Manaslu Trek Permit Cost in Nepal: Fees & Rates

Manaslu Trek permit cost in Nepal depends on the trekking season, permit duration, route, and trekker nationality. Foreign trekkers completing the Manaslu Circuit generally need three permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The RAP forms the largest and most variable part of the budget, using a 7-day base fee followed by a daily charge, while MCAP and ACAP are fixed conservation-area permits. The full permit requirement exists because the Manaslu route passes through a government-designated restricted area and, on the classic circuit, continues across the Larkya La into the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Planning the permit budget requires more than adding three government fees. The RAP rate changes between the September–November peak season and the remaining months, while longer itineraries accumulate additional daily RAP charges and route variations determine whether ACAP is necessary. This guide explains Manaslu permit prices by season and trek duration, total costs for common 10-day, 14-day, and 16-day itineraries, eligibility and SAARC rates, required documents, licensed-guide and trekking-agency requirements, permit offices and processing times, and the additional trekking expenses that should be included in your overall Manaslu Circuit budget.

What Permits Are Required for the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu Trek requires 3 separate permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. All 3 are compulsory for foreign nationals completing the full Manaslu Circuit. Checkpoint officials verify each document at multiple points along the Budhi Gandaki valley.

Missing even 1 permit at any checkpoint results in a fine or a mandatory return from the trail. The 3 permits are not interchangeable, and none of them covers the function of the others.

What Is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost?

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, and USD 15 per person for each additional day during September, October, and November. For all other months (December through August), the fee is USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, and USD 10 per person for each additional day.

The RAP is the most expensive component of the Manaslu permit budget and the one that changes most with season and trek duration. The Department of Immigration in Kathmandu issues this permit exclusively through registered trekking agencies. Individual trekkers cannot walk into the Department of Immigration and obtain it independently, the application requires an official agency letter as a mandatory document.

A key calculation to understand for the Manaslu RAP is that it is charged at a flat rate for the first 7 days, and then on a strictly per-day basis thereafter. A 10-day trek requires the initial 7-day permit fee plus exactly 3 days of additional daily fees, keeping costs proportional to your specific itinerary. This daily calculation structure beyond the first 7 days directly determines how much the RAP costs for any given itinerary. 

What Is the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Cost?

The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 22 to USD 25) for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000. Nepali citizens pay NPR 100.

The MCAP covers access to the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region established in 1998 covering 1,663 square kilometers of the Budhi Gandaki river valley. The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) administers this permit. Revenue from the MCAP funds conservation programs protecting snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan tahr, and the broader biodiversity of the Manaslu range.

This permit is issued once per trek with no weekly recalculation.

What Is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Cost for the Manaslu Circuit?

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 22 to USD 25) for foreign nationals completing the full Manaslu Circuit. SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000.

The ACAP is only required by trekkers who descend from the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) toward Dharapani and exit through the Annapurna Conservation Area boundary. Trekkers who turn back before crossing into the Annapurna zone, returning via the same Budhi Gandaki route they ascended, do not need this permit.

The NTNC also issues the ACAP, and the fee matches the MCAP exactly. Checkpoint officials at Dharapani check this document on arrival. Obtaining it in Kathmandu before the trek begins is the standard approach; relying on the Dharapani checkpoint to issue it on the spot introduces unnecessary risk of delay.

How Does the Manaslu Trek Permit Cost Vary by Season?

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit fee varies by season: USD 100 for the first 7 days (plus USD 15 per additional day) from September through November, and USD 75 for the first 7 days (plus USD 10 per additional day) for all other months. The MCAP and ACAP fees remain fixed at NPR 3,000 year-round, regardless of when the trek takes place.

Season does not just determine the RAP rate. It also affects permit availability during peak periods, checkpoint operational hours at remote stations, and the total number of additional RAP days needed due to acclimatization schedules shifting with weather conditions.

How Much Does the Manaslu Permit Cost During the Autumn Trekking Season?

