The Manaslu Circuit Trek, circumnavigating the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), also known as the killer mountain, is a challenging yet culturally enriching journey. This adventurous high Himalayan expedition offers never-before-seen otherworldly landscapes, wildlife, raging rivers, and pristine culture.
Situated in the central western region of Nepal in the Gorkha district, the Manaslu Circuit Expedition lies in the Mansiri Himal range, part of the greater Nepalese Himalayas, all surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks of Annapurnas and Ganesh Himal.
The journey starts at Soti Khola taking visitors through the Budhi Gandaki Gorge, various remote villages, forests, alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and suspension bridges eventually concluding near the Annapurna Conservation Area. Further, the the trekking route encircling Mount Manaslu, the Manaslu Circuit is that golden opportunity that lets you marvel at the rich Tibetan culture.
As one of the highly restricted areas in Nepal, the Manaslu Trekking region preserves the authentic culture of natives far from the haphazardous modern civilization deeply rooted in nature and it's magnificent showing an uncanny influence of Tibet as represented by several ancient monasteries, mani walls, scriptures, and gompas festooned by colorful prayer flags.
Hence, the Manaslu Circuit Voyage is a lesser-known Nepalese Himalayan trek destination to experience the country's unique and diverse topography, combining the Annapurna and Manaslu trekking regions, from lush green lowlands and terraced farms to rugged high-altitude terrains and glacial valleys.
The trail offers an immersive experience of the Himalayas and local practices amidst the region dominated by Boudha, Gorkha, and Chuli Himal, inhabited densely by the ethnic communities of Gurungs and Tamangs, regulating the mandatory obtaining of special permits alongside standard conservation area entrance fees and an essential permit to traverse the national park areas of the country.
In this blog, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks presents you with the newly updated permit and its fees for this extraordinary journey to the Manaslu Circuit in 2024. It is a must-have for trekking logistics, so you don’t have to deal with any legal issues while en route to the circuit.
What are the permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Unlike many of the thrilling trekking trails to the Himalayas in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Pilgrimage, the Annapurna Circuit Trip, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar Hike, and others, to explore the Manaslu Circuit seamlessly, you will have to get the last three entrance permits, which are as discussed below:
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
As the alpine rambling to the Manaslu Circuit Trek mostly takes place under the Manaslu Conservation Area, MCAP is a primary permit. The permit cost for trekkers, travelers, climbers, mountaineers, or anyone visiting the region from anywhere in the world is about USD 30 or NPR 3,000 per person.
If you are from SAARC nations, you are facilitated by the MCAP at a special discount of NPR 1,000 only per person, around USD 10 payable in Nepalese rupees.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Several sections of the odyssey to the Manaslu Circuit revolve around and into the Annapurna Conservation Area as well; hence, one must obtain ACAP for this incredibly scenic, culturally, and spiritually enriching journey to the Manaslu Circuit if you are planning to visit the year 2024, which covers most of the area within the Annapurna region, including popular routes like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Combined Hike to Khopra Danda, Khayer Lake, and Poonhill, or other extremely adventurous Annapurna Circuit Half Moutain Biking, Annapurna Circuit Moutain Biking - 14 Days, and others within the Annapurna Trek region.
The permit fee for ACAP is similar to that of MCAP, which is USD 30 or NPR 3,000 per person per entry for all tourists, while SARRC nationals can get this entrance permit for NPR 1,000 only.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Since the Manaslu region is home to indigenous communities with rich culture, traditions, and heritage carrying national values close to the Nepal-Tibet border, it is designated as a restricted area requiring an additional permit for touring the Manaslu Circuit called the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) that costs around USD 100 for the first 7 days and USD 15 per day thereafter from September to November, or what is usually considered the peak trekking seasons in Nepal.
Whereas, the same permit can cost approximately USD 75 for the first week and USD 10 per day thereafter from December to August, regarded as off season to traverse the Manaslu Conservation Area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation including the Manaslu Circuit Voyage
Why obtain permits or pay the entrance fee for the Manslu Circuit Expedition?
The higher Himalayan exploration of the Manaslu Circuit is exactly that classic trek in Nepal that offers everything you would have expected from a typical voyage to the Himalayas: iconic mountain vistas, intimate encounters with local people, their centuries-old culture, and a 5,100 m (17,000 ft) high mountain pass achievement.
For this extraordinary expedition, one must obtain three of the crucial permits and pay the associated fee as mentioned above, and here’s why:
- To aid in providing funds to preserve the region’s delicate and rich biodiversity in the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to a wide array of flora and fauna.
- To maintain and manage sustainable tourism with limited visitors, ensuring a minimal environmental impact without affecting the conservation area's natural beauty and ecological balance.
- To support the local communities living in the Manaslu region, a portion of the revenue generated from the permit is split to raise the living standards of the local communities.
- To provide a hand in the cultural preservation of the ethnic communities along with their unique traditions, customs, and historical sites within the region.
- The permit fees also go to fund educational programs to raise awareness about conservation among both visitors and locals.
- To support scientific research, monitor the activities providing valuable data on the Manaslu region’s ecology, and formulate effective conservation strategies.
- To secure your visit to the region so that you get to receive necessary help in need, etc.
