Key Takeaways
- Multiple Permits Required: Trekking the Manaslu Circuit requires 4–5 permits (RAP, MCAP, ACAP, Chumnubri Fee, plus Tsum Valley RAP if applicable). Missing any can block your trek.
- Agency-Only Processing: All permits must be arranged through a government-registered trekking agency in Kathmandu; solo trekking is not allowed.
- Cost & Seasonal Variation: RAP fees vary by season (USD 100 in peak autumn, USD 75 other months), while MCAP, ACAP, and local fees are mostly fixed; children under 10 often trek free.
- Checkpoints & Validity: Your licensed guide carries permits, which are checked at Jagat, Philim, Sama Gaun, Dharapani, and other police posts; no on-trail permit sales or fixes are possible.
Table of Contents
The Manaslu Circuit Trek encircles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) the world’s eighth-highest peak through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally preserved Himalayan corridors. Because the region shares a sensitive border with Tibet, the Nepal Government has designated the stretch from Jagat to Dharapani a Restricted Area, requiring every foreign trekker to obtain special permits before setting foot on the trail.
Unlike the Annapurna or Langtang circuits, you cannot apply for Manaslu permits independently. All permits must be arranged through a government-registered trekking agency. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited; you need a minimum group of two trekkers and one licensed guide. If you are wondering if you can trek the Manaslu Circuit alone, the answer is no, as the government requires a partner and a guide for safety and control.
How Many Permits Do You Need for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Most trekkers are surprised to find that the Manaslu Circuit requires not one but four separate permits each covering a different zone, authority, and purpose. Missing even one of them can get you turned back at a checkpoint with no way forward. If you are adding the Tsum Valley extension, a fifth permit is also required. Here is exactly what you need:
1. Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is the most important permit for the Manaslu Circuit trek. It allows legal access to the restricted corridor between Jagat and Bhimtang, covering key points like Sama Gaun, Manaslu Base Camp, and Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Understanding how to get Manaslu trekking permits is essential for any traveler planning this route.
Route Covered: Jagat – Sirdibas – Deng – Namrung – Sama Gaun – Manaslu Base Camp – Samagoan – Larkya La Pass – Bhimtang.
The permit is issued by Nepal’s Department of Immigration, Trekking Section in Kathmandu and must be processed through a licensed trekking agency. It cannot be obtained at the trailhead or from outside Nepal. A minimum of two trekkers and a registered guide is required.
Key facts about the Manaslu RAP:
- Valid for the restricted zone from Jagat to Bhimtang
- Your guide carries the original permit; it is checked at Jagat, Sama Gaun, and police checkpoints along the route
- Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued
- Cannot be issued on Saturdays or Nepali public holidays
- No printed photo needed – your photo is uploaded digitally during the online application
Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
The RAP uses seasonal pricing. The autumn trekking season (September–November) carries a higher rate due to peak demand, while all other months are charged at the lower rate.
| Season | First 7 Days (Per Person) | Each Additional Day After 7 |
| September – November (Autumn) | USD 40 | USD 7/day |
| December – August (Other seasons) | USD 30 | USD 7/day |
| SAARC Nationals | NRs 3,000 (~USD 22) | NRs 500/day |
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is required from Philim onwards. It covers the entire Manaslu Conservation Area, which is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) (ntnc.org.np).. Funds from this permit support trail maintenance, wildlife protection, and local community development.
Route Covered: Philim – Deng – Namrung – Sama Gaun – Manaslu Base Camp – Samagoan – Larkya La Pass – Bhimtang
- Non-SAARC Foreigners: NRs 3,000 (~USD 30) – valid for the duration of the trek
- SAARC Nationals: NRs 1,000 (~USD 8) – valid for the duration of the trek
- Nepali Citizens: NRs 100 – valid for the duration of the trek
- Children under 10: Free – valid for the duration of the trek
The fee is fixed regardless of season or number of days inside the conservation area. One printed passport-size photo is required.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
After crossing Larkya La Pass and descending toward Dharapani, you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP is required for the Dharapani to Besisahar section. If you continue onto the full Annapurna Circuit Trek beyond Dharapani, the same ACAP permit remains valid with no additional cost.
Route Covered: Dharapani – Chame – Lower Pisang – Manang – Thorong Phedi – Muktinath – Tatopani – Besisahar
- Non-SAARC Foreigners: NRs 3,000 (~USD 30) – Valid for the duration of the trek
- SAARC Nationals: NRs 1,000 (~USD 8) – Valid for the duration of the trek
- Nepali Citizens: NRs 100 – Valid for the duration of the trek
- Children under 10: Free – Valid for the duration of the trek
The ACAP fee is fixed year-round with no daily limit. One printed passport-size photo is required. Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board.
TIMS Card Note: You do NOT need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The RAP replaces it.
4. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee
This is a mandatory local government levy that many trekkers and even some agencies overlook entirely. The Chumnubri Rural Municipality collects this fee at the Jagat checkpoint to fund trail development and local infrastructure. Keep your receipt as it may be checked further along the trail.
Entry Fee (Per Person)
- Foreign Trekkers: NRs 1,000 (~USD 7–8)
- SAARC Nationals: NRs 1,000
- Nepali Citizens: NRs 200
This fee can be paid directly at the Jagat checkpoint on arrival or arranged in advance through your trekking agency.
5. Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (If Combining with Tsum Valley)
If you add Tsum Valley to the Manaslu Circuit, a separate Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required. You can combine Manaslu Circuit trek with Tsum Valley guide for a more comprehensive experience of the region.
