Planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek? One of the first things you need to understand is the permit system. The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area, unlike many popular trekking routes in Nepal. Trekkers need specific permits before entering the Manaslu region.
There are several permits involved, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). If you add Tsum Valley to your itinerary, you will also need a separate permit. The trek must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
The permit system helps manage tourism in the remote Manaslu region while protecting its natural and cultural heritage. Permit requirements help with:
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is required for the restricted section of the Manaslu trekking route. According to the current fee schedule published by Nepal's Department of Immigration, the permit fee varies by season:
| Season | First 7 Days | Additional Per Day |
| September–November | USD 100 | USD 15 |
| December–August | USD 75 | USD 10 |
The autumn season from September to November has a higher permit fee because it is the peak trekking season. The permit is issued for a specific period, so you need to prepare the application according to your planned itinerary.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is required when trekking through the Manaslu Conservation Area.
| Nationality | Cost Per Person |
| Foreigners | NPR 3,000 |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| Nepali Citizens | NPR 100 |
The permit supports the conservation and management of the Manaslu region, which is known for its rich biodiversity, mountain landscapes, forests, and wildlife.
You might wonder why you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for a Manaslu trek. The reason is that the route continues toward the Annapurna region after crossing Larkya La Pass and reaching Dharapani. This section falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The listed ACAP fee is:
| Nationality | Cost Per Person |
| Foreigners | NPR 3,000 |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| Nepali Citizens | NPR 100 |
Yes, if you plan to add Tsum Valley to your Manaslu trek.
Tsum Valley is a restricted area within the wider Manaslu region and requires an additional Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit. The cost depends on the season and duration.
| Season | First 7 Days | Additional Day |
| September–November | USD 40 | USD 7 |
| December–August | USD 30 | USD 5 |
Yes. Manaslu is a restricted trekking region, so foreign trekkers cannot simply enter the area and trek independently. The trek needs to be arranged through a registered trekking agency, and a licensed trekking guide is required.
A guide is useful for more than meeting the permit requirement. The Manaslu route passes through remote villages, high-altitude terrain, and challenging sections, including Larkya La Pass. A local guide can help with:
Commonly required documents for the Manaslu Trek permit include the following:
Getting the permits is much easier when you arrange them through your trekking agency.
Book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with a registered trekking agency that can arrange the restricted-area permits.
Provide your passport copy, photographs, visa information, and other required details.
Your agency will prepare the trekking route and dates based on your planned trip.
The agency processes the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit through the relevant authorities.
The required conservation-area permits are also arranged according to your route.
If your itinerary includes Tsum Valley, your agency will arrange the additional restricted-area permit.
Keep your permits with you throughout the trek. At various checkpoints along the route, you may be asked to show your permits.
Planning the permits for the Manaslu Trek can be confusing, especially when different permits apply to different sections of the route. Roving Nepal Trek takes care of the required permit arrangements and trekking paperwork so you can focus on preparing for your adventure. Our team will guide you through the process and arrange the necessary permits according to your itinerary.
No. You cannot legally enter the restricted sections of the Manaslu trekking route without the required permits.
There are checkpoints along the trail where permits can be inspected. If you try to enter the region without the proper documentation, you may be stopped and turned back.
Planning the Manaslu Trek involves more than booking accommodation and transportation. Since the region has specific permit requirements, having an experienced trekking agency handle the paperwork can make the process much easier.
At Roving Nepal Trek, we arrange the required permits and trekking logistics while providing experienced local guides to support you throughout the journey. Whether you're looking for a classic circuit, a shorter adventure, or a route that includes Tsum Valley, we have different options to suit your travel plans.
Explore Manaslu with Roving Nepal Trek:
Ready to explore the Manaslu region? Contact Roving Nepal Trek to plan your trek and let our team take care of the permit arrangements and trekking logistics.
How much does the Manaslu Trek permit cost?
The main Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs USD 100 for the first seven days from September to November and USD 75 for the first seven days from December to August. Additional daily fees apply after seven days. MCAP, ACAP, and other applicable permits are charged separately.
What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
A typical Manaslu Circuit requires the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP, along with the applicable local permits. A separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit is required if you add Tsum Valley.
Can I get the Manaslu permit myself?
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit cannot be obtained independently. You need to arrange the trek through a registered trekking agency.
Is a guide mandatory for the Manaslu Trek?
Yes. Foreign trekkers must trek with a licensed guide and arrange their trek through a registered trekking agency
Is a TIMS card required for Manaslu?
TIMS requirements can depend on your route and current regulations. If you continue into the Annapurna region, additional requirements may apply.
Do I need a separate permit for Tsum Valley?
Yes. Tsum Valley is a restricted area and requires an additional permit if it is included in your itinerary.
How long is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit valid?
The permit is issued according to the number of days specified in your trekking itinerary. Additional days require additional fees.
Can I trek Manaslu solo?
Foreign trekkers cannot independently trek the restricted Manaslu route. You need to arrange the trek through a registered trekking agency and trek with a licensed guide.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking experiences, offering remote mountain landscapes, authentic Himalayan villages, and the challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. Proper preparation is crucial for a successful trek, and having the right packing list can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most rewarding and less crowded trekking adventures, offering an authentic Himalayan experience away from the busy trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions. Encircling the world's eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163m), this spectacular journey takes trekkers through remote mountain villages, dense forests, deep river gorges, Buddhist monasteries, and high alpine landscapes.
There is a precise moment on the trail when the modern world quietly surrenders to the raw rhythm of the Himalayas. For most trekkers in Nepal, that feeling has become harder to find. Commercialization, jeep roads, and tea houses equipped with high-speed internet have transformed legendary routes like the Annapurna Circuit into bustling corridors. Yet, tucked beneath the shadow of the world’s eighth-highest peak (8,163m), the Manaslu region tells a different story.
