Manaslu Circuit Solo Trek in 2026: What the New Permit Rule Changes
Yes, you can do the Manaslu Circuit solo in 2026. Nepal's Department of Immigration announced on 22 March 2026 that the two-person rule no longer applies to restricted-area permits, including Manaslu and Tsum Valley. One thing has not changed: a licensed guide is still mandatory, and this is verified at checkpoints. "Solo" now means you plus your own licensed guide, not walking the trail alone. A private solo departure with me costs US$1,390.
Manaslu Circuit solo trek at a glance
| Rule change | 22 March 2026 (Department of Immigration) |
|---|---|
| Can one foreigner get a Manaslu permit alone? | Yes |
| Licensed guide required? | Yes, always |
| Permits handled by | A registered Nepali trekking agency |
| Trek length | 14 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) |
| Highest point | Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m |
| Best seasons | October–November and March–May |
| Private solo price | US$1,390 |
What changed on 22 March 2026
Before this date, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit required at least two trekkers applying together. Solo travellers had two options: find a stranger to share the permit, or accept a workaround. That workaround was the "ghost trekker" practice, where agencies filed a second, phantom permit and made the solo trekker pay double the permit fee.
The new rule ends both problems. A solo trekker can now apply for the Manaslu permit as a single person, at the standard per-person fee, with no second permit required. The notice was reportedly issued on 2082 Chaitra 8 BS, signed by Director and spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal.
What did not change
- The guide requirement. Solo trekkers must still be accompanied by a licensed guide, and the trek must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Guideless, independent trekking is not allowed on this route.
- Agency-only permits. You cannot walk into the Immigration Office and buy a Manaslu permit yourself. The permit is issued only through a registered agency with a licensed guide.
- Insurance. Insurance, including helicopter evacuation, is required, and it must be submitted online with the permit application.
A warning about outdated pages: some agency sites still say two trekkers are required. For example, one guide still states that the permit needs a minimum of two trekkers and suggests "ghost-filing". If a page tells you to pay for a second permit or find a partner, it's out of date, or it's an agency you should be careful with.
Private departure vs group departure: which should you choose?
The rule change makes a private solo departure legally simple. It's still not automatically the best choice for everyone.
| Private solo departure | Group departure | |
|---|---|---|
| Who walks with you | You and your licensed guide | Your guide plus other trekkers |
| Start date | Any date you choose | Fixed, scheduled dates |
| Pace | Yours; easy to add an acclimatisation day | Set by the group |
| Price per person | US$1,390 | Lower, because guide, transport and paperwork costs are shared |
| Itinerary changes | Flexible (extra rest day, Tsum Valley side trip) | Limited |
| Company on the trail | Your guide and fellow trekkers you meet in the teahouses | Built-in group |
| Best for | Photographers, first-timers who want more attention, tight schedules, anyone who dislikes group dynamics | Budget-focused trekkers who enjoy company |
My honest advice. Choose private if your dates are fixed, if you're worried about altitude, or if you want to slow down at Samagaun (3,530 m) and Samdo (3,860 m) before crossing Larkya La. Choose a group if cost matters most and you're comfortable with a fixed schedule. On a private trek the guide's whole attention is on you, and on a route that climbs to 5,106 m, that matters.
What the US$1,390 solo price covers
The private solo price covers:
- Licensed trekking guide for the full circuit
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), plus local fees
- Private transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead and back from Dharapani
- Teahouse accommodation and meals on the trail
- Government taxes and agency service charges
Not included: international flights, Nepal visa, travel insurance (with helicopter evacuation), hotels in Kathmandu, personal gear, tips, and drinks or extras on the trail.
Manaslu permit costs in 2026
These are government-set fees, so they don't change between agencies.
| Permit | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Sept–Nov) | US$100 per person for the first 7 days, then US$15 per extra day | Autumn peak rate |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Dec–Aug) | US$75 per person for the first 7 days, then US$10 per extra day | Spring and off-season rate |
| MCAP and ACAP | NPR 3,000 each per foreign trekker | Fixed in rupees, so the US$ value shifts slightly |
| Tsum Valley permit (optional) | Roughly US$35–40 for the first week, depending on season | Only if you add the side trip |
| TIMS card | Not required | The restricted-area permit serves as an alternative |
For a typical autumn circuit with 8–10 days inside the restricted zone, the Manaslu permit alone comes to roughly US$115–145. A small local municipality fee is also collected on the trail. On a private trek all of this is handled for you.
Is the Manaslu Circuit safe to do solo?
With a guide, yes, provided you respect the altitude. The main risks are altitude sickness, weather near Larkya La, and landslides during or just after the monsoon. A good guide watches your condition daily, adjusts the pace, and knows when to turn back. The rule change doesn't lower the difficulty of the route. It only makes the paperwork simpler.
Because your guide is now your main trail companion, choose carefully. Ask for the guide's licence number and the agency's registration details before you pay, and get the permit inclusions in writing.
When to go and when to book
Autumn (October–November) brings the clearest skies and most stable weather, and autumn 2026 is already underway. If you're planning for spring 2027, March to May offers stable weather, rhododendron blooms, and fewer crowds than autumn. Permit processing at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu needs at least one full working day. That means your dates should be confirmed before you arrive in Nepal, not after.
How to book your solo Manaslu Circuit trek
- Pick your dates and season (autumn or spring).
- Send your details (passport copy, insurance policy, arrival date) to your agency.
- Confirm insurance covers helicopter evacuation above 5,000 m.
- Pay the booking deposit. Your agency files the permits.
- Arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek for your briefing and gear check.
- Meet your guide, check their licence, and drive to the trailhead.
Planning your dates? Send me your arrival date and preferred season, and I'll confirm availability, permits and your itinerary.
FAQ
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit alone in 2026?
You can trek as a single foreigner, but not without a guide. Since 22 March 2026 one person can obtain the Manaslu restricted-area permit, and a licensed guide from a registered agency must accompany you.
Was the two-trekker minimum for Manaslu abolished?
Yes. Nepal's Department of Immigration removed the two-trekker minimum on 22 March 2026 for restricted areas including Manaslu and Tsum Valley.
Do I still need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit?
Yes. The licensed guide requirement is unchanged and is checked at checkpoints along the route. Guideless, independent trekking is not allowed on the Manaslu Circuit.
How much does a solo Manaslu Circuit trek cost in 2026?
A private solo departure with Prakash Lamsal costs US$1,390. Government permit fees are set by the Department of Immigration and are the same for every agency.
Is it cheaper to join a group departure?
Per person, yes, because guide, transport, and paperwork costs are shared. The trade-off is fixed departure dates and a group pace.
Do I need a ghost permit or a second trekker anymore?
No. Since 22 March 2026, a single person can apply for the Manaslu restricted-area permit at the standard per-person fee, with no second permit required.
Do I need a TIMS card for the Manaslu Circuit?
No. The restricted-area permit serves as an alternative to the TIMS card on the Manaslu Circuit.
Can I add Tsum Valley to a solo Manaslu trek?
Yes. Tsum Valley needs an additional restricted-area permit and a few extra days. A private departure makes this easy to arrange
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