Nepal's government has put a limit on how many people can visit the Manaslu region, specifically the area between Jagat and Dharapani. This means that if you want to trek around Manaslu, you have to get a special permit from the government.
You also can't trek alone. You need to be in a group of at least two people, and you must have a local guide with you. Also, you have to book your trip through a travel agency that's officially registered with the government. You can't just hire a freelance guide to get you the right paperwork.
You'll need to get three different permits before you can start your trek. And if you're planning to go to the Tsum Valley as well, you'll need another permit on top of that!
Required Documents for Manaslu Trekking Permits
To get your Manaslu Circuit trek permits, you'll need a few documents:
- Photos: Two passport-sized photos for the MCAP and ACAP permits, and one scanned photo for the online Manaslu RAP form.
- Passport: A photocopy of your valid passport.
- Insurance: Travel insurance papers, making sure they cover helicopter evacuation.
- Visa: Your Nepal tourist visa.
Your trekking agency, like Places Nepal will help you make sure you have everything in order when you apply for the permits.
Manaslu Permit Costs
The Manaslu Circuit is an awesome trail to go trekking in Nepal! It's pretty isolated, and people haven't been able to explore it for very long – only since 1991. If you're up for an adventure and want to experience the real Nepal and its villages, this is the perfect spot. The best part? You can trek here any time of year!
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Citizens
|
Cost Per person
|
SAARC and Other Countries
|
(From September to November)
per week US$ 70
per day US$ 10
(From December to August)
per week US$ 50
per day US$ 7
|
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Citizens
|
Cost Per person
|
Nepalese
|
Rs. 100
|
SAARC
|
Rs. 1000
|
Other Countries
|
Rs. 3000 / US$ 27
|
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Citizens
|
Cost Per person
|
Nepalese
|
Rs. 100
|
SAARC
|
Rs. 1000
|
Other Countries
|
Rs. 3000 / US$ 27
|
(Note: The Tsum Valley Restricted Permit costs around $40 per person per week. If you plan to trek in the Tsum Valley, you'll also need an ACAP permit.)
Terms & Conditions - Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
- Individual Permits: You'll need separate entry permits for both the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA).
- Photos Required: Two passport-sized photos are needed for each permit application.
- Single Entry & Non-Refundable: The permits are valid for one entry only and cannot be refunded.
- Restricted Access: You can only enter the specific areas within the Conservation Areas as designated by your permit.
- Adhere to Regulations: You must follow all the rules and regulations outlined in the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act of 2029 B.S. (1973).
- Carry Permit at All Times: Always carry your entry permit with you and present it upon request by Conservation Area personnel.
Where to Get Your Permit
You can only get the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area permits at specific places. You can't usually get them at checkpoints along the trails. It's best to get your permits before you start your trek.
If you absolutely need to get a permit at a checkpoint, you can, but it will cost you double the normal price.
Permit Issuance Locations:
- Kathmandu:
- Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap:
- Offers both Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Pokhara:
- Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside:
- Offers ACAP only
- Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Besisahar, Lamjung:
- ACAP Entry Permit Counter:
- Offers ACAP only
- Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Important Notes:
- Advance Permit Acquisition: It's strongly recommended to obtain your permits before commencing your trek.
- Limited Checkpoint Issuance: While possible in special circumstances, obtaining permits at checkpoints along the trekking routes incurs a 100% surcharge.
Notes: Kids under 10 don't need to pay an entrance fee. The Manaslu Circuit Trek includes a short hike from Dharapani to Besisahar, which is within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). Even though this part is only two days, you still need to get an ACAP permit for the whole Manaslu Circuit. If you plan to continue trekking on the Annapurna Circuit after Dharapani, you'll need a separate permit called a TIMS card. But good news! You can use the same ACAP permit for both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits.
The process of Acquiring the Manaslu Permit
Step 1: Online Application
- Fill out the online application forms for both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) separately.
- Submit the completed online applications to the Director General, Department of Immigration.
- Include a printed copy of your detailed trekking itinerary, including your planned trekking dates.
- Submit a photocopy of your passport's main page and your visa page.
- Arrange your necessary funds in US dollar note.
- Important: Write down the serial number and denomination of each bill on your trekking agency's letterhead.
Step 2: Visit the Department of Immigration
- Head to the Department of Immigration in Anamnagar.
- Deposit your US dollars to Global IME Bank (located within the Immigration Department) along with your trekking agency's letterhead containing the serial numbers of each bill. Collect the deposit slip.
- Agency Verification: Present your agency's up-to-date guide insurance, tax clearance certificate, and valid authority certificate from the central bank for verification.
- Permit Processing:
- Initial Verification: The first officer will verify the trekker details submitted online against your passport information and print a new slip.
- Second Verification: The second officer will review the details and forward the file to the Head of Immigration.
- Director General Approval: The Director General of Immigration will review and sign the file.
- Permit Issuance: The first officer will print individual permits, affix them to stickers, and fill in the necessary details. The second officer will then sign the stickers.
- Final Stamp: The first officer will apply the final stamp to the stickers, completing the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
Important Note: This step only covers the issuance of the Manaslu RAP. You still need to obtain the separate Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) as part of the overall permit process.
Step 3: Obtain MCAP and ACAP Permits
- Visit Nepal Tourism Board office (Kathmandu or Pokhara) to obtain the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Pay the permit fees in Nepalese Rupees.
- Submit the printed online application forms for each permit.
- Receive Permits: The Nepal Tourism Board will print your permits.
- Photo Placement: Affix your printed photograph to the permit.
- Official Signatures: The Nepal Tourism Board staff will sign your permits.
Your Permits Are Ready!
Contact Us:
If you have any questions about obtaining permits for the Manaslu Trek, please don't hesitate to contact us. We also offer permit stress free Manaslu Circuit Trek packages.