Post Date: 22 Jun 2026
Post by - Kul Bahadur Gurung
What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit is the official legal document that allows you to trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal which is a restricted area.
Why is it called “restricted area”
The Manaslu region is connected with the border of Tibet Autonomous Region of China so, that’s why this area is called a restricted area. The Nepalese government requires special permit because:
- Remote location – Few rescue services, limited infrastructure in this Manaslu region
- Limited tourism – Government controls visitor flow in this region
- Environmental protection – They limit numbers to protect mountains, natural habitat of wild animals
- Local benefit – Permit fees support local communities directly and help for their education and livelihood
- Security – Monitoring who enters remote areas because of the border area
These permits are not optional, It’s mandatory to every traveller planning to visit in this region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Updated Costs 2026
| Item |
Cost in NPR |
Cost in USD |
Notes |
| Restricted Area Permit |
NPR 3,300 |
USD $25 |
Main permit (required) |
| TIMS Card |
NPR 2,000 |
USD $15 |
Trekking info card (required) |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit |
NPR 3,300 |
USD $25 |
Park entry (required) |
| Permits Total |
NPR 8,600 |
USD $65 |
Three permits combined |
Additional Cost (Not for Permit, but you must have)
| Item |
Cost |
What It Is |
| Guide (required) |
USD $25-40/day |
Must hire licensed guide (7-8 days = $175-320) |
| Porter (optional) |
USD $15-20/day |
Optional but recommended |
| Accommodation |
USD $15-25/night |
Local tea houses |
| Meals |
USD $6-10/day |
Food at tea houses |
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Permit
Option 1: Get Permit from trekking operator in Kathmandu (Easiest)
Step 1: Contact Trek Company
- Send email to trek company (Alliance Treks & Expedition: [email protected])
- Tell details about your trek dates and availability
- We handle everything for you
Step 2: Provide Your Information
- Full name (as in passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Your address (home country)
- Contact number
Step 3: Pay Permit Cost
- USD $65 for permits
- We get it for you
- Takes 1-2 days
Step 4: Receive Permits
- Pick them up before trek
- Or we bring them to Kathmandu hotel
- Or we bring them to trek start
Total time: 2-3 days Total hassle for you: Zero (we do it all for you)
Option 2: Get Permit Yourself in Kathmandu
Step 1: Go to Tourism Department
- Address: Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
- Time: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday-Friday)
- Take passport and photocopy
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit form
- TIMS card form
- Information form
Step 3: Pay Fees at Bank
- Go to bank
- Pay NPR 8,600 total
- Get receipt
Step 4: Submit Documents
- Return to Tourism Department
- Give forms + receipts + passport photo
- They give you permits same day or next day
Step 5: Collect Permits
- Usually ready in 1-2 days
- Go back and collect
- Keep them safe
Total time: 2-3 days (running around) Total hassle: Moderate (you do it yourself)
Required Documents (Complete List)
When you apply for the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit, you must have these listed documents ready:
| Document |
Required? |
Notes |
| Passport |
Yes |
Original + Photocopy of main page |
| Passport-Sized Photo |
Yes |
2×2.5 inches (Get 2-3 Copies) |
| Visa |
Yes |
Nepal visa (tourist visa) |
| TIMS Card |
Yes |
Trekking info management system |
| Travel Insurance |
No |
Recommended (Not Required) |
| Health Certificate |
No |
Not needed for Manaslu permit |
| Vaccination Record |
No |
Not needed for the permit itself |
| Booking Confirmation |
No |
Helpful but not required |
| Flight Tickets |
No |
Not required for permit |
Where to Apply for a Permit
In Kathmandu (Best Option)
Department of Tourism
- Location: Singha Durbar (government building)
- Address: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Walk-in: Yes
Get Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Through Trek Company (Recommended)
This is what most trekkers who visiting this trek do:
Contact Alliance Treks:
We handle:
- Getting permit from government
- All paperwork
- All running around
- Giving you permits when ready
Permits You Actually Need
Important: You need THREE permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Permit 1: Restricted Area Permit
What it is: Government permission to trek in restricted Manaslu area Cost: NPR 3,300 (USD $25) Who issues: Department of Tourism, Nepal Required? YES – absolutely required What you get: Laminated card with your name
Permit 2: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System)
What it is: Trekking identification card Cost: NPR 2,000 (USD $15) Who issues: Trekking Agencies Nepal or Tourism Department Required? YES – must have What you get: Card with your photo and info
Why TIMS?
