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Browse the full Manaslu Circuit library →The standard Manaslu Circuit requires a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The restricted permit is processed through an authorised trekking agency for a guided group; MCAP and ACAP are separate NTNC permits.
Restricted permit fees and validity
For September–November, the official schedule lists USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 for each additional day. For December–August, it lists USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each additional day. The permit is itinerary- and date-specific; unused days are not treated as a transferable credit.
Seasonal calculation examples
- October, 7 restricted-area days: USD 100 per person.
- October, 10 days: USD 100 + (3 × USD 15) = USD 145 per person.
- April, 7 days: USD 75 per person under the published December–August band.
- April, 10 days: USD 75 + (3 × USD 10) = USD 105 per person.
MCAP and ACAP fees
The NTNC online portal currently lists NPR 3,000 for a foreign national and NPR 1,000 for a SAARC national for the selected conservation-area permit. Because the circuit enters both Manaslu and Annapurna conservation areas, budget the fee separately for MCAP and ACAP: NPR 6,000 total for most foreign nationals or NPR 2,000 total for SAARC nationals, before an online gateway charge.
NTNC states that children below ten do not require its conservation-area entry permit. Online card payment adds 2.9%; permits issued at a check-post may attract double fees. These NTNC rules should not be confused with the separate Immigration restricted permit.
Required documents
- Passport valid for the intended Nepal stay and clear passport bio-page scan.
- Valid Nepal visa covering the complete trek and contingency days.
- Recent digital photograph for online applications.
- Confirmed route, entry and exit dates, agency details and licensed guide information.
- Travel-insurance details and emergency contact, as requested by the organising agency.
Processing procedure
- Book through a Nepal-registered trekking agency and confirm the group composition.
- Submit passport, visa, photograph and itinerary details before departure.
- The agency processes the restricted permit; conservation permits are issued through the appropriate NTNC channel.
- Check every spelling, passport number and date before leaving Kathmandu.
- Carry printed permits and passport copies in a waterproof folder; retain digital copies offline.
Processing time
NTNC states that an online conservation permit can be available immediately after successful form submission and payment. Restricted-permit timing depends on the authorised agency, complete passport/visa documents, office hours and group details. Submit documents several working days before departure rather than relying on same-day issue.
Permit checkpoints
Permits are normally checked around the controlled-area entry at Jagat and again along the upper route, with conservation-area checks toward the Annapurna exit. Exact checkpoint practice can change. The guide should present the whole group together and record entry/exit as required.
Tsum Valley extension
A Tsum Valley side trip enters an additional restricted area and requires a separate Tsum permit. The official schedule and duration band should be checked for the exact itinerary. Do not assume the Manaslu RAP alone covers a diversion through Lokpa, Chumling, Chhokang Paro or Mu Gompa.
Last verified and official sources
Fees and portal policies on this page were checked on 5 August 2026 against the Nepal Department of Immigration fee notice and NTNC online permit portal. Recheck immediately before applying because government fees and procedures can change without matching every older trekking website.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain the RAP independently?
The restricted permit is normally processed through an authorised Nepal trekking agency; plan on travelling with a licensed guide and the required group arrangement.
Does a child need MCAP and ACAP?
NTNC currently says children below ten do not require its entry permit. Confirm how the separate restricted permit applies to the child’s nationality and itinerary.
Is TIMS a substitute for the permits?
No. RAP, MCAP and ACAP are distinct permits and a TIMS card does not replace them.
Sources and fact-checking
Rules, prices, access, weather and local procedures can change. Reconfirm current conditions before travel.
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