This blog on Manaslu Trek Permit will discuss Manaslu Trek Permits and Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit Costs, some FAQs, and more. All of your confusion regarding the Manaslu Circut Trekking Permit will finish after reading this blog. So let's start.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Cost Details
You’ll need three permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. If you intend to add Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will also need Tsum Valley Permit. Let’s know each of them:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
As talked about above, Manaslu Region is a restricted area. You cannot ramble in the region freely; you need a special permit known as Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. This permit is necessary while traveling from Jagat to Sama Gaun. The area from Jagat until Sama Gaun and the villages in between are restricted.
The restricted and traditional villages include Deng, Namrung, Jagat, Namlung, and Samagaon. You must have Manaslu Restricted Area Permit in these villages or around them. The special permit cost varies with the season. The permit costs more in peak season and vice versa. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs at different times are as below:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost from September to November:
September to November is the Autumn season in Nepal. It is high time to travel around the Himalayas for perfect weather conditions. As a result, the permit cost is a bit higher than usual. You have to pay 100 USD for the first week, and then onwards, you have to pay 15 USD per day.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August:
December to August is a low time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Hence, you get the permits at a discounted fee. The permit cost is 75 USD for the first week and then 10 USD per day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit(MCAP)
Manaslu Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek runs via Manaslu Conservation Area, a diverse protected area in the region. To get through the gates of the protected site, you need to have a permit, MCAP. The permit will be seen at Philim, the beginning point of the conservation area. Unlike Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit remains the same. The cost of MCAP is as below:
For SAARC Nationals: 10 USD i.e. NPR 1000 per pax
For Non-SAARC Nationals: 30 USD i.e NPR 3000 per pax.
(Note: SAARC countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Srilanka, and Pakistan.)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
Like MCAP, you must have ACAP for Manaslu Trek. ACAP is Annapurna Conservation Area Permit that allows you to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The outing also goes through the protected site. You must show the permit at Dharapani, which will work until Besishar. The fee of this permit also remains identical.
ACAP for SAARC Nationals: 10 USD i.e. NPR 1000 per pax.
ACAP for Non-SAARC nationals: 30 USD i.e. NPR 3000 per pax.
Extra Information:
TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System) Card is a must for foreign trekkers in Nepal. However, you do not require that permit on Manaslu Trek. The ACAP, MCAP, and Manaslu Restricted Region Permit are enough for the Manaslu Region.
But, if you want to extend Manaslu Trek by adding Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will also need TIMS Card. You will need fees, passport-size photos, and a photocopy of your passport for the TIMS Card. The costs of a TIMS card are as follows:
For Non SAARC Nationals
Group Trekker: 10 US i.e. NPR 1000 per pax
Free Individual Trekker(FIT): 20 USD i.e. NPR 2000 per pax.
For SAARC Nationals
Group Trekker: NPR 300 i.e 3 USD
Free Individual Trekker(FIT): NPR 600 i.e. 6 USD
Other Permits
Tsum Valley Permit
Tsum Valley is a serene, cultural, and beautiful valley in the Manaslu Region. Many trekkers also do Mannaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. If you also intend to do Tsum Valley Trek along with Manaslu Trek, you’ll also need Tsum Valley Permit. As the Tsum Valley is another restricted area of the region, it is necessary to get a permit. The fee for the Tsum Valley permit is as below:
Tsum Valley Permit Cost During September to November: 40 USD per person for the first week and then onwards an additional 7 USD per day.
Tsum Valley Permit Cost During December to August: 30 USD per person for the first week and then onwards an additional 7 USD per day.
Locations to Purchase the Manaslu Trek Permits
- Location: Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Obtainable Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit(MCAP)
- Manaslu Restricted Region Permit
- TIMS card
Time: 9-5, Sunday to Friday.
Note: The counter stays open on Saturdays and public holidays.
- Location: Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara
Obtainable Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
Time: 9,5, Sunday to Friday
- Location: ACAP Entry Permit Counter, Besisahar
Obtainable Permit:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
Time: 10-5, Sunday to Friday.
.jpg)
Documents Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
You’ll require documents for any of the above permits. The concerned authorities will ask you to submit certain documents along with the fee. Then they scrutinize your submitted documents and offer you the permits. What are the necessary documents? Well, as per the government of Nepal, you must have the following papers:
- Valid original passport.
