Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, Cost and How to Get it

Manaslu is a region with off-the-beaten-path treks. This region is known for breathtaking mountain views, Tibetan culture and Buddhist heritage, traditional lifestyle, and diverse biodiversity. Trekking in the Manaslu region doesn’t take much: a flight to Nepal, reliable trekking gear, a trusted local agency, a heart to explore, and the essential Manaslu trek permits. 

Manaslu is the 8th-tallest mountain in the world at 8163 meters (26,781 feet). The mountain doesn’t just hold that title; it’s a mountain that oxygenates the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to some of the rarest flora and fauna. Because the area is so ecologically and culturally significant, access is regulated, and every trekker needs the right Manaslu trek permits.

Similarly, there is also a restricted area in Manaslu that conserves the culture and protects the environment. Inside this ecological powerhouse and sacred restricted area, there are trekking trails that let trekkers enjoy its depth and offer insights into unique culture, people, lifestyle, religion, and landscape. 

The most important thing to legally experience all these things is having Manaslu trek permits. 

In this guide, we will cover the approach to obtaining the Manaslu trek permits, how much they cost, what permits are needed for a particular trek in the Manaslu region, and what the permit fee is used for.

Important Rule of Permits For Manaslu Treks

In order to trek in the Manaslu region, foreign trekkers must obtain permits, and these Manaslu trek permits cannot be issued independently. They must be processed through a registered trekking agency based in Nepal, and similarly, your trek should be guided by a licensed guide.

What’s the purpose of the Mandatory Agency Rule for Manaslu Treks?

The trekking terrain inside the Manaslu region is highly remote; high altitude and natural hazards can occur out of the blue. A licensed guide helps trekkers with navigation, medical care, and evacuation while also coordinating with the trekking agency.

Likewise, upper Tsum and Manaslu are home to Tibetans who have maintained ancient traditions, languages, lifestyles, and religion for centuries. Controlling visitor numbers prevents rapid and disruptive modernisation.

The Manaslu region is home to some of the rarest and most essential flora and fauna. Regulating foot traffic reduces environmental degradation and human disturbances to endangered species.

All the Required Permits for the Manaslu Region Treks

There are altogether 5 different kinds of permits and an entry fee required for trekking on any trail in the Manaslu region.

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

Note:
Manaslu Conservation and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permits are single-entry, and Tsum Valley and Manaslu Restricted Area Permits are route-specific.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

Manaslu is in a restricted area of Nepal. A Manaslu Restricted Area Permit should be issued to enter Jagat until you cross the Larkya La Pass.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area contains rich, diverse biodiversity. Trekkers get to observe the rarest and most significant flora and fauna during these 6-8 days inside the conservation area. The conservation area starts at Jagat and ends at Larkya La Pass.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Tourism Fee

This is a local development fee required for anyone trekking through the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions in Gorkha, covering wards 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Similarly, the rural municipality implemented the decision to raise the entry fee from September 17, 2024 (Ashoj 1, 2081 BS). To increase the rural municipality’s internal revenue and use the collected funds for local development and management of the Manaslu Conservation Area and Chumnubri.

Unlike MCAP, ACAP, and Restricted permits, which must be arranged in advance in Kathmandu through a registered agency, the Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee is issued on the trail at a local checkpoint located in Jagat (ward no. 3).

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

Beyond the Larkya La Pass, trekkers trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Although we will stay inside the Annapurna Conservation Area only for a few days, this permit is Mandatory for travellers and is usually checked at the Dharapani, Manang checkpost.

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit

The Tsum Valley restricted area starts at Jagat and extends to Chhekampar, Mu Gompa, and continues to the Tibet border. This permit, along with others, is mandatory to trek in Tsum Valley.

Do you need TIMS for the Manaslu Region Treks?

As per NTB, the revised TIMS provision effective from March 2023, a registered local trekking agency is mandatory for trekking in the Manaslu region; thus, the agency arranges the TIMS card on your behalf.

Note:
Before leaving for the trek, make sure whether you need a TIMS card or not.

Which Permits Are Required for Each Manaslu Trek?

In the Manaslu region, there are 4 major treks, and most permits work for each other, though some require additional permits. The permits you need depend on the trek you choose, so let’s match each route with its permit.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most famous and loved trek in this region. This trek starts from Machha Khola (a day’s drive from Kathmandu), culminates at 5106 meters at Larkya La Pass, ends at Bimthang in the Annapurna region and lasts for almost a fortnight.

