Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit, Cost, and Documents

21 Nov 2023 Last updated on 30 Jun 2025

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).

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The total cost for these permits 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.
Solo trekking is not allowed here; 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!

Image Of The Restricted Area Permit For The Manaslu Circuit Trek, Allowing Access To This Scenic And Protected Trekking Region.

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

Category	Cost	Required document
Foreign trekkers	$ 100 (Rs 13,700) for the first seven days and $15 (Rs 2,055) per person for additional days, valid between September and October. $ 75 (Rs 10,225) for the first seven days and $10 (Rs 1,370) per person for additional days, valid between December and August	Passport, Nepal Visa, Photos, travel insurance, agency document, guide information
SAARC Nationals	Similar to foreign trekkers	Similar to foreign trekkers
Nepali trekkers	MRAP is not required	MRAP is not required

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

Category	Cost	Required Documents
Foreign Trekkers	$21.92 (Rs 3000) per person	Passport, Nepal visa, one passport-sized photo, travel insurance, application form
SAARC Nationals	$7.50 (Rs 1000) per person	Passport, Nepal visa, one passport-sized photo, travel insurance, application form
Nepali trekkers	$0.75 (Rs 100) per person	Copy of Nepali Citizen certificate, Passport-sized photo, and application form

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

Category	Cost	Required Documents
Foreign Trekkers	$21.92 (Rs 3000) per person	Passport, Nepal visa, one passport-sized photo, travel insurance, application form, emergency contact information
SAARC Nationals	$7.50 (Rs 1000) per person,	Passport, Nepal visa, one passport-sized photo, travel insurance, application form, emergency contact information
Nepali Trekkers	$0.75 (Rs 100) per person	Copy of Nepali Citizen certificate, Passport-sized photo, and application form

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!

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