Manaslu circuit trek permit

Manaslu circuit trek permit is the most essential paper to enter the Manaslu region. Being a restricted area, solo trekkers cannot get this permit. Minimum two people and guide is compulsory for issuing the permit. The Manaslu circuit trek covers two conservation area, therefore following permits are required for trekking in this region:

• Restricted area permit
• Manaslu conservation area permit
• Annapurna conservation area permit
• Chumnumbri rural municipality permit

 Restricted area permit (RAP)

The trekking route to Manaslu passes through special area Jagat, Deng, Namrung and Samagaoun which requires restricted area permit. We should show the RAP before entering Jagat.

How to make restricted area permit?

Restricted area permit can be made through authorized trekking company. We can fill up online form from the official website department of immigration. The restricted area permit cost is relatively high. There should be insurance of guide and porter, declaration letter to issue the permit. 

Manaslu conservation area permit (MCAP)

The trekking route from Phillim to Tal is Manaslu conservation area where MCAP is required. We should show the permit from Jagat check point. 

How to get Manaslu conservation area permit?

We can get Manaslu conservation area permit from tourism board Nepal. Online permit is also available from official page of Manaslu conservation area project from National trust for Nature conservation. The trekking agency can fill up this form for which passport number, passport size photo and date of birth is required. 

Annapurna conservation area permit (ACAP)

Manaslu circuit trek covers a part of Annapurna conservation area from Dharapani. Therefore, we need this permit during the exit from the trek. The permit should be shown in Beshisahar entrance point.

How to get Annapurna conservation area permit?

We can get Annapurna conservation area permit from tourism board Nepal. Online permit can be made from official page of Annapurna conservation area project from National trust for nature conservation. The authorized trekking agency can make the permit with the available passport no, photo and date of birth.

Chumnumbri rural municipality permit (CRMP)

Chumnumbri rural municipality permit is a local permit required to visit the areas of ward no. 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Chumnumbri municipality. We should show the permit in Chumnumbri municipality office in Jagat. 

How to get Chumnumbri rural municipality permit?

We can get Chumnumbri rural municipality permit by filling the permit form and attaching the passport copy with it. The form should submit in Jagat to get the permit. 

Manaslu circuit trek permit cost

Manaslu circuit trek permit cost varies from season to season. The cost is different for first 7 days and additional cost is charged per additional day for restricted area permit and Chumnumbri rural municipality permit. The permit cost for conservation area (Manaslu and Annapurna) is same throughout the year but the cost varies for nationality of SAARC nations and other countries. 

Manaslu circuit trek permit cost is shown in table below:

What is the process to issue the Manaslu circuit trek permit?

The step wise process to issue the restricted area permit for trekking to Manaslu circuit are listed below: 

• Declare to make either online permit or in person.
• Make all required documents ready:

Essential documents to make restricted area permit are:

1. Manaslu circuit trek itinerary in letter head of company with authorized signature and stamp.
2. Insurance of guide and porter with authorized signature and stamp
3. Passport photo, passport number, passport size photo of all trekkers
4. Copy of citizenship of guide

• Online permit can be made from webpage of Department of immigration, click here . We should fill up the form and load all required documents before payment of permit. We need to call the officer of immigration to check the document and approve the application. After required correction and approval, we can download the permit.
• In person permit can be made by visiting the Department of immigration located in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu after 10 am (Sunday to Friday). We should submit an application to make the permit. After filling the permit form we should submit all required documents (passport copy of trekkers, insurance of guide, Manaslu circuit trek itinerary and citizenship of guide).
• We will get the permit after approval of all submitted paper.

Where to show Manaslu circuit trek permit?

Manaslu circuit trek permit should be shown in check points of trekking routes. The main checkpoints of the MCT are: 

• Jagat check post
• Namrung check point
• Samagaun check post
• Samdo check post
• Dharapani check point

We should show three permits (restricted area permit, Manaslu conservation area permit, Chumnumbri rural municipality permit),  in Jagat, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo check post whereas Annapurna conservation area permit should be shown in Dharapani check point. 

Why should we make permit to visit Manaslu region?

We should make permit to visit Manaslu region because it is restricted area with rich biodiversity, culture and tradition. The major reasons to make permit are listed below:

• To give environmental protection as it possess fragile ecosystem and homes to rare species – red panda and snow leopard. Permit limits the number of tourist and prevent overcrowding on the trekking route that may disturb the sensitive wildlife.
• Protects the unique Tibetan culture by limiting the flow of people and their influence on local life
• There should be minimum two people and guide for issuing the permit that concerns to give protection for trekkers.
• Since, Manaslu region borders with Tibet, permit is important to apply governmental regulations and security. We should submit itinerary to get the permit so that government can ensure the route within Nepal only.
• Promote local development with the financial support from the Permit fee.

Conclusion of Manaslu circuit trek permit

Total four permits are required to cover the route of Manaslu circuit. Restricted area permit, Manaslu conservation area permit and Chumnumbri rural municipality permit should be shown in check points of Jagat, Namrung, Samagaun and Samdo whereas Annapurna conservation area permit should be shown in Dharapani. The permit cost is different for peak season (September-November) and off season (December – August). We can make online permit through trekking agency. Solo trekking is not possible as minimum two people is required from making the permit.