Independent trekkers who look to Manaslu Circuit Trek can't trek the route alone. The trekker must have Nepal Government issued Manaslu Trek Permits and a guide. Here, atleast 1 professional trek guide is a mandatory rule because the Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Jagat to Dharapani is a restricted region. Being close to Tibet and for various reasons, most parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route are restricted and require permits for trekkers.
Trekkers need three typer permits for Manaslu Trek, here they are Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP). Trekkers often decide to trek Tsum valley to extend their trip further in the Annapurna region. Hence, if you're planning for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley, you must have a combined permit. And short Manaslu circuit trek can be done with three ACAP, MCAP and restricated area permits.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
This Manaslu Trek Permit (RAP) is a must while trekking from Jagat to Sama Gaun and is valid for seven days. For additional days, you must pay USD 15 after the 8th day in the route if you're not past Sama Gaun. Trekkers Checkpoint at Sama Gaun checks your MRAP permit.
The thing to notice, the cost of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is different for Spring and Autumn.
September, October, and November season- The MRAP permit in the Autumn months costs USD 100 for seven days and an additional USD 15 after the 8th day if you want to explore more inside the restricted area.
December to August- The cost of MRAP in the Winter and Spring months is USD 75, which remains valid for seven days and an additional USD 10 after the 8th day if you stay somewhere between Jagat to Sama Gaun.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Unlike the Restricted Area Permit in Manaslu Trek, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is valid for any number of days you remain inside the conservation area. The conservation area starts from Philim, so you have to check in at Trekkers Checkpoint here.
This Manaslu trek permit (MCAP) cost is uniform throughout the year and is low, USD 30 for the individual.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)
After crossing Dharapani, you'll be in Annapurna Conservation Area for one or two days. Hence, after leaving the Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Dharapani, you must have Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP) to enter Besisahar.
This permit costs USD 30 and is valid for as much as you want to stay in a conservation area.
No TIMS Card required
With these three Manaslu Trek Permits, you don't need to carry a TIMS card. These permits are enough to keep your records. However, if you wish to trek Annapurna Circuit, it requires a TIMS Card.
Where to get these permits?
The Manaslu Trek Permits are not issuable for a single trekker. Per guidelines, there must be two trekkers and one trek guide on a trip to Manaslu.
You can apply online for permits like Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Project, and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. If the internet server is fine, it may take a few hours to finalise your trek permits.
If you wish to collect these permits in Nepal, you can visit Nepal Tourism Board for the trek permits. You'll get ACAP and MCAP from here.
If you've planned this trip with agencies like us, Dream Heaven, we'll arrange the permits for you so that you won't have to visit the departments at the Tourism Board for them.
In a nutshell:
| Permit Cost | Validity | Documents required |
| MCAP: USD 30 | 30 Days | A printed photograph, copy of valid passport |
| ACAP USD 30 | 30 Days | A printed photograph, copy of valid passport |
| MRAP: USD 100 | 07 days | Digital copy to upload on the website. You’ll get printed permit |
