How to Book a Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit Through Official Agencies

Quick answer: The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three permits in 2026: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) at USD $100/week (Sep-Nov) or $75/week (Dec-Aug), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) at USD $30, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at USD $30. Solo trekking is not permitted. You must book through a Nepal-registered trekking agency. Total permit cost for a standard 14-day trek: approximately USD $190 per person in peak season.

Why Manaslu Permits Cannot Be Obtained Independently

This is the first thing every trekker should understand: the Manaslu Circuit is not like Everest Base Camp. You can't fly to a village and start walking. The Nepal government classifies the entire region from Jagat to Dharapani as a restricted trekking area, and they enforce this strictly.

Three rules apply in 2026:

1. Minimum two trekkers — solo trekkers are not permitted under any circumstances
2. Licensed Nepali guide is mandatory — no exceptions, even for experienced trekkers
3. Permits are issued only through registered trekking agencies — you cannot apply directly at the Department of Immigration as an individual

We process roughly 60-80 Manaslu permits per year from our office in Thamel. Every single one goes through the same channels. The Department of Immigration on Kalikasthan is the only place these permits originate — and they only accept applications from agencies registered with the Nepal Tourism Board and TAAN.

If you see anyone online offering to sell you a Manaslu permit directly without a trekking package, walk away. It's a scam.

→ See our 2026 Manaslu Circuit Trek package with all permits included

The Three Permits You Need for Manaslu in 2026

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

This is the main permit and the most expensive one. Issued by the Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal. The cost varies by season:

Season	Months	Cost (First 7 Days)	Each Additional Day
Peak	September – November	USD $100 per person	USD $15 per person/day
Off-Peak	December – August	USD $75 per person	USD $10 per person/day

The RAP covers the Jagat-to-Dharapani section, which is the heart of the restricted zone. For a standard 14-day Manaslu Circuit, you'll spend approximately 7 days within this restricted area — so the first 7-day permit fee is usually sufficient.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. This covers your entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

• Cost: USD $30 per person (NPR 3,000)
• Validity: Single entry, no time limit
• Where obtained: Kathmandu (via your agency) or Soti Khola checkpoint

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Required because the Manaslu Circuit exits through Annapurna Conservation Area after Larkya La Pass.

• Cost: USD $30 per person (NPR 3,000)
• Validity: Single entry, no time limit
• Where obtained: Kathmandu (via your agency)

Total Manaslu Permit Cost in 2026

Item	Peak Season (Sep-Nov)	Off-Peak (Dec-Aug)
RAP (7 days)	$100	$75
MCAP	$30	$30
ACAP	$30	$30
Agency service fee (typical)	$25-50	$25-50
Total Per Person	$185-210	$160-185

When you book a complete Manaslu Circuit Trek package with Nepal Himalayas Trekking, all permit fees, agency service fees, and government taxes are included in your trek cost. No hidden permit fees added at checkpoints.

Step-by-Step: How to Book Manaslu Permits Through Our Agency

Here's exactly what happens from your first email to receiving permits in hand. We've done this hundreds of times.

Step 1: Initial Inquiry (Day 1)

You message us via WhatsApp, email, or our enquiry form. Tell us:

• Preferred trek start date
• Group size (must be 2+ people)
• Standard Manaslu Circuit or with Tsum Valley extension
• Any dietary or fitness considerations

We respond within 1 hour during Nepal business hours.

Step 2: Confirmation & Document Collection (Day 2-3)

Once you confirm the trek, we send you a simple document checklist:

• Passport scan — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond trek end date
• Two passport-sized photos — digital JPEG, white background
• Travel insurance certificate — covering altitude up to 6,000m and helicopter evacuation
• Nepal visa — usually obtained on arrival, but visa copy needed before permit submission

You can email these directly. Or bring them when you arrive in Kathmandu — we have time.

Step 3: Permit Application Submission (Day 4-5)

Our office staff submits applications to:

• Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu (for RAP)
• National Trust for Nature Conservation, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (for MCAP)
• Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (for ACAP)

You don't visit any government office. We handle everything.

Step 4: Permit Issuance (Day 6-7)

Standard processing takes 1-2 working days. During peak season (October), it can occasionally take 3 days due to volume. We always recommend submitting at least 5-7 days before your trek start date.

Step 5: Pre-Trek Briefing in Kathmandu

The day before your trek, you visit our office in Thamel. You receive:

• Original printed permits (you carry these on the trail)
• Photocopies of all permits (for emergency backup)
• Guide introduction and trek briefing
• Gear check and final preparation walkthrough

Required Documents Checklist

Document	Requirement
Passport	Valid 6+ months beyond trek end date
Passport copy	Clear scan, all pages with photo and visa
Photos	2 passport-sized, white background, JPEG digital or printed
Nepal visa	30-day tourist visa minimum (USD $50 on arrival)
Travel insurance	Must cover 5,160m altitude + helicopter evacuation
Trekker info form	Provided by agency, completed before submission

Common Mistakes That Cause Permit Rejection

From processing hundreds of these, here are the patterns we see most often:

Passport expiry too close to trek date. If your passport expires within 6 months of your trek end date, the Immigration Office may reject your application. We catch this early during document review.

