All About Manaslu Permits, Cost and How to Make the Permit

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is among Nepal’s most underrated treks. And this journey is going to be a life-changing memory. However, trekking to the remote Himalayas of Nepal also comes with many challenges. One of such big challenges is getting your legal documents, including Manaslu Trek Permits, ready.

Before coming to Nepal, you should know that trekking in different parts of Nepal requires different permits. So, along with your passport and visa, you need to issue an area-specific permit.

These Nepal trek permits can include local area permits, restricted area permits, TIMS cards, and National Park permits.

This article covers different Manaslu trek permits and where to issue them.

Manaslu Trek Permits Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek was opened for international trekkers in the year 1991 A.D. Even after that, the government of Nepal has listed Tsum Valley and other villages of the Manaslu region as a restricted region of Nepal. And when a region is listed as restricted, independent travellers cannot hike to Manaslu as solo trekkers.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit includes three documents: the Manaslu restricted area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit.

To get these Manaslu Trek permits, travellers must book their trek with a local travel agency or be accompanied by a licensed guide. Also, you need a group of at least two people before getting these Manaslu Permits.

So, this is the pre-information before diving into this article about the cost of the Manaslu circuit trek Permit.

Requirements of Visa for Nepal Travel

Before getting your Manaslu trek permit, travellers must issue a travel Visa to Nepal. A visa can be issued at the international airport upon arrival. Indians don’t need to issue visas, and the Nepal Visa cost is free for the citizens of SAARC countries.

For people from other nations, a Visa costs $30, $50, and $125 for 15, 30, and 90 days, respectively. You can apply for another Manaslu Trek permit only after you get the Nepal travel visa.

Manaslu Trek Permit

There are altogether 5 different kinds of permits required for trekking in the Manaslu region.

1. Manaslu Restricted Permit
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
4. Manaslu Tsum Valley Permit
5. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

NOTE: A Tsum Valley Permit is only required if you are doing Tsum Valley Trek or Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

As we mentioned earlier, Manaslu is in a restricted area of Nepal. A Manaslu restricted area permit should be issued to enter Jagat until you cross Samagaon. Beyond Samagaon, you will need an entry permit for the Annapurna conservation area.

Manaslu Restricted Area permit is not required if you are only trekking to Tsum Valley.

Criteria to get Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

• If you are travelling to Nepal solo, then a travel agency might help you with the group joining.
• The government prohibits independent trekking, requiring trekkers to hire a travel agency.
• You must hire a local guide who has a guide license issued by the Nepal government.
• You must agree to respect the local culture and not perform any activity that might be offensive to travellers.

How to apply Manaslu Restricted Permit Online?

To issue the permit, you must go to the National Tourism Board in Kathmandu to get the Manaslu restricted area permit. Thankfully, the document can now be obtained online.

But the thing is that only a travel agency can issue this Manaslu trek permit on your behalf. You can trust Himalayan Masters to assist you in getting the permit for the Manaslu trek, even if you do not book the trip package with us.

The agency will then get the Manaslu restricted area permit on your behalf, download it online, and print it for you. Afterwards, keep it with you throughout the trek.

NOTE: Some websites have mentioned that you must visit the Tourism Board office with physical documents for Permits to Manaslu, but that trend is outdated.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The biodiversity of Manaslu lies inside the Manaslu conservation area. The conservation area starts at Philim. Authorities use the fund collected from the Manaslu conservation area permit to manage the wildlife and development of the region.

The government also tracks travellers’ activity and movement within the conservation area to ensure trekkers’ safety in remote lands with the help of this permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

In the later part of our trek, beyond Bhimthang and Dharapani, we will travel through the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Although we will stay inside the Annapurna conservation area only for a few days, this permit is compulsory for travellers who cross the Dharapani checkpost.

NOTE: Trekkers do not require this permit for the Tsum Valley Trek.

Where and how can I get the Manaslu Conservation Area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project?

You must visit the Nepal Tourism Board at Bhrikutimandap to get these permits.

You must submit an application form and a valid passport, visa, and travel itinerary. Then, the officer will verify your documents, thus issuing you Manaslu Permits. You can get the physical copy of the permit within 30 minutes.

Again, booking with an agency does provide you with the Manaslu Trek permit without you having to physically go there.

Manaslu TSUM Valley Permit

Most trekkers to Manaslu plan to extend their adventure and Trek to Tsum Valley. This beautiful valley in the highlands of Manaslu is a paradise of the alpine landscape.

The trail to the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek often separates beyond Philim and moves to the Chumling village. Your other stops shall be Chhekampar and the Upper Tsum Valley.

The criteria, requirements, and application process for issuing this permit are the same as in the Manaslu Restricted Area.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

A local area permit is required for trekkers in the Manaslu region. As the treks in the Manaslu region traverse within the jurisdiction of Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha, this permit is compulsory for all the treks in this region.

