The Manaslu Circuit passes through a restricted area and a conservation area, so more than one permit is involved. All of them must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Restricted area permit
This permit covers the Chumnubri local unit, wards 1 to 4. The fees supplied to us, per person, are:
- September to November: USD 100 for the first week, then USD 15 per day beyond one week.
- December to August: USD 75 for the first week, then USD 10 per day beyond one week.
Most standard circuits take longer than a week in the restricted zone, so the extra daily charge usually applies.
Manaslu Conservation Area entry
The entry fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, per person per entry. Children under ten are free.
TIMS and guide
The Manaslu Circuit, the Manaslu-Tsum Valley route and the Tsum Valley are all on the list where a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are mandatory. TIMS costs NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 2,000 for others.
Annapurna side
The circuit usually ends near Dharapani, which is in the Annapurna region. Ask us whether any extra conservation area entry applies for your exact finishing point.
Tsum Valley
If you add the Tsum Valley, a separate seasonal fee applies. See our Tsum Valley page for details.
Good to know
- Fees can change, so confirm them before booking.
- Apply early, with a clear passport scan and your dates.
- Permits are not issued at the trailhead.
How the rules fit together
The trek passes through a protected conservation area and a restricted zone near the Tibetan border. Each has its own permit, and all are issued through registered agencies. The fees support conservation, local communities and border administration. The guide requirement exists for safety and to ensure that visitors follow the rules in a sensitive region.
Timing and flexibility
The restricted-area permit is usually charged per day or by season, so the number of days on your permit matters. If bad weather delays you, you may need extra days, and the fee for those days can be added. Ask your operator how extensions are handled and what you will pay if the schedule changes.
Checkpoints on the trail
You will pass several checkpoints where permits are checked and recorded, including at Jagat and further up the valley. Your guide handles most formalities, but keep copies of your documents. Do not attempt to bypass a checkpoint, since the penalties for violations can be severe.
Practical advice
- Apply early, because processing takes time.
- Keep your passport valid for at least six months.
- Check which fees are included in the price and which are separate.
Why a minimum group size applies
Restricted-area permits are issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide through a registered agency. If you travel alone, your operator can pair you with another trekker or arrange the permit with a second person. Ask about this early, because it affects dates and costs.
Keeping paperwork safe
- Carry copies of your restricted-area permit, conservation permit and TIMS.
- Show them at checkpoints such as Jagat, Philim and Samagaon.
- Keep digital photos of all documents.
- Report loss at once to your guide.
