though, if the online system is unavailable and the procedure must be completed manually.
Is it possible to get a permit before travelling to Nepal?
Permits are typically not issued ahead of travel to Nepal since the Department of Immigration must confirm the information with your original passport and visa. Under some conditions, though, you might be able to get the permits ahead of time by sending scanned copies of your passport, airline tickets, and visa information.
How many photos will I need?
For the ACAP and MCAP permits, you must submit two printed passport-sized photos, and for the online RAP application, you will need one scanned photo.
Why is a permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project required for the Manaslu Trek?
Because a portion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek travels through the Annapurna Conservation Area on its way from Dharapani to Besisahar, an ACAP permit is necessary. Even though you'll only be hiking in the region for two days, you still need to get a permit.
Is a different permit required for the Tsum Valley?
Yes, you will need to pay an extra charge to obtain a special permit made exclusively for the Tsum Valley region if you intend to visit the Tsum Valley as part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Does the Manaslu Circuit Trek require a guide?
Yes, because the Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in a restricted area, a licensed professional guide is required. In order to ensure trekkers' safety and the protection of the conservation area, as well as to facilitate communication with locals, a guide is necessary.
Is it possible to walk the Manaslu Circuit solo?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not something that can be completed alone. It is required that there be a minimum of two trekkers, including one guide, due to the restricted region laws. It is not allowed to trek alone for safety concerns.
Final Say
There you go. Obtaining the necessary permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mandatory. Though the permit-acquiring process can be a hassle, it secures your journey to the Manaslu region. By following the information mentioned in the blog, you'll be able to obtain permits.
Please note that you are not just undertaking the majestic trek to the Himalayas. By acquiring these permits, you get to contribute to the conservation efforts and sustainable tourism in the region. By following the rules and regulations, you're good to go and have taken part in conserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Manaslu region.
