- Why Manaslu is a restricted area
- All permits you need
- Permit costs for 2025
- Local municipality fee
- Where permits are checked
- Why you also need ACAP
- Total cost examples
- How to get permits step by step
- Documents required
- Seasonal demand and when to apply
- Manaslu vs Everest vs Annapurna permits
- Weather and permit planning
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Permit cost calculator
- FAQs
Why Manaslu is a restricted area
The Manaslu region sits close to the Nepal and Tibet border in northern Gorkha. The government opened it to foreign trekkers in 1991 with special conditions. Restricted status helps protect a fragile alpine ecosystem, Buddhist heritage, and border security. For this reason you must trek with a licensed guide, your permits must be issued through a registered Nepali trekking agency, and your dates and route must match what is printed on the permits.
Important: Independent or solo trekking is not allowed inside the Manaslu restricted area. Agencies apply for your Restricted Area Permit and your guide presents documents at check posts on the trail.
All permits you need for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley
| Permit | Purpose | Issued by | Who applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Manaslu | Allows entry to the restricted section from Jagat through the high Manaslu villages up to Sama Gaun and beyond | Department of Immigration, Kathmandu | Registered trekking agency only |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | Conservation entry for Manaslu Conservation Area | Nepal Tourism Board | Usually your agency, can be direct |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Needed after Larkya La for the exit via Tilije and Dharapani to Besisahar | Nepal Tourism Board | Usually your agency, can be direct |
| Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit If adding Tsum | Access to Tsum Valley restricted zone | Department of Immigration, Kathmandu | Registered trekking agency only |
If your plan is the classic Manaslu Circuit, you will need RAP, MCAP and ACAP. If you add Tsum Valley, you will also need the Tsum Valley RAP.
Permit costs for 2025
Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
- September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days then USD 15 per person per day after the first week
- December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days then USD 10 per person per day after the first week
These rates are set by the Department of Immigration. Agencies apply on your behalf and your licensed guide must accompany you inside the restricted area.
Conservation area permits
- MCAP: NPR 3,000 per foreign trekker, SAARC NPR 1,000, Nepali NPR 100, children under 10 free. Price is the same all year.
- ACAP: NPR 3,000 per foreign trekker, SAARC NPR 1,000, Nepali NPR 100, children under 10 free. Price is the same all year.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
- September to November: USD 40 per person for the first 7 days then USD 7 per person per day after one week
- December to August: USD 30 per person for the first 7 days then USD 7 per person per day after one week
Local municipality fee on the Manaslu route
The local Chum Nubri Rural Municipality collects a one time fee of NPR 1,000 per foreign trekker. It is typically paid on the trail, most often around Jagat or Philim. Your guide will handle the payment and keep the receipt together with your permits. This fee is separate from RAP, MCAP and ACAP and goes toward local services and trail maintenance.
Plan a small cash buffer in Nepali rupees for local fees and donations at monasteries. Many checkpoints do not take cards.
Where your permits are checked
You do not need to queue at counters. Your licensed guide will present permits and complete the entries at official posts. Expect checks at the following places on the standard circuit, moving east to west.
- Jagat – first registration point inside Manaslu restricted area. RAP and MCAP are checked.
- Philim – ongoing RAP and MCAP check.
- Namrung – mid region check of RAP and MCAP.
- Samagaun – high altitude check before Samdo and the Larkya section. RAP and MCAP are checked.
- Dharapani – entry to Annapurna side. ACAP is checked here and Manaslu logs are closed.
If you add Tsum Valley, there are additional checks around Lokpa, Chumling and Chekampar. Post hours are typically during daylight. Your guide will time arrivals to avoid delays.
Why ACAP is also required
After crossing Larkya La, the descent goes through Bimtang, Gho, Tilije and Dharapani. This entire exit section lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. ACAP is mandatory for this portion and is verified at Dharapani. Without ACAP you can be fined or told to return to arrange the permit.
Ask your agency to obtain MCAP and ACAP in Kathmandu before you leave. This keeps your pack light and your schedule smooth after the pass.
Total permit and fee examples
14 day Manaslu Circuit in October
- RAP: USD 205
- MCAP: NPR 3,000, about USD 23 to 30 depending on exchange rate
- ACAP: NPR 3,000, about USD 23 to 30
- Local municipality: NPR 1,000, about USD 8
Typical total is around USD 255 to 265 per person for permits and local fee, not including guide, porter or transport.
21 day Manaslu plus Tsum Valley in October
- RAP Manaslu: USD 205
- RAP Tsum Valley: USD 40 for the first week plus USD 7 per day beyond seven days if needed
- MCAP: NPR 3,000
- ACAP: NPR 3,000
- Local municipality: NPR 1,000
Typical total is around USD 295 to 305 per person depending on the exact number of days in restricted zones.
How to get Manaslu permits step by step
- Choose a registered trekking agency. Verify company registration and guide license.
- Send documents. Passport copy, Nepal visa copy, four passport photos, and your trek itinerary with entry and exit dates.
- Agency files applications. Restricted Area Permits are submitted at the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan. MCAP and ACAP are issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Collection and check. Permits are usually issued within one working day when documents are complete. Your guide will carry originals.
- Trail checks. Your guide presents permits at Jagat, Philim, Namrung, Samagaun and Dharapani, and at Tsum Valley posts if applicable.
Documents required
- Valid passport copy and Nepal tourist visa copy
- Four recent passport photos
- Confirmed trek itinerary with dates and route
- Guide license copy and agency registration are handled by your operator
Seasonal demand and when to apply
Peak demand occurs in autumn from September to November and in spring from March to May. Apply at least five to seven working days before your trek. Winter is quieter with faster processing yet colder conditions. Monsoon from June to August is the quietest period for permits and the wettest on the trail.
My suggestion as a guide. Add one buffer day inside your RAP coverage for weather or minor delays. It costs far less to plan one extra day than to scramble for an extension in the field.
Manaslu vs Everest vs Annapurna permits
| Trek | Restricted Area | Typical permit spend | Guide required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Circuit | Yes | About USD 255 to 265 for 14 days, plus Tsum if added | Yes |
| Everest Base Camp | No | About USD 50 to 70 total for park and local permits | No, recommended |
| Annapurna Circuit | No | About USD 46 to 60 total for ACAP and sometimes local card | No, recommended |
Manaslu costs more in permits due to restricted status and the requirement to trek with a licensed guide. The reward is a quieter trail, intact culture and a genuine sense of adventure.
Weather and permit planning
Autumn has the clearest skies and busiest checkpoints. Spring offers rhododendron blooms and stable weather. Winter is cold with possible heavy snow on Larkya La. Monsoon is wet, leech prone and sees the fewest trekkers. Match your RAP days to realistic walking times and keep one spare day.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Planning too few RAP days then paying extra per day after the first week
- Forgetting ACAP and getting delayed at Dharapani
- Not carrying cash for the local municipality fee
- Assuming a TIMS card is needed for Manaslu. TIMS is not required inside restricted areas
- Arriving at checkpoints outside daylight hours
Manaslu Permit Cost Calculator
Estimate your permit costs based on days in the restricted area and the season. This calculator includes MCAP and ACAP and shows the municipality fee separately.
Exchange rates vary. MCAP and ACAP are fixed in NPR. We show a conservative USD range.
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