Manaslu Circuit Permits Guide

This guide covers exactly that: what's required, what it costs, how the process actually works, and what changed with the March 2026 rule update. It supports our Manaslu Circuit Trek page, where permits are included in every package.

Quick Answer: What Permits Are Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Three permits are required on the standard route: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — plus a small local Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee collected at Jagat. A licensed guide is mandatory, and all permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency; you cannot apply for the RAP independently. No TIMS card is required. As of 22 March 2026, solo trekkers can obtain their own RAP — the previous two-person minimum has been removed, though the guide requirement hasn't changed.

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

A remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers roughly 160 km (100 miles) and involves 5–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larkya Pass

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Why Does the Manaslu Circuit Require Special Permits?

Manaslu sits in a restricted border region, which is the core reason the permit system here is stricter than open trekking areas like Poon Hill or Langtang. Four things drive the regulation:

Border proximity. The route runs close to the Tibet frontier, and Nepal manages foreign trekker access in these zones more tightly than in the rest of the country.

Restricted Area designation. This isn't a marketing term — it's a specific legal classification requiring government-issued permits and a licensed guide, separate from conservation-area entry fees.

Environmental conservation. The Manaslu Conservation Area protects a genuinely fragile high-altitude ecosystem, and permit revenue funds conservation work in the region.

Local community protection and sustainable tourism. Permit limits and fees help manage trekker volume through Nubri and Tsum communities, keeping the route from developing the same tourism pressure seen in more heavily visited regions.

Overview of All Required Permits

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

 The RAP is the core permit that makes Manaslu trekking legal, and it's the one that can't be obtained independently under any circumstance.

Where it applies: the restricted section of the route, roughly Jagat to Dharapani.

Requirements: a licensed trekking guide, a registered trekking agency to submit the application, and — as of the March 2026 rule change — no minimum group size.

Cost:

Duration is calculated based on the number of days spent within the restricted zone (Jagat to Dharapani), not your total trek length — the lower-valley days before Jagat and the descent after Dharapani aren't counted against this permit.

Why it must go through a registered agency: this isn't operator preference — Nepal's Department of Immigration only issues the RAP to applications submitted by a registered trekking agency on your behalf, alongside a licensed guide assignment. There's no independent application path.

Want the fuller picture on trekking without a guide specifically? See: Can I Do the Manaslu Circuit Without a Guide?

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Coverage: the conservation area section of the route, roughly Philim to Bhimtang.

Conservation objectives: MCAP fees fund habitat and wildlife protection within the Manaslu Conservation Area, one of Nepal's most ecologically significant protected regions.

Cost: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) for foreign nationals; NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Validity: no time restriction within your trek duration — it's a single-entry conservation fee, not a daily charge like the RAP.

Where it's checked: at conservation area checkpoints along the route; carry the original permit, not a photocopy.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Why it's required on the standard route: the Manaslu Circuit doesn't stay within Manaslu Conservation Area for its entire length — the standard itinerary finishes in Dharapani, which sits inside Annapurna Conservation Area territory. ACAP covers that final stretch, not because the trek "starts" in the Annapurna region, but because it exits through it.

Areas covered: from Dharapani onward, after crossing Larkya La Pass.

Cost: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) for foreign nationals; NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Alternative routes: if your itinerary ends before Dharapani (uncommon, but occasionally arranged for specific private treks) or continues onto the full Annapurna Circuit, ACAP requirements and coverage extend accordingly — confirm with your agency if your itinerary is non-standard.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

A smaller, local fee separate from the government-level permits above:

• Applicable region: entry point at Jagat
• Cost: NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) per person
• Where to obtain: on-site at the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Office in Jagat, on the day you pass through
• Purpose: supports local community development directly, distinct from conservation-area funding

 

Optional: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit

Only required if you're extending your trek into Tsum Valley:

Issued by the Department of Immigration through your registered trekking agency, the same way as the main RAP.

Do You Need TIMS for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

No. This is one of the most common points of confusion for trekkers researching Manaslu, largely because TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) is required on many other Nepal trekking routes. On the Manaslu Circuit specifically, the Restricted Area Permit already captures and tracks your entry and route information, which makes a separate TIMS card redundant — Nepal's regulations don't require it here. If you see TIMS listed as a required Manaslu permit on another site or in an older quote, that information is outdated.

The one exception: if your itinerary continues past Besisahar deep into the main Annapurna Circuit as a separate extension, TIMS becomes relevant for that portion of the route — but not for the standard Manaslu Circuit itself.

