Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit- Cost, Validity, and Types

Manaslu Circuit Trek, an adventurous off-beat trek in Nepal, happens in the heart of Manaslu Conservation Area. Furthermore, some sections of the Manaslu Trek Route pass through the restricted area. Therefore, for you to trek in Manaslu Circuit requires MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP, the three Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit. With these Nepal government issued conservation and restricted area permits, you’ll get entry into this region.

In the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit blog, we’ll highlight some crucial points you should know. For example:

– MCAP, ACAP, MRAP Permit cost and validity

– Where to get the permits

– Documents required to access the permits

– Entry and exit check posts for each permit

– Why permits are crucial

– Why hiring a local trek agency and licensed guides are necessary for Manaslu Circuit Trek and more.

Types of Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

MCAP is a conservation area permit, a must for Manaslu Trek. This permit costs NPR 3000, equivalent to USD 30 for foreign nationals.

With this permit, you’ll get access to Manaslu Conservation Area, except for its restricted region.

It remains valid for 365 days of purchase.

MCAP is available at the Trekkers Help Center at Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. However, upon missing obtaining it in Kathmandu, you can still purchase it at the trekker’s check post at Philim.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

The restricted area in Manaslu, from Jagat to Sama Gaun, is accessible only with MRAP. MRAP may sound expensive as it costs NPR 10,000 for just seven days. However, it’s a restricted region for various reasons, and to limit human activity, the Nepal government has mandated every foreign national to purchase Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.

You’ll check in your MRAP at the trekker check post at Jagat and checkout at Sama Gaun. However, if you fail to exit Sama Gaun in 7 days, it’ll cost you an additional USD 15 daily. For most trekkers, upon following Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, crossing Sama Gaun from Jagat takes five days, including an acclimatization stop at Sama Gaun.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost

From September-November

Autumn is among the best times for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Hence, more trekkers plan this trek between September to November.

Due to the high flow of trekkers in these months, the MRAP permit cost increases from USD 70 to USD 100. As this permit validates for seven days only, from the 8th day, upon being in Manaslu Restricted Area, it costs USD 15 daily.

From December to August

You’ll experience Winter, Spring, and rainy Summer from December to August. Among these, Spring is the second best time after Autumn in Manaslu.

As the trekker’s volume lowers in these months, the cost of MRAP also lowers. You can access MRAP for seven days for just USD 70. However, at the time of your trek, this cost may be subject to change.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

You may wonder why ACAP is a must Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit for Annapurna region trekking. However, you’ll be in the Annapurna region at the end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, from Dharapani to Besisahar. Although you’ll stay overnight at Besisahar and drive to Kathmandu the next day, you should also obtain ACAP.

The expected cost of ACAP is USD 30/NPR 3000. However, this price may vary on the time you purchase this permit.

Also, it remains valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Note: With ACAP permits you to purchase for Manaslu Trek, you can later use it if you want to trek in Annapurna regions. Our previous clients who joined Manaslu later trekked Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp. Thus, with validity for a year, you can save USD 30 for following Annapurna trekking.

Update on TIMS Card

For Manaslu Trek, after buying three permits, MCAP, MRAP, and ACAP, you don’t need a TIMS Card. However, if you want to extend your trek further to the Annapurna region after completing Manaslu, you must also purchase TIMS Card.

Online application for Manaslu Trek Permits

Two conservation area permits, MCAP and ACAP, are manually fillable after visiting the Trekkers Help Center in Nepal Tourism Board. However, you should fill out an online application for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. But, if you’ve hired a local trekking agency like NepTrek for Manaslu Trek, we’ll process your online MRAP application.

Also, we encourage you to plan your Nepal trip a few days before the Manaslu Trek’s departure date. As the Immigration Department issues restricted area permits, they demand the original passport and your Nepali visa to verify your identity and issue the license.

Hire a local trekking agency for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Nepal Government has mandated a licensed trek guide, with two trekkers, from a registered trekking agency for Manaslu Trek. If you’re planning for Manaslu Trek, make sure that you hire a licensed trek guide/agency and that the group you’ll trek with have at least two foreign trekkers.