• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP / MRAP) — mandatory because Manaslu Trekking region is a restricted area to protect local culture, fragile environment, and for safety. RAP covers the restricted zone between entry (Jagat/Soti Khola) and exit (Dharapani or similar checkpoints).

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) — the Manaslu region is also inside the Manaslu Conservation Area managed by NTNC; MCAP is required to enter the conservation area.

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — required only if your route crosses into the Annapurna Conservation Area (some Manaslu routes / connectors do). Check your exact itinerary.

• Local (Chumnubri) rural municipality entry fee / checkpoint fees — small local/municipal fees may apply and are collected at checkpoints or on arrival in the municipalities.

SEE THE TREKKING PACKAGES WE OFFER IN MANASLU TREKKING REGION

Fees change occasionally; below are the widely reported current rates and seasonal variations. Always confirm with your Nepali agency before departure.

1) Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP / MRAP)

• Peak season (Sept–Nov — typical autumn): ~ USD 100 per person / week (first week) then ~ USD 15 per person / day beyond that.
• Low season (Dec–Aug): often reduced (examples show USD 30–75/week or specific reduced rates; some pages report USD 70 for first 8 days with USD 10 per extra day, and winter discounts around 50% depending on policy). There is variability between sources—expect different published schemes and seasonal discounts.

• Typically about USD 30–40 per person (flat fee).

• If required, ACAP fees are similar to other conservation areas — typically around USD 30.

• Small municipal fees apply and are normally included by your agency (Raj Bala Treks & Expedition) in the permit package. Example: Chumnubri entries are listed in NTB/immigration fee tables.

• If your permit is lost/damaged, replacement fees and paperwork apply (examples: NPR 5,000 replacement fee reported; police report and agency letter usually required).

• MRAP (10–14 days autumn) ≈ USD 100–200 (depending on number of weeks/days)
• MCAP ≈ USD 30–40
• ACAP (if needed) ≈ USD 30
• Typical full permit outlay often ranges from ~USD 150 to USD 300+ per person depending on season, length, and whether Tsum Valley or ACAP is included.

ALSO CHECK THE PACKAGES FOR ANNAPURNA TREKKING REGION

1. You cannot get the RAP alone online or at a foreign consulate. The RAP (restricted-area permit) must be arranged by a registered Nepali trekking agency and processed through Dept. of Immigration / relevant offices in Kathmandu (or through the agency’s local office). MCAP/ACAP may technically be available at NTB offices but most trekkers have everything handled by the agency.

2. Book through a registered Nepali trekking agency (agency will prepare and submit documents). Agencies charge a permit-processing fee in addition to the government fees — clarify this up front.

3. Paperwork your agency will need from you: passport copy (minimum 6 months validity), passport-size photos, Nepal visa (or plan to get it on arrival), emergency contact, travel dates, group details and guide’s license number (agency provides guide).

4. Group & guide rules: to obtain RAP you normally must travel with a licensed Nepali guide and be in a group of at least two foreign trekkers (a single trekker may be denied the RAP). This is strictly enforced at checkpoints.

5. Processing time: agencies typically take 1–3 business days to process permits in Kathmandu (in busy season allow more time). Some agencies can rush for an extra fee.

6. Where you receive them: your agency will hand over printed permits (government-stamped) in Kathmandu before departure. Carry physical copies; checkpoints in the Manaslu area check hard copies.

• Licensed guide and minimum group size are mandatory. Independent trekking in Manaslu without a guide is not permitted and you may be turned back.

• Checkpoints are strict. Police/immigration/municipal checkpoints at Soti Khola, Jagat, Philim and Sama Gaun will check permits and group composition. Keep originals.

• Do not alter your route without notifying your agency. Going off-route (e.g., side trips, unauthorized exits) can invalidate your RAP.

• Environment & culture rules: the conservation area enforces rules on litter, camping and wildlife protection. Respect local customs and restricted-area conditions.

• Book permits through a reputable registered Nepali agency. Ask for the agency registration/license number.
• Confirm total government fees vs. agency processing/service fee (get a written breakdown).
• Ask whether the permit package includes Tsum Valley (optional extra if you are going there) — it has its own RAP fee.
• Bring 2–4 passport photos, passport photocopy, and scanned copies stored in email/phone. Agencies still may ask for hard photos.
• Keep the original printed permits with you — checkpoints want physical permits, not photos on a phone.
• Insurance: buy good travel & high-altitude evacuation insurance (helicopter rescue is expensive). Carry printed policy details.
• Permits are non-transferable. If lost, replacement needs police report and agency letter; replacement fees apply (example: NPR 5,000 replacement fee reported).

Q — Can I apply for Manaslu permits myself online?

A — No. The RAP is a restricted-area permit that must be processed by a registered Nepali trekking agency like us, Raj Bala Treks & Expedition. MCAP and ACAP can be issued by NTB offices, but agencies usually bundle everything.

Q — Is a guide compulsory?

A — Yes — a government-licensed guide is required for the restricted area. Additionally, agencies typically require a porter for safety (optional but common).

Q — How long does permit processing take?

A — Typically 1–3 business days if you provide correct documents; during peak season allow extra time. Agencies sometimes offer rush processing for an extra charge.

Q — Are there discounts for SAARC nationals or Nepalese?

A — Local/Nepali rates and SAARC rates exist for some permits; foreign tourists pay the published USD fees. Check NTB/Immigration authoritative tables for exact categories.

Q — What if I want to add Tsum Valley?

A — Tsum Valley Trek is a separate restricted area with its own RAP fee — adding it increases the total permit cost. Confirm inclusion with your agency.

READ MORE “75 FAQs about Visiting & Trekking in Nepal”

• Nepal Tourism Board / Department of Immigration — official fee tables and seasonal rules (primary source for official fees and seasonal schedules). Always check them or ask your agency to confirm the latest table before payment. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (NTNC) — background on the conservation area and local rules.

This is an illustrative example for a 14-day Manaslu Circuit in autumn (Sept–Nov) — actual numbers will vary:

• MRAP (10–14 days, autumn): USD 100–150 (first 7 days/1 week base + daily for extra days)
• MCAP: USD 30–40
• ACAP (if route crosses Annapurna area): USD 30
• Local/municipal fees & administrative: USD 10–25
• Estimated total (permits only): USD 170–275 per person. (Agencies usually present a single “permit package” price including government fees + their service fee.)

• Confirm permit types & amounts with your agency in writing.
• Verify inclusion of Tsum Valley or ACAP if planning side trips.
• Ensure your agency is registered and your guide government-licensed. Get guide license number.
• Carry physical permit copies and passport/visa.
• Keep emergency/insurance contact details printed.

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