Can You Trek the Manaslu Circuit Without a Guide?

No — not legally, regardless of your experience level. A licensed guide from a registered trekking agency is a hard requirement for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, not a recommendation. This differs from some other Nepal trekking regions (Everest's Khumbu area, notably, opted out of Nepal's broader 2023 mandatory-guide rule), but Manaslu's restricted-area status means the guide requirement applies without exception here.

Why this rule exists: border-region security, trekker safety in a remote area with limited independent rescue infrastructure, and consistent oversight of a genuinely fragile conservation area all factor into the requirement.

Safety benefits in practice: beyond the legal requirement, a licensed guide experienced on this specific route provides real value — recognizing early altitude sickness symptoms, navigating checkpoint paperwork, and coordinating any necessary evacuation in a region where you can't simply flag down help.

As of 2026, one licensed guide may accompany a maximum of 7 trekkers — a ratio limit worth confirming with any agency you're considering, since a guide stretched across a larger group has less capacity to monitor individual trekkers closely.

Can You Trek Manaslu Solo?

Yes, as of 22 March 2026. Nepal's Department of Immigration removed the previous rule requiring a minimum of two trekkers to obtain a Restricted Area Permit. A solo traveler can now apply for their own RAP through a registered agency.

What hasn't changed: the licensed guide requirement applies exactly the same way to solo trekkers as to groups — "solo" means without other trekkers, not without a guide.

Options for solo travelers: join a fixed group departure (the most cost-effective option, and a way to trek alongside other travelers even though your permit is individual), or book a fully private trek with your own guide and pace. Both are legitimate, common arrangements.

Permit Fees Summary

Foreign Nationals

SAARC Nationals

RAP and Chumnubri fees apply the same rate regardless of nationality; the conservation-area permits (MCAP and ACAP) are where SAARC nationals see a reduced rate. Children under 10 are exempt from entrance fees.

Estimated Total Permit Cost by Season (12-day standard itinerary, foreign national)

Add USD 10–15 per day if your specific itinerary spends more than 7 days within the Jagat–Dharapani restricted zone — most standard 12-day departures fall within or close to this window, but confirm your exact day count with your agency.

Required Documents

Before your agency can begin the permit application, have these ready:

• Passport — a clear photocopy of the main information page, plus the original for in-person verification
• Nepal visa — a photocopy of your valid tourist visa
• Passport-sized photos — typically two, for the MCAP and ACAP permits, plus one scanned photo for the RAP application
• Trekking itinerary — a printed day-by-day outline showing entry and exit points, prepared by your agency
• Travel insurance — a copy of your policy confirming coverage for high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation
• Payment in the required currency — RAP fees are paid in US dollars; your agency will guide you on the specific process

Your registered trekking agency handles the actual submission and in-person processing — you provide the documents and, for the RAP specifically, need to be in Kathmandu with your original passport while it's processed.

How to Obtain the Permits

1. Choose a licensed, registered trekking agency. Only registered agencies can submit RAP applications — this isn't something you can do independently even if you wanted to.
2. Confirm your travel dates and itinerary. Your agency needs your planned entry and exit dates to calculate RAP fees correctly.
3. Submit your documents. Passport copy, visa copy, photos, and insurance details, as listed above.
4. Arrive in Kathmandu with your original passport. The RAP application requires in-person verification at the Department of Immigration — plan to arrive at least one full working day before your trek starts so this can be completed without rushing.
5. Your agency submits and processes the applications. RAP through the Department of Immigration in Anamnagar; MCAP and ACAP through the Nepal Tourism Board or NTNC counters in Kathmandu.
6. Fees are paid — RAP typically in US dollars, MCAP/ACAP in Nepali rupees.
7. Permits are issued and affixed with your photo, then handed to you or your guide to carry during the trek.
8. Carry your original permits throughout the trek and present them at checkpoints when asked. ⚙️ Editor note: I've deliberately left out claims about "pre-arrival digital permit processing" and QR-code checkpoint verification that appeared in an earlier draft of this article — I couldn't verify either against any other source, and the digital pre-arrival claim directly contradicts the in-person, original-passport process described here and confirmed elsewhere in our own content. Worth confirming with the ground operations team whether either of these is actually accurate before publishing either way.

