the view of Manaslu seen during the manaslu circuit trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful and adventurous treks in Nepal. Some people just want to trek alone or with as few people as possible so that they can relish the treasures nature has to offer. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for such individuals who don’t like overly commercialized and crowded trails. In this article, we will discuss about doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo. If it is possible or not, and if not possible, why? Also, learn about all the permits you need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Can I do the Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo? Manaslu Circuit Trek without Guide.

No, you cannot do the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo. Manaslu Circuit Trail traverses through a restricted area. A special permit is required to enter the restricted area. The special permit, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, is only issued to a party of at least 2 trekkers accompanied by a government-registered guide.

However, Breakfree can arrange a trekking expedition where you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek with a guide only. Since it is mandatory to have a group of at least two trekkers to issue a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, we can arrange a Ghost Trekker who, on paper, will accompany you on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It might cost you a little extra, but for someone who values solitude and the whole attention of the guide, it is worth every cent.

Why was the Manaslu Circuit Trek declared a restricted region? Reasons why you can’t do Manaslu Circuit Trek solo.

While doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the area from Jagat to Bhimthang is declared a restricted region. There are a few reasons for declaring Manaslu a restricted region, which are explained briefly:

Unmilitarized Border with Tibet

The Manaslu Region of Nepal borders China’s autonomous region of Tibet. Though the majority of the border sits through mountain ridges, there are 3 passes and one valley through which one can enter Tibet from Nepal and vice-versa. The three passes, Gyala Pass, Lajyang Pass, and Lajyung Pass, and a valley through which Tom Khola(stream) flows are points through which one can easily cross the Nepal-Tibet Border.

So, it is a diplomatically sensitive area. If the region is not declared a restricted area, criminals can easily travel from one nation to another to evade legal punishment, not only that traffickers can use the trail to traffic illegal substances from Nepal to Tibet and vice-versa. And it is a major reason why Manaslu is declared a restricted area.

Pristine Nature and Ecosystem

Manaslu Region is home to pristine nature and an ecosystem distinct to the Himalayas. Within the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, many endangered species can be found. Endangered animals like the Snow Leopard, Lynx, Himalayan Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and Blue Sheep, and rare birds like the Golden Eagle, Tibetan Snowcock, and Himalayan Griffon call the Manaslu Region their habitat. Declaring the Manaslu Region a restricted area has minimized hunting activities and preserved the nature and ecosystem.

To preserve the Cultural Heritage and traditions of Ethnic minorities.

Manaslu and Tsum Region is home to the Nubri people. Nubri people inhabit villages like Samagaun, Namrung, Chomrong, Lho, etc., inside the Manaslu Valley. The Nubri Ethnic Minority migrated to the Manaslu Region during the 16th century to escape the political unrest in Tibet. In the last 400 years, the Nubri people have morphed their culture, which differentiates from the Tibetan culture. The dialect they speak is unique, just like the tradition they follow. Nubri people still practice Polyandry, worship spirits, and believe Manaslu to be the God of Spirits.

Declaring Manslu a restricted region, along with other reasons, is an attempt of the government to protect the cultural heritage and tradition of the Nubri Ethnic Minority.

Safe and Responsible Trekking Practice

Another reason to declare Manaslu a restricted area is to promote safe and responsible trekking. To trek through a restricted area, a group of at least two trekkers need to hire a guide to acquire the permit.

Hiring a guide ensures the safety of the trekkers. A solo, unprepared trekker can follow the wrong trail and get lost. In case of mishaps and accidents like altitude sickness, injuries, etc., they might not get immediate help.

The money spent on acquiring permits to trek in the Manaslu Region funds developmental activities, sanitation campaigns, and trail maintenance. It provides a sense of contribution and responsibility to the trekkers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Costs.

Manaslu Circuit Trek trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, the Restricted Region of Manaslu, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. To trek through these conservation areas and restricted regions, a set of permits is required. Familiarizing yourself with permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an essential step before embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Permits required for Manaslu Circuit Trek and their costs are:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

Manaslu Restricted Area permit allows trekkers to enter the restricted areas of the Manaslu Region. Trekkers will need this Manaslu Restricted Area Permit to trek the restricted areas in Manaslu that start from Jagat to Bimthang. The cost of the permit varies depending on the time of the year. The pricing is as follows:

December – August: First 10 days – 75 USD & After 10 Days – 10 USD each day
September – November: First 10 days – 100 USD & After 10 Days – 15 USD each day.

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit

Any trekker entering the Manaslu Conservation Area requires this permit. The money collected by issuing this permit helps to preserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of the region. The cost of this permit remains uniform throughout the year but varies depending on the nationality of the trekker. There is no day limit with the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit. Unlike the Manaslu RAP permit, you can spend as many days as you like inside the Manaslu Conservation Area by paying NRs. 3000.

Foreigners – NRs. 3000 or 27 USD
SAARC Country’s citizens – NRs. 1000.
Nepalese – NRs. 100.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit — Photograph of the permit required to enter Manaslu Conservation Area.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

Similarly, any trekker entering the Annapurna Conservation Area requires this permit. This permit allows you to trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. As the trek approaches its end, trekkers will enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The cost of this permit also remains uniform throughout the year but varies depending on the nationality of the trekker. This permit also doesn’t have a limit on the number of days you can spend.

Foreigners – NRs. 3000 or 27 USD.
SAARC Country’s Citizens – NRs. 1000.
Nepalese – NRs. 100.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry Permit. — An entry permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area.

4. Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Foreigners trekking in Nepal must obtain a Trekking Information Management System Card, also called a TIMS Card. This Card is essential to manage the information of international trekkers trekking in the Himalayas. A TIMS card is essential to initiate applications for the other permits mentioned above. The cost of a TIMS card depends on the nationality of the trekker.

Foreigners – NRs. 2000 or 25 USD.
SAARC Country’s Citizens – NRs. 1000

The permits can be acquired from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, however, trekkers cannot acquire the permits by themselves. The permits will only be issued in affiliation with a government-registered trekking company. A Manaslu Circuit Trek booked with Breakfree Adventures will take care of everything related to the permit, including the cost. You just need to provide us with photos of you and your documents, and our team will manage all the necessary permits.