Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost Breakdown for Nepali, Indian, and Foreigners
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is listed among the most spectacular and challenging adventures in Nepal. You get to trace the circumference of the world's eighth-highest peak through isolated villages, lush forests, and breathtaking high-altitude scenery. This restricted area trek provides adventure seekers with a genuine experience in the Himalayas, unlike the more crowded trails around Everest or Annapurna, but entering this untouched region necessitates the right permits.
This comprehensive guide breaks down all of the permit costs for Nepali citizens, SAARC nationals, and foreign trekkers. This guide explains the application process and clarifies the important rules governing the Manaslu trek. Whether you're budgeting for your trek or comparing costs across different nationalities, you'll find exact figures and updated regulations here.
What Is Manaslu Trek Permit?
The Manaslu area has restricted area permits that go beyond the standard trekking permits that are applicable in the rest of the country. This is to maintain the unique cultural heritage and the pristine ecosystem in that border area, which is very close to Tibet.
Manaslu Trek Permit Offical Website
Types of Permits Required
You need three separate permits to go trekking in the Manaslu region. The three permits include:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This is a primary permit that grants you access to the Manaslu Conservation Area's restricted zones. This is the most expensive permit and varies significantly by nationality.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): An environmental conservation fee that includes maintenance of the trails, waste management, etc.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): It is a registration card that is used by trekkers in Nepal. It is very useful in case of emergencies.
Duration & Validity
The cost and period for which the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is issued vary. In most cases, it is issued for September to November (autumn season) and costs more than the off-season, which runs from December to August. The validity period will be counted from the time you enter the restricted area in Jagat and not from the departure point in Kathmandu.
Why Independent Trekking Is Not Allowed
Trekkers are not allowed to trek independently in Manaslu, as solo independent trekking is strictly prohibited here. The government of Nepal has made it mandatory for all trekkers to trek with a certified guide affiliated with a government-recognised trekking agency. Trekkings are essential to ensuring the safety and security of trekkers in remote areas while preserving their cultural, environmental, and economic values.
Who Needs a Manaslu Trek Permit?
Permit requirements and costs vary significantly by nationality, creating three distinct categories of trekkers.
Manaslu Trek Permit for Nepali Citizens
Eligibility:
Nepali citizens pay significantly lower fees to get Manaslu permits compared to foreign nationals. However, unlike some other restricted areas, Nepali citizens cannot trek to Manaslu completely free. They still pay conservation and administrative fees.
Required Documents:
- Nepali citizenship certificate
- 2 to 3 recent passport-size photographs
- Recommendation letter from authorized trekking agency
- Completed application forms
Local Access Rules:
Nepali citizens who are from the Manaslu region itself may have additional access privileges for certain areas. However, even local residents must obtain proper permits and documentation for the complete circuit trek.
Manaslu Trekking Permit Cost for Nepali:
Nepali citizens pay NPR 100 per person for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit regardless of season. Additionally, they need MCAP which costs NPR 100 and TIMS which costs NPR 100 for agency-organised treks. This brings the total permit cost for Nepali citizens to approximately NPR 300.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit for SAARC Nationals
Which Countries Are Included:
SAARC nationals also benefit by having lower permit costs than those of any other foreign nationals. The SAARC countries included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Eligibility & Special Rules:
SAARC nationals have to furnish valid passports of member countries, trek with a guide who has a license, and engage a registered agency, which are the same requirements that apply to all foreigners, and the main advantage is the relatively lower fee.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost for SAARC:
SAARC nationals pay season-dependent fees:
- September-November (Peak Season): USD 75 per person per week
- December-August (Off-Season): USD 50 per person per week
For a typical 14-day trek (2 weeks in a restricted area), SAARC trekkers pay USD 150 during peak season or USD 100 in off-season, plus MCAP (NPR 1,000) and TIMS (NPR 1,000).
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Sample Copy
Manaslu Trek Permit for Foreigners
Mandatory Rules:
All other foreign nationals must obtain Manaslu permits through registered trekking agencies. Individual applications are not accepted. The permit is issued only when accompanied by a licensed guide for the entire trek duration.
Guide & Agency Requirements:
Your trekking agency must be registered with the Nepal Tourism Board. The guide you book must hold a valid government-issued trekking guide license, and minimum group size requirements apply. If you're travelling solo, your agency pairs you with another solo trekker, or you pay for porter services to meet minimum requirements.
