Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of Nepal's most amazing and less-explored restricted area trekking wonders, offering great views of the Himalayas, along with a rich local culture; it's a very rewarding experience for the trekkers. It is not as easy to trek in this region compared to many other areas in Nepal. The Nepal government has declared the Manaslu Region as a restricted area, specifically the route from Jagat to Dharapani. This area can be entered only with a special permit, with some rules that have to be followed very strictly.
You are not allowed to do an independent trek as the region is restricted. You need to hire at least 1 licensed holder guide, or you must have at least two members all the time with a registered license holder local guide. You can make your group of two people, but extra members are added from the agency. Also, you get your permit only through government-authorized agencies.
For those combining the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley, an extra Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is also necessary. While this may all seem a little overwhelming, we promise with a bit of forward-thinking and organisation, it’s really quite simple. Firstly you need to book onto your trek through a registered local trekking company and be sure to have a licenced guide with you on your trek. Then, when you arrive in Nepal, as part of your on-arrival visa, you will give your passport details along with two passport photos and visa information to your chosen trekking company to process your permits on your behalf. In this article, we go more in-depth into how much these permits will actually cost you, as well as what exactly they cover so that there are zero surprises in planning.
Manaslu Trekking Permit 1: Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu Circuit Trekking Via Online
Restricted Area Trekking Permit: Essential for exploring Nepal’s remote and protected regions
A Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need to obtain this RAP as the area falls under Nepal’s restricted regions, being very close to the Tibetan border. You will have to get your RAP permit prior to beginning your trek, and it will be checked at various places along the trail.
The RAP permit is required till you reach Sama Gaun from Jagat, where you then require a different permit called ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) for the further part of the trek.
The cost of Manaslu RAP
The cost of a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit will depend on the number of trekking days between Jagat to Dharapani and also the trekking season:
September to November (peak season):
USD 100 per person for the first seven days.
USD 15 per additional day per person after the seventh day.
December to August (off-season):
USD 75 per person for the first seven days.
USD 10 per additional day per person after the seventh day.
The number of days in this restricted area will determine your total RAP cost, so calculate accordingly, using your trekking itinerary. Manaslu Restricted Area extends from Jagat to Bhimtang; Tiliche is the last village before entering into Dharapani ACAP area. To exit from Dharapani and continue through Annapurna, an ACAP permit is also required.
Criteria to Get Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Group Size Requirement: It’s not allowed to trek solo; you need a minimum of two trekkers. If there is a single traveler, he/she can join the group through either travel agency.
Solo Trekking: Independent trekking isn’t permitted, so you will have to take services from any registered travel agency.
Licensed Local Guide: The Trekkers must be guided by a proper local guide who is licensed by the government such that the Trekker’s safety and the rules and regulations are followed.
Respect for the Culture: The trekkers should also be careful so as not to hurt the sentiment of people through their acts talk nothing doing.
How To Secure a Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu Trekking Online?
It is very easy to get the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit now, thanks to your online registration. We will guide you through the step-by-step process to get all the permits required for Manaslu Trekking.
Step 1: Arrival Process in Kathmandu.
After reaching Nepal, you will get an arrival visa at the immigration desk. Please make sure that the visa is being stamped on your passport, as it will be needed while processing the restricted area permit. Now, let’s proceed with the preparation for the trek.
Step 2: Submission of Documents to Tour Agency
Visit your Travel agency office and provide them with all the documents which include your passport and details of your visa. The agency itself will handle the paperwork that needs to be done for the RAP.
Step 3: Restricted Area Permit Online Registration
Then the agency will process your online application once documents are submitted directly, either on the spot, same day or the next day working at the latest. Then after, the agency administers your data to be put online and prepares the license as early as possible. The good news is that the restricted area permit process has gotten faster and easier now through digital improvements.
Step 4: Document Handling by Tour Agencies and Start the Trekking
Your tour agency will take a scanned copy of your documents, which they will submit to immigration and return to you. Unlike earlier, where agencies would keep your original passport with them, you could collect it only after a month from your submission date. Now, you can take back all these documents as soon as your agency submits them. So there goes convenience and security for travellers with this. Also, if possible, try making sure you have all the special trek permits (Manaslu RAP and ACAP) etc in hand before starting your trek so that this is done already.
Manaslu Trekking Permit 2: Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
MCAP permits are compulsory for all trekkers in the Manaslu region, from Philim onwards, which is considered the gateway to the conservation area. Such a permit helps to ensure the protection of the biodiversity within the Manaslu Conservation Area and its peculiar eco-system, contributing to proper wildlife management and tourism activities in the area.
MCAP Permit Cost and Validity
MCAP permits are flat for USD 30 per head throughout the year, irrespective of the number of days one intends to spend in the conservation area. That makes it very easy and affordable for trekkers.
Requirements for MCAP Permit
For the MCAP permit, a printed photograph is needed. Unlike the Restricted Area Permit, which is processed online, the MCAP permit requires manual documentation. Hence, a printed-out photo is a must to carry.
