Manaslu Circuit Trek permits are one of the most important things to sort before you set foot on the trail. Get them wrong and you won’t make it past the first checkpoint. Get them right and the entire route opens up in front of you.
What to Expect with Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through a restricted area of Nepal. Unlike the Everest or Annapurna regions where some trekkers go independently, the Manaslu region requires every trekker to hold specific permits and trek with a registered guide. No exceptions.
This might sound complicated but the process is straightforward once you understand what is needed and where to get it.
Why Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a Restricted Area?
Not every trekking route in Nepal requires special permits. Popular routes such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and Langtang Trek are open to independent trekkers. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is different because it passes through a protected and culturally sensitive region near the Nepal–Tibet border.
The restricted area status helps protect local communities, preserve the environment, and maintain border security.
Cultural Preservation
The Manaslu region is home to the Nubri and Tsum communities, whose traditions are strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient monasteries, unique customs, and traditional lifestyles remain well preserved in these remote valleys.
The restricted area policy helps prevent over-tourism and supports the long-term preservation of local culture and heritage.
Environmental Protection
The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which provides habitat for wildlife such as the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and red panda.
Permit fees contribute to conservation programs, trail maintenance, waste management, and environmental protection projects throughout the region.
Border Security
Parts of the Manaslu Circuit lie close to the Nepal–Tibet border. For security and administrative reasons, the Nepalese government closely monitors visitor movement in the area.
The permit and checkpoint system helps authorities track trekkers and manage access to this sensitive border region.
Why These Manaslu Permits Matter
Although the permit system may seem restrictive at first, it plays an important role in protecting the region’s culture, environment, and local communities. By purchasing the required permits, trekkers directly contribute to the sustainable management of one of Nepal’s most spectacular trekking destinations.
Once you understand why they exist, the permits actually feel more like protection than paperwork.
How Many Permits Do You Need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You need three separate permits to trek the Manaslu Circuit:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – the most important one, required for the restricted zone between Jagat and Dharapani
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – covers the conservation area from Philim village onwards
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – required as the route exits through the Annapurna region near Dharapani
All three must be carried with you at all times. There are multiple checkpoints along the route where your permits will be checked and stamped.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost 2026/2027
The Restricted Area Permit is not a flat fee. It is calculated weekly with additional charges for each extra day.
From September to November the cost is USD 100 for the first 7 days and USD 15 per extra day. From December to August the cost is USD 75 for the first 7 days and USD 10 per extra day.
Most standard Manaslu Circuit itineraries take 7 days inside the restricted area. Here is what that actually costs:
| Trek Duration | Peak Season (Sep-Nov) | Off Season (Dec-Aug) |
| 7 days | USD 100 | USD 75 |
| 10 days | USD 145 | USD 105 |
| 14 days | USD 205 | USD 145 |
| 16 days | USD 235 | USD 165 |
Total permit cost for a standard 12-day trek including restricted and non-restricted areas) in peak season:
| Permit | Cost |
| Restricted Area Permit (7 days, peak) | USD 100 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | Approximately USD 20 (NPR 3,000) |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Approximately USD 20 (NPR 3,000) |
| Total | Approximately USD 140 |
Always calculate your permit fees based on your actual planned number of days inside the restricted area, not the total trip length including Kathmandu days.
Do You Need a TIMS Card for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
This is one of the most commonly asked permit questions and the answer is simple.TIMS cards are NOT required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Restricted Area Permit already does the same job of registering and tracking trekkers with the authorities.
Any agency telling you that you need a TIMS card for the standard Manaslu Circuit route is either misinformed or adding unnecessary costs to your package.
The only situation where a TIMS card becomes relevant is if you plan to continue trekking on the Annapurna Circuit beyond Besisahar after completing the Manaslu loop.
Where to Get Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
All three permits must be obtained in Kathmandu before the trek begins. You cannot get them on the trail.
Where to apply:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Issued through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (usually arranged by your trekking agency).
- MCAP and ACAP: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office, Kathmandu
What you need to apply:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity after your trek end date
- Passport sized photos (bring at least 4 copies)
- Trekking agency letter or registered guide confirmation
- Copy of your Nepal tourist visa
- Travel insurance details showing helicopter evacuation coverage to 6,000 meters
- Permit fee in Nepalese Rupees or USD
Your trekking agency will handle the entire permit process for you in most cases. It is one of the main reasons hiring a registered agency for the Manaslu Circuit is not just a requirement but genuinely useful.
How to Get Your Permits for Manaslu Trek
Step 1 – Choose a registered trekking agency Only government registered trekking agencies can apply for the Manaslu RAP. You cannot apply independently. Check that your agency is registered with the Nepal Tourism Board and TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal).
Step 2 – Send your documents At least three weeks before your trek, send your agency a color scan of your full passport, copy of your Nepal tourist visa, two passport-sized photos, and travel insurance details showing helicopter evacuation coverage to 6,000 meters.
Step 3 – Agency submits application Your agency submits the RAP application to the Nepal Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. MCAP and ACAP are obtained from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Step 4 – Processing time Normal processing takes one to two working days. The Department of Immigration is closed Saturdays and public holidays.
