How to Get Manaslu Permit for Trekking – Costs and Fees?

Seeking an unforgettable Himalayan journey far from the crowds? 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! This 2025 guide provides clear, step-by-step details on the permits required, their costs, and how to get them smoothly.

Why Are Permits Necessary for the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal to preserve its unique environment and culture. As such, trekkers must obtain special permits and adhere to specific regulations:

• Solo trekking is prohibited. A minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide is mandatory.
• Permits must be arranged through registered trekking agencies.
• There are multiple checkpoints along the trail where permits are verified.

• Applicable Region: Jagat to Dharapani
• Issued By: Department of Immigration, Kathmandu
• Requirements:
  • Minimum of two trekkers
  • Licensed trekking guide
  • Registered trekking agency
• Cost:
  • September to November:
    • USD 100 per person for the first 7 days
    • USD 15 per person for each additional day
  • December to August:
    • USD 75 per person for the first 7 days
    • USD 10 per person for each additional day

Note: The duration is calculated based on the number of days spent between Jagat and Dharapani.

2. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (2024 updated)

• Applicable Region: Entry point at Jagat
• Issued By: Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Sirdibas, Gorkha
• Cost: NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) per foreigner
• Where to Obtain: On-site at the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Office in Jagat

This local permit supports community development and is mandatory in addition to the RAP.

3. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

• Applicable Region: Philim to Bhimtang
• Issued By: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
• Cost:
  • NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
  • NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) for foreign nationals
• Validity: No time restriction within the trek duration

4. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

• Applicable Region: Dharapani onward, after crossing Larkya La Pass
• Validity: No time restrictio
  • NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
  • NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) for foreign nationals
• Cost:
• Issued By: NTNC

Optional: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit

If you plan to extend your trek to the Tsum Valley, an additional permit is required:

• Cost:
  • September to November: USD 40 per person per week
  • December to August: USD 30 per person per week
• Issued By: Department of Immigration via registered trekking agency

Where to Obtain Your Permits

It's strongly recommended to obtain your permits before commencing your trek. While it's possible to acquire permits at certain checkpoints, doing so will incur a 100% surcharge.

Kathmandu:

Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap:

• Offers both ACAP and MCAP permits
• Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department of Immigration, Anamnagar:

• Issues the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Pokhara:

Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside:

• Offers ACAP permits only
• Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Besisahar, Lamjung:

ACAP Entry Permit Counter:

• Offers ACAP permits only
• Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday (except public holidays), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Jagat:

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Office:

• Issues the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit
• Obtainable on-site upon entering the region

Note: Children under 10 years old are exempt from entrance fees.

Required Documents for Manaslu Trekking Permits

• Passport: A photocopy of the main information page of your valid passport.
• Agency Letterhead (for RAP): Your trekking agency will prepare a letter with the serial numbers of the US dollar bills used to pay the RAP fees.
• Trekking Itinerary: A printed outline of your day-to-day trekking plan, showing entry and exit points.
• Travel Insurance: A copy of your travel insurance policy that includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (for the MCAP and ACAP permits) and one scanned photo (for the online RAP application).
• Nepal Visa: A photocopy of your valid Nepal tourist visa.

Note: Your registered trekking agency, such as Places Nepal, will help ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Acquiring the Manaslu Permit

Step 1: Online Application

• Fill out the online application forms for both the ACAP and MCAP permits 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 notes.
• Important: Write down the serial number and denomination of each bill on your trekking agency's letterhead. or pay through online mobile banking (updated)

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).

This step only covers the issuance of the Manaslu RAP. You still need to obtain the separate ACAP and MCAP permits as part of the overall permit process.

Step 3: Obtain MCAP and ACAP Permits

• Visit the Nepal Tourism Board office (Kathmandu or Pokhara) to obtain the MCAP and ACAP permits.
• 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.
• Affix your printed photograph to the permit.
• The Nepal Tourism Board staff will sign your permits.

Your permits are now ready! Ensure you carry all original permits during the trek, as there are multiple checkpoints.

Summary of Permit Costs

Terms & Conditions - Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

• Individual Permits: You'll need separate entry permits for both the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP).
• 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.

Additional Tips

• Advance Planning: Begin the permit application process at least a week before your intended departure.
• Keep Copies: Photocopy all permits and IDs in case of loss or checkpoint requests.
• Use a Trusted Agency: Only registered trekking agencies can help you obtain the RAP.

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.: