Manaslu and Tsum Valley sit inside Nepal's restricted trekking zones, which means the permit system here works differently from the Everest or Annapurna trails. Here is exactly what's required, what it costs, and how we handle it for you.
The Permits You Need
1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Issued by the Department of Immigration, only through a licensed trekking agency. Pricing is seasonal and per person, per day:
| Season | Sep–Nov (first 7 days) | Extra day |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $100 | $15/day |
| Season | Dec–Aug (first 7 days) | Extra day |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $75 | $10/day |
2. Manaslu & Annapurna Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit A flat entry fee of NPR 3,000 per person each (roughly $25 USD each), covering conservation area access along the Manaslu route.
3. Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit Required in addition to the Manaslu RAP if your itinerary extends into Tsum Valley. Combined-route pricing is calculated with your agency based on total trek days in each restricted zone.
4. Chumnubri Rural Municipality local permit is required for the local entry fee of NPR 1,000 per person for accessing local wards and paths.
(Fees are subject to government revision — our team confirms exact current rates when we file your paperwork.)
The 2026 Solo Trekker Rule Change
Nepal's restricted area regulations require a minimum group size of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered agency, solo permits are not issued for Manaslu or Tsum Valley. If you're traveling alone, we pair you with our scheduled group departures or arrange a private trek with one other trekker, so this rule never becomes a barrier to your trip.
Documents We Need From You
- Passport bio-page scan
- Nepal visa (already stamped or e-visa approval)
- Travel Insurance
How Long Permit Processing Takes
Once we have your documents, RAP and MCAP permits are typically issued within 1–2 working days in Kathmandu. We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least 2 full days before your trek start date to allow a processing buffer.
What We Handle vs. What You Bring
| We handle | You bring |
|---|---|
| RAP application & fees | Passport + visa + travel insurance |
| MCAP permit | Passport copies |
| Tsum Valley permit (if applicable) | Passport + visa + travel insurance |
| Checkpoint entry | Permit |
FAQ
Can I trek Manaslu without an agency?
No. Restricted Area Permits for Manaslu and Tsum Valley are only issued through government-licensed trekking agencies; independent applications aren't accepted.
How much does the Manaslu permit cost in total?
Budget roughly $150–200 USD per person for combined RAP and MCAP fees during peak season (September–November), less in the off-season (December–August).
Can solo trekkers still do Manaslu in 2026?
Yes, but not as an independent solo permit — solo trekkers join a scheduled group departure or a paired private trek to meet the minimum group-of-two requirement.