Image Credit: https://www.nepalmotherhousetreks.com/manaslu-circuit-trek
Manaslu Region, between Jagat and Dharapani is a restricted area. Trekkers have required a special entry permit to trek in the region. That said independent trekkers are not allowed in Manaslu.
The government rules also state there must be a minimum of two trekkers in a group. They also need to be accompanied by a local guide for the Manaslu trek circuit.
Additionally, your permit must be processed through a registered agency. Freelance guides cannot issue the necessary permits for this trek.
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.
- 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 will be printed on the permit itself.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
This Manaslu Nepal trek permit is required from Philim, where the Manaslu Conversation Area starts. The price is the same throughout the year: USD 30 per person.
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 trekking in the Manaslu circuit requires a trekking permit from Dharapani until you exit ACAP in Beshi Sahar. The price is the same throughout the year: USD 30 per person.
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. This card is mandatory when planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Dharapani during your Manaslu Nepal trek.
FAQs
Ans: Yes, you need a visa to travel to Nepal. You have to get a Tourist visa as an entry visa. You can get it either from Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad or On Arrival at the airport.
Ans: Yes, you can get an online Nepali visa. Nepal has introduced the online Nepali visa (Pre-visa) which can be obtained from any electronic device. This Pre-visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days as a tourist.
Ans: The cost of a Nepal Tourist Visa varies depending on the number of days it is issued: for 15 days it’s USD 30, for 30 days it’s USD 50, and for 90 days it’s USD 125.
Ans: You need to get a Manaslu expedition permit to climb mount Manaslu which is not often included in the Manaslu circuit trek. Mountain climbing royalty fee depends upon the expedition season.
Normally the climbing permit cost in the spring season is USD 1800, in the autumn season USD 900, and for the winter and summer seasons is USD 450 per person.
Before applying for the permit to climb Manaslu, you need to have Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP) which is only issued by Immigration Department, Anamnagar, Kathmandu.
ACAP and MCAP Permits are only available in Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu and Pokhara. During your Manaslu trek Nepal, you can get ACAP permit at Besisahar, Lamjung. Permit fees include all other taxes.
Ans: Manaslu region is one of the restricted regions to trek in Nepal. Therefore, it is a must for you to trek to Manaslu with a guide. Trekking in Manaslu without a guide is almost impossible.
Ans: There are various types of trekking permits you will need if you want to go trekking in Manaslu. The following are the types of trekking permits that you should check before starting your trek to Manaslu:
· Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
· Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
· Restricted Area Permit
· Tsum Valley Permit (only needed if you intend to trek Tsum Valley)
As long as you have made sure to obtain all these permits, you should be good for a Manaslu Nepal trek.
You can obtain Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu RAP) which is only issued by Immigration Department, Anamnagar, Kathmandu.
ACAP and MCAP Permits are only available in Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu and Pokhara. ACAP permit is also available at Besisahar, Lamjung. Permit fees include all other taxes.
Your travel agency arranges it hassle-free or you can apply as well. For the Manaslu trekking permit, you need to present the following documents to the trekking agency:
· 4 passport-sized photos
· Your passport which documents an entry visa
· Travel insurance that has insured you for evacuation up to 6000 meters
· Money
If you are looking for information regarding the routes of the Manaslu trek read the Routes and Maps of the Trek chapter. Best Manaslu Trek Time chapter explains in detail the best time to trek in the Manaslu region. If you are wondering how to choose the best trek operator, find detailed information from this How to Choose the best Manaslu Trek Operator chapter.
The cost chapter Cost of Manaslu Trek explains all types of costs and fees of the Manaslu trek. The packing list chapter explains the main items to Packing for Manaslu trekking. Learn in detail about the food and lodging during trekking Manaslu in the Accommodation and Food chapter. If you want information about Manaslu trek ground transportation read the chapter Ground Transportation during.
In other chapters of this Manaslu Trekking guide, we have explained in detail of Internet and Telephone Facility in the Manaslu region, how and where to find the Trek Guides and Porters and how much dangerous and safe is Manaslu Trek.