Treks in the Chumnubri region generally start from Samagaon and go to Dharmashala via Samdo. Only a registered trekking agency issued this permit, and the group must include at least 2 trekkers.

Manaslu Trek Permit Cost

The cost of issuing permits contributes a huge chunk of the Manaslu Trek cost, almost $150. However, for a safe and comfortable trekking experience, including it in your packing list for Manaslu treks is compulsory.

As the trek passes through several restricted and conservation areas, trekkers are required to issue these permits. Issuing these permits costs vary based on the season and duration of the trek. Understanding these fees and their importance is vital for the trek.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost

September – November

• Foreigners: $100 per person/week ($15 per day beyond 1 week)
• SAARC Country: $70 per person/week ($10 per day beyond 1 week)
• Nepalese Citizens: Not Required

December – August

• Foreigners: $75per person/week ($10 per day beyond 1 week)
• SAARC Country: $50 per person/week ($7 per day beyond 1 week)
• Nepalese Citizens: Not Required

Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost

• Foreigners: NPR Rs 3000 per person (This should be paid in Nepalese rupee)
• SAARC Country: NPR 1000
• Nepalese Citizens: NPR 100

NOTE: The Conversation Area permit cost is similar throughout the year.

Manaslu Conservation Area permit cost

• Foreigners: NPR 3000 per person (This should be paid in Nepalese rupee)
• SAARC Country: NPR 1000
• Nepalese Citizens: NPR 100

NOTE: The Conversation Area permit cost is similar throughout the year.

TSUM Valley Permit Cost

• September – November: $40 per person/week ($7 per day beyond 1 week)
• December – August: $30 per person/week ($7 per day beyond 1 week)

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit Cost

• September – November: $100 per person/week ($15 per day beyond 1 week)
• December – August: $75 per person/week ($10 per day beyond 1 week)

NOTE: The Himalayan master’s team covers all the Manaslu Circuit trek permit costs, so you should not be worried about this when you book our Manaslu trek packages.

Documents Needed For the Manaslu Trek Permit

To get these permits, you should submit the following documents to your travel agency.

• Photocopy of your passport with at least six months validity
• Four printed passport-sized photographs are required for the MCAP permit
• Nepali visa with the arrival stamp
• Travel Insurance papers that cover all emergency rescues at higher altitude
• Photocopy of flight tickets with arrival and departure dates
• Consent letter to the Immigration Chief and trekking company

Can you trek without the Manaslu Permit?

No, the government of Nepal is very strict about restricting the number of visitors to Manaslu. This means they will ensure that only people with permits enter the region.

There are checkposts of Nepalese Police and Army Forces enforced in almost all locations, and you need to show your Manaslu Trek permit at each location.

Checkpost for the Manaslu Trek Permit

• Jagat: Checkpost for all 5 permits
• Philim: Checkpost for all 5 permits
• Namrung: Checkpost for 4 permits (except Tsum Valley permit)
• Samagaon: Checkpost for 4 permits (except Tsum Valley permit)
• Dharapani: Checkpost for 4 permits (except Tsum Valley permit)
• Chhekampar: Checkpost for 3 permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, Manaslu Tsum Valley Permit)

NOTE: Once the trekkers issue all the required permits in Kathmandu or Jagat, they don’t need to issue new permits in all the checkposts.

Some FAQs Related to Manaslu Trek Permits

What if we don’t get the Manaslu permits from Kathmandu?

If you forget to issue these permits or lose them on the way, you can issue them in any of the checkposts mentioned above.

What if I lost the permits for the Manaslu trek?

You do not need to worry about the permits if you lose it, as the record is stored online once you have issued it, and you can also show a soft copy of the permit. The guide will keep a photo of the permit or manage it for you if needed.

Do I need a TIMS card?

No, the TIMS card is no longer needed in the Manaslu area and other various treks of Nepal. This permit has been replaced by a permit for local areas in most of the treks in Nepal.

How long do we need to issue the Manaslu area permit?

Normally, after you submit all the required documents to your travel agency, they will arrange all the permits for the trek within a few hours. However, it might take longer during holidays or peak trekking seasons.

Do children require Manaslu Trekking Permits?

Yes, all children above 10 years need to issue all the permits mentioned above, according to which trek you are going. The permit cost is free for children under 10, but we don’t recommend taking such small children on a tough Manaslu climb.

Why is the Manaslu Permit cost so high?

Manaslu region falls within Nepal’s restricted trekking area. To preserve its serene beauty and diverse culture while limiting the influx of tourists, Manaslu permits are a little high but worth every penny. The money collected from permits is used to build the basic infrastructure for the tourists.

Final Say!!

You must first book your Manaslu Circuit trek package to issue the permits to Manaslu. Our expert team at Himalayan Masters promises you the best deal and excellent service. Let us know when you will travel; we are here to assist you.