Manaslu Circuit Trek Restricted Area Permit Process

It’s not a surprise that lots of people from across the globe are talking about the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The presence of diverse natural and cultural factors and being the home of the world’s 8^th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu, the trail is darling to all. Therefore, it is slowly becoming the commercial trekking route of Nepal alongside routes of Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. Today’s blog is about the Manaslu Circuit Trek restricted area permit process. Trekking in this trail requires lots of planning and trekkers must fulfill requirements. We will talk about the process and permits to trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal.

Do I really need to get permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?

Yes, permits are required to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. There are multiple checkpoints in the trail and you can’t skip the check posts. If not, you will be deported or you may have to pay hefty sum of amount as fines. Therefore, don’t try to trek in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route without valid permits and without fulfilling the certain requirements. You need ACAP, MCAP, Local Rural Municipality Entry Permit, and Restricted Area Permit is required for the trek.

What are the reasons of permits for the trek?

The reasons of permit for the trek are government rules and contribution towards conservation activities. Therefore, don’t skip buying the permit. All the revenue obtained from these permits goes to local people, trail renovation, and conservation of natural resources. It’s to carry out the rescue operations in case of emergencies.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Restricted Area Permit Process

As mentioned above, you must obtain four permits to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Now, let’s talk individually about the Manaslu Circuit Trek restricted area permit process including other permits. By understanding the process of obtaining the permit, you will be able to plan the itinerary for the trip. Furthermore, you will also feel safe after purchasing the permit. Contribute to the local community and help the authorities to track your whereabouts.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

You can obtain the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit in Kathmandu. Send the copy of your passport, and passport size photos to your trekking company. The travel company will upload all the information about the route of the trek and the details of a trekker. The company representative will go to the Nepal Tourism Board with the printed copies and verify the permit from the office. The cost of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC citizens.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit

The permit obtaining process of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is similar to that of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit. Similarly, the cost of the ACAP permit is also same as it is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals.

Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit

Since 2024, trekkers must obtain the Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek restricted area permit process is completely different from the process of obtaining the local entry permit. Your trekking guide will take your credentials and itinerary to the local check post in the Jagat Village. In this village check post, your guide will buy the local rural municipality entry permit. The cost of the Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality entry permit is NRs. 1000.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The immigration department present in Kathmandu is where you will obtain the restricted area permit. The trekking company will take all the credentials and head to the department and obtain the permit. The cost of the restricted area permit for Manaslu Circuit is 100 $ per person for autumn season with 15 $ additional for each extra day beyond 7 days. Similarly, December to August permit costs 75 $ per person per week with 10 $ extra for each additional day.

Other Requirements besides Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Please note down that you must fulfill certain requirements even after obtaining the permits for the trek. There are three rules that you must follow to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Know in brief about these rules.

Registered Trekking Company

Individual trekking in the Manaslu Region is not possible. For example, you can’t do the Manaslu Circuit Trek on your own but you can do drifting trek in the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route. Being the restricted region, you must buy the trekking package from the Nepal Government registered trekking company. If you are planning to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Tsum Valley Trek inside the region, you are not allowed to go on your own plan without the services of the registered trekking company based in Nepal.

Licensed Trekking Guide

Similarly, you also need a licensed trekking guide for the trip. The terrain of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is still raw and full of wilderness areas. The crossing of the Larke La Pass (5106 m) which is one of the longest passes of Nepal requires an experienced trekking guide. Furthermore, you will feel safe and you can get the information about the culture and traditions of the locals from guide more. Don’t think of doing the trek without a trekking guide.

Minimum 2 Trekkers Needed for Trekking

Solo trekking is strictly prohibited. However, you can always contact the trekking company like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. if you are wishing to do the Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. The agency has countless groups and you can go on a solo trek with a trekking guide but you can obtain the permit from the group. Make sure that you are not going on the solo trek with the ghost trekker permit. It’s not recommended.

I hope that you are now well aware about the Manaslu Circuit Trek restricted area permit process. If not, contact the travel planners of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. and they will help you to plan an amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary.