Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost 2026 – March Update

Information accurate as of March 22, 2026, reflecting the latest DoI Restricted Area Trekking Permit policy amendments: The following details outline the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Permit fees and regulations may change; always confirm current requirements with official Nepal government authorities before travel.

Policy Update – Effective March 22, 2026 The Department of Immigration (DoI) has issued amendments to the Restricted Area Trekking Permit Policy. Key changes include:

1. Individual foreign tourists can now obtain the RAP through a registered trekking agency, solo trekking is permitted.
2. A licensed guide may guide a maximum of 7 trekkers per group.
3. Permits can now be applied for digitally from abroad using your Visa Application Submission ID.

This page has been updated to reflect these changes.

Planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026/27? Understanding the permit costs before finalizing your itinerary is essential and often confusing because multiple permits are required from different government bodies. This guide gives you every fee, every rule, and every step of the application process with complete transparency and no hidden figures.

Because the Manaslu region has been classified as a restricted trekking area by the Government of Nepal since 1991, due to its proximity to the Tibetan border, trekkers must obtain three mandatory permits before setting foot on the trail. Permit fees are officially regulated by the Nepal Tourism Board and processed through the Department of Immigration under the Government of Nepal guidelines, and costs vary by season and trek duration.

In 2026, the total Manaslu Circuit permit cost ranges from approximately USD 150 to USD 210 per person for a standard 14-day trek, depending on the season. Here is exactly how that breaks down.

Quick Overview – Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Costs 2026

The total permit cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026 ranges from $130 to $200+ USD per person, depending on the season and how long you stay on the trail. Four separate permits are required: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a local municipality fee.

The RAP makes up the largest chunk of your permit expenses, and its price shifts between peak and off-season. Conservation permits, on the other hand, stay fixed year-round.

With transparent costs and no hidden charges, you can plan your budget before you even pack your bag.

💡 All three permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. As of March 22, 2026, even individual solo foreign tourists can now apply for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), however, it must still be processed through a registered trekking agency as per Nepal government law. Independent self-application remains not permitted. Hi Nepal Treks handles the complete permit process on your behalf, whether you are trekking solo or in a group.

What Permits Do You Need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Three permits are mandatory for every trekker on the Manaslu Circuit, regardless of nationality, age, or group size. Here is what each one covers and why it is required:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): Grants legal access to the government-controlled restricted zone near the Tibetan border. This is the most expensive and most important permit, without it, you cannot legally enter the Manaslu region. Must be processed through a registered agency.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Funds wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, trail maintenance, and environmental conservation across the 1,663 sq km Manaslu Conservation Area, home to snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required because the trail crosses into Annapurna Conservation Area territory after descending from Larkya La Pass through Bimtang to Dharapani. Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board alongside the MCAP.

⚠️ TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) cards are NOT required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Any agency charging you for a TIMS card on this route is billing you incorrectly.

Why Does the Manaslu Circuit Require a Restricted Area Permit?

The Manaslu region was declared a restricted trekking zone in 1991 due to its sensitive geographic location along the Nepal-Tibet border. The restricted area designation serves four specific purposes:

• Border security: the trail passes within proximity of the Tibetan border and is subject to security monitoring.
• Cultural preservation: restricting trekker numbers protects the Tibetan Buddhist communities of Nubri and Tsum whose culture and way of life remain largely unchanged.
• Environmental management: controlled access prevents the ecological degradation seen on over-trekked routes like Annapurna and Everest.
• Sustainable tourism: the permit system ensures tourism revenue directly benefits local communities rather than bypassing them.

As a direct result of this system, the Manaslu Circuit remains one of the least crowded and most authentic long-distance treks in Nepal, something trekkers who have done both Manaslu and Annapurna notice immediately.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) Cost 2026

The MRAP is your largest single permit expense and the one that varies most depending on when you trek. Nepal’s government charges a premium during the autumn peak season (September–November) when demand is highest and trekking conditions are optimal.

Peak Season MRAP Cost (September – November)

USD 100 for the first 7 days + USD 15 for each additional day inside the restricted area.

Example for a standard 14-day trek spending 11 days inside the restricted area: USD 100 + (4 extra days x USD 15) = USD 160 total MRAP cost.

Off-Season MRAP Cost (December – August)

USD 75 for the first 7 days + USD 10 for each additional day inside the restricted area.

Example for the same 14-day trek in April: USD 75 + (4 extra days x USD 10) = USD 115 total MRAP cost.

SAARC Nations MRAP Cost

SAARC member country citizens (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan) generally pay the same Restricted Area Permit (RAP) rates as other foreign nationals for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

However, they receive reduced fees on the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), typically around NPR 1,000 (~USD 8–10) each. 

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Cost 2026

The MCAP is a flat fee regardless of season or trek duration. Non-SAARC nationals pay USD 25 (approximately NPR 3,000). SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 8). The permit is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and processed through your trekking agency.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Cost 2026

The ACAP applies because the Manaslu Circuit route descends into the Annapurna Conservation Area territory after Larkya La Pass. Non-SAARC nationals pay USD 25 (approximately NPR 3,000). SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 8). Like the MCAP, this is a flat fee with no seasonal variation, issued by the Nepal Tourism Board.

Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee

This local fee of approximately $8-10 supports the communities you’ll pass through during your trek. Collection happens at checkpoints along the route, and funds go directly toward local schools, health posts, and village infrastructure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost Examples (2026)

Here are real cost calculations for a standard 14-day trek spending approximately 11 days inside the restricted area:

Non-SAARC Trekker – Peak Season (October)

Non-SAARC Trekker – Off-Season (April)

SAARC Trekker – Peak Season (October)

Terms and Conditions for Your Manaslu Trek Permit

Your safety is our highest priority, and understanding permit regulations helps ensure a smooth trek. Nepal’s government enforces strict rules throughout the restricted zone.