- Four Passport size photos.
- Nepalese visa.
- Travel Insurance Papers.
- Flight ticket copies display arrival and departure.
- Scanned copies of passport and Nepalese visa.
- Consent letter to Immigration chief.
- Consent letter of your trekking agency.
You may or may not require all of the above documents. However, if you have these things ready, it will become more hassle-less.
Manaslu Trek Permit Terms and Conditions
- Children below ten years of age do not require permits.
- The permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- An individual application is required for ACAP and MCAP permits.
- Passport-size photos must be recently taken.
- The permits are valid for once only.
- Trekkers must carry the permits throughout the trek.
- Trekkers entering the conservation areas must comply with the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS rules and laws.
- The permits are not obtainable from check posts. Nevertheless, you will only get tickets under special situations by paying a 100% extra charge.
- The permit costs include VAT(13%) and all the government taxes.
Manaslu Trek Permit Frequently Asked Questions
Below are our most frequently answered questions about the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit Cost:
How to apply for Manaslu Trek permits?
You must apply for Manaslu Trek permits with the help of a licensed trekking agency. MCAP and ACAP permits are obtainable on your own. But, to obtain the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, you will need the help of a licensed trekking agency. As you know, the government doesnot allow solo trekking in a remote and restricted regions. You must be in a group of two people, excluding the guide.
Can I voluntarily apply for the Manaslu Trek permit?
No, Manaslu Trek is not allowed without a trekking agency’s guidance. The region is remote and restricted. You need to be in a group of at least two pax. Then only you can reach a licensed trekking agency to apply for the necessary permits.
Why is Annapurna Conservation Area Permit necessary for Manaslu Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek runs across Beshi Sahar from Dharapani. Those areas fall in the region of Annapurna Conservation. Around two days of trekking will occur through that region. Hence, the ACAP permit is a must for Manaslu Trek.
Is it necessary to employ a guide or porter on Manaslu Trek?
Yes, the government has made it necessary to hire a guide or porter. The region is so remote and rural. Without a guide, you might get lost and get in trouble. Hence, you must have a certified guide; it's even better if you can manage a local guide.
How many photos do I need for the permits?
Two passport-size photographs will work for the ACAP and MCAP permits. At the same time, a scanned photograph will work in obtaining Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. We suggest you carry extra passport-size photos on the trek.
Do I need a TIMS card for Manaslu Trek?
No, a TIMS card is not necessary for Manaslu Trek. But if you are doing Manaslu Trek along with Annapurna Circuit, you will need it.
How long does it take to get permits?
Manaslu Circuit Trek permits are obtainable within 1 to 2 hours. Other than unprecedented technical problems, the licenses are quickly available.
Can I apply and get Manaslu Trekking permits before I arrive in Nepal?
Typically, it is not a popular option to obtain permits. The Immigration department asks for an original passport and Nepalese visa, which may not be possible. Nevertheless, you can get licenses in exceptional cases by submitting a scanned copy of your passport, visa number, and e-copy of flight tickets online.
Do I need another permit to add Tsum Valley Trek with Manalsu Trek?
Yes, Tsum Valley is a restricted valley. It requires a separate permit to visit the valley. The cost of the Tsum Valley Permit from September to November is USD 40 per pax for one week, and then onwards, USD 7 per day. Likewise, if you travel from December to August, the permit cost is USD 30 per pax for one week, and then onwards, USD 7 per day.
How challenging is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Trek is a moderate trek, which means the tour is not for beginners. The trek tests the strength and cardio of trekkers as it involves strenuous walking. Plus, the walk guides you to Larkya La Pass(5,160m), which certainly is not a low elevation. Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate trek. You must be in good shape, energy, and mindset to complete this trek.
.jpg)
At Last
Manaslu Trek Permits are necessary for Manaslu Trek. Without them, you cant trek in the region. We are sure that you have understood what the Manaslu Trek Permits are and what the process is. You also know how much the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit costs. We hope this blog was a worthwhile read for you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an extraordinary journey; you know that. And you also know that you cannot do it on your own. You will need a hand from a licensed and experienced trekking agency like ours. We, Marvel Adventure, can be your partner on the journey of exploring Manaslu. Let’s do it!
