Manaslu Trek Permit and Cost - How to Obtain in 2025

Manaslu Permits Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

There are tons of confusion on the internet over what Manaslu permits are actually needed. Now that you’ve landed on the correct page, let us tell you that you need four permits compulsorily and also the TIMS Card. These are:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in one of the ‘restricted’ regions of Nepal. It isn’t like other national permits and is a must for every foreign trekker.

Basically, the Manaslu region shares a close border with Tibet and because of cultural sensitivities, the government of Nepal has declared it restricted. Now that doesn’t mean you’re not supposed to be there.

Getting the permit ensures that you’re a trustworthy person and aren’t there to do any harm to the local people. So, your purpose for visiting the Manaslu region should also be clearly stated when asked.

It’s vital to respect the norms and religions of the area and we truly hope you’ll be able to maintain that.

The Restricted Area Permit shall cover these: Manaslu Circuit trek route, Jagat village to Samagaun, Tsum Valley, Larkya La Pass, and Manaslu Base Camp.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Since Mt. Manaslu lies in one of the six conservation areas of Nepal, i.e. Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), that’s another permit you’re going to need. And yes, you guessed it–if you’re planning to visit any conservation area in Nepal, a separate permit is a compulsion.

As we mentioned earlier, this is a different kind of permit. The earlier RAP was to grant access to the permitted region while this is the conservation area permit. So, even a Nepali citizen has to get it.

Getting this permit not only ensures your safety but also states that you’re supporting the environment and local communities of the Manaslu region.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

While the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit covers most regions of the Manaslu Circuit trek, it still doesn’t cover Dharapani and Jagat. That’s because these two regions fall in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

So, in order to stay safe and legal, getting the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is equally essential. You clearly see the advantage of doing the Manaslu Circuit trek now!---you’ll not just gaze into the flora of fauna of one conservation area but two!

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card

Actually, TIMS wouldn’t have been essential if you were only to visit the Manaslu Conservation Area. But the thing is—Trekker’s Information Management System Card is another compulsion when you’re in the Annapurna Conservation Area!

So, when you’re in that part of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you might be asked TIMS by the officials. Getting it pre-hand would make you safe.

But after all, you’re visiting this beautiful country, and you’re probably planning to get to the Annapurna Conservation Area region at least once, right? So, a TIMS would be very much beneficial anyway. 

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit

According to the Immigration Government of Nepal’s official website, you’re now supposed to add this extra permit when doing the Manaslu Circuit trek. Basically, some rural municipalities have been seeking a separate permit for the past few years, and Chumnubri Rural Municipality is one of them.

Once you get this permit, you get to access all the wards of Chumnubri Rural Municipality (1, 2, 3, and 4). It’s for the Gorkha-Manaslu area and since you’ll be passing along the different villages in this rural municipality, this permit is also a compulsion.

Other Permits

Now that you’re aware of all the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are a few more permits that we are left to discuss.

Firstly, if you’re planning to do the Tsum Valley trek, you’re going to need another permit yet again! This one is for the following route: Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule.

And good thing is that once you get the permit for the Gorkha Tsum Valley Area, the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit is also covered here. That’s also the reason we often suggest our guests expand their days to 20 and enjoy an amazing trekking experience in these regions.

Apart from these, the RAP doesn’t cover other extra restricted activities in the region. For example, if you go there and wish to climb Mt. Manaslu, it won’t be possible there itself because you’ll be requiring separate mountaineering permits.

Lastly, if you’re planning to film in these conservation areas, you’ll have to get permits for those too. Whether you’re just operating a drone or are actually in the Manaslu region to film a big project, seeking permission from the Government of Nepal is essential, and separate permits are required.

Keep in mind that even Nepalese citizens require a permit for filming purposes (Consent letter of Nature Trust for Nature Conservation). So, you’ll have to consider paying a high sum of money for that.

How Much Does Manaslu Permit Cost?

The cost for a Manaslu Permit varies depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, number of days you’re going to spend in the region, the season you’re traveling, etc.

As we mentioned earlier, a Nepali citizen doesn’t require paying any kind of money for the permits (except for filming or drone shots). But other than that, whether you’re from a SAARC country or completely from another part of the world, the permits are required and the cost differs accordingly.

Let us tabulate the details for your ease:

Still confused looking at the aforementioned chart? We’ll show an example to make things clear. Say, you have chosen our package Manaslu Circuit trek of 13 days between September and November. Here’s the breakdown of how much you should expect to be paying:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 130
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): USD 27
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 27
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: NPR 2000 (approx. USD 15)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit: USD 190
• Total: approx. USD 390

In case you’re still having a confusion, feel free to comment below. Mount Glory Treks is always here to help our guests in the best way possible!

Things Required When Getting a Manaslu Permit

Now, you might have questions piled up in your head on what documents you might need in order to get a Manaslu permit. Don’t worry! We shall clear that out for you too.

Here’s the list of everything you’ll need:

• Your passport’s photocopy
• Valid Visa photocopy to prove that you’re sufficient to cover trekking days
• Sign an agreement with a travel agency
• Documents related to your travel/trekking insurance
• Multiple passport-size photographs for different permits (two for each)

That’s your side of the duty to provide these documents to the travel agency that you’ve contacted too. That being said, it’s only possible to obtain the necessary Manaslu permit if you go through the appropriate travel agency, like Mount Glory Treks.

There are only plenty of other documents that the travel agencies have to display to the government in order to receive the Manaslu permits.

We also request beforehand to have extra plans to stay in Kathmandu before starting the trek. This is because the process to get the permit can sometimes take a little more time than expected. So, you have to be ready for that!

