New Trekking Permit Fee for Manaslu Region and Solo Trekkers Allowed in 2026

Trekking Permit Fee Update and Solo Trekking Rules for 2026

The autumn 2026 trekking season in Nepal brings a revised financial requirement for the Manaslu region and a regulatory shift that permits individual foreign trekkers to secure restricted‑area permits. These changes affect how agencies plan logistics, how trekkers budget, and which routes remain accessible without group arrangements.

Permit Fee for the Manaslu Area

Effective September through November 2026, the Gorkha Manaslu area under Chumnubri Rural Municipality requires a USD 100 per person trekking permit. The fee is listed on the Nepal Tourism Board website (ntb.gov.np) and confirmed by the Trekking Association of Nepal (taan.org.np). The charge applies to all wards (1, 2, 3, 4) within the area and must be paid in US dollars at designated checkpoints before entering the restricted zone.

This fee represents a departure from earlier pricing structures that were expressed in Nepalese rupees for other regions. For example, the International Mountain Museum indicates NPR 400 for foreign nationals on the Everest trek, while the Manaslu fee is now a flat USD 100, regardless of nationality. Agencies must factor this amount into per‑trekker cost calculations, especially for groups that include multiple nationalities.

The USD 100 rate is intended to cover administrative costs and support local conservation efforts in the Manaslu protected area. The revenue is earmarked for trail maintenance, waste management, and community development projects in the Chumnubri region. Trekkers should verify the payment method with their agency, as some checkpoints accept cash only, while others may process electronic transfers.

Removal of the Two‑Trekker Minimum Requirement

On 22 March 2026, Nepal’s Department of Immigration announced the removal of the two‑trekker minimum for restricted‑area permits. Prior to this date, foreign trekkers were required to be part of a minimum group of two individuals to obtain a permit for Manaslu, Upper Dolpo, and other restricted zones. The policy change now allows a single foreign trekker to apply for and receive a restricted‑area permit, provided the trekking agency verifies the applicant’s itinerary and compliance with safety regulations.

The amendment is documented in blog posts from Swotahtravel and Nepal Nomad, both of which cite the Department of Immigration’s official notice. The rationale given is to increase flexibility for solo adventurers and to align permit policy with the growing trend of independent trekking in Nepal.

Operational Impact on Trekking Agencies

Agencies that traditionally organized Manaslu treks for groups of two or more must now adjust their booking systems to accommodate single‑trekker reservations. This includes revising contract templates, updating price structures to reflect the USD 100 fee, and ensuring that each individual trekker meets the 35 kg porter weight limit enforced at park checkpoints. The new rule also reduces the need for agencies to manage group dynamics, potentially simplifying logistics for solo travelers.

Agents are advised to confirm that their staffing plans account for the additional paperwork required for individual permits, including the submission of detailed route itineraries and emergency contact information. The Department of Immigration has not indicated any change in processing time, but agencies report that the time to obtain a permit has shortened for solo applicants, as the verification step previously required confirmation of a partner trekker.

Implications for Trekkers

For trekkers, the USD 100 fee means a clear, upfront cost for accessing the Manaslu circuit, eliminating ambiguity that existed when fees were quoted in local currency. The removal of the two‑trekker minimum expands the range of viable travel dates, as solo trekkers are no longer forced to wait for group formation. However, solo trekkers should still consider safety protocols, as rescue operations in the Manaslu region rely on helicopter assets that may be limited during the monsoon months.

The 35 kg porter limit, enforced since early autumn 2026, remains in effect and interacts with the new fee structure. Agencies must ensure that each porter’s load does not exceed the maximum, which may affect kit lists for solo trekkers who rely on a single porter for the entire trek.

Conclusion

The updated Manaslu permit fee and the elimination of the two‑trekker minimum constitute concrete developments that will shape autumn 2026 trekking planning. Agencies and trekkers alike must adjust budgeting, booking procedures, and staffing to reflect these changes. As the season progresses, the impact of these policies will become evident in the flow of trekkers to the Manaslu region and in the operational adjustments made by local operators.

“The new permit fee and solo‑trekker rule provide greater clarity and flexibility for autumn 2026 trekkers, but require careful attention to payment methods and porter load limits. -- Department of Immigration”