Where permits are physically issued:

• Kathmandu — Department of Immigration, Anamnagar (RAP); Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap (MCAP and ACAP)
• Pokhara — Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside (ACAP only)
• Besisahar, Lamjung — ACAP entry permit counter (ACAP only)
• Jagat — Chumnubri Rural Municipality Office (Chumnubri permit, on-site)

It's strongly recommended to have your permits arranged before starting your trek — obtaining certain permits at trailhead checkpoints instead is possible in limited cases but typically carries a significant surcharge.

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

A remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers roughly 160 km (100 miles) and involves 5–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larkya Pass

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Permit Checkpoints

Multiple checkpoints exist along the route because different permits cover different sections — the restricted-area boundary, the conservation area boundary, and the local municipality zone don't perfectly overlap. Your guide handles the actual checkpoint process; your job is simply to have your original permits accessible, not buried in the bottom of your duffel bag.

Common Permit Mistakes

1. Assuming solo trekking means no guide required. The March 2026 rule change removed the two-person minimum, not the guide requirement.
2. Applying too late for peak season. Autumn departures can mean processing delays if your agency is handling many applications at once — build in buffer time.
3. Booking through an unregistered operator. Only registered agencies can submit RAP applications; an unregistered "guide" cannot legally get you a permit.
4. Forgetting your original passport in Kathmandu. The RAP process requires in-person verification against your original document, not just a copy.
5. Believing MCAP replaces RAP, or vice versa. They're separate permits covering different regulatory purposes — both are required.
6. Confusing TIMS requirements. TIMS is not required for the standard Manaslu Circuit; don't pay for it if it's added to a quote without explanation.
7. Not budgeting for the Chumnubri fee separately. It's a small amount, but it's a genuinely separate line item from RAP, MCAP, and ACAP.
8. Assuming ACAP isn't needed because the trek is "about Manaslu." It's required because the standard route finishes inside Annapurna Conservation Area territory, not because of the trek's name.
9. Underestimating RAP cost for an extended itinerary. The daily rate after the first 7 days adds up on longer or customized itineraries — ask your agency for an exact quote based on your specific day count.
10. Not confirming which season's rate applies. RAP pricing differs meaningfully between September–November and December–August — confirm the rate for your actual travel dates.
11. Assuming permits are refundable if plans change. They're generally single-entry and non-refundable — confirm your agency's specific policy before paying.
12. Not carrying original permits during the trek. Photocopies aren't accepted at checkpoints; the originals need to be with you or your guide.
13. Losing track of permits mid-trek. Keep them in a dedicated, weatherproof pocket, not loose in a bag pocket that gets opened repeatedly.
14. Assuming the Tsum Valley extension uses the same permit as the main circuit. It requires a separate, additional Restricted Area Permit.
15. Not accounting for permit costs in your total budget. Permits alone can run USD 150–250+ per person depending on season and itinerary length — factor this in beyond your package's headline price if it's not already included.
16. Believing you can apply for permits entirely online without agency involvement. The application process is agency-submitted; you can't do this independently as a foreign trekker.
17. Assuming children need full-price permits. Children under 10 are exempt from entrance fees — confirm this applies to your specific family booking.
18. Not double-checking passport validity before applying. Permit applications require a valid passport with adequate remaining validity — renew well before booking if yours is close to expiring.
19. Assuming permit rules are identical to Everest or Annapurna. Manaslu's restricted-area status makes its guide and permit requirements genuinely different — don't assume experience on other routes translates directly.
20. Not asking whether permits are included in a package price. Some quotes separate permit costs; others bundle them — clarify this before comparing prices between operators.
21. Assuming a single RAP covers unlimited itinerary changes. Significant itinerary changes mid-trek can affect your permit's day-count calculation — discuss changes with your guide as they happen.
22. Waiting until arrival in Kathmandu to start the process. Confirm your agency has begun document preparation well before you fly, even though final in-person steps happen in Kathmandu.
23. Assuming permit costs are fixed year to year. Government fee structures can change — always confirm current rates with your agency rather than relying on an old quote or outdated article.
24. Not asking about the guide-to-trekker ratio when booking a group departure. The 2026 rule caps this at 7 trekkers per guide — worth confirming your specific departure complies.

Manaslu Permit Comparison With Other Nepal Treks

Manaslu's permit structure sits closer to Upper Mustang's than to Everest Base Camp's or the Annapurna routes — both Manaslu and Upper Mustang are genuinely restricted border areas with mandatory guide requirements and higher, seasonally-scaled permit fees, reflecting tighter government oversight of these specific regions rather than standard conservation-area management.

Trek the Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek leads through Nepal's last forbidden kingdom — 14 days across desert canyons, sky caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang.