This trek mostly includes trekking through the core part of the Manaslu conservation area and some parts of the Annapurna conservation area.

Required Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The circuit trek requires 4 permits for foreign trekkers, which are;

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley, also called “Hidden Valley”, was closed to foreign visitors and trekkers until 2008 A.D. The Nepal government made this valley restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem and preserve the sanctity and Himalayan lifestyle from disruptive urbanisation.

Nonetheless, the valley was opened to trekkers about two decades ago to promote tourism and support local economic development. Though visitors can explore this region, specific permits must be obtained first.

Permits Required for Tsum Valley Trek

For the Tsum Valley trek only, foreign trekkers require permits such as;

• Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Tourism Fee

Rupina La Pass Trek

The Rupin La Pass Trek is a lesser-known route for trekkers who like quiet trails. It crosses Rupina La at around 4720 meters and links the lower Manaslu villages. The climb is steep in parts, so it requires good fitness and some trekking experience. Similarly, the trail descends to Nyak Phedi village after crossing the Rupina La Pass.

Rupina La Trek, with an itinerary that crosses villages like Baluwa Bazaar, Rupina La Phedi, Jarang, Nyak village, Philim, Dobhan, and Machha Khola, requires only one permit: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).

Note:
If you choose to extend the trek towards the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley from the Rupina La Pass trek, particular permits will be required.

Lower Manaslu trek

The Lower Manaslu Trek is a gentle option for trekkers who prefer villages over high passes. It mainly explores two major villages called Barpak and Laprak. Both are traditional Gurung settlements in the Gorkha district. It is a good choice if you want culture and mountain views without the tough climbs of the main Manaslu circuit.

Lower Manaslu Trek, which crosses villages like Kalibote, Barpak, Laprak, and Deurali, does not require any Manaslu-specific permits.

How Much Do Manaslu Trek Permits Cost?

Manaslu trek permit costs vary based on the season and duration of the trek. Understanding these fees and their importance is vital for the trek.

Manaslu Conservation Area permit cost

• Foreigners: NPR 3000 per person
• SAARC Countries: NPR 1000 per person
• Nepalese Citizens: NPR 100 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost

• Foreigners: NPR Rs 3000 per person
• SAARC Country: NPR 1000 per person
• Nepalese Citizens: NPR 100 per person

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit cost changes based on the two categories.

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

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit Cost

Trekkers going via Gorkha Chumnubri Rural Municipality (all areas of ward nos. 3, 6 and 7) crossing the Jagat-Lokpa-Chhekampar-Nile-Chule-Mu Gompa route will be required to pay the following permit fees.

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

Note:
Acclimatisation, side trips, and longer stays in Manaslu restricted area increase the restricted area permit cost.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee

The Local Chumnubri Rural Municipality issues this permit at Jagat for NPR 1,000, and this must be paid in Nepali currency.

Are all Manaslu Trek Permit Fees Included in the Package?

Yes. A standard Manaslu Trek package, be it Manaslu Circuit Trek or Manaslu Tsum Valley, usually includes the permit making and its cost. Your trekking agency normally arranges these permits before you begin the trek.

How Does Himalayan Masters Arrange Manaslu Region Trek Permits? 

Here is a look at how a trusted and registered trekking agency in Nepal, Himalayan Masters, handles your permits.

Once you land in Nepal, we transfer you to your hotel so you can freshen up. The next day, you join a detailed trek briefing. We go over your itinerary, sign the paperwork and collect the details we need for your permits.

After that, you can finish your last-minute preparations while we act on your behalf and complete all the permit forms. The permits are ready the very next day, and we forward them to your trekking leader. All you need to do is enjoy the trek.

Manaslu Trek Permit Checkpoints Along the Route

The permits are checked in the Manaslu region in the following places.

Manaslu Circuit Trek permits are checked at; 

• Jagat 
• Philim 
• Namrung 
• Samagaun 
• Dharapani  

In Tsum Valley, permits are checked at;

• Jagat
• Chhekampar

In Rupina La, permits are checked at;

• Barpak village

What Happens at a Manaslu Permit Checkpoint?

Usually, your guides carry important permit-related documents and handle the permit checking at the checkpoints. You might be told to be present at checkpoints because they want to confirm the trekker’s presence.

