Manaslu region is a spectacular trekking destination in the world. This outstanding trekking adventure takes you to the remote and rugged landscapes of the region. You will pass through the majestic foothills of Himalayan mountains, green hills, and vast meadows. One of the integral parts of this tour is Manaslu Circuit Trek permits.
The three essential permits required for a trek in Mt. Manaslu (8163m) regions include Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Manaslu region located on the border of Nepal and Tibet is an avid trekker’s delight. The Government of Nepal has specific requirements for trekking in the region.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote region trek that takes you to virgin landscapes in Nepal. The trail passes through ancient settlements of ethnic “Nubri” communities. The majestic views of snow-capped mountains will enchant you along the trail. You can view Himalayan sunrise and sunset views from various points along the route.
You need to file your permits before you go on this Manaslu Circuit Trek. These permits’ cost depends on the trekking season (Spring and Autumn), and the tour duration. Your nationality (SAARC nationals or others) also changes the cost of these permits. Rustic routes and virgin landscapes make the Manaslu Circuit trek quite popular.
The Nepal government has restricted areas and permits to preserve natural and cultural resources. These permits get issued by the Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal. Read for various aspects of the Manaslu circuit Trek permit, their costs, and how to obtain them in detail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Their Costs
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP)
The Jagat to Sama Gaun section is the restricted region in the Manaslu Trek. You will need to get the permit for this stretch. After showing Manaslu Restricted Area Permit in Sama Gaun checkpoint, you will also need the ACAP.
The restricted area permit cost also depends upon the time of the trek. The itinerary days between Jagat and Sama Gaun are essential factors in permit’s cost as well. The Manaslu RAP can get obtained after applying online. The cost of the permit for different seasons are as follows:
September to November: The Manaslu Restricted Area permit costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days. From then onwards, you will need an additional USD 15 per person per day.
December to August: The Manaslu Restricted Area permit costs USD 75 per person for the first seven days. From then onwards, you will need an additional USD 10 per person per day.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit is essential before you pass through the conservation area in Dharapani. Trekkers will only trek for a few days in the Annapurna conservation area, but you need to get this permit.
The ACAP permit costs the same as MCAP and remains the same all around the year. There are no changes in the cost of this permit according to the season. You need to get this permit in person with a printed photograph.
For SAARC nationals, ACAP Entry Fee costs NRs. 1000 per person. For other nationals, ACAP Entry Fee costs NRs.3000 per person. For Nepalese, this permit costs around NRs.100 and is free for children below 10 years of age.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
All the conservation areas need a special permit in Nepal. The Manaslu Conservation area starts in Philim, and you need MCAP Permit to trek. The MCA Permit cost is constant all around the year. It doesn’t matter how long you stay during the trek as there are no such restrictions or changes in price.
For SAARC nationals, the MCA Permit cost is NRs.1000 per person. For other nationals, the MCA Permit cost is NRs.3000 per person. Nepalese nationals have to pay Rs.100 to get this permit. Moreover, it is free for children below 10 years of age.
Other permits
If you want your trip to extend to Tsum Valley, you will need a Tsum Valley permit as well. This permit will cost USD 40 per person for one week from September to November. From then, it costs USD 7 per person per day.
Moreover, This permit will cost USD 30 per person for one week from December to August. From then, it costs USD 7 per person per day. Similarly, if you decide to extend your trip to Muktinath, Jomsom, or Pokhara, you will need the TIMS card, as you will trek in Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna base camp route.
The trekker’s information management system (TIMS) costs are NRs. 1,000 for Group Trekker and NRs. 2,000 for Free individual trekkers (FIT). TIMS Card fees for SAARC countries are NRs. 300 for Group trekkers, and NRs. 600 for FITs. These TIMS cards are essential to locate and rescue trekkers in emergency conditions.
Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) and Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) are available from these Entry Permit Counters.
- Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu (for Annapurna & Manaslu)
- Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Center, Pokhara: (for Annapurna only)
- Besisahar, Lamjung: ACAP Entry Permit Center, Besisahar, Lamjung (for Annapurna only)
Open Sunday to Friday, except on public holidays: 9 am-5 pm.
Documents Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
The Manaslu Circuit Trek gets issued by concerned authorities after submitting the required documents. You can also get the permits issued at the checkpoints under particular conditions. However, these Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost some extra. The essential documents required by the Nepal government to apply for the permit in Mt. Manaslu are as follows:
- Original passport
- Four passport-sized photos.
- Nepali visa with the arrival stamp.
- Money in cash.
- Readable travel Insurance papers.
- Copy of flight tickets with the date of arrival and departure.
- A scanned passport copy along with Nepal Visa.
- Consent letter to Immigration Chief. You must mention the reasons for the permit in advance.