During autumn, September 1 through November 30, the Manaslu RAP costs USD 100 for the first week and USD 15 for each additional day. A standard 14-day autumn trek therefore requires USD 205 in RAP fees alone, before adding the conservation area permits.

Autumn is the busiest trekking window on the Manaslu Circuit. Stable temperatures between 5°C and 20°C at lower elevations, clear skies, and reliable trail conditions make October the single most popular departure month on this route. The higher RAP rate reflects the demand concentration in this period.

One timing detail many trekkers overlook: a departure in late September with a return in early October still falls entirely within the autumn rate structure. The departure date locks in the applicable seasonal daily fee for the entire permit duration, regardless of when within the permit window the trek ends.

How Much Does the Manaslu Permit Cost During the Winter Season?

From December 1 through February 28, the Manaslu RAP costs USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, and USD 10 for each additional day. This discounted rate applies to all treks departing in December, January, or February.

Winter on the Manaslu Circuit brings temperatures as low as minus 15°C at the Larkya La. Snow accumulation from January onward makes the pass crossing genuinely dangerous and sometimes impassable without specialized winter gear. Very few groups complete the full circuit in midwinter. Checkpoint officials at Jagat and Samagaon still operate and still require all 3 permits.

The lower permit cost does not compensate for the additional equipment, extended acclimatization time, and safety margin that winter trekking requires. Budget the permit saving; plan the rest of the trip around winter realities.

How Much Does the Manaslu Permit Cost During the Spring Trekking Season?

During spring, March 1 through May 31, the Manaslu RAP costs USD 75 per person per week. Spring is the second most popular season on the Manaslu Circuit, with rhododendron forests in full bloom between 2,000 and 3,500 meters and steadily improving trail conditions from March onward.

The USD 75 rate makes spring the most cost-effective season for longer treks. A 16-day spring itinerary requires the 7-day base RAP plus 9 daily extensions, totaling USD 165 in RAP fees. The same duration in autumn costs USD 235. For a group of 4 trekkers, that seasonal difference equals USD 280 in total permit savings.

Checkpoint activity during spring is as thorough as autumn. All 3 permits are verified at Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and at the Larkya La checkpoint.

How Much Does the Manaslu Permit Cost During the Monsoon Season?

From June 1 through August 31, the Manaslu RAP costs USD 75 per person per week. The official trekking route does not close during the monsoon period; permits remain available, and checkpoints stay operational.

Rainfall at lower elevations averages 300 to 500mm per month between June and August. Leeches are active on trails below 3,000 meters, particularly between Soti Khola and Jagat. Trail erosion and occasional landslides affect sections of the Budhi Gandaki gorge. Above 3,500 meters, conditions improve considerably, with the high Manaslu range blocking much of the monsoon moisture.

Trekkers willing to accept rain-heavy lower sections gain genuine trail solitude and the lowest RAP rates of the year on a route that, in October, sees significant trekking traffic.

What Factors Affect the Total Manaslu Trek Permit Cost?

3 factors directly determine the total Manaslu permit cost: trek duration, which controls the number of additional RAP days purchased; the trekking route, which determines whether the ACAP is required; and the trek start date, which sets the applicable seasonal base and daily RAP rates for the entire permit.

Does the Trek Duration Affect the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost?

Yes. The RAP is calculated with a 7-day base fee, followed by a strict per-day fee, making trek duration the primary variable in the permit cost equation. A 7-day trek requires just the base RAP. An 8-day trek requires the base plus 1 day. A 14-day trek requires the base plus 7 days. 

The practical implication: extending a 14-day itinerary by 2 days simply adds 2 days of daily permit costs (USD 30 in autumn or USD 20 in the off-season), rather than forcing you to pay for an entire additional week. For a group of 4 trekkers, that 2-day extension adds USD 300 to USD 400 in permit costs alone.

Planning your itinerary with these per-day additions in mind keeps total permit costs exact and predictable.

Does the Trekking Route Affect the Required Permit Cost?

