Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Indtoduction

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area in Nepal that requires a few permits. Without these permits, you cannot embark on your journey to the Manaslu region. This article will guide you about all the necessary Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, why they are needed, where to obtain them, and their cost. Moreover, you must hire a guide who has an authorized license by the government of Nepal, and we will be giving you the necessary information about how to hire a guide and why it is important for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

What is a restricted area in the context of trekking in Nepal?

Restricted area in Nepal refers to the areas that are selected by the government to preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage located at the international borders (Tibet and China). The Nepalese government aims to limit the flow of tourism in those areas and safeguard the fragile ecosystems and cultural traditions of the local communities that reside in those areas. The Manaslu region is a home of unique flora and fauna and the rich cultural and traditional heritage of indigenous people. Therefore, this restriction will ensure their preservation and sustainable tourism. Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very challenging and remote area, which will pose the risks of weather conditions, altitude sickness, and you potentially getting lost. So, the government ensures that it is easier to monitor you and provide you security in case of an emergency.

Why are the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits needed?

The infrastructure can be enhanced by supporting the local communities and their cultural heritage, including the environment, which can be preserved with the income generated by the permit fees. More importantly, for your own safety.

List of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is required when you trek from Jagat to Dharapani. It is issued by the Department of Immigration of Nepal and is a crucial requirement if you want to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The Nepal government ensures that the environment, biodiversity, and local culture are protected and that there is sustainable tourism being maintained with MRAP.

You need to have a valid passport, itinerary plan, and passport-sized photograph. Your selected travel agency will get a licensed guide for you, and the permit processing may take a few days.

Cost

The cost of MRAP varies based on seasons.

• September-November: USD 100 per week and USD 15 for each additional day
• December-August: USD 75 per week and USD 10 per each additional day

Validity

MRAP will be valid for the days you have mentioned to be in the restricted area in your proposed itinerary.

1. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

You will need MCAP from Philim and is one of the important Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits. It is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. This permit will promote sustainable tourism, help in the funding of the conservation efforts and support the local community, mainly contributing to the conservation of natural resources and wildlife.

Cost

Foreign: USD 30

SAARC: NPR 1,000

Validity

MCAP will be valid till the time you will be trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You will need ACAP when you will be crossing some of the parts of the Annapurna Conservation Area, but only for a short time. This permit is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. This permit helps in the conservation of the environment, supports the local communities, and regulates responsible tourism practices. It is illegal to trek in this region, and you may incur a fine and face other legal repercussions.

Cost

Foreign: USD 30

SAARC: NPR 1,000

Validity

ACAP will be valid for the time you will be in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

1. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee

This permit is one of the important Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, which is required while you are trekking in the Chumnubri Rural Municipality area. Its fee is issued by the local government offices, and you are expected to pay a nominal fee. You should pay the fee prior to or upon your arrival to trek legally. The fees collected through this permit promote sustainable tourism and contribute to the development projects, such as funding for waste management and trail maintenance.

Cost

Foreign: USD 8 (NPR 1,000)

1. Tsum Valley (optional)

This permit is required if you wish to explore this hidden gem during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. So, this is an optional permit issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. This permit is for the conservation of local culture and environment, eventually contributing to the encouragement of respecting local customs, history, and the serene environment of Tsum Valley.

Cost

September-November: USD 40 per week

December-August: USD 35 per week

Note: The TIMS card is not mandatory to acquire according to the recent policy. It can give you some benefits of tracking your trekking experience although it will not be checked at the checkpoints along the route.

Requirements for obtaining the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

To successfully obtain the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, you need to meet the following requirements:

1. You need to be a part of a group consisting of a minimum of 2 people. Individual trekking is not permitted in the restricted area.
2. You must be accompanied by a registered guide. The guide must hold a valid license authorized by the Nepal government.
3. You must submit your itinerary outline, which is a planned route along the trek. This needs to be approved by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
4. You are required to have valid travel insurance covering your medical facilities, like emergency evacuation and logistics.
5. You are required to have a Nepalese tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of your entry.
6. You are required to submit a scanned photocopy of your valid passport, insurance details, and 2 recent passport-sized photographs.
   
   

Where can you obtain your Manaslu Circuit Trek permits?

Registered travel agencies in Nepal will carry out your process of obtaining the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits. Firstly, you need to select a reliable agency that can assist you in the application process. Then you will submit the requested necessary documentation, such as your passport, passport-sized photograph, and your proposed trekking itinerary plan. Your selected travel agency will submit your compiled document to the appropriate authority to get the permits. The travel agency will manage the entire application process, which takes a few days to a week. If there is no additional complication and your documents are in order, then the processing might take around 4 to 5 days. We recommend you start your processing of getting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits 2 or 3 weeks beforehand to ensure that your necessary adjustments are already made with all the available permits being ready for you, and consider during the off-seasons for processing.