Step 5 – Collect permits in Kathmandu Your agency collects the permits on your behalf. Review all details carefully when you receive them – names, dates, and passport numbers must be exactly correct.
Step 6 – Store permits safely Place permits in a waterproof document pouch inside your daypack. Take photos of all permits on your phone as a digital backup.
Step 7 – Present at checkpoints Present permits at all five checkpoints along the route. Your guide handles the scanning and registration – you simply show your passport when asked.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Rules You Must Know
Solo trekking- Solo trekkers can currently obtain permits individually, but a licensed guide remains mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The minimum two trekkers rule has been officially removed by Nepal’s Department of Immigration. Solo trekkers can now apply individually for a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit without needing to find a second trekker.
However, the licensed guide requirement was NOT changed. Solo trekkers still legally require a licensed guide. You just no longer need a second trekker.
Licensed guide compulsory: Every trekker whether solo or in a group must be accompanied by a government licensed guide. This is strictly enforced at every checkpoint throughout the route.
No permit, no entry: The first major checkpoint is at Jagat, approximately two days into the trek. If your permits are incomplete or incorrect you will be turned back at this point. There are no exceptions and no on-the-spot fixes available.
Permit validity: Your RAP is valid for a specific number of weeks. If your trek takes longer than expected due to weather or illness you may need to extend your permit. Your guide can assist with this process.
Travel Insurance – Not Optional
Many trekkers treat travel insurance as an afterthought. On the Manaslu Circuit it should be one of the first things you sort before anything else.
Travel insurance must specifically cover emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters. This is not a nice-to-have. At Larkya La Pass you are above 5,100 meters in a remote location with no road access.
If something goes wrong a helicopter evacuation is your only option. Without proper insurance the cost falls entirely on you and can run into thousands of dollars.
Your travel insurance also likely requires a licensed guide for trekking above 4,000 meters. Without proof of a licensed guide your insurance claim could be denied if something goes wrong.
What your travel insurance must cover:
- Emergency helicopter evacuation to at least 6,000 meters
- Medical treatment and hospital costs
- Trek cancellation or curtailment
- Lost or damaged equipment
- Personal liability
Carry a printed copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact number with you at all times on the trail.
Permit Checkpoints on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
| Checkpoint | Location | Altitude |
| First checkpoint | Jagat | 1,340m |
| Second checkpoint | Namrung | 2,630m |
| Third checkpoint | Samagaon | 3,530m |
| Fourth checkpoint | Samdo | 3,875m |
| Exit checkpoint | Dharapani | 1,860m |
Carry your permits in a waterproof document pouch at all times. Getting caught without them at any checkpoint causes serious delays and can end your trek entirely.
Digital Checkpoints – What Changed in 2026
The checkpoint system on the Manaslu Circuit has been significantly upgraded. Some checkpoints in the Manaslu region are gradually adopting digital QR-based registration systems alongside traditional manual verification. Major checkpoints at Jagat, Philim, and Namrung now use QR code scanning via tablet. Your guide scans their government license at every checkpoint digitally pairing them with your group.
What this means for you practically:
- Keep a digital photo of all your permits saved on your phone
- Make sure your name on the permit exactly matches your passport
- Officers cross-check names against passports at every checkpoint
- If paper copies get wet or damaged your digital backup on your phone is accepted
- Your guide handles all scanning – you simply present your passport when asked
What About the Tsum Valley Permit?
If you are extending your trip to include the Tsum Valley – a sacred and incredibly beautiful side valley off the main Manaslu Circuit – you will need an additional permit.
Adding the Tsum Valley typically adds three to five days to the trek and requires an additional restricted area permit.
| Tsum Valley Permit | Season | Cost |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | Peak (Sep-Nov) | USD 70 per week |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit | Off season (Dec-Aug) | USD 35 per week |
The Tsum Valley sees very few visitors compared to the main Manaslu Circuit and is considered one of the most culturally preserved areas in all of Nepal. If you have the time and budget it is genuinely worth considering.
Common Permit Mistakes to Avoid
After years of trekkers going through this process certain mistakes come up again and again. Here is what to watch out for:
1. Arriving in Kathmandu too late The Department of Immigration is closed on Saturdays and during public holidays. You need at least one full working day in Kathmandu for permit processing. During October peak season it can take three to four days due to the volume of applications. Always arrive in Kathmandu at least two to three days before your trek start date.
2. Sending documents too late to your agency Send your documents to your trekking agency at least three weeks before your trek starts — not when you arrive in Kathmandu. Last minute submissions cause delays and stress that are completely avoidable.
3. Name mismatch between permit and passport This sounds obvious but happens more often than you would think. Make sure your trekking agency copies your name exactly as it appears in your passport including middle names and hyphens. A mismatch at a checkpoint causes serious delays.
4. Assuming you do not need ACAP Some trekkers try to skip the ACAP permit thinking it is unnecessary. It is not. The standard Manaslu Circuit exits through Dharapani which is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP is checked at the exit checkpoint and you cannot leave without it.
