Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit

It is very important to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit if you are planning to join the adventure of climbing the world’s eighth-tallest peak, standing tall at 8,163 meters above sea level. This trek is popular among trekkers, as the trails are peaceful and provide a similar experience to the Everest and Annapurna trails. 

Many trekking places do not require permits, but the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit is very important and the most required thing to start your journey. It is very important to understand the required criteria to obtain the legal permit and proper plan for your journey. The isolated mountain was away from the spotlight, and the journey was very peaceful with lots of adventure. 

This blog will provide you the information regarding the permits, cost, itinerary, and all the important logistic things that are important regarding the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit. You can also contact our “Access Nepal” team.  We will answer all your questions and also take care of all your permits and logistics, so you enjoy your journey peacefully. 

Why the Manaslu Region Requires Special Permits?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit is very important due to its being close to the Tibetan border. So the government of Nepal restricted the area to protect the ecosystem and its culture. They controlled the tourism to keep the local support without disturbing the peaceful Tibetan Buddhist culture. Due to its fragile environment and cultural importance, you will need permits to visit there. 

In 1991, the government opened the area for trekkers with rules and regulations that they had to follow. These rules and regulations keep track of visitors while controlling the crowd to maintain the tourism environment.

The fees and other legal costs are used to develop the trails and for the conservation of the area. It contributes to the local development too. 

According to the Government of Nepal, the new entry update for Upper Mustang states foreigners now have to pay only USD 50 per day. 

Mansalu, being close to the Tibet border, the data helps the government to keep track of the entry and exit times of the visitors. They aren’t allowed to travel solo or without the licensed guides because the trails are filled with difficulty, and it is very important to guide you and keep you safe through your journey. It is Nepal’s most culturally rich trekking destination for visitors. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit 

If you are planning to join the journey of climbing Mount Manaslu, you need to prepare yourself accordingly. You will need four government Manaslu Circuit Trek permits to enter the area and start your journey legally. Each permit has a different purpose, and without the proper documentation, you will not be allowed to move forward through the checkpoints.

They check all your permits at different checkpoints to ensure you are traveling legally. Now we will talk about all four required permits and their cost so you can plan your budget accordingly. 

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP or MRAP)

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, known as RAP or MRAP, is the most important and expensive Manaslu Circuit Trek permit required for your journey.

You can access the restricted area of trekking trails between Jagat and Dharapani. The permits are issued by the Department of Immigration under Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs. The cost can be different according to the season and the number of days you are going to spend in that area. 

If you are wondering about the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit, this RAP or MRAP will cost you $100 per person for the first 7 days of your visit, and you will have to pay $15 per person for each day you are staying during the months of September to November, which is the peak season for trekking.

From December to August, you have to pay $75 per person for the first 7 days and an additional $10 per person for each day you are going to spend there.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit RAP requires two foreign trekkers. The government of Nepal has a special restriction, so you cannot obtain the permit if you are a solo trekker.

The permit is checked at multiple checkpoints, like Jagat. You will not be allowed to continue your journey beyond that village if you do not have your proper documentation. After you reach the Sama Gaon, you will need another permit to continue your journey further.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area starts after crossing the Sama Gaon village and entering the conservation area of Mount Manaslu. This region was established to protect the unique ecosystem and the cultural heritage. You will need the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, also known as MCAP, to continue your journey. 

If you are worried about the cost compared to the MRAP, the MCAP has a fixed cost and does not change according to the season. For Nepali citizens, you will pay NPR 100 per person. The SAARC nations will pay NPR 1000, and the foreign nations will pay NPR 3000, which is around $30. This cost is only paid once. It does not matter how many days you spend there.

You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also hire the guide through agencies, and they will get the required Manaslu Circuit Trek permits so you can focus on your journey.

These funds are later used to maintain the trails, wildlife, infrastructure, and other needed projects. The conservation protects the rare and endangered animals like the red panda, the snow leopard, and many rare plants used for medicine. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, also known as ACAP, is the third important permit you will need to continue your journey. Many trekkers who are familiar with the trekking rules are always surprised when they pay for this permit.