Yes. The trekking route determines whether the ACAP is required, and that decision saves or costs approximately USD 22 to USD 25 per person.

Trekkers completing only the Manaslu Conservation Area portion of the circuit and returning via the Budhi Gandaki valley do not cross into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP checkpoint at Dharapani is irrelevant to them, and they do not need that permit.

Trekkers crossing the Larkya La and descending to Dharapani enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and must carry a valid ACAP. The checkpoint at Dharapani is active and strict. Most trekkers booking the full Manaslu Circuit include Larkya La in their itinerary, which makes the ACAP a standard line item in the permit budget.

Does the Trek Start Date Affect the Permit Fees?

Yes. The start date determines which RAP weekly rate applies and locks that rate in for the entire permit duration.

A trek departing August 31 locks in the off-season rate (USD 75 base, USD 10/day). A trek departing September 1 locks in the autumn rate (USD 100 base, USD 15/day). The daily calculation does not cross over at season boundaries. A trekker departing October 28 and finishing November 12 pays the autumn rate for their entire trek, even though the final days run into late November. Trekkers with flexible departure windows save considerably by choosing August. For a group of 4 on a 16-day trek, that scheduling decision saves USD 280 in permit costs. 

How Much Does the Manaslu Trek Permit Cost for Different Trek Durations?

The total Manaslu permit cost per person ranges from USD 194 in off-season for shorter treks to USD 344 in autumn for a 16-day circuit. The table below shows the RAP cost structure for common trek durations, with conservation area permits added separately.

Trek Duration	Autumn RAP Cost (USD)	Off-Season RAP Cost (USD)
7 days	100	75
10 days	145	105
14 days	205	145
16 days	235	165

Add NPR 3,000 for the MCAP and NPR 3,000 for the ACAP (approximately USD 44 total) per foreign national to reach the complete permit budget.

What Is the Permit Cost for a 10-Day Manaslu Trek?

A 10-day Manaslu Trek requires the base 7-day RAP coverage plus 3 additional days. During autumn, the RAP totals USD 145 per person (USD 100 + USD 45). During spring, winter, or monsoon, the RAP totals USD 105 per person (USD 75 + USD 30).

Adding the MCAP (NPR 3,000) and ACAP (NPR 3,000) for trekkers completing the full circuit, total permits reach approximately USD 244 in autumn or USD 194 in off-season months.

A 10-day itinerary typically covers the Budhi Gandaki valley to Samagaon or Samdo before returning without crossing the Larkya La. Trekkers on this shorter route who turn back at Samdo do not enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and skip the ACAP entirely, reducing total permit costs by approximately USD 22.

What Is the Permit Cost for a 14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek?

A 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek requires the 7-day base RAP coverage plus 7 additional days. During autumn, the RAP totals USD 205 per person. Off-season treks pay USD 145 in RAP fees.

Including MCAP and ACAP, total permits reach approximately USD 244 in autumn or USD 194 in spring.

The 14-day itinerary is the most commonly booked Manaslu Circuit duration. It provides enough time for a proper acclimatization schedule at Samagaon (3,530 meters) and Samdo (3,875 meters) before crossing the Larkya La and exiting at Dharapani. Nearly all 14-day trekkers complete the full circuit and therefore require the ACAP.

What Is the Permit Cost for a 16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek?

A 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek requires the base 7-day RAP coverage plus 9 additional days. During autumn, the RAP totals USD 235 per person (USD 100 + USD 135). During off-season months, the RAP totals USD 165 per person (USD 75 + USD 90).

With MCAP and ACAP added, total permits for a 16-day autumn trek reach approximately USD 344. For a 16-day spring trek, the total sits at approximately USD 269.

The additional 2 days beyond the 14-day schedule typically allow a rest day at Samagaon and a side trip to the Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp. These additions improve acclimatization and offer views unavailable on the standard 14-day route. The extra USD 75 to USD 100 in RAP fees is the only permit-level cost difference between the two itinerary lengths.