Duration Validity:
Foreign permits are issued on a weekly basis. Generally, treks on the Manaslu Circuit route take around 12-16 days. In most cases, one then spends 10-14 days inside the restricted area. It is worth noting that your permit should cover the entire period in the restricted zone.
Manaslu Trekking Permit Cost for Foreigners:
Foreign nationals pay the highest fees:
- September-November (Peak Season): USD 100 per person per week (first 7 days)
- December-August (Off-Season): USD 75 per person per week
These are the rates for the first week. Starting from the eighth day, peak season is USD 15 per day, while off-season is USD 10 per day.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens fall under the SAARC nationals category. Manaslu trek permits for Indians are lower compared to other foreign nationals.
Eligibility & Special Rules:
- Must have a valid Indian passport.
- You must trek with a government licensed guide.
- You must book the trek with a registered trekking agency.
- It is mandatory for you to trek in a group with a minimum of 2 trekkers.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost for Indian Citizens:
Permit fees of Manaslu Circuit vary according to the season.
- Peak Season: Peak season includes months between September to November. During this time the permit fees are really high, which costs USD $75 per person, per week.
- Off Season: Off season includes months between December to August. During this time permit fees are really low, which cost USD $50 per person, per week.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Fees
Standard Permit Fee Structure:
The Manaslu Trek permit fee is applied on a weekly basis for the peak autumn season, September to November, and at lower rates for the off-season, December to August.
Currency Used:
Fees calculated in terms of US Dollars to ensure consistency of international prices despite fluctuations in the Nepalese Rupee exchange rate. However, agencies charge in NPR as calculated according to the existing exchange rate. Fees for MCAP and TIMS permits are charged only in NPR.
Minimum Stay Requirements:
The permits are given out in one-week blocks. This means that, yes, you will pay for a week’s worth of time, even if you will only be in that restricted area for 5 days.
Additional Charges for Extended Trekking:
If your trek extends beyond the initial week covered by your permit due to any reasons, daily extension fees will be:
- Peak Season: USD 15 per person per day beyond the included period
- Off-Season: USD 10 per person per day beyond the included period
Most agencies include 2 weeks' coverage in their standard Manaslu Circuit package, adequately covering typical trek durations.
Manaslu Permit Cost in NPR & USD
Cost Breakdown by Nationality
Nepali Citizens: Complete Permit Package:
- Manaslu RAP: NPR100
- MCAP: NPR 100
- TIMS: NPR 100
- Total: NPR 300
SAARC Nationals: Peak Season for 2 Weeks:
- Manaslu RAP: USD $150
- MCAP: NPR 1,000 or USD $8
- TIMS: NPR 1,000 or USD $8
- Total: Approximately USD $168 or NPR 21,800
SAARC Nationals: Off-Season for 2 Weeks:
- Manaslu RAP: USD 100
- MCAP: NPR 1,000 or USD $8
- TIMS: NPR 1,000 or USD $8
- Total: Approximately USD 116 or NPR 15,200
Foreign Nationals: Peak Season for 2 Weeks:
- Manaslu RAP: USD $200
- MCAP: NPR 3,000 or USD $23
- TIMS: NPR 2,000 or USD $15
- Total: Approximately USD $238 or NPR 31,400
Foreign Nationals - Off-Season for 2 Weeks:
- Manaslu RAP: USD 150
- MCAP: NPR 3,000 or USD $23
- TIMS: NPR 2,000 or USD $15
- Total: Approximately USD $188 or NPR 24,800
Approximate NPR Conversion
Exchange Rate Disclaimer: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Your trekking agency will calculate exact amounts based on current rates when you book.
Where & How to Get Manaslu Trek Permits
Kathmandu Permit Offices:
Manaslu permits are issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. It is located in Kalikasthan, Dillibazar. You can also get a permit in the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap. However, individual trekkers cannot apply directly; all applications must go through registered trekking agencies.
Trekking Agency Processing:
It is the responsibility of your chosen trekking agency to handle the permits for you. You must get the permit from the travel agency as the government does not issue permits to individuals directly. Instead, the agency will handle everything with regard to the permits, from the accuracy of your documents, your permit applications, your permit fee payments (which are included in your trek), permits collected, and your permit copy for your trek.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy with at least 6 months of validity
- 4 passport-size photographs
- Detailed trekking itinerary
- Travel insurance details
- Agency recommendation letter
For Nepali citizens, a citizenship certificate is needed instead of a passport.
Processing Time:
Normally, the permit processing might take 1 to 2 working days once all the documents are submitted. In the peak season of the trek, the permit processing takes a maximum of 3 working days. It is best to arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 to 4 days before your planned date for the trek.
