Restricted Area Trekking is the trekking experience held from places that are hard to get through and grasp. Restricted areas are not strictly prohibited, but it is hard to reach these areas, which require special conditions(Permits, training, and documents) to be fulfilled.
Many of the remote areas of Nepal were restricted for foreign visitors from the trek till 1991 AD. These restricted areas are located from the east to the west of the country. After the multiparty democracy was established in 1990 AD, the rules changed, and restricted trekking areas were opened for foreigners to visit with a special permit issued. Now those restricted areas are also called Nepal Government controlled areas. To see this area, an international visitor requires a special permit, which is issued by the immigration of Nepal.
These restricted areas are under the control of the tourism mechanisms. This mechanism prioritizes the conservation and preservation of Natural resources along with the culture of the remote regions and peoples. This also helps provide security and safety for foreign trekkers and Nepal’s northern border with Tibet. A registered trekking agency is only permitted to trek in restricted areas, and a minimum of two persons are required to get the restricted area permit.
The government of Nepal declared 15 areas as restricted areas, and those areas need restricted area permits for trekking. Restricted area trekking is probably one of the most remote trekking trails in the world. Nepal-restricted areas offer the pledge of mountain beauties, glaciers land, lakes, rivers and cascades, local ethnic settlements, and various rare and ethnic lures during the treks. Nepal’s most popular restricted trekking areas are listed below with a short description.
- Upper Mustang
Upper mustang trek is one of Nepal’s best and top restricted trekking areas. This area is a better choice for adventurous lovers as a prime bucket list. This area is known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. The stunning architecture in the walled city of Lo Manthang and the undisturbed Tibetan culture with traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and high caves on the cliffs are always the attraction in lo Mangthang. The restricted areas start from Kagbeni, where there is an official checkpoint for restricted area trek permits. The permit area fee is USD 500 per person for the first ten days, then after each day extra USD 50 per person.
- Manaslu Conservation Area
This region is known for the best natural and cultural delights for travelers from the outside world. However, Manaslu region does have two different restricted regions, the first of which is the Manaslu Conservation Area. These restricted areas start from Jagat to samagau. To visit Manaslu area, trekkers require special Restricted area trek permit charges that differ as per season. From November to September, for three months, the Cost is USD 100 for the first week, and for each day additional Cost is USD 15 per day. Similar to December to August, the Cost is USD 75 for the first week, and each day is USD 10 as an additional cost.
- Dolpo Region Trekking
Dolpa region trekking lies in the Dolpa district of Nepal, one of the longest camping treks in Nepal. It is considered the most remote piece of the country. This region is home to some of rural Nepal’s best–preserved cultures and lifestyles. This region consists of Nepal’s highest-altitude National park Shay Phoksundo National Park, and the highest lake, shay Phoksundo.
This region consists of two distinct areas Lower Dolpo and Upper Dolpo. Lower Dolpo special permit cost is USD 20 per person for the first week and USD 5 additional daily charge. Similar to the Lower Dolpa, the special permit cost is USD 500 for the first ten days, whereas each day’s extra cost is USD 50 for Upper Dolpa.
- Humla Rural Municipality
Humla District is also 1 of the restricted trekking destination in Nepal. This region is similar to the alpine highlands of Switzerland and Italy. Limi valley section in Humla is one of the astounding places to travel and explore. The restricted area trek permit of humla allows traveling to all the Simikot, Changkheli, and Namkha rural municipalities. Usd 50 per person Cost for the first seven days permit for humla, and each day’s additional cost is USD 10.
- Manang Nar Phu region
The Nar Phu region of Manang provides a perfect off-the-beaten-track experience for the trekkers more than the others region of Annapurna. This trail leads travelers to the traditional villages of Nar and Phu, which have historical, classic, and cultural significance. Many well-conserved counterparts consider this trek to the Upper Dolpa of western Nepal.
The restricted area trekking permit cost for Nar Phu differs in the two travel seasons. Till November from September for the three months, the Cost is USD 100 for the first seven days and each day additional cost of USD 15. From December to August, the costs are USD 75 for the first week and a USD 10 additional daily fee. The restricted area permit is required for the Nar Phu valley Trek and the Kang la pass trek.
- Gorkha Tsum Valley
Tsum valley trekking is the off-beaten restricted trekking trail in Nepal. Tsum valley trekking is the blessed Himalayan journey in the naturally and culturally rich valley, offering diversified primitive art, culture, and religion. This valley especially has the traditional villages, which are the gem of a location frozen in time and still untouched by western trends and modernization.
The Cost for the Gorkha Tsum Valley restricted area trek permit differs in travel seasons. November from September for three months, the Cost is USD 40 for the first seven days, and each extra day’s Cost will be USD 7. Similarly, for December to August, the Cost is USD 30 for the first week, whereas USD 7 is charged as an additional per day for the eight days.
These mentioned areas are the major restricted areas in Nepal. Apart from these, other restricted areas also have their attractions. They are:
- Taplejung Rural Municipality Restricted area permit
Cost: For the first four weeks, USD 20 per week. USD 25 per week starting from the fifth week.
Required during: Traveling in Phantanglung, Mikwakhola, and Sirijunga rural municipalities.
- Dolakha Rural Municipality
Per week USD 20 per person cost. Must require while traveling in GauriSankhar and Bighu rural municipalities, Ruby Valley trek
- Mugu Rural Muncipality
For the first seven days, USD 100 per person and USD 15 per day starting from the second week as a cost. To explore Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality, this permit is required.
- Bajhang Restricted area permits
This permit is required while traveling to Saipal Rural Municipality, where the Cost for the first seven days is USD 90 per person and USD 15 per day starting from the second week.
- Darchula Restricted area permits
Mostly these permits are required for API Nampa trek and Vyas Rural Municipality. Cost for the first seven days is USD 90 per person, and the additional day fee is USD 15 from the second week.
- Solukhumbu Rural Municipality Restricted area permits
This permit is required while trekking to Makalu Barun National park and the Great Himalayan trail. USD 20 per person Cost for the first four weeks, then after USD 25 per week additional charge.
- Makalu region Restricted area permit on Sankhuwasabha District
Mostly required during trek towards Makalu Base camp and the Barun valley treks. The permit fee for the first four weeks is USD 10 per person, whereas the additional Cost after four weeks is USD 20 per week per person.