How to Obtain the Necessary Manaslu Permit?

Whether you’re planning for a solo or even if you have prior experience of trekking in Nepal, you must know that you can only obtain the necessary Manaslu Permit through a reliable travel agency.

Although you might find a few resources that say filling form online is possible, it’s a too complicated process that we don’t recommend at all. In fact, you never know those could be third-party scammers trying to fool you.

Even the Department of Immigration has clearly stated on its website that authorized trekking agencies can only apply for the permit. And yes—trusted agencies like us, do this process for not just one but multiple individuals to make the process fast and easy.

Getting the Manaslu permits yourself potentially leads to these headaches:

• You need to visit multiple offices, like the Department of Immigration and the Nepal Tourism Board. This consumes your entire day and instead of having to roam around Kathmandu, you’ll only be wasting your time.
• All these trekking permits have probably already confused you and once you’re here in Nepal, the new place will add to this perplexion even more!
• Imagine getting rejected and not being able to obtain the Manaslu permits at all. Yes, this can happen if you make any sort of mistake.
• Permit fees and policies keep getting updated. So, in case there’s a new update, you might be completely unaware of and that ruins your trekking experience for sure.

There’s a certain process that we travel agencies follow that ensures a smooth transition for all the trekkers that visit Nepal. 

Especially with the Manaslu Circuit trek, whose permits are so confusing, we make sure that you as a tourist do not have to face any kind of perplexing situations. Rather, we believe that you should enjoy the trip that you’re here for!

So, the only thing you need to do in order to obtain Manaslu permits is to provide the travel agencies with the necessary documents. Also, stay connected with the travel agencies so that they keep you updated about the permit and in case anything else is required.

Rules & Regulations to Follow After Obtaining Manaslu Permit

Once you’ve got the Manaslu permit doesn’t mean you can do whatever you like in the conservation areas. There are certain norms that we should all respect and follow, and this goes out to both travelers as well as professional guides.

Here are some rules and regulations you need to follow once you start your trek after receiving the required permits:

• The Tibetans in the region have their own local customs and traditions that we all are requested to respect at all costs.
• Manaslu Circuit trek restricts solo travelers. So, you’ll have to manage at least one partner (two in total).
• You’re requested to trek only in the regions that you’re supposed to.
• There are authorized personnel in the conservation areas and they’ll keep you posted on the instructions that you must obey.
• Even if you’re planning to summit Mt. Manaslu, make sure to get all the other permits as well. The single expedition permit won’t be sufficient.
• Every trekker is absolutely required to follow every rule mentioned in the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.

Why Choose Mount Glory Treks For Manaslu Trek & Permits?

Hopefully, you’ve got all the information you need in order to get the Manaslu permits. To start your process, all you have to do is contact a reliable travel agency and since you’re already reading this guide, we truly believe that you’ll let us be at your service.

We aren’t just going to help you provide the permits but even guarantee that your Manaslu Circuit Trek goes smoothly without any delays or headaches.

In fact, we have already prepared a shorter 8-day Manaslu Circuit trek guide that you can go through and decide whether it’s going to be perfect for you. This way, the Manaslu permit cost also comes in a budget and you’ll get to explore other trekking destinations here in Nepal.

Also, you may check our other guide on Manaslu + Tsum Valley which takes about 20 days to complete. With Mount Glory’s help, you’ll be able to customize the trips as per your needs and your permits shall be made accordingly too.

That’s all for this article. We are hoping to hear from you soon and we’re ready to hit our keyboard to send your name for the Manaslu trekking permit 2025.

FAQs Related to Manaslu Permit & Cost

Do I need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Trek?

Since you’ll be passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Manaslu trek shall require a TIMS card when you’re in that region.

Where can I get the Manaslu Trek permits?

You’ll receive your tickets from the Department of Immigration. But since you’ll be guided by your travel agency, they shall provide you without any hassle.

Can I apply for the permits online?

Yes, it’s possible but the process is time-consuming, risky, and potentially leads to extensive delays. You’ll need to fill up a form, wait for its response, visit the Department of Immigration yourself, fill up another form, and wait for some days in order to get the permit—which is clearly daunting for anyone with no such experience.

How long does it take to get the permits?

Depending on the availability and busy schedule, the answer depends. If you do it yourself, it can take weeks but if you get help from your travel agency, the permits shall be made available within 2-3 hours or within a day.

Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit alone?

No, solo trekking to the Manaslu circuit is restricted. You need to be accompanied by another trekker and also take a professional guide with you.

Do I need a separate permit for Tsum Valley?

If you’re planning for Tsum Valley, you need a separate permit that lasts at least 20-24 days.

Are there age restrictions for obtaining the Manaslu permits?

If you have children below 10 years, you don’t need to get permits for them. Otherwise, anyone above 10 years of age is required to get all the required permits as we have mentioned in the article above.

Can I pay the permit fees in foreign currency?

You’ll need to pay the permit fees with USD or NPR, not any other foreign currency. In fact, during the form fill-up, it’s essential to jot down the symbol number of every currency you’re going to submit.

Are the permit fees refundable if I cancel my trek?

No, Manaslu permit fees won’t be refunded in case you change your mind and cancel the trek.

Can permits be issued on weekends or public holidays?

Since the Nepal Tourism Board and Department of Immigration offices remain closed on public holidays, you’ll have to wait for the next working day in order to obtain the Manaslu trek permits.

What happens if I lose my permit during the trek?

You’re supposed to show your permits to every authorized personnel if they want to check. So, as long as they don’t check yours, you might be safe but if they do check, you can always show them the copy of the original permit or the photograph. That being said, make sure to keep a copy of your permit for safety.