Do Trekkers Need to Carry Their Original Passport?

You don’t need to carry your passport on Manaslu treks, but keeping your passport or any other ID is recommended.

What Happens if a Trekker Loses a Permit?

Trekkers don’t usually carry the permits, and they are handled by the agency before the trek and the guide during the trek. However, the Manaslu Trek permits are issued digitally. Even if the guide loses the permits, the agency usually has duplicates, which work the same as the originals.

Note:
Permits can be cross-checked on any Manaslu Trek route during the peak trekking season (Autumn and Spring).

What Different Nationalities Need to Know About Manaslu Trek Permit Requirements?

Different nations require different permits, and the following is what each nation requires 

What are the Manaslu Permit Requirements for Foreign Nationals except SAARC nations?

For foreign nationals, Manaslu trek permits like Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Chumnubri Rural Municipality entry fee are required.

What are the Manaslu Permit Requirements for SAARC Nationals? 

SAARC nationals require a MRAP, MCAP, ACAP, and a Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee. MCAP usually costs less for SAARC nationals compared to other foreigners

Do Nepali Citizens Require Manaslu Trek Permits?  

Nepali citizens do not need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, but they require MCAP, ACAP, and Chumnubri Rural Municipality permits, which cost around NPR 100-200 each.  

Manaslu Trek Permits for Children and Families 

Foreign children under age 10 do not require any permit except restricted area permits. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit or the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit are issued at no cost. 

Manaslu trek permit requirements for senior citizens are also the same as for the rest of the trekkers.

Rules for All Manaslu Trekkers They Must Know

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is valid for single entry only. 
• A Nepal Visa is a mandatory requirement to undertake any Manaslu Trek permits including Manaslu circuit trek permit.
• Trekkers must follow national park/wildlife conservation laws at all times.
• Carry your permit throughout the trip and show it if asked by staff.
• Drones are banned unless prior approval is granted.
• Mountaineering permits are issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association only. 
• Documentary filming needs approval from the Ministry of Information and NTNC.
• Register at every check-post along the route since it helps tracking and speeds up rescue in emergencies.
• Hunting is strictly prohibited; fishing needs a local permit. 
• Collecting scientific specimens requires NTNC approval first.
• Follow the Minimum Impact Code; if trekking with an agency, ensure they follow safety and environmental practices.
• Permits bought at check-posts cost double; get yours in advance to avoid this. 

What Changed in the Manaslu Solo Trekking Rules in 2026?

Before 2026, the previous requirement was a minimum of two foreign trekkers to trek in the Manaslu restricted area; otherwise, the restricted area permits wouldn’t be issued.

However, from March 22, 2026, this requirement has been removed. Solo trekkers can get their Manaslu Restricted Area permits along with other Manaslu permits by themselves.

But solo trekkers must book a trek through a registered trekking agency, and their trek must be guided by a licensed trekking guide. 

Most people confuse solo trekking in Manaslu with independent trekking. Independent trekking is strictly prohibited, and solo doesn’t mean without a guide.  

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 6 months’ validity
• A photo of your Nepali visa with the arrival stamp

Where Do Your Manaslu Permit Fees Go?

Trekking infrastructure like bridges, signposts, distance markers, wooden footbridges, stone steps, rescue stations, and teahouses often get damaged or wear out. 

The funds raised from permit and entry fees go toward rebuilding this essential trekking infrastructure.

Likewise, the fees are split among different government bodies, conservation trusts, and local rural municipalities to fund regional administration, conservation and community projects.

Final Say

Ultimately, the Manaslu Trek permits are essential for anyone planning to trek in the major trekking trails of the Manaslu region. Because this is a restricted area, the special trekking permit is what gives you legal access to the trail. Similarly, you will need to pay the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) fee, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee for the section that enters the Annapurna region, and the Chumnubri entry fee. 

Arranging all your permits early through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu saves time and avoids last-minute problems. With the right paperwork in place, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and the unforgettable journey around the world’s eighth-highest mountain. 

Author

Bryan Bk

Bryan BK is a storyteller at heart and an adventurer by soul. As a passionate writer and traveler, he finds inspiration in the places he visits and the people he meets. Through his words, he brings destinations to life, sharing experiences that inspire others to explore, dream, and discover.