24 Jul 2024 Nabin Baniya
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a highly underestimated trekking route in Nepal. However, the journey of this trek is second to none. From the astounding Himalayas to friendly locals, the trek has more than enough for you to discover. But before beginning the trek, you must obtain the necessary Manaslu Trekking Permit. The Manaslu trekking permit cost is what people are interested to know about.
This article will help you with everything you need about the Manaslu Trek Permits and its costs. Let’s get started!
Permits Essential for Manaslu Trek
When you plan on trekking into the Manaslu region of Nepal, obtaining the following permits is necessary.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit
The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit is an essential document you need to visit the Manaslu region in Nepal. Numerous types of plants and animals can be found in this area. The permit helps protect this rich nature.
The permit starts being needed when you reach the lower Manaslu area and a place called Philim. The money from these permits goes to taking care of the wildlife in the area. Also, the government uses this permit to keep track of where visitors go. This helps them make sure people stay safe in these far-away places.
Where It Can Be Acquired
You can get the MCAP permit at a special office in Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. It’s the main place where visitors can get information and help for their trips in Nepal. You need to go there in person to get your permit before you start your trek to Manaslu.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit Cost
The cost of the permit is different for different people:
- If you’re from a SAARC country (like India, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka), you pay less. It costs 1000 Nepalese rupees for you.
- If you’re from a foreign country, you pay 3000 Nepalese rupees. This is about $25 in US dollars, but you must pay in Nepalese money.
- If you’re from Nepal, good news! You don’t have to pay anything. It’s free for Nepalese people.
Something important to remember: Unlike some other permits, the price for the MCAP permit stays the same all year round. It doesn’t matter if you go in summer, winter, or any other season.
Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu is a special permit you need to visit the Manaslu area in Nepal. This area is special because it’s close to Tibet. The government has restricted the region and keeps records of people visiting there.
When you trek, you must show this permit at Jagat when you enter, and Sama Gaun is the last place they’ll check it.
Where It Can Be Acquired
You can’t get this permit by yourself. Only government-registered trekking companies in Nepal can apply for and get this permit for you. These companies are excellent at doing it correctly.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit Cost
How much you pay for the permit depends on when you go and how long you stay:
- If you go in the fall (September to November):
- For the first week, you pay $100
- For each day after that, you pay $15 more
- If you go any other time (December to August):
- For the first week, you pay $75
- For each day after that, you pay $10 more
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit is a special document you need for trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This permit is important when you travel from Dharapani to Besisahar.
The money from these permits helps protect the plants and animals in the area. It also helps make the walking paths better for trekkers.
When you start your trek, you need to show this permit at a check post in Dharapani. This is like a gateway to the conservation area.
Where It Can Be Acquired
To get the ACAP permit, you need to bring a printed picture of yourself. This is so they can put it on your permit. You can get the permit at two main places:
- The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
- The Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara
It’s a good idea to get your permit before you start your trek. This way, you don’t have to worry about it later when you’re ready to start walking.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Cost
The cost of the permit is different depending on where you’re from:
- If you’re from a SAARC country (like India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh), you pay 1000 Nepalese Rupees. This is about 10 US dollars.
- If you’re from any other country, you pay 3000 Nepalese Rupees. This is about 30 US dollars.
TIMS
TIMS stands for Trekkers Information Management System. It is the mandatory permit that all foreign trekkers in Nepal must carry while doing and walking or hiking journey. This permit is provided by the Trekking Agency Associations of Nepal. The headquarters of TAAN is located in Kathmandu as well as Pokhara. For Manaslu trekking, you do not need to TIMS permit.
For Manaslu trekking, you need three permits that are MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP. If you decide to extend your journey towards Thorangla pass from Dharapani then only it’s needed. The cost for this is USD 30 or NPR 3000. Now you can get this time card by online process and print in your office. This TIMS card is also just like insurance for staff because the TAAN office will help you in an emergency if your trek has issued TIMS for that trek.
Tsum Valley Trek Permit
Tsum Valley is one of the parts of the Manslu area but to go to Tsum Valley you need to have a Tsum Valley permit. It is an indispensable piece of paper for tourists who want to hike through the mystical Tsum Valley which is located on the Manaslu range. It is also a calm and culturally rich valley that has trekking possibilities around. The combined Manaslu Tsum Valley trekking is common and also popular among adventure seekers. People doing this adventure have an opportunity to experience both the natural as well as Historical essence of the Manaslu regions.
Those people who plan to go Tsum Valley area along with Manaslu have to acquire a Tsum Valley permit. Those travelers that go to these regions need to pay to ensure that tourism is regulated and conserves the climate. The cost for the Tsum Valley is USD 40 per week and USD 7 for each additional day. This cost is for the months of September and November which has lots of visitors. During the offseason time, it is just USD 30 for a week and USD 7 for each additional day. Getting Tsum Valley permits is not easy unless you do it with a qualified operator in Nepal. Magic Himalaya Treks is one of the options for anyone looking for this journey in Nepal.