- Government knows where trekkers are
- If you get lost, they can help
- Supports search & rescue
- Free for Nepalese, costs foreigners small fee
Permit 3: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
What it is: National park/conservation area entry fee Cost: NPR 3,300 (USD $25) Who issues: Manaslu Conservation Area office Required? YES – must have What you get: Stamped entry document
Why Conservation?
- Protects the Manaslu region
- Supports local communities
- Funds environmental protection
- Money goes directly to local areas
Don’t Get Confused:
- These three are DIFFERENT
- You need all three
- Different offices issue them
- Trek company gets all three for you
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Rules & Restrictions
What The Permit Allows You To Do
What You Can Do:
-
- Trek Manaslu Circuit route
- Stay in tea houses
- Hire guide and porter
- Take photos for personal use
- Trek with group up to 25 people
- Trek any season (best Sep-Oct, Mar-May)
- Visit villages along the route
What The Permit Does NOT Allow
What You Cannot Do:
- Trek off the main route
- Climb Manaslu peak (needs mountaineering permit + climbing license)
- Trek solo (must have guide)
- Trek on expired permit
- Share permit with another person
- Trek with more than 25 people per guide
- Camp anywhere (tea houses only)
Can You Trek Without Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit?
The Honest Answer: No.
Should you? Absolutely not.
Why?
- It’s illegal – Breaking the law
- Police checkpoints – You’ll get caught
- Your guide suffers – Guide gets fined or arrested
- You get deported – You’re sent home from Nepal
- Future issues – Can’t return to Nepal easily
- You lose money – All trek costs wasted
Real consequences:
- Fine: NPR 10,000-50,000 (USD $80-400)
- Deportation: You’re sent home
- Blacklist: Hard to return to Nepal
- Guide arrested: They did nothing wrong
- Community impact: Locals get blamed for tourist rule-breaking
It isn’t worth it. The permit costs only USD $65. The trek costs $1,000+. Spend the $65. Follow the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I really need all THREE permits?
Yes. All three are required:
- Restricted Area Permit (NPR 3,300)
- TIMS Card (NPR 2,000)
- Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,300)
Total: USD $65
How much does the permit cost?
USD $65 total (NPR 8,600)
Breakdown:
- Restricted permit: USD $25
- TIMS card: USD $15
- Conservation permit: USD $25
Can I get the permit on the trek start day?
No. Apply 7-10 days before. Same-day permits usually aren’t possible.
What if I get to trek start without permit?
Police will stop you. You’ll be sent back. You lose money and time.
Can I trek Manaslu without a guide?
No. Guide is required by law (and essential for safety).
Guide cost: USD $25-40/day (usually 8 days = $200-320)
Is the permit valid for the whole circuit?
Yes. One permit covers the entire 17-day circuit trek.
Can I extend my permit if I stay longer?
Difficult. Better to apply for correct dates from start.
What if my name is spelled wrong on the permit?
Go back to tourism office immediately. Get it corrected. Takes 1-2 days.
Do I get the permit back after the trek?
You keep it. It’s your proof you did the trek.
Can I trek Manaslu Circuit in any season?
Best seasons: September-October, March-May
Possible other times but harder:
- June-August: Rain
- November-February: Cold, snow, hard trail
Not recommended but possible.
Is the permit the same for all Manaslu routes?
No. Manaslu Circuit needs one permit. Manaslu Base Camp (lower route) needs same permits. High peak climbing needs mountaineering permit (separate, expensive).
What happens if I lose my permit on the trek?
Contact your guide immediately. Go to nearest checkpoint. Get replacement from local police. Usually takes 1-2 days.
Can trekkers from different countries use same permit?
No. Each person needs individual permit.
Do children need permits?
Yes. Everyone (any age) needs permit.
