Manaslu Trek Permits Guide: Costs, Requirements & How to Apply

Why Manaslu Trek Permits Are Necessary

Are you seeking information regarding the Manaslu Trek permits? Then, I say, you’ve come to the right place. The permit is one of the essential things when planning to trek in Nepal’s Himalayan region. Without it, foreigners aren’t allowed to enter the Manaslu Region. It’s for your good as well as for the local culture and natural environment.

The trekking route is considered a restricted area and is home to some of the endangered wild species, such as the Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, and blue sheep. Therefore, the permit isn’t only about entering the area legally, but also about protecting local culture, wildlife, and ensuring your safety.

Read the blog till the end and plan your adventure accordingly. You’ll receive detailed information about the types of permits, the process to obtain them, their total cost, and other important things related to them here.

Types Of Permits For Manaslu Trek

There are four types of permits you need to have for trekking the Manaslu Circuit. They are listed below:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

• The Manaslu Region is considered a restricted area, as it’s near the Nepal-China Border.
• It helps control the influx of tourists in the region.
• It protects the Tibetan Buddhist culture.
• It assures hikers' safety.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• It protects the natural environment, such as rivers, forests, and wild animals.
• It helps conserve endangered species, such as blue sheep, snow leopard, and Himalayan Tahr.
• Its fee contributes to trail maintenance and waste management.
• It helps to promote sustainable tourism in the region.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• It’s required to enter the Annapurna Region after crossing the Larkya La (Larke Pass).
• It contributes to maintaining trekking routes.
• It helps to protect the biodiversity in the region.
• Its fee supports local communities and conservation projects.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

• To assist the government in tracking you on the route, making it easy to help you in emergencies during the trek.
• To keep a record of visitors' entry and exit on the trekking trail in the country.
• To help the rescue team know about the trails and your last location.
• To manage the flow on the trekking routes and protected areas.
• To promote sustainable tourism.
• To improve the infrastructure for trekking through the collected fees.

Speaking of the Manaslu Trekking permit process, self-application isn’t allowed. Therefore, you can contact any local trekking agencies authorized by the government of Nepal to obtain them. Another thing is that solo trekking isn’t allowed here. Under the Manaslu trek rules and regulations, you’re required to hire a guide, and you should have at least two people in your group, excluding the guide.

To apply for these permits, you should provide the local tour operator with your passport (with at least six months of validity) and a passport-sized photo. Besides your paperwork, they also arrange your program by providing a licensed guide and other things as per your choice.

Manaslu Trek Permit Cost

Here’s the table showing the approximate cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, RAP, MCAP, and ACAP below:

​Requirements To Apply For Permits

Regarding the Manaslu Trek permits requirement, there are a couple of valid documents that you need to provide to a tour operator, such as:

• A passport (with at least six months of validity).
• A passport-sized photo, which should be no more than six months old.
• Group details (number of individuals).

We, Ammonite Adventure, have more than a decade of experience in the tourism industry. We can help you obtain the permits for the Manaslu Trek and arrange other required things to make your journey hassle-free.

How To Apply For Manaslu Trek Permits

To apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking permits: RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, follow these steps below:

Via Trekking Agency

You can’t apply for these permits on your own. Only a registered company like us has the authority to apply, as more than half of the trail lies in a restricted area. So, you may contact any local trekking agency for your paperwork.

Required Form And Documents

Documents such as a passport (valid for at least 6 months), 2 to 3 passport-sized photos, and group details are required to be submitted to the local tour operator.

Payment Methods

Agencies usually accept two currencies: Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and US Dollar (USD). You can use either of these currencies for payment through the direct cash or bank transfer method.

Processing Time

It generally takes 1 to 2 working days, so apply for the permits accordingly. We highly suggest applying them at least 3 to 4 days before your journey starts to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

Tips To Get Permits Smoothly

Below are some easy tips to obtain RAP, MCAP, and ACAP smoothly:

Apply Well In Advance

It often takes 1 to 2 working days to receive them. However, if a public holiday happens during the process, your paperwork can be delayed. Also, during peak trekking seasons, the demand for permits is high, which may take longer processing time. So, consider applying for these permits at least 3 to 4 days before your travel date.

Check The Latest Fees And Regulations

Permit cost can be updated periodically. Therefore, checking the current fee status would be wise so that your application won’t be rejected due to outdated details.

Use Reliable Trekking Agencies

Do a bit of research on local trekking agencies before contacting them for these permit applications. They handle all the paperwork on your behalf and provide you with an experienced guide who is required to enter a restricted area.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The permit work is a very sensitive thing because without it, you can’t enter your destination to explore. You might make some common mistakes while applying RAP, MCAP, and ACAP, such as:

• Waiting for the last hour.
• Providing wrong documents, photos, or details.
• Ignoring updated rules.

You should be cautious and avoid these mistakes. They surely waste your time and effort. Please consider contacting your trustworthy tour operator for updated information and required documents at least 4 days before applying for the permits.

Final Conclusion

Permits are compulsory for foreign tourists to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek because you’ll hike through restricted and conservation areas during the journey. These permits help protect nature and local culture, and ensure your safety in the region. To save your valuable time, money, and effort, please follow the guide that you’ve been provided with in this article. Our complete guide about permits helps you avoid problems in the application process and gives you enough time to plan your adventure.

You’ve already got many ideas about permits and their process now. Therefore, we hope you’ll contact a reliable local tour operator that can arrange a permit, a guide, and other things related to your program when the time comes.