Manaslu Trekking Permit 3: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
ACAP Permit: A must-have for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is compulsory if you are trekking in the Annapurna Trekking Zone and all regions that link to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The ACAP starts being checked from Dharapani but is required before this, and it continues until you exit the conservation zone at Besisahar. This permit is in place to conserve and protect the biological diversity of the region and support local development trail maintenance of tourism facilities. The ACAP also helps to maintain an ecological balance as well as promote sustainable tourism for trekkers in a specific area and on a specific trail system while providing safe trip records for individuals trekking into these areas.
Manalsu ACAP Permit Costs
The ACAP cost also varies depending on your nationality:
SAARC Nationals: USD 10 (or NPR 1,000) per person.
Non-SAARC Nationals: USD 30 (or NPR 3,000) per person.
The fee remains the same throughout the year and doesn’t matter how many days you will be spending inside Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP Permit process is quite simple.
Requirements for the ACAP Permit
A printed photograph is required for the ACAP permit. You will need to show the permit at the Dharapani check post so that you can pass through the conservation area without any problem.
Note: Once you have got your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and entry permits for MCAP and ACAP, you do not need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card unless you are planning to trek further up towards the Annapurna Circuit.
Manaslu Trekking Permit 3: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS Permit)
TIMS Card displayed: Key permit for Nepal trekking routes
The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is a standard permit for foreign trekkers in Nepal to ensure the safety of the trekkers and to maintain records of their routes. Generally, TIMS permits are acquired from TAAN headquarters in Kathmandu or Pokhara, which approximately cost USD 20. But in Manaslu Circuit Trek TIMS permit is not a compulsion if you have the three main permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
You need a TIMS card for the safety of guide and Security purposes and now you can get this permit online now. Trekkers have to submit passport-size photographs and photocopies of their passports in order to obtain a TIMS card. However, apart from the Manaslu Trek, most of the other treks also in Nepal require a TIMS card. It is also seen as a safety measure for high trekking for guide and porter & controlled tourism promotion by NTB & TAAN.
Tsum Valley Trek Permit
For those who wish to explore the pristine and culturally abundant Tsum Valley, a Tsum Valley Trek Permit is compulsory, as this region lies within the Manaslu area. Adventure seekers get the opportunity of a lifetime to encounter the Himalayas’ sublime nature coupled with its ancient historical and spiritual legacies. Many trekkers choose to combine their Manaslu Circuit Trek with trekking through the Tsum Valley. The permit costs for Tsum Valley are different during each season:
September to November (Peak Season):
USD 40 per person for the first week.
An additional USD 7 per person for each extra day.
December to August (Off-Season):
USD 30 per person for the first week.
An additional USD 7 per person for each extra day.
The permit fees are used for the conservation of the region, as well as to ensure that tourism in the fragile ecosystem is sustainable. However, even during off season, Tsum Valley is an amazing place to be, with lower permit fees and a smaller crowd.
Which is The Official Website for Manaslu Circuit Trekking (Manaslu RAP) Online Booking?
Official Website To Apply For Restricted Area Manaslu Trekking Permits
The official website for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) booking is Nepaliport.immigration.gov.np. Basically, it is the official portal of the Department of Immigration, Nepal, where they process all the trekking permits and travel-related authorizations. After you submit the required documents, your tour agency will log in to this website to apply for your permit.
Once You have already provided your passport and visa copy along with a printed photo to your tour agency on this website they will open up the Trekking Agency Portal. Your authorized tour operator will then log in using their username and password and put in your personal information, including itinerary, generating the permit online. This way all details are uploaded correctly without any errors.
Additional Services on the Website
Visa on-arrival: To apply for a visa upon arrival in Nepal.
Visa from Nepalese Mission: To apply for a visa at a Nepalese diplomatic mission.
Electronic Travel Authorization: To obtain an ETA, or electronic travel authorization, prior to arriving in Nepal.
Visa Extension: To extend a visa currently held.
Visa Conversion: To convert an existing type of visa into another one.
Visa Transfer: To transfer a visa onto another document.
Entry Visa: In order to apply for an entry/tourist visa.
Visa Plan Upgrade: To upgrade a visa plan.
Arrival/Departure Certification: Arrival and departure certification.
Non Visa Arrival/Departure Certification: Non-visa arrival and departure certification.
Visa Application Track: To track a visa application.
Check Visa: Check visa issued by Nepal.
Check Trekking Permit: Check the trekking permit issued by Nepal.
Trekking Agency: Access to the portal of the trekking agency.
What does the online registration form for Manaslu RAP look Like?
Checkposts for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
Maccha Khola: Checkpoint for Manaslu restricted area permits.
Jagat: Compulsory check for Manaslu restricted area permits.
Philim: Checks both restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area permits.
Namrung: Double checks for restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area permits.
Samagaun: Checks the conduction of restricted area and Manaslu Conservation Area permits.
Dharapani: Checks permits for the Annapurna region.