Note: You may bear additional fees to get quick permits offered by the travel agency.

Steps for the application process of getting the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

If you are applying independently for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits without taking help from any travel agency, then the following guidelines are essential for you to follow.

Step 1: Fill up the online application form

• Fill up the different application forms of MCAP and ACAP, which are available on this website: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/trekking-permit
• Address your application form to the Department of Immigration of Nepal.
• Please submit your itinerary in printed format, including the relevant trekking dates.
• Please submit a photocopy of your visa and passport.
• Get US dollars and note down the serial number and denomination of each note on the agent's letterhead.
  
  

Step 2: Go to the Department of Immigration. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents listed below:

• Submit all dollar serial numbers and denominations to the Department of Immigration. Make sure to provide this information on the agency's letterhead.
• Go to the Global IME Bank to submit all your cash dollars and get a deposit slip. The bank is located in the Department of Immigration.
• Please complete all verification and updating processes for the insurance. Additionally, obtain the authority certificate and tax clearance from the central bank.
• After successfully completing the double verification process, you will proceed to meet with the Head of Immigration. Thank you for your attention to this important process.
• Following the final review, the Head of Immigration will provide his signature.
• Once you finish the process, you will receive the printed Manaslu Restricted Area Permit with stamps and stickers.
  
  

Step 3: Visit the Nepal Tourism Board to get your MCAP and ACAP permits

• Check out the Nepal Tourism Board (https://www.welcomenepal.com/)
• Please settle the permit fee using the local currency.
• Submit the printed version of the online application form.
• The officials will print your permit and attach your photo.
• Once they sign the form, you’ll be all set to go! Exciting times ahead!
  
  

How to get a tourist visa in Nepal?

1. After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
   1. A lot of trekkers prefer to get their visas when they arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It makes things easy and allows them to start their adventures in Nepal right away! You can do the same.
   2. Procedure: Complete the arrival form upon arrival at the airport, submit a recent passport-sized photograph, and pay the visa fee in cash (USD is preferred).
2. Online application
   1. You may submit your visa applications online through the official Nepal Immigration Website.
   2. Fill out the online form by uploading a passport photo. Bring a printed confirmation to the airport for a quick and easy process.
3. cost of Tourist visa in Nepal

For 15 days- 30 USD

For 30 days- 50 USD

For 90 days- 125 USD

1. Visa extension

You can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

45 USD for 15 days

3 USD per day after initial extension

Why is a licensed guide mandatory?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking experience, but you need to bear challenges for the navigation and safety, for which a guide holding a valid license is mandatory has in-depth knowledge about the significant challenges arising along the trails, such as weather patterns, hazards like landslides, altitude sickness at high altitude, and knows about the local terrains. They can handle emergencies effectively because they are trained in various things, especially in wilderness first aid. Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area because of its unique natural beauty and remote terrain. Therefore, the Nepal government makes sure that the tourism is not affecting any of the natural resources and the cultural significance, for which it ensures that there are responsible tourism practices done by you and other trekkers guided by a licensed guide for its enactment.

Cost of licensed guide

Average cost of Guide: USD 25 to USD 35 per day

Note: Cheaper guides may be available, but do invest in the proper, experienced guides to ensure your own safety and for a more enriching experience. Tipping is customary, but you can contribute to the local economy by being appreciative of their hard work.

Benefits of hiring a licensed guide

A guide will enhance your trekking experience by not only giving you safety and navigation through the challenging terrain but also helping you immerse yourself in the local culture of the rich and unique local communities. Their presence is crucial, especially when there are minimal trail markings. They also support the local economy.

1. A licensed guide has in-depth knowledge about topography, local culture, and environment.
2. A licensed guide can give you insights into the local communities’ culture and history. They can showcase the unique flora and fauna available in the region.
3. A licensed guide has a good responding power to hazards such as adverse weather conditions,landslides and altitude sickness.
4. A licensed guide helps you in managing your itinerary according to your abilities and makes sure that there is no violation of the regulations authorized by the Nepal government.
5. A licensed guide helps you with your interaction with the local communities without a language barrier.
6. A licensed guide will arrange your accommodation and food for you along the Manaslu Circuit Trek without you worrying and allow you to focus on your hike.
   
   

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek comes under the restricted area, which prioritizes the conservation of natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the local communities. Therefore, you are required to get the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits listed above not only to trek legally but also to contribute to the preservation of unique flora and fauna and support the local economy. Furthermore, a qualified guide will enhance your trekking experience by providing you with local knowledge and making your navigation smoother and safer, along with trekking within the environmental regulations.

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +9779801127073.

complete-manaslu-circuit-trek-2025-route-difficulty-costs