travel guide

Manaslu permit 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. And one of such big challenges is getting your legal documents ready. Before coming to Nepal, you should know that trekking in different parts of Nepal requires different permits. Manaslu trek permit are briefly described below.

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 Circuit trek permits and where to issue them.

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 permit, 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 Permit. 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. Read our other article to learn everything about Visas to Nepal. You can apply for another Manaslu Trek permit only after you get the Nepal travel visa.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit

1. 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 Sama Gaun. Beyond Sama Gaun, you will need an entry permit for the Annapurna conservation area.

Criteria to get Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

• You are not allowed to do this trek Solo- at least a group of 2 people is needed. If you are travelling to Nepal solo, then a travel agency might help you with the group joining
• Independent trekking is prohibited- meaning you must be assisted by a travel agency for trekking to Manaslu
• You must hire a local guide who must have 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?

Earlier, you needed to 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 full package.

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.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

The biodiversity of Manaslu lies inside the Manaslu conservation area. The conservation area starts at Philim, and the Manaslu conservation area permit cost goes towards managing the wildlife in the area. The government also tracks travellers’ activity and movement within the conservation area to ensure their safety in remote lands.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

Read about other Manaslu Trek Nepal.

In the later part of our trek, beyond Bhimthang and Dharapani, we will travel to the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). Although we will stay inside the Annapurna conservation area only for a few days, this permit is compulsory for travellers who cross the Dharapani check-post.

Where and how to get 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 Manalsu 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 pursue their adventure and walk into Tsum Valley. This beautiful valley in the highlands of Manaslu is a complete 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 technique are the same as in the Manaslu Restricted Area.

Manaslu Trek Permit Cost

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost

The Manaslu trekking permit cost should be paid in dollars or Nepalese rupee equivalent to the dollar. The Manaslu trekking permit cost is $75 for April, March, and May And $100 for August, September, and October.

This cost applies to the first seven days between Jagat and Bhimthang. If you stay any longer, an additional USD 15 per person per day applies. For the off-season, i.e., December to August, the Manaslu permit cost is $25 lower than in peak seasons. After seven days between Jagat and Dharapani, it’s $10/day.

Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost

• Rs 3000/ per person (This should be paid in Nepalese rupee)
• Cost for people of SAARC country: Rs 600
• Cost for Nepalese people: Free

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

Manaslu Conservation Area permit cost

• Rs 3000/ per person (This should be paid in Nepalese rupee)
• Cost for people of SAARC country: Rs 600
• Cost for Nepalese people: Free

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

TSUM Valley permit cost

If you plan to travel to Manaslu TSum Valley, you must issue another Tsum area permit. This Manaslu trekking permit cost USD 40 per person for one week during peak season and USD 7 per day afterwards. In the off-season, the TSum area permits travellers to receive a cost discount of about $10 per person.

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

Documents needed For The Manaslu Circuit 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 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 in almost all locations, and you need to show your Manaslu Trek permit at each location.

Also read: Teahouses in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Checkpost for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit

1. Maccha Khola- For Manaslu restricted area permit
2. Jagat- For Manaslu restricted area permit
3. Philim- For restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
4. Namrung- For restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
5. Samagaun- For restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
6. Dharpani- For Annapurna

Frequently Asked Questions

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

There are many police check posts along the way where you must show this Manaslu Circuit trek permit. If you forget to issue these permits or lose them on the way, the check post can issue the permit with a 100% fine, thus increasing your Manaslu trek cost. So, make sure you keep your permits in a safe place.

Do I need a TIMS card?

No, the TIMS card is no longer needed in the Manaslu area. You only need a TIMS card to trek beyond Dharapani and join the Annapurna Circuit trek. As per the Himalayan master’s Manaslu trek Itinerary designed by the experts, there’s no need for a TIMS card during the Circuit trek. If you have seen some blogs saying that you need a TIMS card for this, please ignore such misinformation. Always carry a Manaslu Trek Map with you for convenience.

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

Ideally, you submit the needed documents to your travel agency upon arrival in Nepal. Then, they will prepare your permit within a few hours. Sometimes, it might take a bit longer. But you need to consider that permits might be late during the holiday season or on weekends, so make sure you provide the needed documents for the Permit to Manaslu as quickly as possible.

Do children require Manaslu Trekking Permits?

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

Check out: Manaslu Circuit Trek food

Why is the Manaslu Permit cost so high?

Yes, we get that playing above $150 for a permit alone can sound like a lot. As the Manaslu region lies within Nepal’s restricted trekking area, it’s among the most expensive treks. Such rates have been assigned to control the huge influx of tourists to Manaslu. Manaslu is a very culturally diverse and unique land that has preserved its century-old culture and tradition in pure form.

The other intention is for the government to use the money to build the basic infrastructure for the tourists in the region. Manaslu is a very remote area hidden in a difficult mountain landscape. Each penny you spend here goes for the betterment of the people in the area. Thus, it is worth it.

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.

See you soon.