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Which Permit Situation Applies to You?

A quick decision guide if you want the short version before reading the detail above:

Trekking the standard 12-day Manaslu Circuit, ending at Dharapani, as part of a group? → You need RAP + MCAP + ACAP + Chumnubri fee. No TIMS. Guide mandatory. This is the standard case covered throughout this guide.

Trekking solo, no group? → Same permits as above. As of March 2026, you can get your own RAP individually — you still need a licensed guide.

Adding the Tsum Valley extension? → Everything above, plus a separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (USD 30–40/week depending on season).

Continuing onto the Annapurna Circuit after Dharapani? → Everything above; your ACAP coverage extends naturally since you're staying within Annapurna Conservation Area territory, though confirm your extended itinerary with your agency for exact fee implications.

Traveling with children under 10? → Same permit structure, with entrance fee exemptions for children under 10 specifically.

Booking the Tibet Border variant? → Same core permits (RAP, MCAP, ACAP), with your RAP cost calculated against that itinerary's specific day count in the restricted zone.

If your situation doesn't map cleanly onto one of these, that's exactly the kind of question to raise directly with your trekking agency at the time of booking — permit specifics can shift slightly for non-standard itineraries, and it's far easier to clarify before you pay a deposit than to untangle mid-trek.

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

A remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers roughly 160 km (100 miles) and involves 5–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larkya Pass

View Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Manaslu permits online? Not independently — your registered trekking agency submits the application on your behalf, though parts of the process are digital on the agency's end.

Can I arrange permits after arriving in Nepal? Yes, this is the standard process — most trekkers arrange permits through their agency in Kathmandu shortly before departure, with original passport verification required in person.

How long are permits valid? They're valid for a single entry covering your specific trek dates, not an open-ended window — the RAP is calculated by day count within the restricted zone.

Can I extend a permit? If your trek runs longer than planned, your agency can typically arrange an extension, though this usually involves additional daily RAP fees.

Do children need permits? Children under 10 are exempt from entrance fees; older children still require the standard permits.

Are permits refundable? Generally no — permits are single-entry and non-refundable once issued. Confirm your specific agency's policy before paying.

What if my itinerary changes mid-trek? Minor changes are usually manageable; significant changes can affect your RAP day-count calculation — discuss with your guide as they happen.

What happens if roads are closed? Your agency and guide will adjust logistics as needed; this doesn't typically affect permit validity itself, though it may affect your itinerary timing.

Can I reuse a permit for a future trek? No — permits are single-entry and specific to your booked dates.

What happens if I lose my permit during the trek? Tell your guide immediately — they can coordinate with your agency on next steps, which is one of many reasons a licensed guide matters on this route.

What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek? RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and the Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee — see the overview table near the top of this guide.

How much do Manaslu permits cost in total? Roughly USD 130–160 per person for a standard 12-day itinerary, depending on season — see the full cost breakdown above.

Can I get permits myself without an agency? No — the RAP specifically requires agency submission; this is a hard regulatory requirement, not a convenience service.

Why is Manaslu a restricted area? Border proximity, environmental conservation, and community protection are the core reasons — covered in detail above.

Do I need a licensed guide? Yes, mandatory, regardless of experience level or group size.

Can I trek solo? Yes, as of March 2026 — with a licensed guide, which remains required either way.

Can I join a group? Yes — fixed group departures are common and generally the most cost-effective way to trek this route.

What documents are required? Passport, visa copy, passport photos, trekking itinerary, and travel insurance details — full checklist above.

What happens if I enter without permits? This isn't a realistic scenario in practice — checkpoints along the route verify permits, and trekking without them isn't something a licensed guide or registered agency would allow to happen.

Are permit fees seasonal? Yes — the RAP specifically has different rates for September–November versus December–August.

Which checkpoints verify permits? Jagat, Deng/Namrung, the Samagaun area, and Dharapani — see the checkpoint table above.

How do Manaslu permits differ from Everest Base Camp permits? Manaslu requires a mandatory guide and a restricted-area permit; Everest Base Camp doesn't legally require a guide and uses a simpler two-permit system.

How do Manaslu permits differ from Annapurna permits? Similar in that both involve conservation-area fees, but Manaslu's restricted-area status adds the RAP and mandatory guide requirement that standard Annapurna routes don't have.

Is TIMS required for Manaslu? No — the RAP covers entry tracking for the standard route.

What's the RAP fee for a 12-day trek in autumn? Approximately USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15/day for additional days within the restricted zone, season-dependent on exact dates.

