The Manaslu Circuit Trek is famous for its awesome sceneries, highly varied and rich culture, and experiences which are found only on this trek. For such a trek, one should be prepared about all the aspects of the trek-very important of which are the permits and regulations involved in this journey.
Here in, we are going to discuss all the grouping and combinations necessary as far as permits, regulations, and best practices are concerned with trekking in the Manaslu Circuit.
Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek
What to Expect
The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area, circumventing mighty Manaslu Mountain, which rises to 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). Normally, this length of the trek covers 14 to 18 days and contains complete diversities from subtropical forests of low elevation to high-altitude deserts.

On their journey, trekkers also get to go through various cultural inherencies, exploring the traditional villages of Gurungs and Tibetans.
Permission Requirements
This area falls into a conserved area, and for conservation and regulation, it requires permits. The purchase of necessary permits ensures locals’ ecosystem remains intact and that trekkers are contributing to the local economy one way or another.
This also helps the government manage the number of visitors in sensitive areas to maintain the natural and cultural integrity of the region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits Requirements
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit ( MCAP ) is compulsory for all of the trekkers in the Manaslu region. Besides, MCAP provides an entry to the conservation area to finance the conservation to conserve the local wildlife as well as habitats.
Manaslu Conservation Area project fees
Foreigners: About NPR 3,000. ($ 25), 10 days, plus NPR 500 ($ 4) per day for extended days.
Citizens from the SAARC member nations: around 1,500 NPR or around $12.50 for 10 days, and then approximately NPR 300 (USD 2.5) per day beyond that.
How to get
MCAP is issued from the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Ensure this permit is procured before you begin your trek for smoothness in all the proceedings.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit-ACAP
Even though the Manaslu Circuit itself doesn’t fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers often pass through parts of this area to get into the Manassu area. Thus, if your trek includes parts of the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll need an ACAP too.
Price
Foreigners: About NPR 3,000 (about 25 dollars).
SAARC Nationals: About NPR 1,000 (about 8.50 dollars).
How to Obtain
Like MCAP, ACAP can also be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or at the checkpoints along the Annapurna region. This permit shall be with you when crossing into the Annapurna territory.
Special Trekking Permit
The special trekking permit is basically for the Manaslu Circuit and is very important in the protection of this route, accounting quite well for the trekkers around this relatively remote area.
Cost
Normally the special trekking permit costs around NPR 2,000.00 (17.00 $) per head for the first seven days and NPR 500.00 (about 4.00 $) for each extra day.
How to Obtain
This permit is available only through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. The Manaslu is a controlled trekking area solitary trekkers are not allowed to trek in the Manaslu region without a licensed guide or agency.
Registration with a Trekking Agency
As licenses cannot be taken by individual trekkers sans agency, the choice of the trekking agency will be very crucial. First, one can check with the Nepal Tourism Board if the agency is listed. Second, one would get to know about leading programs in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Regulations
Trekking with a Guide
As mentioned, compulsory requirements for trekking Manaslu compulsorily requires going with a registered guide. These have contributed to better safety and responsible trekking in the local environment, leading to its conservation. A guide will be handy in controlling the trail, understanding the culture, and dealing with any emergencies that come up.
Restrictions in Group Size
A trekker is supposed to do the Manaslu Circuit in teams of two or more. That means solitary trekking is not allowed in this sector due to various reasons, mainly safety reasons and conservation of the environment. There would be less damage to the environment when there are more trekkers and thus it develops a feeling of companionship while hiking.
Respect for Customs
Village Trekking: Village trekkings have a lot of things to observe in them. Most importantly, one must salute the culture and traditions of the locals. Mainly, Gurungs and Tibetians are enshrining the Manaslu region and thus respect the culture-dressing modestly, asking permission before clicking pictures of people or their properties.
Environmental Responsibility
It is recommended that one should inflict as little impact on the environment as possible. This includes:
Disposal of Litter: Non-degradable litter shall be packed out and disposed of through environmentally responsive disposal. If possible, and when available, all waste shall be disposed of through indicated areas.
Principles of Leave No Trace: The guide shall ensure they adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principles to ensure trails remain free and clean and the environment taken care of.
Protection of Wildlife: No form of wildlife must be disturbed as such picking of any form of plant or flowers is requested to avoid on the path.
Accommodation Guidelines
While there are a good number of teahouses and lodges available on the Manaslu Circuit, giving back to the locals is still important. Make use of the locally-owned accommodations as it goes a long way in developing the local economy and gives an added taste of authenticity.
How to Prepare for the Permits and Regulations?
Plan Ahead
Plan for the easy trek. Research what permits are needed, and regulations set, and consider the best season to go on the Manaslu Circuit. Spring is considered the ideal season for trekking in the Manaslu area because usually the weather remains stable and trails are cleared from snow.
Engage a Reputed Trekking Agency
A good trekking agency will ensure that the availability of permits is to the book, following all regulations. A good agency will also take you through the application process for a permit, adhere to all the local regulations, and deliver guides with experience in the region.
Prepare Documents Needed
In preparation for your application for a permit, make sure you are with the required documents, which are:
Passport: It must be valid for at least six months’ validity from the date of your arrival in Nepal.
Passport-Sized Photos: A couple of recent passport-sized photos for the permits.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Permit Budget
While it is decidedly possible to go trekking in Nepal inexpensively, the same cannot be said of the permits. Just be sure that you make this cost part of budgeting, as it is just one of those things you will just have to do.

The actual cost of the permits depends upon how long a trek you are going on and if you plan on crossing over into the Annapurna region.
Be Informed
Before going on trekking, it’s good to get recent information about changes in regulations and/or permitting requirements. At times, changes to the regulations are necessary because of the need for conservation, policy at the local level, or environment.
Being informed will go a long way in ensuring that you comply with, and have fewer hindrances while trekking.
More Things to be Aware of During Your Hike
Climate and Environment
Manaslu can be very unpredictable and at any time of the moment, the weather can turn. Although it can get very warm during the day, the night temperature becomes really cold even in the trekking season. Prepare for possible rain or snow during spring and autumn.
Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is the key to high-altitude trekking. Manaslu Circuit offers good opportunities for graded ascent whereby one gets enough time and scope to get acclimatized with the gain in altitude. It is always better to incorporate rest days in your itinerary to get better acclimatized.
Fitness Preparation
This would include training in various Manaslu Circuit challenges such as steep ascents, and rugged terrain among others. The frequency of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and practice in hiking contribute to developing endurance and strength that will be needed on the trek.
Cultural Sensitivity
Harmony with the culture of locals will make your trekking experience far more enriching. Learn about Gurung and Tibetan cultures, their tradition, and their way of living. This respect develops goodwill and may create all the difference in making useful interactions during your trek.
Emergency Preparedness
Any trekking region away from civilization requires someone to be prepared for eventualities. Let the agency have an appropriate emergency plan; this in turn needs to have an evacuation plan. Bring a basic first-aid kit along with you and memorize the general emergency contact numbers.
Final sayings for your Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is quite an extravaganza in beautiful sceneries and heavily placed culture with amazing experiences, while at the same time, preparation in terms of permits and regulations forms one of the most important parts of the journey.

Also, it is good to know what permissions can be required and respect any regulations for the best planning to avoid setbacks. Respect the culture of the locals, protect the environment, contribute to the local economy in route, and enjoy such a trek.
It is your lifetime adventure; remember, responsible trekking enhances your experience and protection of this beautiful region. You will surely enjoy it as it is a challenge to come across the beauty of the Manaslu circuit. Let the memories of the moments spent here be fresh for a pretty long period.