How to Get Manaslu Trek Permit?

Compared to Everest Trekking and Annapurna Trekking, Manaslu Trek has fewer floods of trekkers and less reach to travelers. This makes people wonder and curious about the Manaslu Trekking and Manaslu area. Nevertheless, travelers and nature lovers have been able to explore and reach the Manaslu trekking trail and the Nepal Adventure Team has been helping them to accomplish their destinations in the Manaslu area.

Started and opened only in 1992, Manaslu Trek supplies the feeling of pioneering trekking and expedition. Manaslu Trek is still years behind the upgrade that Everest and Annapurna trekking region has which makes it quite attractive and lovable for its innocence and simplicity.

Nature, as well as culture, has a uniqueness that is not found in the other developed trails of Nepal. Moreover, the closeness to Tibet's border and its influence on the local lifestyle is visible. Even the late opening of Manaslu Trek has been able to preserve the nature and environment from being spoiled by human activities and policies.

Consequently, the Manaslu Conservation Area has been established to conserve and promote the uniqueness of this area in terms of culture and nature. Thus, every trekker has to receive permits to explore Manaslu Trekking trails and habitat.

What are the permits for the Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu Trek goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area along with the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, the trekkers have to take permits for both conservation areas along with the Manaslu Restricted area and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.

A certain part of Manaslu Trekking (from Jagat village to Dharapani) is still termed a restricted area and demands special permission. TIMS card is the database management system of trekkers in Nepal.

Besides, Tsum Valley is an exclusive home of ancient culture and is highly preserved. To enter the Tsum Valley special permission is needed. Therefore, a trekker has to receive 5 permits for Manaslu Trek:

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (for Jagat village and above)
• TIMS Card
• Tsum Valley Permit

The number of permits a trekker requires depends upon the trekking route he/she chooses. For instance, if you are just trekking to Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, you just need MCAP, Tsum Valley permit, and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. And for Manaslu Circuit Trek you require 4 permits: MCAP, ACAP, Manaslu RAP, and TIMS card.

What are the Costs of Manaslu Trek Permits?

Manaslu Conservation Area permit fee:

• Entry fee for SAARC: NPR 1000 per person
• Entry fee for other nationals: NPR 3000 per person

(Required for above 10 years of age)

Annapurna Conservation Area permit fee:

• Entry fee for SAARC: NPR 1000 per person
• Entry fee for other nationals: NPR 3000 per person

(Required for above 10 years of age)

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Fee:

• On peak season, September-November (Autumn): USD 70 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each additional day.
• On the offseason, December – August (Winter): USD 50 for the first seven days and USD 7 for each additional day.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card and fee:

All the trekkers trekking in Nepal need to carry a TIMS card for legalized trekking and database.

For SAARC Countries:

• Group trekkers: NPR 300
• Individual trekkers: NPR 600

For other Nationals:

• For group trekkers: NPR 1000
• For Individual trekkers: NPR 2000

Tsum Valley Permit Fee:

• During peak season, September-November: USD 35.00 per person for the first 8 days.
• During the off-season, December-August: USD 25.00 per person for the first 8 days.

What are the Terms of the Manaslu Trek Permit?

An entry permit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Valid for single entry only.

No need to apply for children under 10 years

Trekkers shall abide by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS/1973AD.

Permits must be carried during the entire trek and shown at the checkpoint.

Permits will not be issued from any check posts. ACAP and MCAP Permits are only available in the Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu, and Pokhara. ACAP permit is also available at Besisahar, Lamjung.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP) is only issued by the Immigration Department, Anamnagar, Kathmandu.

Permit fees include all other taxes.

Trekkers need to apply as an individual entry permit for MCAP and ACAP

What are the Rules for Manaslu Trek?

Nepal Government has declared certain parts of the Manaslu Region a restricted area to control tourism in the region which would support and preserve the authenticity of the Manaslu Area either in terms of nature or culture. Other rules related to the Manaslu Trek Region

• Independent trekkers are not allowed
• Trekkers are subjected to a special permit,
• Minimum of two trekkers in a group
• Accompanied by a Local Guide
• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP) must be processed through a Registered Agency.
• Freelance guides cannot issue the necessary permit for Manaslu Trek.

Why the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit is needed for the Manaslu Trek?

If the itinerary includes the area of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, then you will need an ACAP permit though you may travel only for 1 or 2 days. Usually, the Manaslu Trek itinerary includes the route of ACAP such as Dharapni, and Samagaun.

What are the Documents Required for a Manaslu Trek Permit?

To receive the Manaslu Trek permit, trekkers have to submit documents:

• Original passport with Nepal’s visa
• 4 passport-size photos
• Travel Insurance (must cover emergency evacuation up to 6000m)
• Permit fees ( Manaslu Trekking packages’ cost includes permit fees )

What is the detailed process for receiving the Manaslu Trek permit?

Being transparent to our clients, the following is the detailed process of receiving a Manaslu Trek permit:

Step 1: Fill out the online application permit form

Fill up the online application for a trekking permit.

Fill up the separate online application for ACAP and MCAP.

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.

Write down the serial number and denomination of each note (US dollar) on the company’s letterhead.

Step 2: Visit the Department of Immigration office with the following documents

Visit the Department of Immigration at Anamnagar, Kathmandu.

Submit the American dollars and letterhead with the serial numbers at 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 make the final verification and issue his signature.

Back to the first officer who will now print the individual permits and put on the stickers.

He will also fill up the details on the stickers and the Second Officer will sign them.

Now the first officer applies the final stamp to the sticker and Manaslu RAP is ready.

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

Submit the printed online application form and pay the permit fee to the Nepal Tourism Board. They will print a permit and we place printed photographs of trekkers. NTB will sign and issue the permit for MCAP and ACAP.

Can trekkers apply for the Manaslu Trek Permit Individually?

You cannot apply individually for the Manaslu Trekking permit. A minimum of two trekkers is required to apply for a Manaslu Special Permit from a professional trekking agency that must be registered under the Nepal Government.

Moreover, it is easier and more efficient to book Manaslu Trek packages from the Nepali Trekking company. Then, the company will carry out all the necessary processing and receive permits. Even if you are traveling alone, the company will provide guidance and let you join other trekkers as solo trekking is not allowed in Manaslu Trek.

Is Guide Compulsory in Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu Trekking region encompasses the Manaslu Restricted Area. So, the Nepal Government and concerned authorities have made it compulsory to trek in the Manaslu area with a licensed professional guide. The guide also helps to communicate with locals, understand local traditions and lifestyles as well as information about the authentic culture. Whereas, taking porters are optional.

Considering all the things mentioned above, one gets the Manaslu Trek Permit which reflects that it is easier, convenient, and efficient to book a Manaslu Trekking package and head for the trek in the Manaslu region.

Nepal Adventure Team has been serving exclusive experience of Manaslu Trek along with other various activities related to the tour, trek, sightseeing, hiking, jungle safari, and helicopter tour in Nepal.

You can also check our blog A Complete Guide to Manaslu Trek for the details of Mount Manaslu, MCAP, packages, and culture. If you are confused about the number of days you are required to explore the Manaslu Trekking region, you can go through How many days for Manaslu Trek? Also, check the detailed cost and itinerary at Manaslu Trekking.