Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit and Cost

You can’t just show up with your branded backpack and smile; the Himalayas need an entrance card. For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll need three official permits to enter. First is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the Gorkha District of central-western Nepal, circling around Mount Manaslu (the eighth highest mountain in the world). 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek permit and cost is roughly USD 100 to 150 per person, depending on the season and duration of your trek. The MRAP may be a bit more expensive during the peak season, but the cost of other permits remains the same during the entire year. Getting permits in here is not a huge task; it can be done quickly and nicely through agency members.

Permit First, Trek Later (Simple Rules You Need to Know)

• You must have a minimum of two trekkers in your group to get the MRAP.
• The Manaslu region is a restricted area, requiring special permits for entry.
• Manaslu Circuit solo trekking is not allowed; you should hire a licensed guide.
• All permits must be issued through a registered trekking agency (Good news: we can handle all the paperwork for you).
• Always carry both physical and digital copies of your permits during the trek, because there are several checkpoints along the trek, and you may need to show them.

Warning: If you can’t show valid permits when asked, then you may be charged with a serious fine or delays-so don’t skip this step!

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is an official document required to enter the restricted part of the Manaslu region, mainly between Jagat and Dharapani. It was first introduced in Nepal in 2004 by the Government of Nepal to control tourism activities. The RAP is a mandatory permit for every visitor, and the best part is that we handle the process smoothly for you, so that you can only focus on your journey.

 Steps to get MRAP

• Step 1: Choose a registered agency (like us!) to organize your trek
• Step 2: Provide them with your entire documents and costs
• Step 3: Make sure your group has at least 2 trekkers, and follow the rules listed above
• Step 4: The agency applies for your MRAP through the Department of Immigration
• Step 5: Take your permit, pack your requirements, and you are ready to go!

MRAP documents and cost breakdown

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is needed to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is protected to preserve the endangered and rare plants, culture, and wildlife. This permit was first issued in 1998 by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) in Nepal. You’ll need this permit as soon as you enter the conservation area. Once you get it, it is valid for your entire trek.

Steps to get MCAP

• Step 1: Choose the registered company to help you provide the permits
• Step 2: Share your required documents with the agency
• Step 3: The agency will submit your document to the Nepal Tourism Board
• Step 4: Get your MCAP and keep it safely with you; there are several checkpoints on the trail

MCAP documents and cost breakdown

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for anyone who wants to trek in the Annapurna region. It includes the final part of the Manaslu Circuit trek, which connects the Annapurna trail near Dharapani. It was first issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) in 1992. The ultimate aim of this permit was to support the conservation of the unique wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage site. It is a one-time permit and must be obtained before starting the trek. Don’t worry, we are here to handle it for you.

Steps to get ACAP

• Step 1: Pick a registered trekking agency (like us) to organize your trek
• Step 2: Provide the entire required documentation to the agency for your validation
• Step 3: The agency submits your application to the Nepal Tourism Board
• Step 4: Receive your ACAP and keep it safely with you; it is needed at every checkpoint during the trek

ACAP documents and cost breakdown

Note: Tsum Valley restricted area permit ($35 per person for 1 week) and Chumbari Rural Municipality permit ($10 per person) are also required if you are adding the Tsum Valley Side Trip. 

Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a restricted area?

Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a restricted area? It’s a fair question to ask, because many other treks in Nepal are open and easy to access. The main reason is security and border proximity. The Manaslu region lies close to the Tibet (China) border, and the government needs to take care of every movement for safety and political reasons. The Manaslu trek permit helps to track the activities of visitors and ensure a comfortable and wonderful journey.

Besides security, the government has aimed to support cultural preservation and environmental protection in this region. Being a home to unique Tibetan culture and endangered ecosystems, Manaslu is a restricted area. By regulating the permit system, Nepal can protect these ancient traditions and natural beauty, without creating any trouble for trekkers. So yes, rules are rules, but don’t worry, we know them all, our guides are professional. We’ll get your permits, guides, and paperwork ready faster than your boots hit the trail! 

The Best Manaslu Region Treks

The Manaslu Region offers a variety of trekking, each having its own unique features and specialties. Here are some of the popular trekking areas within the Manaslu region which require the Manaslu Trek Permit for trekking.

• Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. It takes you around the majestic Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, which stands at an elevation of 8,163 m. The trek offers breathtaking views of mountains, lush forests, and diverse cultural experiences as you pass through several remote villages.

• Tsum Valley Trek: The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan Valley in the Northern Gorkha, and it was a restricted area until 2008. It lies to the east of the Manaslu Region. This trek offers a chance to explore unique Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. It is often an extended side trek of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Rupina La Pass Trek: This trek is known for its challenging Rupina La Pass, which lies north of the Manaslu region. It’s a less-traveled route that offers pristine wilderness and high-altitude adventure.

• Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek: Instead of Doing Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley at two different times. It is possible to combine the two different trekking routes into a single trekking route called Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek.

