Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit

The Manaslu Circuit trek in the pristine Himalayan landscapes is an exciting adventure. The stunning journey in the remote terrains passes through the rich natural biodiversities. The off-the-beaten paths of this magical trek include serene natural landmarks like cliffs, meadows, rivers, water streams, etc.

Manaslu Circuit trails pass through some of the restricted areas of the region. These areas remain restricted to conserve the natural habitat of the wildlife in the region. Besides, there are some security reasons as well. Therefore, trekkers taking this Manaslu Circuit trek will require special permits from the Government of Nepal.

The permits required for the Manaslu Circuit trek include the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). The Manaslu Circuit Trek permits get based on the season of the trek. This means the cost of the permits differs from the peak season of Spring and Autumn to the offseasons.

The permits also differ between various nationals. If you are from a SAARC national, you will get specific discounts. Children below 10 years of age can obtain this permit for free. The Nepal government’s Department of Immigration and Tourism Board provides trekkers with these permits.

Read on for the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit and how to get them in detail.

You might want to check our packages: Short Manaslu Trek | Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek | How long is Manaslu Trek?

About Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful journey through the spectacular remote Himalayan region. The scenic trek passes through virgin landscapes where many trekkers have not trekked before. Since this is an off-the-beaten trek, you will get to travel in a peaceful atmosphere.

Hence, you will have a great scenic adventure in the region. The ancient settlement of the local people. The snow-clad mountains of the area, including the panoramic Himalayan sunrise and sunset views, highlight this trek.

The trail of this trek also provides you with scenic mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Mount Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Ngadi Himal, Hiunchuli, and others. There are other stunning vistas that you can observe, including the majestic Larkya La pass that you will pass through the trek.

The Annapurna II, Kanguru, Cheo Himal, and other icefalls from the mountain pass can be observed. Other landmarks are of great cultural and natural significance, and others are incredible. Overall, you will have a great adventure in the Manaslu Circuit.

From our blog: Manaslu circuit trek cost and itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Their Costs

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

There are numerous restricted areas along the trail that you will pass through during the trek. Therefore, a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is necessary for the walk. There are various checkpoints along the route where you must show the permits. The restricted area permit's cost depends upon the trekking season and the itinerary days. The cost of the trek permits in the different seasons is as follows:

September to November:

The Manaslu Restricted Area costs USD 100 per person from September to November during Autumn. It is for the first seven days. After that, the restricted area permit costs around USD 15 per person per day.

December to August:

The Manaslu Restricted Area permit costs USD 75 per person. It is for the first seven days. The restricted area permit costs around USD 10 per person per day.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit gets required for this trek in the Manaslu region. However, you will only pass through the Annapurna circuit region for a small section. Therefore, you will need to show this trek permit in Dharapani. The trekkers can get the ACAP permit at the exact cost of the MCAP. The permit cost remains the same throughout the year and doesn’t change according to the season.

However, the SAARC nationals will get a discount if they have to pay NRs. 1000 per person. For foreign nationals, the ACAP permit is NRs.3000 per person. If you are a Nepalese, the ACAP permit costs NRs.100. Moreover, the children can travel on this trek and get this permit for free.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

The Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit is one of the permits required for the trek. There are various beautiful landscapes that you can observe along the trail from Philim. The MCA Permit cost does not depend upon the length of the stay.

Hence, it remains the same throughout the journey. The MCA Permit cost is NRs.1000 per for SAARC nationals and NRs.3000 for other foreign nationals. It is on a per-person basis. Nepalese have to pay Rs.100 for this permit, whereas children below ten years can enter Manaslu Conservation Area for free.

Tsum Valley Permits (Optional)

The Tsum Valley permit is another permit that is optional during the trek. This permit to the Tsum Valley permit costs USD 40 per person. It is for one week from September to November. After that, the permit is USD 7 per person per day.

Moreover, this Tsum Valley Permit is USD 30 per person from December to August. It is for one week, costing USD 7 per person per day. Similarly, if you trek the various landscapes of the Muktinath, Jomsom region, you will also require a TIMS card.

The TIMS card is the Trekkers Information Management System that has a different fee system for both group trekkers and solo trekkers. Numerous fee structures are NRs. 1,000 and NRs. 2,000 for Group trekkers and Free individual trekkers (FIT), respectively.

If you are a SAARC national, it will only cost you around NRs. 300 and NRs. 600 for Group trekkers and FITs, respectively. These permits are available from Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu and Tourist Service Center in Pokhara.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit – Important Documents

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires various documents to get those permits. There are different requirements that you need to fulfill before getting these permits. These permits are available in the Nepal Tourism Board offices or through checkpoints.

However, the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit trek circuit documents are:

• Passport (original + photocopy)
• Passport-sized photos (4)
• Nepali visa with the arrival stamp.
• Cash
• Travel Insurance.
• Arrival and departure printed flight tickets.
• A scanned passport with Nepal Visa.
• Consent letter to Immigration Chief with the reason for a permit.
• Consent letter of the trekking company with the guarantee to present the required documents.

Where and How to Get The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?

Step 1: Fill out the Online Application Form

• The first step to getting these permits is that you should fill up the online application form for Manaslu Circuit Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Circuit Area Permit (ACAP).
• You can find these forms on the respective websites.
• The application should get addressed to the DG, Department of Immigration, Nepal Government.
• In the form, you should upload the itinerary of the travel journey along with the date of travel. Moreover, the travel itinerary should also be in printed form.
• There is also the requirement to photocopy the passport’s main and visa page.
• After arranging your money in American dollars, you can also note the serial number and denomination. Besides, it would help if you also denoted the agency letterhead.

