Manaslu Trek Permit

Nepal’s Government has declared the Manaslu Region (between Jagat and Dharapani) a restricted area to control tourism in the region. As a result, independent trekkers are not allowed in Manaslu, and trekkers are subject to obtaining a special entry permit.

The government rules also state there must be a minimum of two trekkers in a group, accompanied by a local guide. Additionally, your permit must be processed through a registered agency. Freelance guides cannot issue the necessary permits for the Manaslu Circuit.

Three different permits are required for the trek, and an additional one for Tsum Valley, should you decide to merge the two treks into one big one!

1. Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

This Manaslu trek permit is required from Jagat until you cross Sama Gaun. Once you cross the village of Sama, you need another entry permit (ACAP)! The price for the Manaslu RAP depends on the number of days you spend between Jagat and Dharapani. The last checkpoint for RAP is in Sama Gaun.

Cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit:

• September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 15 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.
• December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.

You do not need a printed photograph for the Manaslu RAP, as it will be uploaded online and printed on the permit itself.

See Also,

• How much does it cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

This Manaslu trek permit is required from Philim, where the Manaslu Conversation Area starts. The price is the same throughout the year: USD 30 per person. Also, there is no restriction or change in price with a change in the number of days you spend inside MCAP.

A printed photograph is required for the MCAP permit.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

This Manaslu trek permit is required from Dharapani until you exit ACAP in Beshi Sahar. The price is the same throughout the year: USD 30 per person. Also, there is no restriction or change in price with a change in the number of days you spend inside ACAP.

Similar to MCAP, a printed photograph is required for the ACAP permit.

After obtaining the RAP and these two conservation areas’ entry permits, there is no need to obtain a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card unless you are heading toward the Annapurna Circuit from Dharapani.

Note: hiring a guide is not mandatory for Annapurna, and you can trek alone. However, for your own safety, we recommend you take at least a porter. Check how Hayley (a client of Magical Nepal) compares the Manaslu trek with  Annapurna Circuit.

Magical Nepal frequently receives questions about the permits for Manaslu. Pradeep, who has trekked Manaslu three times, answers all the questions below. Also, take a look at his thirteen days Manaslu Trek Report here. Additionally, check the complete guide for Manaslu here.

Manaslu Trek Permit Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: Fill out the online application permit form

• Fill up the online application for the trekking permit.
• Fill up the separate online application for ACAP and MCAP.
• Address and send the application to the Director General, Department of Immigration.
• Provide the printed itinerary with trekking dates.
• Provide a photocopy of your passport’s main page and visa page.
• Arrange American dollars! Write down each note’s serial number and denomination on the agent’s letterhead. (Seriously!)

Step 2: Go to the Department of Immigration office with the following documents

• Head to the Department of Immigration, located in Anamnagar.
• Submit the American dollars with the letterhead containing all the serial numbers to the Global IME Bank (at the Immigration Department) and collect the deposit slip.
• Verify the official document; have the agency’s up-to-date guide insurance, tax clearance, and valid authority certificate from the central bank.
• The first officer will verify the details of the trekkers submitted online with the passport and then print a new slip.
• The second officer will again verify the details and forward the file to the Head of Immigration.
• The Head (Director General of Immigration) will verify and issue his signature.
• Back to the first officer, who will print the individual permits and put them on the stickers.
• He will also fill up the details on the stickers, and the Second Officer will sign them.
• The first officer applies the final stamp to the sticker, and your Manaslu RAP is ready!

Wait, we still need to issue permits for ACAP and MCAP.

Step 3: Go to the Nepal Tourism Board to issue MCAP and ACAP permits

This is easy as we will drive to the Nepal Tourism Board and pay the permit fee in local currency. Submit the printed online application form, and they will print a permit. Then we will place your printed photograph, and they will sign the form, and we are ready to go!

Contact us if you have any questions regarding permits for the Manaslu trek. We also operate the Manaslu trek at an affordable price. Get your Manaslu Circuit trek information and quote here.