What Is the Permit Cost for a Longer Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu treks exceeding 21 days simply continue to accumulate the daily fee. For a 22-day trek at autumn rates, the RAP alone totals USD 325 per person (USD 100 base + 15 days at USD 15). At off-season rates, it costs USD 225.

Longer itineraries of 21 days or more frequently combine the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley, adding 7 to 10 days to the schedule. The Tsum Valley is a separate restricted area and requires its own Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit, currently priced at USD 35 per person per week for the first 4 weeks. Adding Tsum Valley to a Manaslu trek increases the permit budget substantially and requires a separate RAP application.

Trekkers planning extended itineraries calculate permit costs day by day rather than estimating a round figure. Small duration changes only trigger small, proportional daily fees.

Who Needs a Manaslu Trek Permit and What Documents Are Required?

Every foreign national trekking inside the Manaslu Conservation Area boundary requires all 3 mandatory permits. Nepali citizens trekking the route are exempt from the Restricted Area Permit requirement. One firm rule applies to all foreign nationals without exception: solo trekkers cannot legally obtain the Manaslu RAP.

Do Foreign Trekkers Need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit?

Yes. Every foreign national entering the Manaslu restricted zone requires a valid RAP. No exemptions apply based on nationality, trekking experience level, or previous Nepal trekking history.

The restricted zone designation exists because the Manaslu Circuit passes through border-sensitive terrain adjacent to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Nepal's government introduced the restricted area classification to regulate access, maintain minimum safety standards through mandatory guide accompaniment, and protect the cultural integrity of remote communities like Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo.

Checkpoints at Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and the Larkya La entrance station all verify the RAP against the trekker's passport details.

Do SAARC Nationals Pay the Same Manaslu Trek Permit Fees?

SAARC nationals, citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Afghanistan, pay the same Restricted Area Permit fees as all other foreign nationals. The RAP base rate is USD 100 in autumn and USD 75 in off-season months (with daily fees thereafter), regardless of SAARC status.

For the conservation area permits, SAARC nationals receive a significant discount.The MCAP and ACAP each cost NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, compared to NPR 3,000 for other foreign nationals. This reduces the conservation area permit total from approximately USD 45 to approximately USD 15 for SAARC national trekkers.

Indian nationals require the RAP in the same way as all other foreign nationals when trekking in the Manaslu restricted zone. SAARC citizenship provides no exemption from the RAP requirement or the minimum group-size and guide rules.

What Documents Are Needed to Obtain Manaslu Trek Permits?

The Manaslu RAP application requires 4 documents:

• Original passport with a valid Nepal entry visa stamped and dated

• 2 passport-sized photographs taken within the past 6 months

• RAP application form, which the issuing office or trekking agency provides

• Official agency letter from a registered Nepal trekking company confirming the licensed guide assignment for the specific trek dates

The MCAP and ACAP each require only the original passport and 1 passport-sized photograph.

All RAP documents must be originals at the time of submission. Photocopies are not accepted. Trekkers who submit incomplete documentation face processing delays of 2 to 3 additional working days during peak periods, when the Department of Immigration processes hundreds of applications simultaneously.

Can Trekkers Obtain Manaslu Permits Without a Licensed Guide?

No. The Manaslu RAP requires a minimum group of 2 foreign trekkers accompanied by at least 1 licensed government trekking guide. The application cannot be submitted without the official agency letter confirming this guide assignment.

This regulation has been in force since Nepal tightened Manaslu access rules in 2012. The guide requirement is not a recommendation or a suggestion to consider. It is a legal condition enforced at checkpoint stations, starting with the first major permit verification point at Jagat.

Checkpoint officials verify not just the RAP document but also the physical presence of the registered guide traveling with the group. A group that dismisses its guide partway through the trek and continues independently has moved outside the terms of the permit and faces immediate action at the next checkpoint.

How Can You Obtain the Manaslu Trek Permits?