- Consent letter of the trekking company. You must guarantee to present the required documents upon arrival.
Process of Getting Permits and Where to Obtain Them?
Step 1: Fill the application permit form online
- Fill up the online application for MCAP and ACAP separately on the official website.
- Address it to the DG, Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal, and send the application.
- Upload the travel itinerary (in printed form) with trekking dates.
- Upload the photocopy of the passport’s main page and visa page.
- Arrange your money in American dollars. You can also note down the serial number and denomination of each note on the agency letterhead.
Step 2: Arrive at the Department of Immigration’s office and take the following documents.
- You should go to the Department of Immigration, located in Anamnagar.
- Then submit the American dollars and mention all the serial numbers and denominations of each note on the agency letterhead and submit it to the Global IME Bank located at the Immigration Department premises and collect the deposit slip.
- Verify the official document
- Update authority certificate, guide insurance, and tax clearance from the central bank.
- An officer will verify the details and then send it to the second officer for second verification and then forward the file to the Head of Immigration.
- The Head of Immigration will issue his signature after making the final verification.
- The individual permits get printed along with the stickers and signed.
- After getting the final stamp on stickers, you will receive your Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Now we need to get ACAP and MCAP.
Step 3: Go to Nepal Tourism Board to issue MCAP and ACAP permits.
Drive to the Nepal Tourism Board office and pay the permit fee for MCAP and ACAP in local currency. You can then submit the application form, and you will receive a permit. Then paste your photograph on your permit, and they will sign the form. Now all set to trek in the Manaslu region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and Transfer to your hotel (1,300 m/4,264 ft).
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710 m/2329 ft)
Day 04: Soti Khola to Macche Khola (900 m /2952 ft )
Day 05: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410 m/4625 ft)
Day 06: Jagat to Deng (7187 m /23,573 ft)
Day 07: Deng to Namrung (2630 m /8626 ft)
Day 08: Namlung to Samagaon (3530 m/11,578 ft)
Day 09: Exploring Pungyen gompa (3530 m/11,578 ft)
Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3860 m/12,661 ft)
Day 11: Rest Day in Samdo (3860 m/12,661 ft)
Day 12: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4450 m/14,596 ft)
Day 13: Dharamsala to Larke la pass (5160 m/16924 ft) Bimthang (3590 m/ 117776 ft)
Day 14: Bimthang to Tilije (2300 m/ 7544 ft)
Day 15: Tilije to Dharapani (3-4 hrs) and drive to Besisahar (825 m/ 2706 ft)
Day 16: Dharapani to Besisahar by local jeep and back to Kathmandu on a comfortable vehicle.
Day 17: Final departure.
Terms and Conditions
- Trekkers can enter the places within the Conservation Area only.
- Permits are only ideal for individual trekkers, and it is non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Trekkers should carry this entry permit at all times and show it at various checkpoints in the Conservation Area if any concerned personnel ask for it.
- There are National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973) regulations. A person entering the Conservation Area must abide by these rules.
- Entry permits are not available in check posts along the trekking routes. However, under special circumstances, you will get these permits at a 100% additional charge. Therefore, you should get these permits before you enter these Conservation Areas.
Do You Want to Extend Your Trip to Tsum Valley?
You can also extend the Manaslu trip to Tsum Valley. This tea house trek takes you to the hidden valley of Tsum. The Tsum Valley section is an exploratory trek that goes to virgin landscapes and off the beaten trail. It is a challenging trek that requires 7-8 hours of the tour on average.
It requires a high level of stamina and physical fitness. The Tsum Valley trek passes through at an altitude of 3,000m and above. Trekkers also have to cross the Larkya La, a challenging pass located at an elevation of 5,160m. You will also pass through snow and ice-capped trails and require a mountaineering training skill.
This trekking trail passes through beautiful landscapes, mountain passes, and waterfalls along rocky paths and cliff sides. You will also pass through suspension bridges, chortens, mani walls, and other ancient Buddhist monasteries along the Tsum Valley trail.
Tsum valley is a hidden valley with a diverse natural landscape and unique culture, and people’s lifestyle. The region is quite close to the Tibetan border and has a lifestyle and tradition similar to Tibetan Buddhism. You can also meet various Buddhist monks and nuns busy in their religious prayers and daily activities along the trek. Milarepa’s Cave is one of the highlights of this trek.
There are spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, including Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Ngadi, Simrang, Hiunchuli, and Larkya Peak. From the summit of Larkya La pass, you can observe spectacular views of frozen lakes, icefalls, Himlung Himal, Kanguru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
This extended trek will provide you with a diverse adventure and different cultures. Trekkers will need a high level of stamina but have incredible views of snow-capped mountains.
