Restricted Trekking Areas in Nepal Overview
While seeking the best trek in Nepal, the restricted trails always show a magical, adventurous journey to all levels of trekkers. From solo travelers to budget trekkers, Nepal always sets itself as a highly demanding trekking destination on the planet. The restricted trails of Nepal represent the raw Himalayas landscapes of Manaslu to the hidden treasure of Upper Mustang and the Dolpo Trek. Here are several reasons to choose a restricted trail hike instead of other famous Treks in Nepal.
Why Choose a Restricted Area Trek in Nepal?
While seeking the best trek in Nepal, the restricted trails always show a magical, adventurous journey to all levels of trekkers. From the Solo trekkers to the Budget trekkers, Nepal always sets itself as a highly demanding land on the planet. The restricted trails of Nepal represent the raw Himalayan landscape of Manaslu to the hidden treasure of Upper Mustang, and the Dolpo trek. Here are several reason to choose the restricted trek instead of other famous Treks in Nepal.
Natural Beauty
- Unlike other crowded commercial trails, like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, restricted trails take you through remote villages, high-altitude landscapes, and ancient villages with multicultural Himalayan settlements where nature remains unspoiled.
Unique Cultural Experience
- Many restricted treks in Nepal, such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo, are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, wheels, and traditional lifestyles preserved for centuries.
Less crowded, more solitary trails
- Since the trek required a special trek permit, you will encounter faraway trekkers, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience of the offbeat trail.
Adventure and challenging
- A restricted trekking path often involves high-altitude passes, rugged terrains, and unpredictable weather, which makes the journey ideal for those seeking raw Himalayan adventure.
Top Five Restricted Area Treks in Nepal
- Permit Required: Manaslu Conservation Area permit (MCAP)
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
- Trek Duration: 11- 15 days
- Best time: September-December/March-May
- Trek Cost : starts from USD 910 to USD1500 ( depend upon service)
Manaslu Restricted Trek Highlight
- Larkya Pass
- Diverse Landscape from Subtropical forest to Alpine Zone.
- Authentic Gurung Culture and Tibetan village.
Upper Mustang
- Permit Required: Restricted area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
- Duration: 13-16 Days
- Best Months: March to November
- Upper Mustang Trek Cost : Ranges from USD 1650 to USD 3500 ( with permit and transportation)
Upper Mustang Trek Highlight
- Ancient wall city of Lo Manthang.
- Tibetan Style village and Monasteries.
- Dessert-like landscape resembling Tibet.
Dolpo Trek (Lower and Upper)
- Permit Requirement: Special trek permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit.
- Duration: 18-25 days
- Best Trek Season: May to October
Dolpo Trek Highlight
- Phoksundo Lake (one of the deepest lakes in Nepal)
- Ancient Bon Po Culture (Pre-Buddhist religion)
- Remote Himalayan wilderness
Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Permit Required: Restricted Area Trek and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
- Duration: 12-16 days
- Best Season: Autumn and Spring
Highlight of Nar Phu Trek
- Hidden Valley between the Manaslu Region and the Annapurna Region.
- Traditional Tibetain village ( Nar and Phu)
- Kang La Pass (5322m)
- Permit Required: Manaslu Conservation Area permit
- Tsum Valley restricted trek permit.
- Duration: 13- 17 Days
- Best time: Spring and autumn seasons.
- Trek Cost : start from USD 700
Highlight:
- Sacred Tsum Valley with an ancient Buddhist Cave.
- Unique Tsum Cultural people (known as Polyandry Traditions)
- Stunning view of Ganesh Himal and other magical peaks.
Nepal Restricted Trekking Area Permits: Costs, How to Get & Key Regulations 2025/2026 Guide)
Restricted trek Nepal requires several mandatory rules, including a special permit, a guide, and specific times for entry and exit. Nepal offers a couple of restricted zones for trekking, which apply various permit prices depending on the time. Typically, for issuing the permits for restricted trail trek, you should visit the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu with your original passport, photo, and registered company document, or you can issue them online. Similarly, some of the restricted areas are part of conservation areas as well, like Manaslu, Nar Phu, Tsum Valley, which require a conservation area trek permit from the Nepal Tourism Board (which can be issued with the help of a trekking company or an individual).
Planning your restricted trek in Nepal shouldn't be complected. So we provide a clear breakdown of the special permit price.Check it and make your Nepal travel smooth and rewarding.
S.N |
Trekking Area |
Permit cost (Sep-Nov) |
Permit Cost (Dec-Aug) |
1 |
Manaslu Circuit Trek |
$100 for first week and $15 each day beyon week |
$75 or first week and $10 each day beyon week |
2 |
Upper Mustang Trek |
$ 500 per day / $50 per day beyond a week. |
$ 500 per day / $50 per day beyond a week |
3 |
Dolpo Trek |
$ 500 for 10 days and $50 after 10 days |
$ 500 for 10 days and $50 after 10 days |
4 |
Nar Phu Valley Trek |
-$100 for first week (15 beyond week) |
$75 for first week ($15 beyond week) |
5 |
Tsum Valley Trek |
40 for the first week and $ 7 each day beyond week. |
35 for the first week and $ 7beyond each day beyond week. |
Note: This given rate of restricted area trek permit cost is on basis of per person.
Additional Permit Requirement
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - $28
- Manaslu Conservation Area permit: $28
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit: $30
- Spring (March- May) – Best time for Upper Mustang and Dolpo. ( stable weather, natural glory, rhododendron blooming season)
- Autumn: ideal for Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley Trek, Nar Phu Trek ( clear skies, stable trail, great mountain vista)
- Winter (Dec-Feb) - trek is possible, but in extreme cold. Especially in high-altitude regions.
- Moonson (Jun- Aug) – Not recommended for high altitude trek due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Restricted Area Trekking Essential Tips
- Booked with a registered trekking agency. Solo or independent trekkers are not allowed into the restricted trekking area.
- Carry enough Nepali currency ( There is no ATM on the trekking routes)
- Pack for extreme weather (layered clothes, sturdy boots, sleeping bags)
- Respect Local Customs) - (Ask before capturing people’s photos, avoid disrespecting religious sites.
- Acclimatize properly: Many trek goes above 4000m, so rest enough to make the trek rewarding.
Is a Restricted Area Trekking worth it?
If you are looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Himalayan Adventure, a restricted trek in Nepal is a dream come true and life lifetime experience. While the permit adds to the cost, the pristine landscape, rich cultures, and solitude make this trek truly special and rewarding.
Whether you are choosing the forbidden kind of Upper Mustang or the Raw Himalayan Adventure of the Manaslu Circuit. You will return with memories for a lifetime.
Is trekking in Nepal safe?
Yes, trekking in Nepal is generally safe, especially with proper planning and precautions. The most significant risk is Altitude Sickness, which can be avoided easily by descending or making proper rest. Trekking with a registered company and hiring an experienced guide is necessary, as they provide local knowledge, navigation, and emergency support, particularly in remote or restricted trek routes. Always secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude risk. While, weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Therefore, choosing autumn and spring significantly reduces risk. By being prepared, knowing, and respecting local culture, and not pushing limits, you can safely enjoy Nepal’s breathtaking trails.