How to Obtain Manaslu Circuit trekking Permits?

Manaslu Circuit is one of the most amazing high-altitude walks around scenic Manaslu Valley enclosed by towering snow-capped peaks.

The areas of Upper Manaslu remained a forbidden country for outside travelers, then it opened in 1992. Where all trekkers require a special permit to enter the higher region of Manaslu valley. Until the wonderful walk ends at Dharapani around the district of Manang.

The Manaslu Circuit trekking is a wonderful adventure in the least ventured areas of Nepal Himalayas. For the past few decades gaining popularity among trekkers seeking new fresh adventure destinations. Where Manaslu Circuit will be one of the best choices and options, walking around the high Manaslu valley.

The walk leads to beautiful cultural villages adorned with Buddhism heritage traditions similar to its Tibet predecessors across the border.

Mt. Manaslu towers high at 8,163 m, as the world’s 8th tallest peak, located within Mansri Himal range, around Gorkha district.

Manaslu Circuit also falls on the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan Route of Nepal & Tibet. Due to its close border with Tibet / China, the Upper Manaslu remains a Restricted Area of Nepal.

Besides special permits, the trekkers also require to obtain MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) entrance fees. Including ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), the trek enters the Manang area, after crossing the Larke-La pass, which falls within ACAP control.

Required Necessary Permit For Manaslu Trek & Cost

The upper Manaslu from the village Jagat, where all foreign trekkers and adventurers require necessary special permits. As well as other entrance fees like MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project). Including ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance fees.

The trek cost for Manaslu Circuit varies from one trekking agency to another depending on the duration of trekking. As well as lodges, and guest houses from budget to standard accommodation.

01: For the high season of autumn/fall, the Restricted Area Permit fees for Manaslu are based seasonal-wise. The cost of a special permit is US$ 70 per person for a week duration. Includes US$ 10 per day per person as per the itinerary days.

The spring season is also a peak time, but the cost of a special permit is US$ 50 per person. As well for 7 days, the cost includes US$ 7 for extra days till the end of a trek.

02: Similarly along with Manaslu Special Permit fees, trekkers require Manaslu MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) fees of US$ 30 per person.

03: On leaving the Upper Manaslu and district of Gorkha from the top of Larke-La at 5,106 m high. The boundary between the two districts of Gorkha and Manang, after Larke-La towards Dharapani, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). The cost of ACAP is US$ 30 per person, required from the Larke-La pass onwards to Dharapani, on entering the Manang area. 

Required Documents for Manaslu Trekking Permits

All trekkers require a valid passport not exceeding 6 months from the expiration dates. Also requires a Nepal visa for a month duration or less of two weeks, as well as a passport-size photo. Minimum of 6 for trekking permits and Conservation entry tickets.

Manaslu Trekking Terms & Conditions

For Manaslu Circuit Trekking, all trekkers need to join reliable, government-registered trekking companies. Minimum 2-3 person required for Manaslu Circuit trekking, solo or individual trekkers is not allowed to enter the Upper Manaslu region.

All trekkers should be accompanied by a Government License guide approved by the Ministry of Tourism Department and reliable local trekking agencies. 

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions) for Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Where to get the Manaslu Trekking Permits?

Once booked with local Government Regisrated Trekking Agencies, will obtain the trekking and special permits for Manaslu Circuit Treks. After completing and presenting all needful documents required. The special permits are obtained from the Ministry of Tourism Department.

How can you apply for a Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit?

One can apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking permits by booking with reliable government-registered trekking companies. After booking and sending all needful documents, your trekking agencies will apply and obtain the permits for you.

As well for all groups joining trekking members for Manaslu Circuit trekking, which should be a minimum of a week duration before the trek departures.

How long will it take to get the permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Minimum of 3 days after going through the process of applying for the special permits. As well as other needful conservation entry fees for Manaslu and Annapurna region. Which can be obtained within a day or two, after declaring all the legal documents required for the treks. 

Can you have the permits issued in advance?

Yes, after collecting all the passport details, as well the PP size photos well in advance before the trek departures. Which takes at least 2-3 days where all can have the permits issued well in advance by your local trekking agents.

Do you need a TIM card for this trek?

No need for a TIM card (Trekking Information Management Systems), which is issued by TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal). Where Manaslu Restricted Area Special Permits are obtained for the Ministry of Tourism Board. For special permits no need for a TIM card/permit.

Do you need a Guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes, it is a compulsion measure and rules, as applied by the ministry of tourism board. Where all trekkers are not allowed individual trekking, should be accompanied by Government approved and Regisrated guides, and porters. After booking with reliable trekking companies in Kathmandu.

Can you do a solo Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Not allowed to trek on your own as solo or individual trekkers. 

Should be accompanied by Government approved and Regisrated guides and porters. After booking with reliable trekking companies in Kathmandu.

How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Nepal is a country of high hills and mountains, trekkers will come across steep climbs and downhill, having few gradual winding paths. 

Taking slow, and having short rest will overcome the difficulties on a steep uphill, as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery. Along the walks makes you forget the toughness and difficulties. The only difficult phase of the adventure going over the high Larke-La Pass, and the long descent. The longest and hardest day of trekking takes more than 8 hours. The rest of the walk is moderate with a few hours of a climb with a gradual trail. But taking slow and steady with enough rest to catch your breath will make the trek enjoyable and exciting.

Conclusion:

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an adventure of fewer than two weeks duration, however, one can extend with a few more days. Well worth trekking facing excellent scenery of rolling green hills and high snow-capped peaks. The local culture of high Manaslu lovely villages is equally fascinating and knowing the age-old heritage and traditional customs. Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trekking special and an amazing adventure to venture into.