Incorrect passport details. Spelling errors in name, wrong passport number, mismatched date of birth — these cause delays. We verify every detail against your passport scan before submission.

Single trekker applications. The minimum two-person rule is strictly enforced. If your trekking partner cancels at the last minute, we can sometimes arrange a group join trek so you still go.

Last-minute applications. Showing up in Kathmandu on a Friday hoping to start trek Monday is risky. Government offices close weekends. Submit at least 5 working days before your trek.

Using unregistered "agencies". Some pop-up websites offer fake permit services. They take your money and disappear. Always verify TAAN registration and Nepal Tourism Board licensing.

How to Verify a Trekking Agency is Legitimate

Before sending any agency your passport details or payment, verify these credentials:

1. TAAN registration — Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal. Search the agency name on taan.org.np
2. Nepal Tourism Board license — Government tourism authority
3. Department of Tourism registration — Verifiable via Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
4. Physical office in Kathmandu — Verify with Google Maps and street view
5. Verifiable reviews — TripAdvisor, Google Business Profile, Trustpilot
6. Operating history — Established agencies have multiple years of consistent reviews

Nepal Himalayas Trekking is TAAN-registered, NTB-licensed, has been operating since 2013, and our office is on Amrit Marg, Thamel — verifiable on Google Maps. We're also a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2025 winner.

Important Rules During the Trek

• Always carry original permits — checkpoints verify them at Jagat, Dyang, Namrung, and Sama Gaon
• Trek with your assigned licensed guide — random checks are common
• Follow the approved route only — straying off the official trail can result in permit cancellation
• Do not attempt to enter restricted zones without permits — penalties include fines and deportation

What If My Trek Dates Need to Change?

Trek date changes happen — flight delays, illness, weather. Here's the reality:

• Before permit issuance: Free to reschedule
• After permit issuance, before trek starts: RAP can sometimes be amended at the Department of Immigration. MCAP and ACAP are typically single-use and may need re-issuance
• During trek: Permits cannot be extended retroactively. If your trek runs longer than planned, you'll need to apply for additional RAP days through our office

We always recommend booking with 2-3 buffer days built into your Nepal stay to handle unexpected delays.

Ready to Plan Your 2026 Manaslu Circuit Trek?

We handle the entire permit process so you can focus on the trek itself. Here's what to do next:

1. Pick your trek dates — We recommend September-November for the best weather window
2. Confirm your group — Minimum 2 trekkers. We can match solo travelers with group departures
3. Send your documents — Passport scan + photos, we handle the rest

→ View our 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package
→ View Manaslu + Tsum Valley Trek (21 days)
→ View Manaslu Circuit with Jeep Return (12 days)
→ WhatsApp us for a 2026 Manaslu permit consultation

1-hour reply during Nepal business hours. No spam. No high-pressure sales.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manaslu Permits

Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?

No. The minimum two-person rule is strictly enforced by Nepal's Department of Immigration. If you're traveling alone, we can match you with a group departure or pair you with another solo trekker to meet the requirement.

How long does it take to get Manaslu permits?

Standard processing is 1-2 working days. During peak October season, it can stretch to 3 days. We recommend submitting at least 5 working days before your trek start date.

Are permit costs the same year-round?

No. The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costs USD $100 per week in peak season (September-November) and USD $75 per week in off-peak months (December-August). MCAP and ACAP are fixed at USD $30 each year-round.

Do I need a TIMS card for Manaslu?

No. The TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is not required for the Manaslu region because the area is already controlled under the Restricted Area Permit system. This is different from EBC and Annapurna treks where TIMS is required.

What happens if I lose my permit during the trek?

Carry your original permits in a waterproof bag, plus keep photocopies in a separate location. If you lose the original, your guide can contact us immediately and we can email a replacement copy. Checkpoint officers usually accept clear copies in emergency situations.

Can children get Manaslu permits?

Yes, children of all ages can receive permits, though we recommend a minimum age of 14 for the actual trek due to altitude and physical demands. Children under 10 typically receive permits at reduced cost. Always check with us for the latest pricing.

What about Tsum Valley — does it need a separate permit?

Yes. The Tsum Valley extension requires a separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit at USD $40 for the first 8 days. This is in addition to the Manaslu RAP. If you're combining both areas, we process both permits together.

Can I pay for permits in Nepali Rupees?

Government permit fees are denominated in USD but can be paid in equivalent Nepali Rupees at the current exchange rate. When you book a trek package with us, this is handled within the trek payment — you don't pay the government directly.

What's the difference between booking with a Nepal agency vs an international agency?

Nepal-based agencies like us handle permits directly with government offices, typically 2-3x cheaper than international agencies who subcontract the same work. International agencies add their margin and overhead to the actual cost. The trek service is identical — the price difference is the middleman cost.