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Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and TIMS Guide
Learn about Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, TIMS requirements, restricted-area fees, conservation area entry fees, documents and trekking regulations for Nepal.
Learn about Manaslu Circuit Trek permits, TIMS requirements, restricted-area fees, conservation area entry fees, documents and trekking regulations for Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan adventures, but it is not a trek where you can simply arrive at the trailhead and start walking. The route passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area and a government-designated restricted area, so trekkers need the appropriate permits and a registered trekking agency and licensed guide.
The key documents are the Manaslu Restricted Area Trekking Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit, and TIMS Card. The Nepal Tourism Board confirms that Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card.
| Permit / Document | Who Needs It? | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | Foreign trekkers | Required for the restricted section |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit | Trekkers entering MCAP | Required for entry |
| TIMS Card | Trekkers on Manaslu Circuit | Issued through a registered trekking agency |
| Licensed Guide | Foreign trekkers | Mandatory under current TIMS rules |
The Manaslu region includes Chumnubri Rural Municipality wards 1–4, which are covered by Nepal's restricted-area trekking regulations. The permit is issued through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and is normally arranged by a registered trekking agency.
According to the current Department of Immigration fee schedule, the permit costs:
This permit is separate from the conservation-area entry fee and TIMS Card.
For travelers planning their itinerary, Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary can help determine how many days are spent inside the restricted area.
The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected landscape established in 1998 in Gorkha District. The conservation area covers approximately 1,663 square kilometres and contains important Himalayan wildlife, vegetation and culturally significant settlements.
The current Nepal Tourism Board protected-area fee table lists the Manaslu Conservation Area entry fee as:
The fee is charged per person per entry.
Because some older official tourism pages still display different Manaslu fees, trekkers should confirm the applicable amount with their trekking agency or the relevant government counter before departure.
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) is an important safety and registration system for trekking in Nepal. Under the revised TIMS provision effective from March 31, 2023, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is specifically listed among routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card.
The current NTB information lists the TIMS charge as:
The registered trekking agency submits the trekker, guide and route information and generates the electronic TIMS Card with a QR code after payment.
Trekkers should normally provide:
The agency handles the permit application and supporting documentation required by the Department of Immigration.
Yes. The current Nepal Tourism Board TIMS provision specifically lists the Manaslu Circuit Trek among routes requiring trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and to carry an agency-issued TIMS Card.
This also makes using a registered trekking company important because the company can arrange the TIMS Card, restricted-area permit and other required documents before the trek begins.
Before booking, readers can also check Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost to understand how permits, guides, accommodation and transportation affect the total budget.
The simplest process is:
Restricted-area permits must be kept with the trekker and may be requested by immigration officials or police during the journey.
For a broader preparation checklist, see Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List.
Yes. The current NTB rules list Manaslu Circuit Trek among the routes requiring an agency-issued TIMS Card and licensed trekking guide.
For the current schedule, the fee is USD 100 per person for the first seven days during September–November and USD 75 during December–August, with additional daily charges after seven days.
The restricted-area permit is handled through the Department of Immigration and trekking-agency documentation is required, so foreign trekkers should arrange it through a registered trekking agency.
The current NTB protected-area fee table lists NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals per entry.
Yes. Current NTB TIMS provisions require a licensed trekking guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Understanding Manaslu Circuit Trek permits and TIMS requirements before departure can prevent unnecessary delays and problems on the trail. Foreign trekkers should plan for the restricted-area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit and TIMS Card, while also arranging a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency.
Permit fees and regulations can change, so checking the latest information from the Nepal Tourism Board and Department of Immigration Nepal before your trek is recommended.