From where does Manaslu Circuit extend to Tsum Valley Trail?
Tsum Valley Trek extends from the Manaslu circuit trek from Arughat Bazaar. Arughat is a small market settlement in the Gorkha District, and is the Tsum Valley trek’s starting point. The upstream trail passes alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. You will pass through the banks of the Budi Gandaki river and its traditional settlements.
The trail moves alongside Soti Khola and climbs upstream towards Machha Khola Valley. Then the trail passes through the Lower Tsum Valley. You will pass through Philim and Chumling village settlements and arrive at the Chhekampar, Upper Tsum valley. The remote, rugged terrain of the region and there are glacial paths that are unique.
There are landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau along the region, along with the ancient Tibetan settlements. After continuing alongside the Shiar River, you will arrive at Mu Gompa. The Mu Gompas are one of the largest Buddhist monasteries. You will pass through Rachen Gompa and Gonhgye Gompa as you will trek alongside the Soti Khola trail.
After descending along the downstream trail, we will arrive at the Arughat Bazar following the Budhi Gandaki River trail. The trek then continues back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any connecting side trips in this Manaslu Circuit Trek?
If you wish to take any connecting side trips and Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will need a TIMS Card. The trekkers can take this trek along with the more popular Annapurna Circuit treks. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Dharapani can also merge with this Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will not require another ACAP permit; the one you got earlier will be enough.
Is a TIMS card essential along with the other permits for this trek?
A Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card is not required after getting all the other permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The two conservation area permits and restricted area permits are only required for this trek in the Manaslu region. But if you are connecting to Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp route, you will need a TIMS card.
Can you get Individual permits for Manaslu Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek, and hence individual trekking is not possible in the Manaslu region. You can only get Manaslu trekking permits if you are trekking with the help of an authorized trekking staff.
To get Manaslu Circuit trek Permits, you must fulfill certain requirements. Some of the requirements listed by the Nepal government are as follows:
- Trekking through a local trekking agency is a must in Nepal.
- You must trek with a group of at least two people, along with an authorized guide from the trekking agency.
- You must apply for special permits through an authorized local trekking agency in Nepal.
- A guide, a porter, or a porter-guide is essential for Manaslu Circuit Trek. You should ask your trekking agency to assign an authorized porter.
Can trekkers apply for the permit in advance?
Manaslu Circuit permits are generally not provided in advance. This is because the Department of Immigration needs to verify your details. They will need your original passport and visa details, along with other information. However, you can book your trip for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in advance.
Where are the permits for Manaslu Trek available?
You can get the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits at the Department of Immigration Office of the Nepal Government, Kathmandu. The Manaslu restricted trekking permit is available here.
Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal do not issue Manaslu trekking permits. However, you can get your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit there.
Why do trekkers need to get Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit for trekking the Manaslu Circuit?
Trekkers need to trek from Beshi Sahar from Dharapani during Manaslu Circuit Trek. These regions fall under Annapurna Conservation Area, and although you will only trek these regions for two days, you will need Annapurna Conservation Area permit to trek.
Do children require Manaslu Trekking Permits?
Yes, children require Manaslu Trekking Permits as well. If you want to trek with your children, you will need to get trekking permits for them. Even if your child is below ten years of age. Therefore, you should get RAP, ACAP, and MCAP if you take your children to Manaslu Circuit Trek.
However, if your children are of age ten and below, you will not require payment for the permits as they are free. The process of getting these Manaslu Circuit Trek permits is the same for both adults and children.
How many photographs do I need?
Two passport photographs (printed) and a scanned photograph are essential to get this permit. ACAP and MCAP require printed photos, whereas the Manaslu RAP needs a scanned photograph you need to send online.
What is the duration to issue the permit?
It takes around one to two hours to issue the permit. In case the online server goes down, the process might get longer as everything needs to get done manually.
What does the Manaslu circuit trek permit cost?
Manaslu Circuit Trek permit includes various permits like Manaslu RAP, ACAP, and MCAP. The cost differs for those who are from SAARC countries and those who are foreigners. However, the duration of the trek between Jagat and Sama Gaun defines the restricted area permit cost.
Do you need a separate permit for Tsum valley?
Yes, you need a separate permit for Tsum valley. You need to add a Tsum Valley permit to your list of permits, and it will cost around USD 40 per person for one week.
Final Say
Manaslu circuit trek is an incredible adventure in the foothills of Mt. Manaslu (8163m). There are various permits required for this trek. We hope you learned about the Manaslu circuit trek permit, their costs, and how to obtain them in detail. However, if you book with us, you will not need to go through any hassle as we will get these permits for you. Contact us for more information about this trip and book your trip now!
