Required Permits For Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous and rewarding trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trek route takes trekkers through several small villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Lho Goan, quiet valleys, and Larkya La Pass. Since this region is remote and lies in a restricted region, the Government of Nepal has made special rules to protect nature and local villages.

To keep the trek safe and fair, trekkers must go with a licensed trek guide, and they must obtain the Manaslu Trek permit. At present, four different permits are required, which are,

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) 
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee

If you book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nepal Alternative Treks (NAT), we will handle all permits for you, and the costs are already included in the trekking package. You won’t have to worry about paperwork or getting those permits for the Manaslu Trek by yourself. 

Extra: A TIMS card is not required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek right now. If you plan to trek in the Tsum Valley or do the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you will need a Tsum Valley Permit.

Manaslu Restricted Permit Fee

The Manaslu region is classified as a restricted area due to its location near the Tibetan border. Hence, trekkers need to obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) compulsorily. The MRAP is what keeps Manaslu quieter than Everest or Annapurna. This permit is required for the entire trek, from the trek starting point, Jagat, until the trekkers pass the final checkpoint in Samagaun.

Likewise, trekkers cannot obtain this permit on their own. It must be issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through registered trekking agencies. The cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit differs depending on the trekking season. Here’s the price:

The table shows that the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs more in Autumn. This is because Autumn is the busiest trekking season in Nepal, with clear skies and the best mountain views. The higher fee helps manage the large number of trekkers and supports local conservation work. In the other seasons, the permit is cheaper. This lower cost encourages travelers to visit during quieter months when the trails are less crowded.

Extra Info:

• It is non-transferable and valid only for the specific dates listed on your itinerary.
• The “7 days” start counting from Jagat, not Kathmandu. If you plan side trips (e.g., Tsum Valley), your agency will extend the days in advance.
• It is checked at multiple police and conservation posts. Make sure your guide always carries copies.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit Fee

The Manaslu Circuit Trek trail lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area. Hence, trekkers also need a Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP Permit). Trekkers will first show this permit at Philim, where the conservation area begins. The permit stays valid until Tal, the point where the area ends. 

The amount collected from MCAP goes directly to biodiversity conservation, trail maintenance, and community development projects in the Nubri Valley. This way, your trek helps protect nature and improve the lives of the people who live along the trail. The cost of MCAP is:

Extra Info:

• There is no daily fee for this permit.
• Once you get it, it is valid for your whole trek.
• The fee also helps support homestay training programs, so you’re directly helping local villagers who welcome trekkers into their homes.
• MCAP officers sometimes check for single-use plastics on the trail. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle and a purifier.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek – 12 Days

From $760.00

Difficulty: Moderate

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Manaslu Short Trek – 9 Days

From $850.00

Difficulty: Moderate

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Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Fee

The Manaslu Circuit Trek joins the Annapurna region at Dharapani, which means you also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP Permit) to pass through. Even though you’ll only spend a few days inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, this permit is still compulsory at the Dharapani checkpost.

Just like the MCAP, the ACAP fee goes toward protecting the environment and supporting sustainable tourism projects. By getting this permit, you’re helping keep one of Nepal’s most famous trekking regions clean and well-managed for future travellers.

Extra Notes:

• Like MCAP, ACAP is a flat fee with no time restrictions.
• ACAP is Nepal’s oldest conservation program (established in 1986).
• Having an ACAP also means you can extend your trek into the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, or Tilicho Lake without additional paperwork.

Extra point for MCAP and ACAP: Online payments include a 2.9% gateway charge. Double fees apply if the permit is issued at check-posts.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee

This is the most recent required permit added to the list. This fee is collected and retained locally by the Chumnubri Rural Municipality. It is checked at the Jagat area of ward 3 in Chumnubri, where trekkers must pay the fee. Both Nepali and foreign trekkers need to get this permit.

Extra Info:

• Payment is made in cash at the entry checkpoint.
• Funds are used for waste management, basic healthcare posts, and bridge repairs in villages like Jagat and Deng.

What is The Process To Get Permits For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Many trekkers don’t realize that not all permits can be obtained from the same place, and some cannot be obtained on their own. The process to get permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek is as follows:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit can only be issued through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Trekkers cannot get it on their own. The agency applies online through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, downloads the permit, and provides a printed copy for you to carry throughout the trek.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) & Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): These permits are obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Trekkers must submit an application with a valid passport, visa, and travel itinerary. The officers verify your documents, and the permit is issued within about 30 minutes. Also, they can fill out the online form here: https://epermit.ntnc.org.np/application?agree=on
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee: This is paid locally at the checkpoint at the start of your trek.

Likewise, to apply for all permits, trekkers need to provide:

• Passport copy and number
• Personal details: Full name, nationality, date of birth, gender, occupation, email
• Passport-sized photos (max size 1 MB)
• Purpose of visit
• Guide information
• Confirmed trekking dates and itinerary

FAQ for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits