The government of Nepal declared the Manaslu region a restricted zone a long time ago due to its proximity to the Tibetan border. Furthermore, preserving its unique culture, tradition, and geography are also major reasons for including it in the restricted zone list. The region is close to the Tibet From the village, Samdo, Tibet can be accessed quickly. So, it was made a restricted zone in order to prevent illegal activities and activity against Tibet. By the way, it is only a presumed reason of some people. Since it is a restricted zone, there are three different Manaslu Trek Permits are required to visit the region for foreigners.
To trek in Manaslu, it is necessary to obtain three different permits. Additionally, a separate permit is needed for Tsum Valley if you wish to combine the Manaslu Circuit Trek with the Tsum Valley Trek. In this article, I have attempted to provide the most relevant information about the Manaslu Trek permits, including the required documents and fees to issue the permits.
What conditions are applied to issue Manaslu Trek Permit ?
The government does not allow an independent trekker to visit Manaslu, and trekkers are subjected to obtain a special entry permit to get access to trekking in Manaslu. Moreover, the restriction has been intensified by making the rule of a minimum of two trekkers in a group accompanied by a local guide. However, the freelance guide can not issue permits. The permit can be issued through a local trekking operator only. To get access to visit Manaslu region, visitors should issue the following permits:
A government licensed trekking guide
A government licensed trekking guide is must to issue restricted area permit to trek Manaslu circuit. So, before applying to issue manaslu restricted area permit, a trekker must identify a trekking guide who is going to guide him/her.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
RAP is often called a Special permit, is the first thing which is a must to trek in Manaslu. Trekkers need a special permit from Jagat village until they cross Samagaon as it is the last checkpoint of this permit. As you cross Samagaon, you need another permit called ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). The cost of RAP depends on the number of days you spend inside a restricted area i.e in between Jagat to Samagaon.
- September to November: It is charged $100 USD for one week’s permit, and after 1st week, additional 15 dollar per day will be charged onward.
- December to August: It is charged $75 USD for one week’s permit, and after 1st week, additional 10 dollar per day will be charged onward.
Note: A scanned copy of the photograph is needed to obtain a restricted area permit.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Philim is the starting point where you need to show Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), while Tal is the ending point of this permit. Foreigners are charged $30 to obtain MCAP, which is the same for all the year.
Note: You should bring a printed copy of your photograph to obtain MCAP.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
ACAP is required while you are coming to Besisahar from Dharapani. In fact, Besisahar is the exit point of Manaslu Circuit Trek, whereas it is the beginning place of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Its price is $30 USD per person like MCAP, and it is all throughout the year.
Note: ACAP also needs a copy of the photograph to get MCAP.
It is important to know that there is no need to take a TIMS card for Manaslu Circuit Trek because special permits, ACAP, and MCAP are enough for this trek.
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