The Manaslu RAP is obtained from the Department of Immigration in Maitighar, Kathmandu, through a registered trekking agency. The MCAP and ACAP are issued at NTNC offices in Kathmandu or at entrance checkpoints near Arughat and Dharapani respectively.

Where Are Manaslu Trek Permits Issued?

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is issued exclusively at the Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu. The office operates Sunday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Nepal Standard Time. Saturday is a government holiday, and the office is closed.

The MCAP is available at the NTNC Biodiversity Conservation Center in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, and at the Arughat entrance checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Obtaining the MCAP in Kathmandu is faster and more reliable than waiting for checkpoint issue. Remote checkpoint offices occasionally operate with limited staff during low-season months.

The ACAP is available at NTNC offices in Kathmandu, Besisahar, and Dharapani. Trekkers who collect all 3 permits in Kathmandu arrive at each checkpoint carrying complete documentation, removing the risk of delays from trail-side permit processing.

Can a Trekking Agency Arrange the Manaslu Trek Permits?

Yes. Registered trekking agencies handle the complete permit application process on behalf of trekkers. This is the standard, and for the RAP, the legally required approach since the application demands an official agency letter as a component document.

A registered agency submits the RAP application, prepares supporting documentation, collects the approved permit, and delivers it to trekkers in Kathmandu before the trek start date. Standard processing time for the RAP is 1 to 2 working days during non-peak periods and 3 to 5 working days during October, when the volume of simultaneous applications is highest.

Agency permit handling fees range from USD 15 to USD 30 per permit, covering document preparation and submission labor. This service fee is separate from the government-mandated permit cost itself. Conservation area permits typically process faster, often within 1 working day.

How Early Should You Apply for Manaslu Trek Permits?

Apply for the Manaslu RAP at least 3 working days before the trek start date. During October, the highest-volume month for Manaslu permit applications, apply 5 to 7 working days in advance to account for processing backlogs.

The MCAP and ACAP each process faster than the RAP, generally within 1 working day. However, obtaining all permits 3 to 5 days before departure creates a buffer for corrections if any documentation does not meet the Department of Immigration's requirements.

Trekkers arriving in Kathmandu 1 day before a planned trek start leave no room for the most common complications: a photograph that does not meet the 35mm x 45mm size requirement, or an agency letter with an incorrect trek date. Either issue delays issuance by at least 1 full working day.

What Other Costs Should You Budget for the Manaslu Trek?

Beyond permits, the Manaslu Trek budget includes guide and porter fees, accommodation and food costs, transport, and equipment-related expenses. These additional costs range from USD 700 to USD 1,500 per person for a standard 14-day circuit, depending on group size and comfort preferences.

How Much Do Guide and Porter Costs Add to a Manaslu Trek?

A licensed trekking guide on the Manaslu Circuit charges between USD 30 and USD 50 per day. Over 14 days, guide fees total USD 420 to USD 700 per guide for the group. A porter charges USD 20 to USD 30 per day, bringing porter costs to USD 280 to USD 420 over 14 days.

Both the guide and porter daily rate includes their food, accommodation, and mandatory insurance, which Nepal's trekking regulations require agencies to provide. Trekkers do not pay these costs separately; they are factored into the daily rate.

A guide-porter, a professional who both guides the route and carries loads, charges approximately USD 35 to USD 45 per day and reduces the need for separate guide and porter hires in small groups.

What Accommodation and Food Costs Should You Expect?

Teahouse accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit costs between NPR 400 and NPR 800 per night (approximately USD 3 to USD 6) at lower elevations below 2,500 meters. Above Deng and Ghap, where teahouses are fewer and supply chain costs higher, accommodation rises to NPR 600 to NPR 1,200 per night.

Meals cost between NPR 500 and NPR 1,200 per plate (approximately USD 4 to USD 9), depending on elevation and dish complexity. Dal bhat, the standard rice and lentil meal, costs NPR 500 to NPR 700 at most teahouses and comes with unlimited refills at most establishments. A daily food budget of USD 20 to USD 35 covers 3 meals and regular hot drinks on the circuit.