Essential Documents for Obtaining the Permits
You must come prepared with essential documents when applying for Manaslu Trekking Permits. Here’s the list of documents required for obtaining the permits:
- 1 scanned photograph for an online form
- 2 passport sized photos
- Nepal Visa
- Passport with at least six months of validity
- Travel Insurance
Manaslu Trek Permits: Terms and Conditions
- Kids under 10 years old don’t have to pay for a permit.
- Once you buy a permit:
- You can’t get a refund
- You can’t give it to someone else
- You can only use it once
- It’s only for one person
- You can only get permits in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can’t get them on the trekking trail.
- You must follow the rules about nature and animals in the area. These rules were made in 1973.
- Always carry your permit with you. You might need to show it to officials along the way.
- The price of the permit includes all taxes.
- The permit only lets you go to certain places in the conservation area. You can’t go everywhere.
What are the Trekking we can do with Manalsu Trekking permits?
After you pay the Manaslu Trekking permit cost we can do many treks but we need to finish exploring the area at a specific time that is mentioned on the permits. If you stay longer time you need to pay for the permits and you might be punished if you do not let them about your stay more than the time you have paid for. By paying the Manaslu permits the following treks can be done:
- Manaslu Trek
- Manaslu circuit trek
- Manaslu Tsun Valley Trek
- Lower Manaslu Trek and Many more.
Process of Gettig Manaslu Trekking permit
The Manaslu Trekking permits need to be issued from the Immigration office in Kathmandu. Here is the process of how you will get them.
Time needed: 5 days
Getting the Manaslu Trekking permit easily by paying the dollars from the Department of Immigrations.
- Open the link and fill out the online permit form
The first process is to open the link and then fill in the required info. As soon as you finish with filling in the details submit the online application permit form for Manaslu Trekking. The application involves two different online applications that are for ACAP and MCAP.
After completing the applications and forwarding them to the Director General at the Immigration Department, the forms must include the Printed Itinerary with the date. You also need to enumerate and provide the name of the bank where you will order the notes, their serial number, and denominations on the company letterhead as part of the application process. - Be on the Department of Immigrations office with the Required Documents
Visit the Department of Immigration at Anamnagar Kathmandu is the beginning of the second step. The first task for you is to submit the required documents as soon as you arrive at the immigration. Then you need to deposit the American Dollars in the Global IME bank Branch located within the premises. The bank will supply letterhead with serial numbers after that we need to provide a deposit slip of confirmation.
We need to confirm all our official documents are valid and renewed. The immigration officers must check essential documents such as insurance papers, business permits, and valid authority from Nepal Rastra Bank. This also verifies that the company is legal to take on a trek in the Manaslu area. Now the officers will verify the passport and filled documents and they will print another application for you if all are approved. That file will go to the first officer who will confirm before the second. After all, is clear from the second officer it will go to the head of the department where he will sign it off. Again the document goes to the first officer who will reprint the single pass and sticker them. At last, the first officer will put the seal and the Manaslu trekking permit will be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Manaslu Trekking permit and its cost
It won’t take long, you can just obtain it in a few hours. In general, you must submit your documents to the trekking agency after arriving in Nepal. Remember that obtaining a permit might take a long during the holiday seasons.
A TIMS card is not required for entering the Manaslu Region. However, if you wish to extend your trek and join the Annapurna Circuit Trek walking beyond Dharapani, a TIMS card is mandatory.
The cost of Manaslu Trek Permit is expensive which might even cost above $150. This is because the Manaslu region falls under the restricted region of Nepal. With its expensive cost, it helps to control the huge congestion of tourists in the area. And hence preserve the ancient culture and tradition in its natural form.
Without a doubt, hiring a guide is compulsory for Manaslu Circuit Trek since it lies in a restricted region. Therefore, one licensed guide is what we need for the trek. In addition to that, a guide helps you through the trails, provides valuable insights into ancient culture and tradition, and many more.
Final Say
Having Knowledge about the Manaslu trekking permit cost is way easier than Getting a Manaslu Trekking permit. It’s not a cup of tea for anyone unless you are doing it with an Authorized operator in Nepal. Magic Himalaya teams are one of the experienced operators and best sellers in the Manaslu region. They are the best choice for anyone looking for a lifelong experience of trekking and walking holidays in Nepal.
Magic Himalaya is just a phone away so you can call them or get connect to them through WhatsApp or email and reserve your seats for the Next departure to Manaslu Trekking in Nepal.
Nabin is a seasoned trekking and hiking guide, and the proud operator of Magic Himalaya Treks, Nepal’s premier company for Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and other thrilling adventures. With a wealth of experiences and valuable insights, Nabin’s website offers comprehensive information on trekking in Nepal.