Manaslu Circuit Hiking Early Bird Discount Coupon MCHEB-23

Securing special permits for the Manaslu Circuit hiking

As most treks in Nepal you’ll need the proper documentation before being allowed access to trekking regions or trails. So what type of permits do you need for the Manaslu Circuit trek? You’ll need a total of 3 permits before you can start the trek around Manaslu. But, it gets a bit more complicated than just going to the permit office… Since the Manaslu region touches the Tibetan border and to protect the natural reserve of the region the government has declared the entire Manaslu region as restricted. This means that if you want to enter this region you’ll need to full fill certain conditions.

What type of conditions is required to trek in the Manaslu region?

1. In order to get your permits you can only book through a licensed trekking agency located in Nepal such as Alpine Eco Trek & Expedition.

2. You need a minimum of two trekkers in order to be eligible for a permit

3. Trekkers need to be accompanied by a local guide hired by the trekking agency that issues your permits. Meaning no unguided treks in the Manaslu region.

Which permits and how to get them for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

If you were to trek only in the Manaslu region you’ll have to obtain two permits. The Manaslu Circuit trek is an exception as its crosses into the Annapurna region via the Himalayan Mountain Pass Larkya La. As so, you’ll need a permit for the Annapurna region as well! Here is a list of the actual permits required for the Manaslu Circuit trek;

A Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

This RAP or Special Permit is required from the villages of Jagat up to Samagoan. Without it you won’t be allowed access into the Manaslu’s restricted areas. The cost for this permit is calculated per how many days you spend inside the restricted zone. At Jagat it will be checked and verified, as well as at Samagoan to see if you overstayed or not. The trekking agency will require a digital passport-size photo or copy to order this permit prior to your arrival in Nepal.

Cost for a Restricted Area Permit

High Season (Sep-Nov) charges are a bit higher, for the first 7 days $100 USD is charged ($14.29/day). For every additional day a charge of $15 USD/day will be added.

Low Season (Dec-Aug) charges are a bit lower, for the first 7 days $75 USD is charged ($10.71/day). For every additional day a charge of $10 USD/day will be added.

A Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit check post starts from the village of Philim and end at Tal. This permit is there to help develop the local communities, protect local wildlife, and maintain trekking trails. Similar as the RAP the trekking agency requires a digital passport-size photo or copy to obtain this MCAP permit.

Cost for a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

The cost for this permit is the whole year the same and does not make any difference between high or low seasons. With a total cost of only $30 USD, you can obtain this permit via a registered trekking agency.

An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

After crossing the Larkya La Pass and heading down to the exit village of the Manaslu Circuit trek at Beshishar another check post will require a permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Since you are now in the Annapurna region of Nepal you’ll need its permit as well. Here is where things become interesting. Did you know that the Annapurna region hosts many popular treks in Nepal? And since you already got the permit you can even extend your trek and join up with the Annapurna Circuit trek which trekking trail starts from Beshishar! Similar as the RAP, and MCAP the trekking agency requires a digital passport-size photo or copy to obtain this ACAP permit.

Cost for an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Similar as the MCAP cost, the ACAP rate does not make a difference between high and low seasons. A total cost of only $30 USD is required to obtain this permit via a licensed trekking agency.

Now you can calculate the costs individually but licensed trekking agencies usually include permit costs in their package rates.

Similar to our early bird offer for the Manaslu Circuit trek all permit costs are included as well as getting your permits early and on time.

Ample time to get well prepared to complete the trek successfully

The Manaslu Circuit does offer a challenge for the inexperienced trekker. But despite that, it is certainly a trek that can be done by any type of novice. Naturally as is for any physical outdoor activity we do recommend building up your physical level. This way you are sure to enjoy the trek to the fullest. But, with the help of our guides, and by securing the best guides available via our early bird offer for the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will be able to complete the trek without trouble.
The best way to build up your physical fitness level to complete the Manaslu Circuit trek is by pre-training at home, or your preferred gym. The most important part is your stamina during the trek. If you can trek without getting out of breath you’ll be able to enjoy the views and scenes that much more! How you wish to train your stamina is up to you.

Best available guesthouses and facilities during the trek

While being classified as an off the beaten path trek, the guesthouses and facilities during the Manaslu Circuit trek are quite standard and well-maintained for remote village lodges. Every guesthouse during the trail offers two or three bedded rooms, all fitted with warm blankets. Each guesthouse has its own mess hall where everybody gathers to enjoy a hot meal and tell stories of the day or even go through next day’s plan. There are charging outlets available at the reception counters, and Wi-Fi connection. Hot water will be preheated by the lodge staff. By booking the Manaslu Circuit trek early, we will be able to reserve the best guesthouses available and secure you the best rooms during the trek. Guesthouses will charge a small amount for using charging plugs, or Wi-Fi. And for walk in trekkers some will charge for hot water as well. If you want to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit trek to the fullest, your best bet is to book early and in advance via our early bird offer.