If anybody is seeking to embark on one of the hardest yet thrilling treks in Nepal, suggest to them the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Apart from the incredible scenery, there are some cultural highlights along the trek.
The trail brings you further into the Manaslu Conservation Area in India, giving you private views of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu.
You will delve into the Tibetan-influenced culture. Unlike other trails, more commercialized, Manaslu has retained its aura due to restricted access, which offers trekkers isolation and raw wilderness.
Some regulations apply to trekkers to protect the unique ecosystem of that region and also its culture. It includes the restriction Area Permit, and conservation area permit of Manaslu and Annapurna.
One must compulsorily take a licensed guide, barring solo trekking, for these trips. This has been done keeping in mind the safety of a trekker as well as ecological protection, and it makes for a greatly supported and enriching trek.
Travel Requirement for Manaslu Trek
Trekking along the Manaslu Circuit is such an experience that rewards the trekkers but requires so much preparation for it to be possible to meet all the regulations set by the local government and also to physically keep up with demands along the trail.
Because it is a restricted area, travellers need to be extremely alert while making efforts not to cause harm either to cultural or ecological aspects in the region.
To avoid all little bumps before one sets out on a trek, it is mandatory for trekkers to know the requirements of the trek and to have an understanding of the good, perfect itinerary of the Manaslu Trek.
- Passport Validity: Passport validation for a minimum of six months from your travel date.
- Visas for Nepal: Nepal International tourist visas can be done on the spot at the airport or Tribhuvan International Airport of the capital city, Kathmandu.
- Trekking Permit: Permits are available though the Manaslu region is considered under restricted area. The type of permits and process details are mentioned under the below heading.
- Travel Insurance: It is highly advisable again to take high-altitude trekking cover under an insurance policy, as well as medicine and helicopter rescue.
- Guides and Agency: Hire a licensed guide legally appointed for Manaslu Circuit and book with a registered trekking agency.
Permit to Trek Manaslu
Obtaining a permit to travel within the Manaslu Conservation Area is essentially some special type of permit, which is in a way safety regulation within the limited areas. The trail runs near the Tibetan border in separate ecosystems.
It is indispensable to have such types of permits by the Nepali government to preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of the area. Here are the permits that you will have to have for adventuring in Manaslu.
1. RAP (Restricted Area Permit)
It is a special restricted area permit for Manaslu and is the single most essential permit to hold for any traveller coming to the Manaslu Region. This permit covers you from the time you reach Jagat until you pass through Samagaon.
It is also valid for your days with an activity in the Manaslu trek; this makes it a key license in the first phase of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The RAP contains the basic information such as name, entry date, and exit date, which are strictly monitored by the authorities to comply with the regulations and be aligned with sustaining cultural and natural heritage as well as safety.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
It is to be an entry requirement in the Manaslu Conservation Area that one should have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, to ensure regulated entry and, at the same time, be part of the nature-frames conservation initiative.
Such permits are involved in critical things from wildlife management, maintenance of trails, as well as support to the local community.
They also help the authorities keep track of trekkers’ movements in the area so that necessary measures are taken for safety and compliance. Purchasing the MCAP is a direct contribution to the ecocultural integrity preservation of the area.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
An entrance fee in ACAP applies to trekkers entering the entire Annapurna Conservation Area to trek portions of the Manaslu trek that comes through Dharapani and heads toward Besi Sahar.
Since a part of the restricted area comes under the Annapurna region, for nature, which includes flora, fauna, and the most endangered species of the Earth, you need a permit.
The fee directly funds vital conservation endeavors such as biodiversity conservation, trekking trail maintenance, and community development-related projects.
4. Tsum Valley Restricted Permit
It is an essential permit for extending the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, which is a very culturally rich and protected area.
With this, the government aims at the conservation of the very wonderful environment of this valley, its distinct Tibetan-influenced culture, and also the sites of religious importance within its borders.
This permit is mandatory if you would like to go to this restricted area; get it if Tsum Valley falls within your trek itinerary. Money from permits goes into the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the valley and benefits local development.
How much does the Manaslu permit cost?
There are specific types of permits required for trekking in the Manaslu region. One season to the other and from one trekking route to another, Most of the trails change, depending on different seasons.
In addition to these, most are Restricted Area Permits (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permits (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP).
All of these have been added to the new requirements like the Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee plus optional permits for Tsum Valley or TIMS cards, depending on whether one wants to extend to Annapurna.+++
| Permit | Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Winter, Spring, Summer (Dec-Aug) | SAARC nationals fee | Fees for other nationals | Note |
| Manaslu Restricted Permit (RAP) | For the first 7 days, USD 100 | For the first 7 days, USD 75 | – | – | Extra USD 15/day (Sep–Nov) or USD 10/day (Dec–Aug) beyond 7 days. |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | – | – | NRS 1,000 | NRS. 3,000 | Needed year-round for trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area. |
| Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) | – | – | NRS. 1,000 | NRS. 3,000 | A must-have when entering the ACA. |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee | – | – | – | NRS. 1,000 | The fees normally came into existence for foreign trekkers to support local development. |
| Tsum Valley Trek (optional) | USD 35 for 7 days | USD 35 for 7 days | – | – | Extra USD 7 per day for additional stays. |
| TIMS card (optional) | USD 10 | USD 10 | – | – | Needed only if you’re travelling through the Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp |
What if I lost the permit for the Manaslu Trek?
If you have lost your permits then there is nothing to worry about. Once it’s generated, they have it online and you’re free to showcase a soft copy of your permit. Your guide will manage it for you, as per requirement, or take a copy of the permit.
Terms and Conditions for Permit Manaslu Trek
The Nepalese government puts into application certain terms and conditions for trekking permits to maintain the cultural integrity and natural beauty of the Manaslu region.
This helps the interest of trekkers, to protect the natural environment, and supports responsible tourism.
It is imperative to know these conditions to make smooth and adventurous expeditions in one of the world’s most beautiful hiking routes in Nepal.
- Group requirement: At least two trekkers should be there, along with one licensed guide, since hiking alone is not allowed.
- Period of Validity: The permit shall be valid for the period for which it is granted and cannot be extended in knockback.
- Authorized Agency: The permit must be processed through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
- Following the Rules: In every area, trekkers need to respect local customs along with the protection of wildlife and its habitat and conservation policy.
- Identification: It is mandatory for trekkers during trekking to possess original passports to enable them to show at checkpoints for permit verification.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is indeed the perfect journey of adventure, culture, and beautiful sceneries in the Himalayas. The experience is guaranteed to be inimitable, with peaceful trails allowing rich interaction with the local community. It is the preparation, proper permits, experienced guides, and others that make this the most memorable travel experience.
Our experienced and knowledgeable guides at Asian Expedition will walk beside you, pointing out valuable insights regarding local culture, geography, and history while providing real-time support in a safe and confident negotiation of the terrain. Safety is our top priority and this is handled not only by planning thoroughly but also within all our budget-flexible options.
FAQs
1. Why is Manaslu called the ‘Killer Mountain’?
Ans: Manaslu is declared the killer mountain of Nepal based on the fatality rate which has taken 89 lives to date and the low summit rate.
2. What location can I visit to get a Manasalu trek permit?
Ans: They are obtained via a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara; the agencies take care of the whole application process on your behalf.
3. What is the normal time frame for issuing a permit?
Ans: Most often, the issuing process for the permit takes 24-48 hours. Make sure you have all documents including a valid passport, photographs, and itinerary.
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