5. Keeping permits at the bottom of your backpack Your permits will be checked multiple times along the route. Keep them in your daypack in a waterproof document pouch, not buried in your main bag under three layers of clothing.
Quick Permit Checklist Before You Start the Trek
- Restricted Area Permit obtained in Kathmandu
- MCAP permit in hand
- ACAP permit in hand
- Licensed guide arranged
- Passport photos packed (minimum 2 copies)
- Travel insurance confirmed with helicopter evacuation coverage
- Permits stored in waterproof pouch
- Digital photos of permits saved on phone
- Permit fees paid in full
Never Leave Kathmandu Without Your Permits
Forgetting your permits is not a minor inconvenience on the Manaslu Circuit. It is a trek-ending mistake. The checkpoints at Jagat and beyond are strictly managed and there is no way around them. Keep your permits safe, dry, and accessible throughout the entire journey.
FAQ: Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
1. How many permits do I need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You need three permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). All three must be obtained in Kathmandu before the trek begins.
2. How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost?
The RAP costs USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November and USD 75 for the first 7 days from December to August, with additional daily charges after that. MCAP and ACAP each cost approximately USD20/NPR 3,000. Most trekkers spend two weeks on the trail so budget accordingly.
3. Where do I get the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits?
All permits must be obtained in Kathmandu. The RAP is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board. MCAP and ACAP are issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Your trekking agency handles the entire process in most cases.
4. Can I get permits on the trail or at the trailhead?
No. All permits must be obtained in Kathmandu before the trek. There is no permit office at the trailhead or anywhere along the route. If you arrive without permits you will be turned back at the first checkpoint at Jagat.
5. Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo?
Yes, as of March 2026 solo trekking is now permitted. The minimum two trekkers rule has been removed. However, a licensed guide remains a strict legal requirement for all trekkers whether solo or in a group.
6. Is a guide compulsory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes. A government licensed guide is a legal requirement for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This was not changed by the March 2026 solo trekking rule update. Independent trekking without a guide is not permitted under any circumstances.
7. How long does it take to get Manaslu Circuit Trek permits in Kathmandu?
Permit processing typically takes one to two working days. Always arrive in Kathmandu at least two days before your trek start date.
8. What documents do I need to get the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits?
You need a valid passport, passport sized photos (minimum 2 copies), copy of your Nepal tourist visa, travel insurance details covering helicopter evacuation to 6,000 meters, and confirmation of a registered guide or trekking agency.
9. Are permit prices different in different seasons?
Yes. The RAP is more expensive from September to November at USD 100 for the first 7 days. From December to August, it drops to USD 75 for the first 7 days. MCAP and ACAP fees remain the same year-round.
10. How many permit checkpoints are on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
There are five main checkpoints at Jagat, Namrung, Samagaon, Samdo, and Dharapani. Your permits will be checked and stamped at each one. Always keep permits accessible in your daypack.
11. What happens if I lose my permit on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Losing your permit on the trail is a serious problem as there is no way to replace them remotely. Keep permits in a waterproof pouch and photograph them on your phone before the trek starts as a digital backup that is accepted at checkpoints.
12. Do I need to book permits in advance?
Yes. Send your documents to your trekking agency at least three weeks before your trek start date. Permits must be processed in Kathmandu and cannot be arranged on the trail or at the last minute during peak season.
13. Is the ACAP permit really needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes. The standard Manaslu Circuit route exits through Dharapani which falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP permit is checked at the exit checkpoint and cannot be skipped on the standard route.
14. Can my trekking agency handle all the permits for me?
Yes, and this is the recommended approach. Registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu handle the entire permit process including applications, fees, and paperwork. It saves time and ensures everything is correct before you start walking.
15. Are permit fees included in trekking packages?
It depends on the agency and package. Some trekking packages include all permit fees while others list them separately. Always confirm exactly which permits and fees are included before booking to avoid surprise costs.
16. Can I extend my Manaslu Circuit Trek permit if the trek takes longer?
Yes, permit extensions are possible but must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. Your guide will help arrange the extension if your trek is delayed due to weather or illness. Plan your permit dates with a small buffer to avoid this situation.
17. Do I need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
No. TIMS cards are not required for the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Restricted Area Permit already registers and tracks trekkers with the authorities. The only exception is if you continue trekking on the Annapurna Circuit beyond Besisahar after completing the Manaslu loop.
18. What is the difference between RAP and MCAP permits?
The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required because the Manaslu region is a government-designated restricted zone with controlled access. The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is an environmental permit that contributes to conservation of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Both are mandatory and serve different purposes.
19. Is travel insurance mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
While not enforced at checkpoints, travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation to 6,000 meters is essential and strongly recommended. Without it an emergency evacuation could cost thousands of dollars. Most trekking agencies require proof of insurance before arranging your permits.
20. What is the Tsum Valley permit and do I need it?
The Tsum Valley permit is an additional restricted area permit required if you extend your trek to include the Tsum Valley side route. It costs USD 70 per week in peak season and USD 35 per week in off season. It is not required for the standard Manaslu Circuit route.