Rules to Follow for Manaslu Circuit Trek
No Independent Trekkers: It is not allowed to trek alone to preserve the safety and integrity of the area.
Special Permits: Trekkers need to obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP) through a registered travel agency.
Group Requirement: The trekking group should have a minimum of two members only.
Licensed Guides Only: Freelance guides are not allowed to issue permits. Trekkers must hire licensed local guides through the agencies.
Trekking Guide from Local Travel Agency : The groups are meant to be going on with the help of guides who were assigned for this trip.
What Documents to Submit To Get Manaslu Trekking Permits?
To obtain permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need to produce below mentioned documents:
Original Passport: Your original and valid passport is necessary as identification proof.
Passport-Size Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photographs are required for permit applications.
Nepalese Visa: A valid visa for Nepal must be obtained to process trekking permits.
Travel Insurance Documents: This is for your safety. You must provide a copy of travel insurance to prove that you are covered for high-altitude trekking.
Flight Tickets: Please send a copy of your arrival and departure flight tickets so that we know when and where you will be arriving and departing.
Passport and Visa Copies: Provide us with your passport and Nepalese visa photocopies for the office recodes.
Consent Letters: To issue a trekking permit, we require an official letter recorded to the Chief of the Immigration Department and a consent letter from your trekking agency.
If you have booked the Manaslu Circuit Trek through a trekking agency, then they will help you to collect and submit these documents so that there won’t be any problem with getting the permits.
Where To Obtain all Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permits?
If You Are Handling Permits Yourself
Independent trekkers will have to manage their permits in Kathmandu. There are a couple of places you will need to go to get everything in order. Make sure you bring another person with you, as solo trekking is not allowed.
Permits Available: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Region Permit, and TIMS card.
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays and public holidays).
Additional Information: Please bring your application form, your original passport, visa and travel itinerary. Permits will be issued within 30 minutes after verifying the documents.
Location: Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara
Permits Available: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Operating Hours: Sunday-Friday, 9:00 am -5:00 pm (Saturday and public holidays closed).
Location: ACAP Entry Permit Counter, Besisahar
Permits Available: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Saturday and public holidays closed).
For Those Booking with a Travel Agency
Booking a trek through a registered travel agency will be more beneficial and easy because the agency will make permit arrangements on behalf of you being authorised. Nevertheless, it simplifies the requirement of 2 people minimum for the group as well. You can enjoy your preparation for the trip easily in this case as well. However, once you submit your document back, we will return all your copied original documents with care.
In this case, from our Travel and Trekking Organizer Krishna B. Pariyar, who does all permit arrangements on your behalf, after submitting documentsby the trekkers. The company also has its agency portal on the official website (/nepaliport.immigration.gov.np), with the authorized username and password of the registered trekking agency with the official website, making sure no headache in getting permits.
All Questions Answered On Manaslu Restricted Area Trekking In Nepal Permits
Ammonite Adventure and Treks receive lots of questions regarding the restricted area permit trekking system for Manaslu Circuit Trek; with us, our professional tour organizer, Mr Krishna B. Pariyar, will be there to answer all your queries and make sure you do not have to go through any difficulties for the permit as he is one of the most experience trek organizers in this region. You can also consult him regarding the Manaslu Trek guide and information which. He will provide you with some great ideas and tips on how or what to do while preparing the 13-day Manaslu Trek package or the 12 days Manaslu circuit trekking.
Do you need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Yes, you need to take an experienced guide with you for the Manaslu trek. Trekking in this region without a guide is not allowed as it is near the Tibetan border. A guide helps you stay safe and stick to the local guidelines while exploring places like Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass.
How many photographs do I need?
You will require 2 passport-sized hard-copy photos and 1 scanned photograph. You will use the hard copies for ACAP and MCAP, and the scanned photo is uploaded for the online application form for Manaslu RAP. Make sure they all meet the necessary requirements to avoid hassle.
Who is the best trekking guide in Nepal?
In our company, Ammonite Adventure Treks, Nyingma Sherpa is one of the best trekking guides for Manaslu Circuit Trek. He has many years of experience and good knowledge about the region. So it will be a great memorable trip.
Do children need Manaslu Trekking Permits?
Yes, children over ten are also required to have the permits mentioned for the trek. However, permits for children under ten are free, but due to the difficulty of the trek, it is not recommended to have participants that young.
What if we didn’t get the Manaslu permits in Kathmandu?
You can get it at police checkpoints on the trail, but you will be fined 100%, i.e., you pay double. Make sure your permits are issued in Kathmandu and keep them safe to avoid this fine.
Can we get permits before we land in Nepal?
Normally, no permit is issued before you land in Kathmandu since the original documents need to be verified. In certain exceptions, permits can be issued beforehand with a scanned copy of your passport and visa page along with your flight details.
Can a permit be issued for single trekkers?
No, single trekking permits can’t be issued. There is a “ghost” permit system in use where two permits are issued on an additional passport, but you still need to do a trek with a guide.
