Manaslu Trek Permit Cost

Manaslu Trek Permit Cost is undoubtedly a vital thing to know about. After all, the permit cost for the trek alone makes a good share. You have to obtain not one but three permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Firstly, you must have a Restricted Area Permit(RAP) to enter Manaslu Region, a restricted area. Only with this permit are you allowed to enter. Manaslu Region is home to traditional people and unique culture. The government has marked the region as a restricted area to preserve things. Thus, you need the permit.

Secondly and Thirdly, you need to have Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). On the long walk of Manaslu Circuit Trek, you have to traverse these two protected conservation areas. With the licenses, you will be able to continue at the gates.

When you have all three permits, permit-wise, you are ready for the trek. You can get the licenses from Kathmandu. ACAP and MCAP are obtainable without any agency’s help. But, in the case of RAP, you have to be with a licensed trekking agency in Nepal. As the region is restricted to solo travelers, you should hire a certified guide from a licensed agency.

Interestingly, the Manaslu Trek Permit Cost varies with the season. One of the permits is obtainable at a cheaper rate in several seasons. It directly changes the whole trek cost. You must know which one of the permits is like that.

So this blog helps you know everything about the Manaslu Trek Permits and their cost. Below are all the permits, their fees, necessary documents, terms & conditions, some tips, and several FAQs.

Necessary Manaslu Trek Permits and Their costs

Restricted Area Permit

Manaslu Region is a restricted region in Nepal. Home to Mt Manaslu(8,163m), Manaslu Region from Jagat to Dharapani is defined as a controlled area by the Government of Nepal.

It means you can only wander freely with a restricted area permit. The region has unique and traditional villages like Namlung, Jagat, Namrung, Deng, and Samagaon. The government has to make restrictions to protect these villages as they are.

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit cost varies with the season. It is USD 100 for one week and then USD 15 add-on for extra days in Autumn(September to November). The season is high time for trekking in Nepal. Hence, the Manaslu Trek Permit cost increases due to high demand.

Likewise, the permit costs USD 75 for the first week and then USD 10 for each additional day in Spring, Winter, and Monsoon months. The overhead cost will apply if you travel to Manaslu Region in all other months except Autumn.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Manaslu Trek happens through Manaslu Conservation Area, another protected area. The vast conservation area, around 642 sq mi, is home to over 33 mammal species, including Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, and Snow Leopard. Similarly, the site is home to over 2000 species of fauna. Over 110 species of birds can also be in the park.

The government has protected the area because of its rich and diverse flora and fauna. You need a permit to enter this area that costs NPR 3000 per person. If you are from SAARC countries, you can obtain the same license at NPR 1000 per person. The permit costs the same all year round.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit or ACAP is another permit compulsory for Manaslu Trek. The ticket is also necessary for popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. You need the same license for Manaslu Circuit Trek as the walk passes via Dharapani, which lies in the conservation area.

Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest protected site, with an area of 2,946 sq mi. Like Manaslu Conservation Area, the Annapurna protected area is affluent in diverse flora and fauna. Hence, a permit is made compulsory to limit and control the activities in the park. The pass costs NRS 1000 per person for SAARC nationals and NRS 3000 per person for other citizens.

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Optional Permits for Manaslu Trek

Tsum Valley Permit

Manaslu Circuit Trek is often extended to Tsum Valley. In such a case, you need another permit called Tsum Valley Permit. The valley is a restricted area with affluent cultural and religious beauty.

If you visit the region, you can explore Tibetan-inspired cultures and lifestyles. The villages and people in the valley are equally quaint. The government of Nepal has limited activities in the region to protect the pureness of the area. Thus, you require a permit if you are entering the valley.

The permit cost is USD 40 per individual for one week and then USD 7 extra for each extra day in the Autumn. In all other seasons, the permit is 30 USD per individual for one week and then extra 7 USD per day. Remember, this permit is only necessary if you are doing Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek.

Where to obtain Manaslu Trek Permits?

Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu

You can visit the Tourist Service Center located in Bhrikutimandap, Pradarshhani Marg. The permit center is under the roof of the Nepal Tourism Board, the national tourism organization of Nepal. It is only a 15-20 minutes walk away from Thamel.

The office issues all the trekking permits in Nepal. If traveling solo, you can visit the office to obtain the licenses. The office hours are 9 am to 5 pm and a one-hour lunch break from 1 pm to 2 pm. You can visit the office on all days except local public holidays.

Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara, Lakeside

You can also obtain an ACAP permit from Pokhara’s Nepal Tourism Board office. The other licenses are not available in the office. The office is open from Sunday to Saturday, and the official time is 9-5. It is not open on holidays.

Besisahr, Lamjung

You can obtain one of the permits at the Annapurna Conservation Area’s office in Besishar. Only an ACAP permit is available from the place. The office is open from Sunday to Saturday, 10-5.