Who Issues the Permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Usually, the Department of Immigration in Kalika Marg handles the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), while the Nepal Tourism Board issues both the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits located in two of the major cities of Nepal: Kathmandu and Pokhara.
When you choose the package service from any reputable tour, travel, and trekking agency like Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, these permits will be prearranged even before your trek to the Manaslu Circuit officially begins.
Suppose you prefer to go for a solo trek without purchasing a package from any travel and trekking organizers or partners, that too is feasible. In that case, however, it is important to ensure that the mountain guide with whom you are taking the Manaslu Circuit can access you to the essential permits respecting the nationwide banning of free individual trekkers (FITs) in conservation and national park areas since April 1, 2023.
What are the terms and conditions for the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the most adventurous off-beaten Himalayan treks preferred by real adventure seekers seeking an epic trekking route in the Nepalese Himalayas to challenge themselves in the holidays, requiring MCAP, ACAP, and RAP permits as above, following the given terms and conditions:
- Trekkers must possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry to the country of hills and mountains, Nepal.
- A valid Nepal visa that you can get on arrival at the terminal gate of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) or at the border on overland entry to Nepal.
- Make sure you have obtained comprehensive travel insurance providing cover for high-altitude hiking, emergency evacuation, and immediate medical treatment.
- Hiring a licensed guide is a must due to the region's status as a restricted area.
- Trekkers are expected to respect the local culture and environment, leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but photographs.
- Hikers, trekkers, and travelers should be well informed about the potential risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness and essential precautions such as adequate acclimatization, hydration, and diets.
- Children under 10 years old do not need to apply for permits.
- The entry permits must be carried out throughout the trek days.
- Beyond Manaslu Circuit Trek, permit costs include 13% VAT and all other government taxes, etc.
Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks is offering a group discount on packages for this incredible journey for the years 2024 and 2025. Book your seat now. Contact us for more personalized services and an itinerary that meets your goals and area of interest.
Some Useful Information for Holistic Manaslu Circuit Trek
How long does it take you to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Even though the typical classic Himalayan expedition to Manaslu Circuit can take around 14–20 days depending upon the route, number of days allocated for acclimatization, side trips, and treks, and your individual or trek group preferences, at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks you can conquer this daredevils odyssey in 15 days.
This 15-day itinerary for an exhilarating trip to Manaslu Circuit in Nepal allows ample acclimatization, covering most of the outstanding side hikes and trips, letting you maintain your pace that can be customized as per your expectations.
Where is the Manaslu Circuit Voyage located?
The Manaslu Circuit lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal and encircles the eighth tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), taking you through several traditional mountain villages, majestic natural formations such as white water glacial lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and rugged terrain in the heart of the Himalayas.
Generally, the trek begins from Soti Khola, which serves as the gateway to the Manaslu Trekking region at a distance of approximately 140 km (87 miles) from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.
When is the best time to travel to Manaslu Circuit?
Spring, the premonsoon, and autumn, the post-monsoon seasons from March to May and September to November, are taken into consideration as the best times to traverse the Manaslu Circuit, ensuring better visibility, mild weather, and safer trekking route conditions.
Further, being slightly in the rain shadow area of the country, guarded by the Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit is also a top-notch monsoon/summer trek destination that observes rare rainfall while the winter can be intensely freezing.
To conclude, the spring and autumn are considered the best time of the year to visit the Manaslu Circuit in comparison to winter and summer, which result in a slightly higher permit fee during the spring and autumn, where the Manaslu Trek throughout the year prevails on being well prepared physically, mentally, and logistically!
Food and accommodation en route to Manaslu Circuit
On the way to the Manaslu Circuit, tea houses and local lodges operated by the natives are the main forms of accommodation that, in common, offer simply furnished rooms with twin beds, bedding, and shared bathrooms with basic amenities.
The meals are also served by these tea houses, primarily consisting of typical Nepali cuisine along with some Tibetan and normal international dishes such as Dal-Bhat (the staple must-try dish of Nepal), Tibetan bread and pancakes, momos, noodles and soup, potatoes, tea and coffee, energy bars, and nuts as a snack.
Like the trekking permits for the Manaslu Circuit excursion, during spring and autumn, the peak trekking seasons in Nepal, the food and accommodation costs can also be a bit higher than in winter and monsoon, where local guides and porters can negotiate the best price for you.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek challenging?
Yes, indeed, the journey to the Manaslu Circuit is an enchanting Himalayan trek regarded as moderately difficult jaunting in terms of technicality, which is incredibly rewarding as well as offering spectacular landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
The trek reaches the highest altitude in the Himalayas with the highest point, Larkya La Pass, at an altitude of 16,930 ft (5,160 m), including several days of hiking through steep ascends and descends and rugged terrain with concerns of altitude sickness for longer days testing your level of fitness and stamina.
The route is situated at a more remote location than other popular trekking routes with limited access to amenities and facilities, which crafts a highly memorable adventure with proper preparation and a reasonable level of fitness.
To sum it up, although the overall fee cost of a trekking permit for an odyssey to the Manaslu Circuit in 2024 can vary based on the trekking season and overall days you are spending in the region, obtaining the necessary permits ensures legal and responsible tourism that contributes to the conservation of the mighty Himalayas while you get to appreciate each unspoiled and untouched beauty of the region to the fullest.