Route Covered: Sirdibas – Lokpa – Chumling – Chekampar – Nile – Chule (Officially listed as Gorkha Tsum Valley Area)
Issuance: Issued by Nepal’s Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through a licensed trekking agency. Independent application is not allowed.
| Season | First 7 Days (Per Person) | Each Additional Day After 7 |
| September – November (Autumn) | USD 40 | USD 7/day |
| December – August (Other seasons) | USD 30 | USD 7/day |
| SAARC Nationals | NRs 3,000 (~USD 22) | NRs 500/day |
Important: The Tsum Valley RAP does not automatically include the Chumnubri Rural Municipality fee (NRs 1,000 for foreigners).
Permit Issuance Steps
All permits must be arranged in Kathmandu before your trek begins. There are no permit sales on the trail and no way to arrange them from outside Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 full working days before your trek departure.
Step 1: Submit Your Documents to Your Registered Trekking Agency
Provide your trekking agency with a color copy of your passport bio page (minimum 6 months validity), a copy of your Nepal tourist visa, travel insurance details covering helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m, a detailed trekking itinerary with entry and exit dates, and USD cash for the RAP fee with noted serial numbers. Your agency completes the online RAP application and submits it to the Director General of the Department of Immigration. Same-day issuance is possible if all documents are submitted in the morning.
Step 2: Department of Immigration, Anamnagar (for RAP)
Your agency deposits the RAP fee in USD at Global IME Bank inside the Department of Immigration compound at Anamnagar, Kathmandu (immigration.gov.np). Officers verify all documents including guide insurance and passport details. The Director General signs the permits, which are then printed, stamped, and issued. No printed photo is required; your image is uploaded digitally. Permits are not issued on Saturdays or government public holidays.
Step 3: Nepal Tourism Board (for MCAP and ACAP)
MCAP and ACAP fees are paid in Nepali Rupees at the Nepal Tourism Board office (ntb.gov.np). Your agency submits the application forms, one printed passport-size photo per permit, and the fees. You sign the forms and both permits are issued the same day on the same visit. Bring 2 printed passport-size photos in total, one for MCAP and one for ACAP.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires careful permit planning before you begin. Because the trail circles Mount Manaslu in a government-declared restricted border region, you must obtain multiple permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, ACAP, and the Chumnubri Rural Municipality entry fee. If you add Tsum Valley, a separate RAP is also required.
All permits must be arranged through a licensed trekking agency in Kathmandu, and solo trekking is not allowed. Fees vary by season for the RAP, while conservation and local permits are mostly fixed year-round. Since checkpoints strictly verify documents along the trail, missing even one permit can stop your trek immediately.
Plan to arrive in Kathmandu at least 1–2 working days early, prepare your documents in advance, and work with a registered agency to ensure a smooth and legal journey through one of Nepal’s most protected and culturally rich trekking regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost in total?
For a standard 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek with 10 days inside the restricted area, the total permit cost is about USD 196 per person in autumn (September–November) and around USD 156 per person in other seasons (December–August). This total includes the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, ACAP, and the Chonburi Municipality fee.
Is the Manaslu permit cheaper than the Annapurna Circuit?
No, the Manaslu Circuit permit is more expensive than the Annapurna Circuit. You can check the Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Everest comparison for a better understanding of these differences. Manaslu requires multiple permits, costing about USD 156–196 per person, while the Annapurna Circuit only requires the ACAP permit, around USD 22–30 per person. However, Manaslu’s higher cost helps protect the area and limit crowds.
Where are Manaslu permits checked on the trail?
Your licensed guide carries all original permits and shows them at official checkpoints along the Manaslu Circuit trail. The main checkpoint is at Jagat, where your Restricted Area Permit and local fee are checked. Other checks happen at Philim (MCAP), Sama Gaun (RAP date verification), Dharapani (ACAP), and several police posts for random inspections.
Do I need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
No. The Manaslu RAP replaces the TIMS card. You do not need a TIMS card as long as your itinerary stays within the Manaslu circuit and exits at Besisahar.
How many passport photos do I need?
Two printed passport-size photos in total, one for MCAP and one for ACAP. The Manaslu RAP does not require a printed photo as your image is uploaded digitally.
How long does permit issuance take?
Same-day issuance is possible if your agency submits complete documents by morning. Allow 1–2 full working days as a buffer, especially during peak autumn season when the Department of Immigration is at its busiest.
Can I trek Manaslu as a solo trekker?
No. A minimum group of two trekkers is required, and solo RAP permits are not issued. If you’re unsure about the requirements, check do you need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit.
Do I need extra permits for Tsum Valley?
Yes. The Tsum Valley RAP costs USD 40 (Sep–Nov) or USD 30 (Dec–Aug) for the first 7 days, plus USD 7 per additional day.
Are permits issued on public holidays?
No. The Department of Immigration does not process permits on Saturdays or Nepali public holidays.
Are Manaslu permits refundable?
No. All Manaslu permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Can I arrange Manaslu permits before arriving in Nepal?
No. All permits require in-person document submission and signature in Kathmandu. Plan to arrive at least 2 full working days before your trek start date. For those concerned about the difficulty of the journey, you might ask, is the Manaslu Circuit trek hard? Preparing your permits and fitness ahead of time is the best way to handle the challenge. Additionally, you should be aware of the medical facilities on Manaslu Circuit trek in case of any health issues during your journey.