Your Trek and Tour Operator Office

If you do it with a trek or tour operator, the operator will obtain all the permits.

You do not have to go to any office to get those permits. You can acquire the licenses by providing several necessary documents unless any hassle comes. ACAP and MCAP are obtainable without an agency’s consent. However, for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), you need approval from a licensed trek or tour operator.

Required Documents for Manaslu Trek Permits

You have to provide several documents for the application of the above permits. An authorized person will check your submitted papers for validation. If all documents are valid, you will receive the licenses immediately. The necessary documents to obtain Manaslu Trek Permits are as below:

• Two Passport-sized photos
• Onne digital passport photograph for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.
• Valid Passport
• Travel Insurance paper
• Valid visa
• Consent letter of trekking or tour agency.
• Scanned copies of Passport and visa.
• Flight ticket copies.

The above-bulleted documents are enough to obtain the permits. You may or may only require some of them. It is better if you already have all of them.

Terms and Conditions for Manaslu Trek Permits

Here are several things that you must know before acquiring trekking permits.

• Children younger than ten years do not require permits.
• Once issued, Manaslu Trek Permit Costs are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Passport Sized Photos must be from recent times.
• A permit is valid for one time only.
• Trekkers have to carry all the permits throughout the trek.
• Acquiring conservation area permits means complying with the rules and laws of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029.
• Travelers are allowed to travel to indicated places only in the restricted area.
• The permits are obtainable only from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• The Manaslu Trek Permit costs are inclusive of VAT and government taxes.
• The permits must be checked at the checking posts along the trek.

Read more:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
• Manaslu Trek in December
• Manaslu Circuit Trek in April

Some Tips for Manaslu Trek Permit

Choose a low season for Permit discounts.

A Restricted Area Permit(RAP) costs less in Spring, Winter, and Monsoon months. At the same time, it is a bit expensive in Autumn due to high demand. You can do Manaslu Trek in the Spring season too. Spring(March-May) is another good time for trekking in Nepal after Autumn. If you choose Autumn for Manaslu Trek, you will get RAP cheaply. The Tsum Valley Permit cost also lowers in the same way.

Pack all the necessary documents for Permit

We have mentioned the required documents for Manaslu Trek Permits above. Ensure you include all the items in your backpack before heading to Nepal. An original copy of your passport and Nepalese visa, flight tickets, itinerary, and passport photos are essential.

Find the right tour and trek agency.

Above all, you will need a licensed trekking guide for the trek. If you reach a trusted and authorized trekking agency, you will get everything else right. The agency will arrange all the trekking permits for the hike. The agency also will provide a professional guide for the tour.

FAQ

Do I need a TIMS card for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Trekkers Information Management System Card or TIMS Card is unnecessary for Manaslu Trek. It is for other trekking trails. For Manaslu Trek, you will have ACAP, MCAP, and Restricted Area Permit. That will be enough. Therefore, no TIMS card is essential for Manaslu Trek or Circuit Trek.

Why is Annapurna Conservation Area Permit necessary for Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek happens via Dharapani, a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. As you trek through that region, you will need a permit for the protected side. Although most of the trek happens via other parts, you still need a visa to enter the Annapurna Region. Hence, it is essential.

How fast can I obtain the permits?

You can obtain the permits within one or two hours if you have all the required documents. Sometimes due to technical problems, you may have to wait for more. But it should take up to one hour.

Can I obtain permits in advance before I arrive in Nepal?

In most cases, you cannot do that. The responsible body has to probe your documents to issue the permits. You must show original copies of your passport and visa. But, in exceptional cases, it can be published with the right consent and valid documents.

Do I need a Tsum Valley Permit?

It is a must if traveling through Tsum Valley, a restricted valley in the Manaslu Region. If you are, it is optional.

Can I do Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek in any way?

You must do Manaslu Circuit Trek with a licensed trekking guide. The region is a restricted area. Hence, you need a local area permit, which is only obtainable with the consent of the trekking agency. If you are a solo traveler, this could be bad news. There is no way that you can do it alone.

Can I obtain permits on Saturdays and other public holidays in Nepal?

No, the permits are non-obtainable on those days. The office remains closed on Saturdays as it is an off-day in Nepal. Likewise, the offices are also closed on public holidays. Therefore, remember to check the date and day while going for permits.

At Last

Manaslu Trek Permit is a fabulous off-the-beaten experience in the land of Mt Manaslu. You need the permits: ACAP, RAP, and MCAP. Also, you need a licensed guide. All together, the whole process can get easier if you find a trusted trekking agency.

If you are looking for such a trekking agency, we are one. Our experienced team has helped many avid trekkers to explore the magical land of Manaslu. Once you are with us, we will manage all the permits. Then for a memorable trek, our authorized guide will accompany you. We will have many memories. Come join us!