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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is Nepal’s renowned trekking route that welcomes trekkers with a beautiful view of Himalayan landscapes and local culture. This trekking route goes to the lap of Mount Manaslu (8,163m). You required Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to trek in Manaslu region of Nepal. It helps in trekkers' safety, crowd management, and conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem. In this blog, we provide information about the permit requirements for the Manaslu Circuit trek, restricted area rules, and other requirements for safe trekking in Manaslu Circuit.
Permit requirements
Trekking in Manaslu Circuit of Nepal requires permits as it is located in a protected and restricted area of Nepal. Unlike other trekking routes, Manaslu region does not allow independent trekking. Trekking here requires permits such as:
1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is important permit required for Manaslu circuit trek as it is located in the restricted region of Nepal. The cost of RAP permit during peak season from September to November is USD 100 per person for 7 days and USD 15 per additional days. Meanwhile, offseason permit costs around USD 70 for 7 days and USD 10 per additional days.
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Where to Obtain: Trekkers can obtain Restricted Area Permit from the registered trekking agency in Nepal. This permit can also be obtained from Department of Immigration (DoI) in Kathmandu.
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Why RAP is needed: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is needed to control flow of tourists in sensitive border area of Nepal. This permit is important for security of trekkers and control access for national security.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) is required for entry to Manaslu region of Nepal. The cost of MCAP permit for foreign national is USD 30 and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. For Nepali citizens, the permit costs around NPR 100.
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Where to obtain: The MCAP permit can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board office and licensed trekking agencies in Nepal.
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Why MCAP is needed: MCAP or Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is needed to enter in the protected area of Manaslu region. It helps to promote controlled tourism in the area by funding conservation, maintaining trail, and supporting local communities.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
As Manaslu Circuit trek connects with Annapurna region at Dharapani, trekker requires Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The ACAP permit costs USD 30 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Entry to Annapurna Conservation Area is free for Nepali national.
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Where to obtain: You can get ACAP permit form Nepal Tourism Board office and from licensed trekking agencies in Nepal.
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Why ACAP is needed: Annapurna conservation area permit is needed for entry to Annapurna region. ACAP helps in sustainable tourism, promotion of local cultures, and resources.
4. Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit
In addition to RAP and Conservation Area Permits, Trekkers are also required to obtain local permit issued by Chumnubri Rural Municipality. The cost of Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (CRMP) is USD 15 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.
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Where to obtain: You can obtain Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (CRMP) by visiting Chumnubri Municipality office in Jagat, Gorkha.
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Why It Is Needed: CRMP is needed as it helps local government to manage infrastructure, community development projects, and development of trails in the region.
Mandatory Guide Requirement, Group Size Rules and Penalties
Trekking in the restricted area requires adherence to certain rules and regulations. Such rules include:
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Trekking with proper permits
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Trekking with minimum of two individuals and licensed guide
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Follow approved entry and exit points
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Approval of permission for filming and drone usage
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Follow local traditions and customs
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Avoid activities that disturbs harmony and cultural norms
Penalties for noncompliance: In case trekkers do not comply with mandatory requirements and rules, they must face penalties that include:
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Restriction to trail at checkpoints
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Dismissal from trial
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Financial and legal actions
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Blacklisting for future entry.
Documents, Photos and Entry-point Checklist
During entry to Manaslu Circuit trek, trekkers are required to verify their documents, identity, and photo details. Trekkers require documents such as:
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Entry permits
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Original passport
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2 passport-size photos
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Travel insurance
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Copy of Tourist Visa
Entry Point Checklist
Trekkers travelling to Manaslu region must enter the region with minimum of two individual and licensed guide. The entry point checklist includes:
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Restricted Area Permit at Jagat
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MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) at Philim
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ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) at Dharapani
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Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (CRMP) at Chumnubri checkpoint
Conclusion
Trekking to Manaslu Circuit requires permit and adherence to restricted area rules for trouble-free trekking experience. With mandatory permits, compulsory guide, and minimum of two individual trekkers are required to trek in the region. Obtaining these permits not only helps in conservation of nature, trails, and local resources but also helps in providing safety to the trekkers.
If you are planning to trek in the Manaslu Circuit of Nepal, contact Mountain Delight Treks & Expedition. Mountain Delight provide licensed guides, tailored itinerary, and management of all required permits for hassle free trekking experience in Himalaya.
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