Step 2: Go to the office of the Department of Immigration in Anamnagar along with the following documents:

• You should visit the Department of Immigration and submit all the denominations and serial numbers of the dollars on the agency letterhead.
• You should submit cash (dollars) to the Global IME Bank located on the premises. Then, you can collect the deposit slip.
• Verify and update insurance, authority certificate, and tax clearance from the central bank.
• After verification from the first officer, you will get sent to the second officer for double verification. Finally, you will get forwarded to the Head of Immigration.
• The Head of Immigration will issue his signature after making the final verification.
• After the permits get printed and stamped with stickers, you will finally receive the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.

Step 3: For the MCAP and ACAP permits, you can go to Nepal Tourism Board.

You can go to the Nepal Tourism Board office to get the MCAP and ACAP permits. After submitting the online application form, you can pay for the permit in local currency. You will get your permit soon, on which you can paste your photograph and get it signed.

Terms and Conditions for the Trek Permits

• The trekking permits only allow entry to the premises of the Conservation Area.
• The permits are on a single-person basis and are not transferable or refundable.
• The trekkers should have their permits by their side throughout the trek.
• There are various checkpoints along the trails where you will need to show them to the respective personnel.
• The trekkers should abide by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 B.S. (1973).
• It would be best if you got the permits in advance. In exceptional circumstances, you might get these permits at the checking points, but it might cost extra.
• Do you want us to manage this trip for you? Send your Enquiry from the form below.

 Tsum Valley Trek Extended

The Manaslu Circuit Trek also allows you to take an extended trip to the Tsum Valley. Tsum Valley is a beautiful remote destination with many tribal settlements and natural landmarks. The off-the-beaten landscapes of the region are another highlighted adventure of the trek.

The trek to Tsum Valley passes through some the remote landscapes. It takes another 7-8 hours to complete this tour section. The walk also required increased strength and stamina to complete the trek. You need to trek through various challenging terrains, including Larkya La pass, located at an elevation of 5,160m.

The incredible mountain trails pass through the landscapes, cliffs, waterfalls, and other naturally diverse landscapes. You need to cross various landscapes to arrive at the destination. There are many cultural heritages and scenic landscapes in the region.

Buddhist monasteries and other cultural landmarks are highlights of this trek. The trek borders the Tibetan border with a strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism. There are various monasteries where Buddhist nuns and monks are busy with religious worship. You can also find Milarepa’s Cave, a stunning natural cave with incredible religious significance.

Our Popular Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel.

Day 02 – Preparation and briefing about the trek.

Day 03 – Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat.

Day 04 – Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola.

Day 05 – Trek from Macha Khola to Jagat.

Day 06 – Trek from Jagat to Deng via Philim.

Day 07 – Trek from Deng to Namrung.

Day 08 – Trek from Namrung to Lo-Gaon.

Day 09 – Trek from Lo-Gaon to Sama-Gaon.

Day 10 – Acclimatization to Sama-Gaon.

Day 11 – Trek from Sama-Gain to Samdo.

Day 12 – Trek from Samdo to Larke Phedi/Dharma-Shala.

Day 13 – Cross Larke La Pass and trek to Bimthang.

Day 14 – Trek from Bimthang to Tilje.

Day 15 – Trek from Tilje to Syange via Jagat and Dharapani.

Day 16 – Drive back from Syange to Kathmandu and transfer to a hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there side trips in this Manaslu Circuit Trek?

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can take connecting side trips to the Tsum Valley region.

What are permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The trekkers will require permits like the TIMS Card and ACAP permit, along with the Manaslu Circuit Permit.

Is a TIMS card essential for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

No, a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card permit is not required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, if you can extend your trip to Pokhara, Jomsom, or other regions, you must also take the TIMS card.

Can you trek solo on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the restricted area in the region. Therefore, according to the law set by the Nepal Government, you should trek under the guidance of a professional guide. It is ideal to trek in a group of at least two trekkers.

What are the criteria to get the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?

To get The Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, you will need to fulfill specific criteria, which are as follows:

• You must apply for these permits through a trekking agency that you will trek with during your journey in Nepal.
• The trek is only possible with a professional guide
• Walking through an authorized trekking agency is a must.
• You must travel in a group of at least two members.

Can you get the permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in advance?

Manaslu Circuit Trek permits are available for proper verification from the respective authorities. Hence, you will not get your trek permits in advance. The original passport with visa details and other documents remain required for the trek.

Where can you get these Manaslu Trek available?

The Manaslu Circuit Restricted Trekking permits are available at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit are available at the Nepal Tourism Board.

Why is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit required for the Manaslu Circuit?

The trail passes through the various settlements under the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This includes the section from Beshi Sahar to Dharapani. Even though the trek selection is small, you must get Annapurna Conservation Area to permit.

Do children need to get permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes, anyone taking this Manaslu Circuit Trek requires permits, including children. However, these permits are if the children are below ten. You can get these permits through the same process as others.

How long is the duration of the issue of the permit?

The permit for the trek takes around a couple of hours to get issued. There are various circumstances where the permits can get delayed, so you should assign a day for obtaining these permits.

What does the Manaslu circuit trek permit cost?

Manaslu Circuit Trek permit depends upon the itinerary season, nationality, and other factors. You can read the above section to learn more about the cost of the trek.

Final Say

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote landscape journey in the Himalayan region. This extraordinary trek provides you with an incredible adventure for all the trekkers. Since this is a restricted area, you will have to gain specific permits to walk beside other permits.

There are various permits required for the trek, which include: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Contact us for more information about the Manaslu region and other treks in the country.