What's the RAP fee for a 12-day trek in winter? Approximately USD 75 for the first 7 days plus USD 10/day for additional days within the restricted zone.

Do SAARC nationals pay less for Manaslu permits? Yes, for MCAP and ACAP specifically — NPR 1,000 versus NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC foreign nationals. RAP and Chumnubri fees are the same regardless of nationality.

What's the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit? A small local fee (NPR 1,000) collected at Jagat, separate from the government-level permits, supporting local community development.

Do I need a separate permit for Tsum Valley? Yes, if extending your trek there — a separate Restricted Area Permit at USD 30–40 per week depending on season.

How much does the Tsum Valley permit cost? USD 40/week in September–November, USD 30/week in December–August.

Can I apply for permits before booking a trek? No — the application requires confirmed trek dates and an assigned guide, both of which happen as part of booking.

How far in advance should permits be arranged? Your agency typically handles this in the days before your trek starts, once you're in Kathmandu — but confirm your booking and travel dates at least a few weeks ahead for smooth processing.

What happens if my flight to Kathmandu is delayed and I miss my permit appointment? Your agency can usually reschedule processing, which is exactly why we recommend arriving at least one full day before your trek starts.

Do I need travel insurance to get a permit? Insurance documentation is part of the standard application package, though requirements can vary by agency — confirm what's needed with yours.

What insurance coverage is required? Coverage for high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation, at minimum.

Can a family get a group discount on permits? Permit fees themselves are per-person and don't typically offer family discounts, aside from the under-10 exemption; package pricing may offer group rates separately.

Is there an age limit for the guide requirement? No — the guide requirement applies to all trekkers regardless of age.

Can I hire an independent (non-agency) guide? No — the guide must be affiliated with a registered agency for the permit application to be valid.

What's the penalty for trekking without a permit? This isn't a realistic risk in practice when trekking with a licensed guide and registered agency, since permits are a prerequisite for legally entering the restricted zone at all.

Do permits cover the Tibet Border variant route? Yes — the same core permit structure (RAP, MCAP, ACAP) applies, with itinerary-specific day counts affecting the RAP cost.

Do permits cover the Manaslu-Annapurna combined route? Yes, with ACAP coverage extending naturally since the combined route continues through Annapurna Conservation Area territory.

What's the difference between RAP and MCAP? RAP is the restricted-area entry permit specific to Manaslu's border-zone status; MCAP is the conservation-area fee funding environmental protection — both are required and serve different regulatory purposes.

What's the difference between MCAP and ACAP? They're the conservation-area permits for two different regions (Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area respectively) that the standard route passes through in sequence.

Can permits be applied for on weekends? Government offices generally follow standard Nepali working-week hours (Sunday–Friday, with Saturday as the main weekly holiday) — confirm current office hours with your agency, since this can affect processing timing around weekends.

What if my passport expires soon after my trek? Renew before booking if possible — most permits and visas require meaningful remaining passport validity, and cutting it close risks complications.

Do I need visa approval before applying for trekking permits? Yes — your Nepal visa (obtained on arrival or in advance) is part of the required documentation for the permit application.

Can I change my trekking agency after permits are issued? This is complicated and generally not straightforward, since permits are tied to your original agency and guide assignment — raise any agency concerns before permits are processed, not after.

What happens to my permit if I get evacuated mid-trek? Your permit doesn't need any special handling in an evacuation scenario — your guide and agency manage the logistics, and your safety takes priority over any paperwork.

Are there different permits for photography or filming? Commercial filming may require additional permissions beyond standard trekking permits — contact your agency directly if you're planning anything beyond personal photography.

How do I verify an agency is properly registered? Ask for their TAAN (Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal) registration and Nepal Tourism Board license details directly — a legitimate agency will provide this without hesitation.

What's the fastest a permit can realistically be processed? With all documents ready and no complications, RAP processing can often be completed within a working day in Kathmandu — but building in buffer time is always the safer approach.

Do solo trekkers pay more for permits than groups? No — permit fees themselves are per-person regardless of group size; it's package pricing (guide, porter, accommodation) where solo trekkers typically see a higher per-person cost.

Permits are one part of Manaslu planning that genuinely benefits from working with an experienced local agency rather than trying to piece it together yourself — the restricted-area process has real regulatory teeth, and getting it wrong isn't just paperwork friction, it can mean not being allowed to trek at all. Talk to our team about your dates and group size, and we'll handle the permit process as part of your booking, not as a separate headache.