Manaslu Circuit Trek - Planning Guide (Permits, Costs, & Best Season)

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Most mountainous trekking regions in Nepal require special permits for the safety of trekkers, to regulate the movement of travelers, and preserve biodiversity, culture & traditions. Similarly, such permits play a crucial role in developing infrastructures in remote areas of Nepal. Manaslu Region has no exception to entry permits. Entering the region, you require permits like the Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit).

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permits (ACAP)

An ACAP permit is required while trekking in the trail of the Annapurna region (Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang trek, and Mohare Danda). You have to pass through Dharapani and Bhimthang while entering the Manaslu region, which are part of the ACAP. Therefore, an ACAP permit is required for Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Manaslu Circuit Trekking progresses through the Manaslu Conservation Area starting from Philim, Gorkha, Nepal. The permit costs differ depending on the nationality.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

Restricted area permits are mandatory while trekking inside the restricted zone of the Manaslu region of Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Namlung, and Samagaon.

Manaslu Circuit Trek cost

The cost for the Manaslu Circuit trek depends on the itinerary, degree of comfort, vehicle type, level of Guide, number of porters, and others. Similarly, the cost in the Manaslu region is also determined by the number of days you want to spend. North Nepal Trek provides you with a fully customized trekking package based on your interests and fitness level. Below, you can find the cost for different Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal itinerary - 10 Nights 11 Days

This trek price starts from 920 USD per person for 10-day treks. You can join the group or fellow travelers to share the cost of trekking. Detailed cost is illustrated in the table.

Tsum Valley Trek itinerary - 7 Nights 8 Days

Tsum Valley trek’s cost starts from 720 USD. You can opt to join a group to share the cost of the trek. This package offers you an exploration of Tsum Valley, the remote Tibetan Buddhist settlement of the Manaslu region of the Gorkha district. 

Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek - 17 Nights 18 Days

An 18-day-long MCT trek’s cost starts from 990 USD. Probably one of the longest Manaslu Treks in our entire package to explore Manaslu in depth. Detailed costs for the trek are illustrated in the table.

Bhimthang Trek Itinerary - 8 Nights 9 Days

The Bhimthang itinerary costs 599 USD per person. Group bookings can be a great idea to share the cost of trekking. As Bhimthang lies in the Annapurna region, you require an ACAP permit. Bhimthang offers exceptional views of mountain peaks, Lakes, and glaciers.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary - 10 Nights 11 Days

The cost for this trek package starts from 900 USD. This trek allows you to explore Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m, Nubri, Pungyen Monastery, and Birendra Lake. The view of Manaslu Peak (8,163m), the 8th tallest peak in the World, will leave you spellbound.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide Requirements

The guide is made mandatory for trekking in the Manaslu region. Solo trekking without a guide is restricted. Since a few places in the Manaslu region are restricted to entering without a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), two people are required to enter the region. Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Namlung, and Samagaon fall under the restricted zone.

Professional guides play a crucial role in enhancing your travel experience in Manaslu or any other route. Local guides are familiar with the geography, culture, and traditions. Above all, the guide will ensure your safety while traveling in the unfamiliar terrain of Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Budget

Manaslu Circuit Trek can cost around 1000 to 1500 USD per person, which is an average budget for any Manaslu region trek. The budget can be affected by different factors, such as packing list, group size, days, accommodation, food, and others. Also, it is always a good idea to prepare yourself for unexpected events like accidents or injuries. Travel insurance is a great investment at this moment. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek solo

Solo trekking in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is restricted. Two trekkers, along with a professional guide, are required to enter the Manaslu region. Solo trekking was restricted from April 1, 2023. The reason for restricting trekkers from entering alone was to ensure the safety of the trekkers. The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area. The imposed restrictions ensure that the natural harmony of the area is not hampered by illegal activities.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Best time to go

Spring and Autumn/Fall are the best seasons to explore the Manaslu Circuit. Spring, which starts from March to May, gives you moderate climatic conditions and thriving nature. Autumn offers you a cool season with a festive mood in the country. These two seasons favor trekkers in every aspect, like safety, climate, and nature. However, every season has its own features. Monsoon covers the landscapes with lush green forest, while snow decorates the landscapes with white snow.

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek transitions from moderate to challenging. You walk through a rugged trail, several ascents and descents, and an unpredictable climate in the mountains. Larke La Pass, at an elevation of 5,106 meters, is one of the most difficult portions of the trek. Despite the challenging trail, a person with a basic fitness level accompanied by a professional guide can enjoy the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek visa

Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a valid Nepali visa with a validity period of 6 months. Along with a valid visa, you require a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit if you are traveling around Bhimthang.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Especially when you are trekking in an unfamiliar terrain like the mountainous region of Manaslu, insurance plays a vital role in minimizing the risk. Since you are trekking in the mountain region, choose insurance that mitigates the risk in the Himalayas. Your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking, trip delays, medical emergencies, and helicopter rescue.

Don’t miss out on this lesser-known trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu is a perfect blend of nature and culture, with Tsum Valley known for its ancient Tibetan Buddhism, practicing non-violence for centuries. North Nepal Trek will look out for your permits (ACAP, MRAP, MCAP), accommodation, transportation, and others. We are here to make your Manaslu Trek adventurous and memorable.