For a 14-day trek, accommodation and food combined typically reach USD 350 to USD 600 per person.

What Other Trekking Fees Should You Include in Your Budget?

4 additional cost categories apply to most Manaslu trekkers:

• Travel and rescue insurance: USD 80 to USD 200 for comprehensive coverage including helicopter evacuation above 5,000 meters; this is a non-negotiable budget item on a route where the nearest hospital is multiple days from the high sections

• Transport to the trailhead: USD 30 to USD 80 per person for a shared jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat (8 to 10 hours of driving on mixed road conditions)

• Hot showers and device charging: NPR 200 to NPR 500 per session at teahouses above 2,500 meters, where solar power is the primary energy source

• Guide and porter tips: USD 10 to USD 20 per guide or porter per day is standard practice at trek completion; budget this from the start rather than treating it as optional

These 4 categories add USD 200 to USD 450 to the total Manaslu Trek budget per person.

How Can Himalaya Trekking Nepal Help With Manaslu Trek Permits?

Himalaya Trekking Nepal manages the complete Manaslu permit process, from RAP application at the Department of Immigration to MCAP and ACAP collection, removing permit logistics from your pre-trek checklist entirely and ensuring all documents are correct and ready before departure day.

Can Himalaya Trekking Nepal Arrange All Required Manaslu Trek Permits?

Yes. Himalaya Trekking Nepal arranges all 3 mandatory permits for the Manaslu Circuit: the Restricted Area Permit, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

Our team submits the RAP application with the required agency letter, processes documentation at the Department of Immigration, and delivers all 3 permits to trekkers before the trek start date. We handle permit applications for groups ranging from 2 to 20 trekkers across every season.

Permit costs in our packages are calculated at current government-mandated rates. If the Nepal government adjusts fees mid-season, which has occurred in previous years, our team updates permit costs in client itineraries accordingly, so you never arrive at a checkpoint with the wrong payment on record.

We also assign licensed government trekking guides for every Manaslu Circuit departure, which is both a legal requirement for RAP issuance and the practical foundation of a safe, well-managed trek at altitude.

If you are planning a Manaslu trek for any upcoming season, reach out to our team early to confirm guide availability, permit processing timelines, and current fee rates. October availability on the Manaslu Circuit fills faster than most trekkers expect, and permit processing for peak-season October departures requires the longest lead time of any month on the calendar.

What Should You Remember About Manaslu Trek Permit Costs?

The Manaslu Trek requires 3 permits with a total cost ranging from USD 194 to USD 344 per person, depending on season, duration, and route. The Restricted Area Permit base cost of USD 75 to USD 100 per person is the largest variable cost. The MCAP and ACAP each add a fixed NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals.

5 facts every Manaslu trekker needs to carry into the budgeting stage:

• The RAP is charged using a 7-day base rate, plus a flat daily fee for every extra day on the trail.

• Autumn departures from September 1 through November 30 pay a USD 100 base (plus USD 15/day); all other months pay a USD 75 base (plus USD 10/day).

• The departure date, not the return date, locks in the applicable RAP weekly rate for the entire permit

• Solo trekkers cannot legally obtain the Manaslu RAP, a minimum group of 2 foreign nationals with a licensed guide is the legal baseline

• SAARC nationals pay the same RAP rate as all other foreign nationals but pay only NPR 1,000 each for the MCAP and ACAP.

Permit costs are the most predictable portion of the Manaslu Trek budget. Guide fees, accommodation, and transport vary more with group size and personal preference. Building the permit budget on exact day-by-day RAP calculations rather than rough daily estimates gives the most reliable total before you confirm a departure date.

For current permit rates, season-specific itinerary planning, and complete Manaslu Circuit packages with all permits arranged and licensed guides assigned, contact Himalaya Trekking Nepal directly. Our team has managed Manaslu permit applications across every season and trek duration, and we answer permit questions at no cost before you make any booking commitment.