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Trekking the Manaslu Circuit is a fantastic adventure, but it's essential to understand the rules and requirements associated with visiting this area of Nepal in order to ensure that your trek goes smoothly. You'll be able to enjoy stunning scenery while trekking around the tallest mountain in the world (Mount Manaslu) by trekking from one side of the mountain to the other, which is particularly breathtaking at higher elevations.
This guide outlines everything you need to know before taking a trip to Manaslu Circuit in 2026, including what types of permits are needed and how much money to expect when applying for permits, as well as any restrictions or documents that are required when entering and exiting the Manaslu Circuit region. Additionally, this guide includes detailed instructions on how many checkpoints you will encounter during your trek and what types of items you must have when passing through those checkpoints in order to make it through without incident.
Why do you require obtaining a permit to do the Manaslu Circuit? Because the area encircles Tibet, there are regulations restricting access to the Manaslu area due to its Sensitive Conservation Area and Border Zone Status; The Government of Nepal has declared the Manaslu region as a Restricted Area to control and restrict tourist flow to the area, maintain the fragile Himalayan environment, preserve the local Gurung and Tibetan cultures of the region, and support national security by maintaining the country's border.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit that allow Independent Trekkers to complete their own trips without entering the boundaries of the Manaslu Circuit, All Trekkers must possess proper documentation with them during every moment of their time on trek, and must have a Licensed Guide accompany, and have an Officially Recognized group of two or more people. This requirement is Non-Negotiable for all Trekkers.
The Permitting System Provides Financial Support for Maintenance of Trails, Community Development, and Conservation of the Manaslu Region so that Future Generations of Trekkers will continue to have access to this amazing area.
The RAP is the most important and the primary permit needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek (13 Days). The Manaslu Circuit Trek crosses through the Manaslu Restricted Area Border Zone, therefore, the RAP is a Mandatory Permit for All International Trekkers.
Obtaining the RAP: The RAP may be acquired from a licensed trekking company in Nepal, or directly from the Dept. of Immigration in Kathmandu. Because you must go through an authorized agency to obtain the permit, it is highly recommended that you make your reservations through a reputable firm.
Why you need it: The RAP regulates the entrance of tourists to Nepal's sensitive border areas and enhances the safety of trekking and ensures that security issues are addressed in these areas bordering foreign sovereigns.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is a permit that allows a foreign national to have access to the protected conservation area along the majority of the Manaslu Circuit trail.
Obtaining the MCAP: The MCAP is available from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and from any licensed Trekking Agency in Nepal.
Purpose of the Permit: All funds generated from MCAP go directly toward conserving the Manaslu ecosystem, maintaining trekking routes, and supporting communities along the route. Therefore, it is a permit to pay for the very landscapes you have visited.
First-time Manaslu trekkers may not think of the ACAP as a requirement; however, once you understand your route, it is completely logical. Because of the way the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna region via the village of Dharapani, trekkers will have to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area further on in their trek.
Where it can be obtained: Visitor permits may be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, from trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Purpose of the Permit: The ACAP contributes to environmentally sustainable tourism management, preservation of local cultures and communities, and conservation of the environment throughout the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Asia's most biologically diverse protected areas.
The Chumnubri Rural Municipality Permit (CRMP) is a permit issued by the local government, and many first-time planners ignore it. However, it is a requirement for all trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit.
Where to obtain it: This permit is obtained directly from the Chumnubri Municipality office located in Jagat, Gorkha, a village you will pass through early on the trek.
Why it is required: Revenue from the CRMP is channelled into local infrastructure development, trail upkeep, and community projects within the Chumnubri municipality. It ensures that the people who live along the route directly benefit from trekking tourism.
There are some mandatory rules that all trekkers must follow if they intend to trek in the Manaslu Region. Having valid permits is just one of the requirements to trek in the Manaslu restricted area.
Trekking as a solo trekker is prohibited. You must, at all times, have at least one other trekker with you. You must always be accompanied by a government-registered/licensed guide while trekking in the Manaslu area. You can only enter and leave the restricted area through approved checkpoints. Photography, videography or use of a drone beyond what is considered personal use requires prior approval; you must respect local customs, traditions and religious sites while trekking in the Manaslu region, and therefore, will be removed from the trail for any actions that negatively affect community harmony or cultural standards.
The penalties associated with violating regulations are significant. Trekking within Nepal without an appropriate permit or violating the restrictions of a protected area can result in being stopped at a checkpoint, removed from the trail, and subjected to penalties (monetary, civil, and potentially criminal), as well as being banned from entering Nepal's protected areas in the future. These penalties are not hypothetical; they are enforced at multiple checkpoints on the trek.
Trekking on the Manaslu Circuit requires every trekker to carry the following documents on them at all times during their trek:
The four permits required to trek in Manaslu (RAP, MCAP, ACAP, CRMP), original passport, two passport-sized photos, a copy of the Nepal tourist visa, and a valid travel insurance policy that provides coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Do not leave any of these documents at your hotel/lodge. Checkpoints on the trail will check your documents at various locations, and if you do not have all these documents with you, your trek will be halted.
You will be required to present permits at the following 4 main checkpoints along the Manaslu Circuit, depending on when you arrive:
Estimated total costs of permits to foreigners, spring 2026; $145-175 depending on the season and the duration of the trek.
Navigating four separate permits, restricted area regulations, mandatory guide requirements, and multiple checkpoints is genuinely complex. And, if you do happen to have trouble with a single piece of documentation or permit it may leave you unable to complete your entire trip.
So don’t let the mountain get in the way of what you want to do and contact All Himalayan Treks today! We can help you complete the application for all necessary permits and never have to go to the office or wait in line.
If you’re planning to trek to Manaslu in 2026, just reach out and let us assist you!
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