But after crossing the majestic Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, the trek descends into the Annapurna Conservation Area, so as you exit through Dharapani, you will need the ACAP to continue your journey legally. 

The ACAP also has a fixed cost system like MCAP, which does not change according to the season or how many days you are staying there, like MRAP. For SAARC nation citizens, they will pay NPR 1,000, and Nepali citizens will pay NPR 100. But if you are from another country, the cost you have to pay is NPR 3,000 per person. You only have to pay it once, and the permit will be valid throughout your journey.

You can get this Manaslu Circuit Trek permit from the Nepal Tourism Board located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The official checkpoint for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is placed at Dharapani. You will descend from the Manaslu Circuit and enter the Annapurna region.

But if you do not have the permit, you cannot descend and reach Besi Sahar legally. It is also the destination from where the trekkers will take transportation and return to Kathmandu.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (Local Area Permit)

The fourth and the last permit you will need to complete your journey legally and without any problem through the Nepalese government. The Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit is also known as the Local Area Permit, a fee that supports the development and maintenance of trails in the rural municipalities that you have to cross during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. This permit is new, and now, from 2026, it is compulsory for you to continue your journey.  

The other permits, like MRAP, change in cost according to the season. The MCAP and ACAP have different cost structures according to your nationality. But the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit will cost you NPR 1,000 for everyone, and it is a fixed cost that you have to pay only once and works for your entire journey. The fees will be used to improve the health post and education, and to improve other infrastructure to develop the remote village in the mountains. 

To obtain other permits, you will obtain them from the Nepal Tourism Board located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. But for you to obtain this permit on your journey, the guides will give you the information regarding these expenses before starting your journey. You can pay for the permit at Jagat or Philim village, where they collect this fee. You will receive the receipt of your payment, which will last till your end of your journey.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost

It is very important to understand the total cost for the Manaslu Trek Permit because you can divide your expenses accordingly. If you are planning to join the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it will last around 14 days, and according to the rules of MRAP, you have to pay an additional $15 per day per person if you are staying more than 7 days.

The other permits, like MCAP, ACAP, and the local area permit, have a fixed price and will be valid for your entire journey without extra cost. 

The autumn season starts in September and lasts till November. At this time, the total permit cost will be around $215 to $245 per person. It also includes the MRAP cost for 10 to 12 days.

This season is usually crowded because this time provides the perfect weather conditions for trekking, and the cost from December to August is around $175 to $195 per person, including all the extra costs and charges of MRAP for the additional days you will stay for your journey. 

Remember, the total cost value is after adding all the 13% value of tax and all the government charges. This cost only includes the required amount for your permits and does not cover your other travel expenses, like accommodation, food, and transport.

The cost of your trek can be different according to agencies, but you can check out “Access Nepal” for a budget-friendly journey, and we will take care of all the logistical things required for your journey.

How to Apply for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits have a major process, and you must fulfill the requirements criteria to get access to all four permits for your journey. The agencies and your personal guide will explain all the processes to you because you cannot simply obtain all the permits on your own. You must understand the way they work and the steps to get your hands on permits.

I. Registered Trekking Agency 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek must be booked from the agencies that are licensed and registered with permission of the government for you to start your journey. Always remember that if your agency isn’t registered, you cannot get the permits on your own or through the independent guide.

The official trekking agencies have the right to apply for the permits with all the legal procedures on your behalf. Always ask for the legal document from your travel agencies so you can avoid being scammed.

II. The Group Size 

We all know you cannot apply for the permits if you are a solo trekker. If you want to access the Manaslu Circuit Permit for the restricted area, you must be in a group, excluding the guides and porters. If you are solo trekkers, you can contact the other agencies, and they will help you to get paired with other trekkers so you can meet the criteria to apply for the permits.

They have maintained this rule for years because of safety reasons and the difficulty of trails in the remote area of your journey. 

III. Licensed Guide 

The trails of the Manaslu Circuit are filled with difficulty, and the sudden change of weather makes them more challenging. The government has made a strict rule that you cannot apply for the Manaslu Circuit permit or start your journey without the presence of a licensed guide. The guide will help you navigate the trails without harming the local cultural beliefs. They will keep you safe from the sudden challenges you will end up facing throughout your journey. They will help you to remove the communication gap between you and both local citizens and the authorities.

