Overview of Restricted Area Trekking
Restricted area trekking in Nepal allows you to enter the protected and controlled areas of the country. These areas are restricted to outsiders due to their delicate environment, cultural preservation, and border security reasons. Most restricted areas lie in remote and rural areas untouched by modernization. Hence, these regions have preserved their ancient culture, heritage, and natural wilderness. The government of Nepal and the locals want to keep it that way. Declaring these regions as restricted allows them to regulate tourism while preserving the heritage and environment.
So, how can you join restricted area trekking? You will need to obtain a special permit known as the restricted area permit through the local trekking agency registered under the government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board. A licensed guide under a registered trekking agency must accompany you during the trek journey. There are several check posts along the trekking route where you must show the permit to get access. If you fail to provide the permit, you will have to return.
Restricted area trekking allows you to explore the country’s remote and lesser traveled areas. Trekking in these restricted areas is a unique experience and an opportunity to explore something new. Its off-the-beaten trails on varied terrains take you on diverse landscapes. You can escape the bustling city noises and pollution and breathe in the pure mountain air, clearing your lungs. It also allows you to explore the ancient culture and heritage of rural Nepal and glimpse at their still primitive way of living.
Restricted Area Trekking packages
Manaslu Trek
Himalayan Leaders’ 17 Days Manaslu Trek takes you close to the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu. This challenging and adventurous trek takes you on remote and off-beat trails of the Manaslu region. You will traverse the Manaslu Conservation Area as well as the Annapurna Conservation Area, famous for its diverse and rare flora, fauna, and ecosystem. You will trek through picturesque, charming villages and stay at local teahouses offering authentic rural experience and hospitality.
Similarly, you will cross one of Nepal’s high mountain passes, Larkya La Pass, and explore the Manaslu Base Camp. The 17 Days Manaslu Trekking is a complete package that grants you access to one of the restricted areas of the country.
Tsum Valley Trekking
Discover the hidden gem of Nepal with Himalayan Leaders 18 Days Tsum Valley Trekking. The valley lies close to the Tibetan border in the Manaslu region. As a result, it is one of the restricted areas of the country. Its adventurous trekking trails are rough and off-beat and go through dense subtropical verdants and highland meadows. You will traverse remote landscapes, passing by deep valleys, traditional settlements, rivers, waterfalls, and wooden bridges. Due to its remote nature, the valley remains untouched by modernization. You can observe that the locals still follow age-old culture and traditions heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Also, get a chance to visit ancient caves and monasteries during the trek, which offers a spiritual experience.
Mustang Lo-Manthang Trek
Get a chance to explore the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal with Himalayan Leaders’ 19 Days Mustang Lo-Manthang Trek. Lo-Manthang is an ancient kingdom of Mustang that was off-limits for outsiders and visitors. It opened its doors to visitors in 1991 but is still a restricted area of Nepal. Moreover, the area lies close to the Tibetan border. The trek is an incredible opportunity to explore the desert-like unique geography of Mustang. You will observe the Tibetan plateau and stunning mountain panoramas and trek past the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki. Lo Manthang has one of the best-preserved heritage and monuments in the world. Explore the ancient caves, royal palaces, monasteries, and gompas with our Mustang Lo-Manthang Trek.
Nar Phu valley Trekking
Nar Phu Valley is one of the lesser-known and explored trekking regions of Nepal. It is a new trekking route that opened its door to outsiders in 2003. It is a hidden valley that sits in the heart of the Annapurna region. Himalayan Leaders’ 22 Days Nar Phu Valley Trekking is a beautiful opportunity to explore this hidden area.
You will also get to explore the traditional villages of Nar and Phu. You will trek on remote and off-the-beaten scenic and thrilling trails during the journey. Similarly, you will traverse the beautiful Annapurna Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna. You will cross the Thorong La Pass, a high mountain pass, while the mesmerizing mountain vistas watch over you. Also, observe the Tibetan culture and rural lifestyle of Nar Phu with this spectacular trek.
Lower Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo is one of the lesser-known trek destinations in Nepal, and it lies in a restricted area. Himalayan Leaders’ Lower Dolpo Trek offers a wonderful opportunity to explore this remote area in the Dolpo region. It is an opportunity to witness the ancient culture and heritage. Lower Dolpo region opened its doors in 1982. However, it remains an underrated trek due to its remote and challenging trails. You will traverse the ancient Trans-Himalayan salt trade route and caravan trails during the trek. Similarly, you will trek past wind-swept valleys and cross the high mountain passes of Numa La and Baga La. The trek also offers a chance to glimpse the ancient Bon culture and Tibetan Buddhism for an enriching and fulfilling journey.
Upper Dolpo Trekking
Embark on one of the most isolated and remote areas of Nepal with Himalayan Leaders’ 28 Days Upper Dolpo Trekking. The trek takes you on an adventurous journey to the western Nepal. You will traverse from dense subtropical verdant to high-altitude alpine meadows. Likewise, you will cross Kang La, a high-altitude pass that offers stunning mountain panoramas.
En route, you will trek past the pristine Shey Phoksundo Lake and Shey Phoksundo National Park. It provides a chance to witness the rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The Upper Dolpo Trek is a chance to explore the region’s ancient culture, customs, and heritage.