Mandatory Licensed Guide Requirement

As of March 22, 2026, individual solo foreign tourists are permitted to trek the Manaslu Circuit. However, every trekker, solo or group, must still be accompanied by a government-licensed guide at all times. This rule remains non-negotiable.

At Hi Nepal, our guides carry 20+ years of collective Himalayan experience and maintain current certifications in altitude awareness and emergency response.

As per the updated DoI regulations effective March 22, 2026, a single licensed trekking guide is permitted to guide a maximum of seven (7) trekkers at a time. Groups larger than seven must arrange an additional licensed guide. Hi Nepal Treks ensures full compliance with this regulation for all our departures.

Minimum Group Size Regulations

As of March 22, 2026, individual foreign tourists are now permitted to apply for and obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) through a registered trekking agency. Solo trekkers no longer need to join a minimum group of two, you can trek independently with your licensed guide.

Restricted Zone Entry Rules

Once inside the restricted area, you’ll stay on designated trails and pass through multiple checkpoints where officials verify your permits. Deviation into unmarked areas, particularly near the Tibet border, is prohibited.

Permit Validity Period

Standard permits cover your planned trek duration as specified in your application. If weather delays or acclimatization needs extend your trip, additional days can be added at the daily rate through your trekking agency.

Manaslu Permit Cost vs Other Nepal Treks

The restricted area status makes the Manaslu Circuit significantly more expensive in permits than other popular Nepal treks. Here is a direct comparison:

While Manaslu costs roughly three times more in permits alone, you gain access to a trail with a fraction of the foot traffic of Annapurna or Everest. Most trekkers who have done both consider the premium completely worthwhile.

How to Get Your Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

All three permits require processing through a government-registered trekking agency in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Here is exactly how the process works:

Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents

•  Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• 4 passport-sized photographs (recent, white background)
• Travel insurance certificate, must explicitly cover helicopter evacuation from 5,500m
•  Completed application forms, your agency provides these
• Visa Application Submission ID (required for digital applications submitted from abroad)

Step 2 – Submit Through Your Agency

Your agency submits the MCAP and ACAP applications to the Nepal Tourism Board and the MRAP application to the Department of Immigration, typically 1–2 business days before your trek departure. Government offices are closed on Saturdays and public holidays, your agency plans around this.

Note: As of March 22, 2026, trekkers can now apply for the Restricted Area Permit digitally from abroad using their Visa Application Submission ID. Your agency can initiate and process the permit application before you even arrive in Nepal, streamlining your pre-departure process.

Step 3 – Collect Permits in Kathmandu

Permits are issued in Kathmandu, usually within one business day. At Hi Nepal Treks, your permits are prepared and verified before you arrive in Nepal whenever possible, you will not be waiting around Kathmandu on permit day.

With the new digital application system, much of this process can now be completed remotely prior to your arrival.

⚠️ Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued. If your trek dates change, a new permit must be issued at full cost. Confirm your travel insurance covers trek cancellation before paying any deposits.

Mandatory Requirements for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Licensed Guide – Non-Negotiable

Solo trekking is now permitted by law in the Manaslu restricted area. But every trekker must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide from a registered Nepalese agency at all times. This rule exists because the terrain is remote, communication infrastructure is limited, and the high-altitude environment demands professional oversight. 

Our guides hold government-issued guide licences, carry current first aid certifications, and have extensive experience specifically on the Manaslu Circuit.

Minimum Group Size

As per the updated Department of Immigration (DoI) policy (effective March 22, 2026), solo foreign trekkers can now obtain the MRAP independently through a registered trekking agency. A licensed guide is still mandatory, but you are no longer required to trek as a pair. Solo trekkers who prefer companionship can still join our group departure options.

Checkpoint Compliance

You will pass through multiple government checkpoints between Machha Khola and Dharapani where officials verify all permits and passport details. Carry your original passport and all permit documents at every checkpoint, not photographs or photocopies.

Children and Permit Fees

Children under 10 years old are typically exempt from MCAP and ACAP fees but must still be listed on the permit application. MRAP fees apply regardless of age. Confirm current children’s rates with us at the time of booking as these are subject to government revision.

Permit Validity and Extensions

Your MRAP is issued for your planned trek duration as specified in your application. If acclimatization requirements, weather delays, or itinerary changes extend your time inside the restricted area beyond the original permit dates, additional days can be added at the applicable daily rate (USD 15/day peak season, USD 7/day off-season) through your trekking agency. Extensions must be processed before your original permit expires.

💡 Plan your itinerary with 1–2 buffer days built into your MRAP application, particularly if you are trekking in autumn when pass conditions can cause unexpected delays near Larkya La.

Book Your Manaslu Circuit Trek – All Permits Included

At Hi Nepal Travels and Treks, we handle every step of the permit process, from document preparation and government submission to checkpoint briefing and on-trail compliance. You arrive in Kathmandu with permits confirmed, guide assigned, and itinerary locked. No queues, no paperwork, no surprises.

• All permits fully handled – MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP
• Government-licensed, English-speaking local guide from Gorkha district
• Transparent pricing with complete cost breakdown before booking
• Group join departures available for solo trekkers who prefer company
• Autumn, spring, and custom departure dates available

Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Region: Manaslu
• Rating: ★★★★★
• Duration: 12–14 days
• All permits included
• Licensed guides
• 24/7 emergency support
• No hidden charges

Frequently Asked Questions – Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Costs