Manaslu Trek Permit: Guide to Costs and Regulations

Get your complete guide to the Manaslu trek permit. Find updated costs, solo trek regulations, and rules for the mandatory MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP permits.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, a jewel of the Himalayas, offers a captivating journey around the world’s eighth-highest peak. Its remote trails and rich cultural tapestry provide an experience reminiscent of trekking in Nepal decades ago. However, this pristine environment is protected as a restricted area, meaning that, unlike more common routes like Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, you can’t simply grab a backpack and go. Navigating the permit requirements for the Manaslu trek is a critical first step in planning your adventure.

This comprehensive guide, optimized with the latest information for 2025, will walk you through everything you need to know about the necessary permits, their costs, and the legal regulations you must follow. Understanding these essential legal requirements is not just about bureaucracy; it’s about contributing to the conservation of this unique region and ensuring a safe and responsible journey.

Mandatory Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

To legally trek the Manaslu Circuit, you are required to obtain three separate permits. These are non-negotiable and are checked at various points along the trail.

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

This is the most crucial permit for the Manaslu trek. The region’s proximity to the Tibetan border has led the Government of Nepal to designate it as a restricted area to control access and preserve its unique cultural and natural heritage.

• Purpose: To regulate trekking activities in a sensitive border region and to fund local community development.
• Cost: The cost of the MRAP is seasonal and depends on the duration of your trek within the restricted zone, which starts from Jagat and ends at Dharapani.
  • September to November (Autumn): $100 USD per person for the first seven days, plus an additional $15 USD per person per day thereafter.
  • December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer): $75 USD per person for the first seven days, plus an additional $10 USD per person per day thereafter.
• Validity: The permit is valid for the number of days specified at the time of purchase.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu region is a designated conservation area, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard. This permit supports the conservation efforts of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).

• Purpose: To fund the conservation of the Manaslu Conservation Area’s biodiversity and to support sustainable community development projects.
• Cost: $30 USD per person.
• Validity: No date restrictions; valid for the entire duration of your trek.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

As the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek concludes by entering the Annapurna Conservation Area at Dharapani, you will also need an ACAP to exit the region.

• Purpose: To support the conservation and community development initiatives within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
• Cost: $30 USD per person.
• Validity: No date restrictions; valid for the entire duration of your trek within the Annapurna region.

New and Optional Permits

Recent changes and optional side trips have introduced additional permits that may be relevant to your itinerary.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

A relatively new requirement, this permit has been introduced by the local government of the Chumnubri Rural Municipality.

• Purpose: To generate local revenue for infrastructure development and community projects within the municipality that the trek passes through.
• Cost: Approximately $20-$25 USD per person (NPR 2,000 to 3,000). The exact amount can fluctuate slightly.
• Validity: Valid for the duration of the trek within the municipality’s jurisdiction.

Tsum Valley Permit

For those looking to extend their adventure, the Tsum Valley side trek offers a deep dive into a culturally distinct Tibetan Buddhist region that was closed to outsiders until 2008. If you choose to undertake this optional trek, you will need an additional permit.

• Purpose: To preserve the unique culture and pristine environment of the Tsum Valley, another restricted area.
• Cost:
  • September to November: $40 USD per person for the first seven days, plus $7 USD per day thereafter.
  • December to August: $30 USD per person for the first seven days, plus $7 USD per day thereafter.
• Validity: The permit is valid for the specified duration of your stay in the Tsum Valley.

The TIMS Card Question: Is It Required?

There is often confusion regarding the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card for the Manaslu trek. For the Manaslu Circuit Trek itself, a TIMS card is not required. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) serves a similar purpose of tracking trekkers’ information.

However, if your itinerary includes continuing your trek into the classic Annapurna Circuit beyond the standard exit point, you will then be required to obtain a TIMS card.

Summary of Manaslu Trek Permit Costs (2025)

How to Obtain Your Manaslu Trek Permits

Unlike many other treks in Nepal, you cannot obtain the Manaslu permits on your own. The process is strictly regulated and must be facilitated by a registered local trekking agency in Nepal.

The Application Process:

1. Choose a Registered Agency: Your first step is to book your trek with a government-licensed trekking company. They will handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.
2. Provide Necessary Documents: You will need to provide your trekking agency with the following:
   • A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
   • A valid Nepal tourist visa.
   • Your original passport (not a copy) for the restricted permit application.
   • At least four passport-sized photos.
   • Proof of travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation.
3. Permit Issuance: Your agency will submit the application and your documents to the appropriate government bodies. The MRAP is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, while the MCAP and ACAP are issued by the Nepal Tourism Board.

Key Regulations and Legal Requirements

The restricted status of the Manaslu region comes with specific regulations that all trekkers must adhere to:

• Minimum of Two Trekkers: Solo trekking in the Manaslu restricted area is strictly prohibited. You must be in a group of at least two trekkers.
• Mandatory Licensed Guide: You are required to hire a licensed Nepali guide. This is for your safety, to ensure compliance with regulations, and to provide local employment.
• Registered Trekking Agency: As mentioned, all treks must be organized through a registered local trekking agency.

These regulations are in place to enhance trekker safety in a remote region with limited facilities and to ensure that the fragile environment and local culture are respected.

Permit Checkpoints on the Manaslu Trail

Be prepared to present your permits at several checkpoints along the trekking route. Your guide will handle the official proceedings, but it’s wise to keep your documents accessible. Key checkpoints are located at:

• Jagat: Entry point to the restricted area where your MRAP and MCAP will be checked.
• Philim: Further check of your permits.
• Samagaon: Another checkpoint for your permits.
• Dharapani: Exit point of the Manaslu region and entry to the Annapurna region, where your ACAP will be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?

A: No, solo trekking in the Manaslu region is not permitted. The government mandates a minimum group size of two trekkers, accompanied by a licensed guide.

Q: How long does it take to get the Manaslu permits?

A: Your registered trekking agency can typically obtain all the necessary permits within one working day in Kathmandu, provided all your documentation is in order.

Q: Can I get a refund on my permit fees if I cancel my trek?

A: No, all permit fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once they have been issued.

Q: What happens if I am caught trekking without a permit?

A: Trekking without the required permits is illegal and can result in significant fines and legal trouble, including potential deportation. The checkpoint system is robust, making it virtually impossible to complete the trek without the proper documentation.

Q: Are there any discounts on permit fees for children?

A: Children under the age of 10 do not require a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). However, they will still need to pay the full fees for the MCAP and ACAP.

Conclusion: Trek Legally and Responsibly

The permit system for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a vital part of what keeps this region so special. While it may seem complex, these legal requirements ensure the protection of a fragile ecosystem, honor the local culture, and enhance the safety of all who venture here. By working with a reputable trekking agency and understanding these regulations, you are not only preparing for an incredible adventure but also contributing to the sustainable future of one of Nepal’s most magnificent trekking destinations. Plan, follow the rules, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.