Jumla to Rara Lake Trek
If you are looking to escape the busy city life and trekking trails, none can be better than Jumla to Rara Lake Trek. Thus, Himalayan Leader brings you a 17 Days Jumla to Rara Lake Trek that takes you to a western region of Nepal. The trekking route falls on one of the restricted areas of the country due to its pristine, raw, and fragile environment. You will traverse remote areas and go through the smallest national park in Nepal, the Rara National Park. Upon reaching the Rara Lake, you will be greeted with the enchanting view of the color-changing waters of the lake and snow-capped mountain vistas. En route, you will pass several traditional settlements offering rich cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Tiji Festival – Upper Mustang
If you are in search of a unique cultural tour in Nepal, look no further. Himalayan Leaders brings you a 19 Days Tiji Festival Upper Mustang package that blends rich and fulfilling cultural experiences with adventure to the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. The trek takes you to the ancient kingdom of Mustang and Nepal’s last forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang. There, you will participate in the biggest Buddhist festival, the Tiji Festival. It is a three-day festival celebrating the victory of the Buddhist deity Dorje Jono over evil forces. You will witness various rituals, prayers, colorful mask dancing, and music. The trek is also an opportunity to explore the ancient monasteries and monuments of Upper Mustang. Embark on a cultural and religious tour in Nepal with the Tiji Festival Upper Mustang.
Restricted Area Trekking Permit
There are 15 restricted areas in Nepal, so there are 15 restricted area trekking permits (RAP):
Upper Mustang RAP
The Upper Mustang is one of the restricted areas of Nepal that requires a restricted area permit. The restricted area begins from Kagbeni and also includes Lo Manthang.
The Upper Mustang RAP costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and an extra USD 50 per person per day after ten days.
Manaslu Conservation Area RAP
The Manaslu Conservation Area, which lies in the Manaslu region, is a protected area. It is home to diverse flora, fauna, and fragile ecosystems. Hence, trekkers must obtain a special permit to access the area.
The Manaslu Conservation Area RAP costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 15 per person per day after seven days from September to November. Similarly, the RAP costs USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 10 per person per day after seven days from December to August.
Lower Dolpo RAP
The Lower Dolpo region has some of the country’s most well-preserved culture and traditions, which have remained untouched by modernization. To protect these, the government of Nepal has listed Lower Dolpo as a restricted area.
The Lower Dolpo RAP costs USD 20 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 5 per person per day after seven days.
Upper Dolpo RAP
The raw and unspoiled nature, well-preserved culture, and history make Upper Dolpo one of the pristine areas of Nepal. Hence, it also falls in the restricted area.
Upper Dolpo RAP costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and an extra USD 50 per day per person after ten days.
Humla Rural Municipality RAP
The remote region of Humla has been garnering a lot of attractions from trekkers worldwide due to its picturesque alpine highlands, rural lifestyles, scenic routes, and unspoiled nature. Thus, the government of Nepal has declared the region a restricted area to preserve its pure beauty and well-preserved culture.
Humla Rural Municipality RAP costs USD 50 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 10 per person per day after seven days.
Rasuwa Gosaikunda RAP
Gasaikunda is a holy lake and a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist devotees. Unlike other regions, the Nepal government has designated it a restricted area due to religious factors. The government aims to regulate tourism and preserve the area’s unique culture.
Rasuwa Gosaikunda RAP costs USD 20 per person per week.
Solukhumbu RAP
The Solukhumbu District houses Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, and its base camp. Its pristine Himalayan flora and fauna, diverse ecosystem, and vibrant culture make Solukhumbu a unique area of Nepal. Hence, the government of Nepal has designated Bhotikhola and Makalu rural municipalities as restricted areas of Solukhumbu.
The Solukhumbu Rural Municipality RAP costs USD 20 per person for the first four weeks and an extra USD 25 per person per week after four weeks.
Makalu RAP
The area within the Makalu Barun National Park in Sankhuwasabha District, i.e., the Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya, and Pawakhola villages, falls in the restricted area. Its raw wilderness and unspoiled beauty allures to thousands of adventure-seeking trekkers.
The Makalu RAP or Sankhuwasabha Makalu RAP costs USD 10 per person for the first four weeks and an extra USD 20 per person per week after that.
Nar Phu RAP
The Nar Phu Valley of the Annapurna region is a popular trek destination with its off-the-beaten trails and pristine nature. The area also has a well-preserved culture, traditions, heritages, and traditional villages. As a result, it is one of the restricted areas of the country.
From September to November, the Manang Nar Phu RAP costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 15 per person per day after seven days. Likewise, the permit costs USD 75 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 10 per person per day after seven days from December to August.
Gorkha Tsum Valley RAP
The Tsum Valley of Gorkha District is a hidden gem of Nepal that remains untouched by modernization. Locals still follow their traditional lifestyle, ancient culture, and customs. Similarly, the region also has well-preserved cultural heritage and monuments.
Gorkha Tsum Valley RAP costs USD 40 per person from September to November for the first seven days and an extra USD 7 per person per day after seven days. From December to August, the permit costs USD 30 per person per day and an extra USD 7 per person per day after seven days.
Taplejung RAP
The government of Nepal has also designated Taplejung as a restricted area. Hence, trekkers traveling through Phantanglung, Mikwakhola, and Sirijunga Rural Municipalities must obtain this permit.
The Taplejung Rural Municipality RAP costs USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks and an extra USD 25 per person per week after four weeks.
Dolakha RAP
Trekkers traveling to Gaurishankar and Bighu Rural Municipalities will require a Dolakha restricted area permit.
The Dolakha Rural Municipality RAP costs USD 20 per person per week.
Mugu RAP
The Muguma Karmarong Rural Municipality falls in the restricted area of Nepal and requires a special permit to access the region.
Mugu Rural Municipality RAP costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 15 per person per day after seven days.
Bajhang RAP
Another restricted area of Nepal is the Saipal Rural Municipality of Bajhang.
The Bajhang RAP costs USD 90 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 15 per person per day after that.
Darchula RAP
For Api Nampa Trek and those traveling to Vyas Rural Municipality, you will need a Darchula restricted area permit.
The Darchula RAP costs USD 90 per person for the first seven days and an extra USD 15 per person per day after seven days.