Additional trekking options near the Manaslu Region

Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s classic treks and can be combined with the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This extended trek takes you through lush forests, the charming villages, and offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

Ganesh Himal Trek: The Ganesh Himal region is to the southwest of the Manaslu region and offers a less-traveled trekking experience. You can explore the Ganesh Himal area, which is known for its diverse culture and stunning mountain views.

Ruby Valley Trek: The Ruby Valley Trek takes you through the Ganesh Himal region and offers a chance to explore remote villages, terraced fields, and beautiful landscapes.

Langtang Valley Trek: The Langtang Valley is located to the west of the Manaslu region and is known for its scenic beauty and rich culture. It’s a shorter trek that can be combined with other treks in the Langtang region.

These additional trekking options allow you to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences in Nepal, making your trekking adventure even more memorable. Keep in mind that permit requirements, regulations, and trekking conditions may vary in these regions, so it’s essential to research and plan your trek accordingly. For further details about the additional trekking regions, you can refer to Himalayan 360.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

14 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek

$920

5.0(7 reviews)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s best off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It circles the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163M), and covers about 144KM (89 Miles). The trek journey starts at Machha Khola and slowly climbs through farmlands and small villages. As you move higher, you reach mountain valleys like Samagaon and Samdo. The biggest highlight is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160M), where you can see amazing views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. The trek also offers a local culture experience. Villages such as Samagaon, Namrung, Lho, and Deng show strong Tibetan traditions. You will see monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls along the way. Depending on the season, you may also witness festivals like Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) or Saga Dawa, which celebrates Buddha’s life. In these villages, people farm millet, herd yaks, and live in ways passed down for centuries. This gives trekkers a close look at a culture that is still very traditional. The Manaslu Circuit trek trail also takes you through different natural landscapes. In the lower region at Jagat and Soti Khola, you will walk through green forests alive with rhododendron, magnolia, and bamboo. As you go higher past Philim, Namrung, and Samdo, the forest changes into oak, maple, and conifers, with waterfalls along the way. Near Samagaon and Larkya La, the land becomes rocky and snowy, with only small plants like moss and lichens. The changing landscape offer the true trekking experience throughout the Manaslu Circuit trek. Likewise, one special thing about the trek to Manaslu Circuit region is that it is a restricted area. Trekkers need special permits, which help protect the environment and keep the trail less crowded. You will need to compulsorily hire a trekking guide. You can find simple teahouses and lodges in main villages, but the trek still feels wild and quiet compared to other popular routes in Nepal. The best time for Manaslu Circuit trek is during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October) seasons.

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Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

20 Days

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

$1,330

The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is an adventure around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). This trek takes you through the scenic Manaslu Conservation Area and into the remote Tsum Valley, close to the Tibetan border. For 20 days, trekkers travel through serene pine forests, rhododendron jungles, and challenging trails leading up to the Larkya La Pass with majestic mountain views. The trek features high-altitude lakes, unique wildlife, and ancient Buddhist monasteries, with altitudes above 3,000m and 5,000m (16,404 feet) respectively. Along the way, you’ll discover a rare blend of Nepali and Tibetan culture, language, and traditions that make this region truly special. You will climb through Gurung villages with rice and millet terraces and cross many Buddhist shrines, especially in the Tsum Valley, which also has a similar culture to Tibetans. Tsum Valley, located near the Tibetan border, offers opportunities to encounter Buddhist monks and explore Milarepa’s Cave. You can also view Nepal’s national bird, the Lophophorus, against majestic landscapes of Mount Manaslu and Himalayan ridges like Hiunchuli and Annapurna II. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is ideal for adventure-seekers, but beginners with strong bodies and amazing stamina can also experience this. Just make sure that you are physically fit, if you are planning to take up the trek.

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15 days Tsum Valley Trek

15 Days

15 days Tsum Valley Trek

$965

If you are looking for a unique and quiet trekking experience in Nepal away from commercialized trails, Tsum Valley Trek is your ideal option. The Tsum Valley is tucked away in the secluded and restricted part of Gorkha. Its trekking trails are lesser known to the world as it was only opened to outsiders in 2008. It is still not easily accessible and remains untouched by modernization. However, it is also precisely why the region has one of the most well-preserved Tibetan cultural heritages. The trails are also quiet and serene, with thrilling challenges. You will get to trek through raw nature and diverse landscapes, and you will travel close to the Tibetan border. Tsum Valley Trek is an adventurous journey as well as a cultural trip. It is a sacred valley blessed by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava himself. During the trek, you will pass several traditional settlements, ancient monasteries, gompas, chortens, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags. The hidden valley is home to locals who follow the ancient Bon Po and Tibetan Buddhism. You will trek within the Manaslu Conservation Area and ascend to Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,200 meters) during the trek. Similarly, you can witness gorgeous panoramas of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,140 meters), Himalchuli (7,893 meters), and more. Tsum Valley is truly a hidden gem, and the trek will be a wonderful opportunity to explore raw and rural Nepal.

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