IV. Required Documents 

The most asked question by foreigners is what kind of documents are required to apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit. These are the documents you must provide to the agencies for you to obtain the permit: 

• You must provide a clear color photocopy of your passport with all the details.
• The color copy of the Nepal visa you obtain after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport.
• Two copies of your passport-size photo for MCAP and ACAP.
•  One digital passport-size photo for the MRAP online application.
• You must provide the travel insurance details.
• Your planned detailed trekking itinerary with dates must be provided to agencies. 

5. Time to process your application 

You will always apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit from the licensed and registered agencies, so they will submit your application online after you provide them with all the required documents. They will upload your digital photo with your passport and visa details.

They will handle all the logistical things like payment and your planned itinerary. Within two days, you will get the result of your MRAP application. 

The other two Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, MCAP and ACAP, can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The application can be submitted, and the process can be completed within a day if you have your documents properly arranged, and you can obtain the permits after paying the required fees. The Local Area Permit can be obtained along the way of your journey, which will be taken care of by your travel guide. 

According to the agencies, the time to process your application for permits can be completed within 1 to 3 working days. But remember, in the peak season, like spring and autumn, or from September to November and March to May, the offices are more crowded and busy, so it is better to apply for the permits 5 to 7 days before your journey to conquer the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your guide will carry your permit and verify it at each checkpost by themselves. 

6. Positive and Negative Sides of Manaslu Circuit Trek permits

These rules and regulations have both positive and negative sides because the government of Nepal has issued these rules with concern for the trekker’s safety and to control the crowd that can harm the peaceful environment of the local area and their cultural beliefs.

The trails are difficult, and if you follow these rules, you can travel safely and create unforgettable memories. The agencies will not be able to scam you regarding logistical things. 

The positive side of the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits is that the government of Nepal is controlling the crowds compared to other popular routes like ABC and EBC. They are protecting and conserving the culture and tradition of the local people. The agencies have to follow the strict protocol so they have less chance to compromise with the trekkers’ safety and comfort. The permit fees will be used to maintain the trails and heritage sites and to develop the other infrastructure. 

The negative side of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits is that the government of Nepal has restricted solo trekkers, and you must be in a pair or group with a licensed guide to apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits. You will need multiple permits, and losing them will cost you your entire journey.

The strict rules and regulations have been the major obstacle for solo and solitude trekkers, and without proper permits, they are not allowed to cross the checkpoint during their journey. The trekkers must plan their adventure with the agencies in advance, which will require flexibility.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit process can sound complicated and difficult, but if you choose “Access Nepal” as your traveling partner, we will take care of all the itinerary, permits, accommodation, food, and all the other logistic things so you can enjoy your travel adventure without any problem.

The trails are filled with challenges, and the sudden change in weather will make it more difficult, so we will provide you with a professional and licensed guide with knowledge in multiple languages. They will keep you safe and make your journey unforgettable. You can check our travel plan for being cost-friendly without compromising your safety and comfort. 

FAQs

What is the best time to travel and apply for a Manaslu Circuit Trek permit?

September to November and March to May are known as the best times to travel and apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit because the weather is suitable and many popular festivals are celebrated around these months. 

Is Manaslu cheaper than ABC and EBC?

Compared to ABC and EBC trekking, Mount Manaslu is expensive because of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit rules and regulations. 

Can you ask for a refund for your permit cost?

No, the cost you paid for the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits cannot be refunded, so you have to be sure before applying for the permits. 

Can a Manaslu Circuit Trek permit be issued outside Kathmandu?

No, the restricted area Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit cannot be issued from places other than the Department of Immigration located in Kathmandu. But you can apply for MCAP and ACAP permits from the Nepal Tourism Board located in Pokhara and Kathmandu.  

What happens if I lose my Manaslu Circuit Trek permit?

If you lose your Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, you will not be allowed to cross the checkpoint, so all the permits will be carried by your travel guide, and they will present the required documents at every checkpoint.