Same-Day vs 1-2 Days:
Agencies that have a strong relationship and have complete documentation sometimes may achieve same-day processing, but it's not guaranteed. You must plan for 2 to 3 days to avoid stress and schedule pressure.
Manaslu Trek Permit Rules & Restrictions
Minimum Number of Trekkers:
You must trek in groups which must consist of at least 2 people. Solo trekking is prohibited. If you're travelling alone, your agency will either pair you with another solo trekker or include a porter to meet the minimum requirement. Some agencies count the guide toward this minimum, while others require 2 clients plus a guide. Verify with your agency.
Guide & Porter Requirements:
Every Manaslu trek must be accompanied by a guide who has obtained government licensed trekking for the entire restricted area duration. The guide must carry proper licensing documentation and must be registered within the trekking agency from which you have applied for the permit.
Restricted Trekking Zones:
The Manaslu permit does not allow to explore every place of the region, it only allows for specific trekking routes only. There are areas of side valleys and borders which are restricted or require additional special permits. Your guide will make sure you stay in the allowed zones. Some examples of side trips that could not be allowed include trips to some areas close to the Tibetan border.
Non-Transferable Permit Policy:
The permit is issued to an individual. Therefore, it cannot be transferred, sold, or shared. Ensure your permit bears a name identical to that in your passport. Use of another person's permit or a plan to transfer permits attracts very serious legal action, including fines, deportation, and a trekking ban.
Additional Important Rules:
- Permits must be presented at all checkpoints (Jagat, Dharapani, and others)
- Photography restrictions apply at some monasteries and cultural sites.
- Environmental regulations must be strictly followed (no littering, proper waste disposal)
- Cultural sensitivity is mandatory
- Deviation from the registered itinerary may invalidate permits.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek has been considered to be one of the most rewarding adventures that Nepal has to offer, with the addition of stunning mountain views, unique cultural experiences, and a measure of seclusion compared to some of its more crowded counterparts. Knowing the cost of a permit for the Manaslu Trek will allow proper budgeting, with foreign visitors to be charged around $238 for the permits during peak season, $188 for SAARC citizens, and Nepali citizens paying a substantially lower rate of around NPR 300.
All permits must be arranged through registered trekking agencies. Independent permit applications are not accepted. You must allow at least 2 to 3 days in Kathmandu for permit processing, and make sure your agency includes all three required permits which are RAP, MCAP and TIMS in their package quote.
The permit fees support conservation, trail maintenance, and community development in the local areas. It ensures that the Manaslu region remains good and maintained for future generations and sustains economic benefits in mountain communities. With proper permits and an experienced guide, you're ready to experience one of the Himalaya's most magnificent circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Nepali citizens trek Manaslu without a permit?
No, all trekkers including the citizens of Nepal must obtain a permit to trek in the Manaslu region. The fees for Nepali citizens are significantly lower. Nepali must pay NPR 3,600 in total, while foreign nationals have to pay above $USD 200 for restricted area permits alone. Residents of the nearby Gorkha district also require documentation for the full circuit trek.
Do SAARC nationals get a discounted rate?
Yes, the SAARC country nationals get a better rate than other foreign nationals. The permit cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is USD 75/week in the peak season, and it is USD 50/week off-season for SAARC, while for other foreigners, the rate is USD 100/week and USD 75/week, respectively. Thus, you could save about 25-33% on the restricted area permit by using this alternative route.
Can the Manaslu permit duration be extended?
Yes, it is possible to extend your permit, and this can be accomplished while your trek is taking longer than you had planned. The process is through your trekking agency and costs foreigners USD 15/day during peak season and USD 10/day during off-season. The process takes 1 to 2 days, as you will be trekking. The agency will have your documents and can process your extension.
Is it possible to get the Manaslu permit online?
No, Manaslu permits cannot be obtained online directly. All permits must be processed through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu with physical submission of documents to the Department of Immigration. However, you can complete the booking and documentation submission to your agency online or via email, and they handle the physical permit application process in Kathmandu on your behalf.
What happens if I trek without a proper Manaslu permit?
Trekking without a permit is a perceptibly serious offence, which is strictly taken into account. An offender can be fined up to US $5,000, deported back to their land immediately, and even have their trekking gear seized, besides being banned from further trekking in restricted areas. Entry points into the restricted region verify trekking permits at Jagat checkpoints. There is no way to avoid this.
