Restricted area trekking permit fee is highly valuable for international trekkers in Nepal. Certain parts of any country are restricted for visiting or trekking. However, the main reasons behind calling them restricted area trekking destinations are:
- Security purpose on the international borders
- Precaution against foreign intervention into the local culture and wildlife
- Risks of visitors’ lives due to natural and manmade causes
In case of Nepal, no areas are restricted due to human-created threats. The Nepalese people treat their guests as God! They are simpleminded and helpful towards not only their people but people from all around the world. Maybe they are illiterate or low literate; but they have maintained world fraternity since time immemorial.
This blog is focused on “Restricted Area Trekking Permit and Its Value.” We believe that this will help you out to choose any of the restricted area treks in Nepal without any hardship.
Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal
Based on permit, trekking destinations in Nepal are divided into two groups: Free Individual Trekking and Restricted Area Trekking.
Free Individual trekking destinations can be visited easily without special trekking permits and extra charges. You can visit these local destinations even without any guide or fellow travelers. Both solo trekking and organized trekking can be done without much problem. But, make sure you have other permits such as TIMS Card, local area, and conservation area.
Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal is slightly different from that of free individual trekking. To do any of the restricted area treks in Nepal, you must abide by the following conditions:
- A special permit issued by the Nepal Immigration Department at TIA
- A group of at least 2 trekkers
- A government registered trekking guide
- Respect local norms, values, and customs.
- Daily salary and expenses related to safety gear, suitable clothes, and treatment if any accident to the crew members
- For those doing expeditions and peak climbing in Nepal, restricted area trekking permit if the route goes along such areas
Most importantly, you are obliged to trek to the destinations specified in the permit; or else, might be penalized for breaching the condition. Changing the route might mean that you miss out on the right trail and result in accidents as well.
For a restricted area permit in Nepal, you must submit the following documents:
- Online application form filled with the required information
- Passport copy
- Photocopy of valid visa that covers the purchase itinerary
- Trekkers’ names
- Copy of trekking itinerary
- Recommendation letter provided by the local tour operator
- Agreement paper between the agency and trekkers
- Copy of tax clearance certificate of the agency
- Copies of travel insurance of trekkers and the crew members
- Agency’s license issued by the MOTCCA, Nepal for running the respective business
- Agency’s license provided by Nepal Rastra Bank authorized for exchanging foreign currencies
- Copy of the agency’s PAN certificate
- Voucher of bank payment for permits
Although the list looks long, don’t worry because you will be helped by the trekking agency to get the permit. The agency staff members apply for such permits by fulfilling all the given conditions to the Nepal Immigration Department Office. Alternatively, Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu also issues these permits for your help.
The fees for restricted area trekking permits vary from one such destination to the others. The permit cost is issued based on the proximity, sensitiveness, and fragility of nature and culture.
Most Popular Restricted Area Treks in Nepal
Nepal shares its borders with China on the north while with India on all other sides. The border system between Nepal and India is open whereas with China controlled border system.
Almost all the areas neighboring with Tibetan Autonomous Region, China are restricted for security purposes. The Great Himalayan Range lies between China and Nepal. Most of the trekking destinations of Nepal lie close to the Tibetan Plateau.
Nepal has 16 destinations classified as restricted areas for foreign trekkers. Until 1990, these areas were completely forbidden for trekking. Since 1991, the government opened these areas for promoting tourism industry of Nepal.
Restricted area trekking is harder than other regular treks such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, etc. Moreover, the permit fee makes such trekking costs higher.
However, these off-the-beaten-path treks reward you with a lifetime experience in Nepal. You visit the hidden gems of the Nepalese Himalayas that have unspoiled nature, typical culture, and plenty of adventure.
If you want to stay away from crowded cities and destinations, restricted areas are the best option. The gurgling water, snowcapped mountains sparkling in the sunrise and sunset, chirping birds, and exotic animals excite you more than anything else. The tranquil environment gives you an opportunity to look into yourself while befriending with the Mother Nature.
Best part of trekking to the restricted areas of Nepal is that you get to know your fellow trekkers more intently. The cultural performance made by the Nepalese guides and porters will your lifelong memory!
Top Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal are:
- Upper Mustang Trek
- Dolpo Region Trek
- Upper Rolwaling Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Tsum Valley Trek
Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fee are given in the table below for your perusal.
| S.N. | Restricted Trekking Area | Permit Fee |
| 1 | Lower Dolpa Trek | USD 20 per person per week and USD 5 per day from 8th day |
| 2 | Upper Dolpo Trek | USD 500 per person for the first 10 days. Additional Us$50 per day per person later than the 10th day |
| 3 | Taplejung (Phantanglung Rural Municipality, all of wards 6 and 7 & Mikwakhola Rural Municipality, ward 5 all) Sirijunga Rural Municipality, ward 8 all) |
USD 20 per person per week (for first 4 weeks; additional fee USD 25 per person per week afterwards) |
| 4 | Upper Mustang Trek | USD 500 for the first 10 days per person and extra USD 50 per person per day from the 11th day |
| 5 | Manaslu Circuit Trek | Autumn (September –November) USD 100 per week per person and USD 15 per extra day. From December to August, USD 75 per week per person and USD 10 per extra day |
| 6 | Dolakha District (Gauri Shankar Rural Municipality, Ward no. 9 & Bighu Rural Municipality, Ward no. 1) |
USD 20 per week per person |
| 7 | Humla District (Simikot Rural Municipality, wards 1,6 and 7 all; Namkha Rural Municipality, wards 1 to 6 all; & Changkheli Rural Municipality wards 3 to 5 all) |
USD 50 for the first 7 days per person and USD 10 per person per extra day |
| 8 | Rasuwa District – Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Ward 1 all & Ward 2 some | USD 20 per person per week |
| 9 | Sankhuwasabha District/Makalu Region: Areas of Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola Village Development Committee. | For the first 4 weeks USD 10 per week per person and then USD 20 per person per extra day |
| 10 | Solukhumbu District (Everest Region):-Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) and Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4) | US$ 20 per week per person for the first 4 weeks. And US$ 25 per extra week per person. |
| 11 | Manang District /Nar Phu Valley Trek Narpa Rural Municipality, wards 1 to 5 all/ Nasho Rural Municipality wards 6 and 7 all | Autumn (September – November) USD 100 per week per person and USD 15 per person per extra day from December to August USD 75 per week per person and USD 15 per person per extra day |
| 12 | Mugu District: Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality, wards 1 to 9 all | USD100 for the first 7 days per person and USD15 per person per extra day |
| 13 | Bajhang District: Saipal Rural Municipality, wards 1 to 5 all | USD 90 for the first 7 days per person and UDD15 per extra day per person |
| 14 | Darchula District: Vyas Rural Municipality, wards 1 all | USD 90 for the first 7 days per person and USD15 per extra day per person |
| 15 | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area: Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule & Chumnubri Rural Municipality, wards 3,6 and 7 all | Autumn (September-November) USD 40 per person per week and USD 7 per person per extra day & from December to August USD 30 per person per week and USD 7 per person per extra day |
The Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fee is mentioned in USD which you can convert into your national currency. While making payment, only Nepali Currency is accepted!
Conclusion: Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fee
Restricted area trekking permit fees are higher than the regular and free individual trekking area permit fees. You have certain rules to abide by while doing such trekking in Nepal.
But the rewards you get are worth the budget you spend while purchasing them from a local tour operator in Kathmandu. These treks let you recognize yourself due to the tranquil surroundings during the trip. No one else without your crew members!
