What are the required permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The permit is an official document that gives authorization for visiting places or doing particular activity. Manaslu circuit is a conservation area where permit is essential to trek through it. The Manaslu trek covers Annapurna conservation area after crossing Larke La pass. Similarly, Manaslu is restricted area since it is bordered with Tibet which requires regulations for security and prevent illegal activities. The unique ecosystem, richest biodiversity and cultural variation are the key reasons for restriction. Thus, the required permits for Manaslu circuit trek are:

1. Manaslu conservation area permit
2. Restricted area permit
3. Annapurna conservation area permit
4. Chumnumbri rural municipality permit

Manaslu conservation area permit

The Manaslu conservation area project permit is available in Nepal tourism board Kathmandu. We can also get e-permit from the website of national trust for nature conservation (NTNC). We can fill in the form, pay the required permit cost and get permit in pdf form that can be printed. 

Restricted area permit

Restricted area permit is available in Nepal immigration department. There are certain criteria for restricted area permits. There should be minimum two people for restricted area permit and it can be applied for legal registered trekking company. Therefore, solo Manaslu trek is not possible.

Annapurna conservation area permit

Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) permit can be made from Nepal tourism board, Kathmandu or Pokhara. We can also get e-permit of ACAP. It can be applied by trekkers themselves. Even though, the trekking company will make your permit within the trekking services.

Chumnumbri rural municipality permit

Chumnumbri rural municipality permit is a local permit authorized since 2024 AD. We can get the permit from Jagat, which lies within the Chumnumbri rural municipality. This permit is for local development and maintenance of the municipality.

Manaslu circuit trek permit cost 

Manaslu circuit trek requires three permits, and each permit cost is different from the others. The required trekking permit and fees for the Manaslu round trek are shown in the table below.

Table 1: Manaslu circuit trekking permits and fees

If Tsum valley trek is included in the Manaslu circuit then Tsum valley permit is also required. The cost of Tsum valley permit is USD 40 per person and $7 per person per additional day. 

The Manaslu circuit trek permit requirements

Since, Manaslu circuit is a restricted area there are certain criteria to get the permit. The basic requirements for Manaslu circuit trek permits are:

1. We must go through trekking agency to get the restricted area permit.
2. There should be at least two trekkers and guide for Manaslu circuit trek.
3. Three copies of passport is required to get all three three permits. If we are going to take e - permit of MCAP and ACAP then a clear photo of passport is enough while restricted area permits need one copy of your passport.
4. We should show our permit in entry points: Soti khola, Machha Khola or Jagat to enter Manaslu region and exit points: Jagat, Philim, Dharapani, Samagaun.
5. We should prepare manaslu circuit trek properly as it is one of the challenging trek in western Nepal.

Conclusion of Manaslu circuit trek permit 

The required permit for Manaslu circuit trek is Manaslu conservation area project permit, Annapurna conservation area project permit, special area permit and Chumnumbri rural municipality permit.The special area permit cost varies from season to season whereas conservation area permit and local permit cost is same throughout the year. Additionaly, Tsum valley permit is required if the valley is included in the trek.