It’s good news for all travelers from across the globe. We are breaking the news here in our blog site. Solo traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal for tour or trekking. Yes, it is absolutely true that solo traveler can visit these areas which were banned unless you are in a group of at least two travelers. Today’s blog is all about the questions related to the restricted areas of Nepal especially in the Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, and Upper Dolpo regions of Nepal. Some places in the northern border of Nepal with Tibet (autonomous region of People’s Republic of China) are listed as the restricted areas.
Why Nepal Government listed some places of Nepal under restricted regions?
As mentioned above, some places near Nepal – Tibet (autonomous region of People’s Republic of China) are kept as the restricted areas of Nepal. It is to protect the unique bio – diversity of the places and also to protect the unique culture of people living in these areas. These people are basically migrated from Tibet many years ago and settled there. They have their own traditions and way of living. Most of these people follow traditional Tibetan Buddhism and they have their own language too. Besides the protection of culture and traditions, it is also due to the Geo – Political reasons. Nepal government clearly supports the ONE – CHINA Policy. Therefore, the government doesn’t recognize Tibet as a sovereign nation but as one of the states of China.
For years, Nepal government Army fought the rebels defected from Tibet demanding the sovereign nation. These rebels are called Khampa rebellions. After quelling the threats of these Khampa rebels, Nepal Government slowly opened the restricted regions for others to visit after fulfilling certain criteria. Thus, the rule of doing the trek or tour in the region is set.
Breaking News: Solo Traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal
Hello travelers from across the globe, solo traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal! Isn’t it the interesting news? For those looking to explore the wilderness areas of Nepal’s northern Himalayan region alone can surely knit a beautiful trekking memories now! Note down that you can’t trek completely alone on your own as a drifter. You must get the trekking package from the Nepal government registered trekking company and you must trek with the help of a trekking guide. All these rules are still intact but solo traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal.
Can I trek without a trekking guide in the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal or any restricted areas?
No, you can’t trek without a trekking guide in the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal or any restricted areas of Nepal. The provision has not revised regarding the guide hire but only that solo traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal. If you are planning to do solo drifting in these restricted areas without a trekking guide, then you may have to face hefty penalties and deportations too. Therefore, it is wise to get a trekking guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek or trek in any restricted areas of Nepal.
How to obtain the restricted area permit in Nepal?
First of all, you must send the copy of your passport, visa, and photographs to your trekking agency. The company staff will obtain the special restricted area permit from the immigration department in Kathmandu. For the conservation area permits, the company will do the online registration and get approval from the Nepal Tourism. The local rural municipality entry permit of Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality is obtained in Jagat Village.
The cost of the conservation areas’ permits is NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1500 to SAARC nationals. The local entry permit is NRs. 1000. Similarly, the cost of the special restricted area permit is 100 $ for 7 days with 15 $ for each additional day during the autumn season in Nepal. The permit cost for the months of spring, monsoon/summer, and winter season is 75 $ for 7 days with additional 10 $ for each additional day. This is for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Other restricted areas have their own permit cost. Recently, the Upper Mustang special restricted area permit has new rules. Fortunately, the old rule of 500 $ has been changed to 50 $ per day rule. Therefore, tours and trekking in the Upper Mustang region has increased dramatically due to change in the permit cost rule.
What are the permits required to do the trek besides restricted area permit?
You may have to obtain the conservation areas’ entry permit, national park entry permit. Also rural area or local area entry permit besides the special restricted area permit. All these permits are important for the sustainable development of tourism activities in these parts of Nepal. The revenue generated from the permits are used by government and local bodies for the betterment of the trekking trail and in the safety of trekkers. Therefore, don’t skip these permits.
Is it worth trekking in the Restricted areas of Nepal like Manaslu Trek route?
Why not? It is worth millions to trek in the restricted areas of Nepal like the Manaslu Trek route and the Upper Mustang Trek route. Most of the restricted areas are less visited and they ensure tranquil experiences. Rawness, untouched environment, and less spoiled by tourism activities ensure that you have authentic trekking experiences. The rural environment of Nepal is better experienced by visiting these restricted and wilderness areas of Nepal. Therefore, the popularity of these places are high among those seeking tranquil and serene places to enjoy majestic wonders of Mother Nature.
What to expect during the restricted areas’ treks like the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?
Expect wilderness experiences while trekking in the restricted areas of Nepal. These places are usually challenging to explore but offer great experiences. If you are searching for the trekking destination that offers you authentic rural experiences up in the mountains, then choose the trails inside the restricted areas of Nepal. You must make sure that you are physically fit and you have prepared well for the trip. Know about the place in an advance and make sure to associate with the reliable trekking company like the Nepal High Trek.
Why Nepal Government allowed solo traveler too in the restricted areas of Nepal?
The main reason behind lifting the ban on solo traveler to visit the restricted areas of Nepal is to increase the number of visitors. Lots of petitions were given by the trekking agencies of Nepal regarding this matter. Even if it is illegal to travel solo, many trekkers chose the ghost trekker concept to get the permit and trekked solo. Therefore, to legalize and boost the trekkers’ numbers in these areas of Nepal, the government decided to lift the ban. Since the end of March 2026, solo travelers are now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal.
How much does it cost to do the Trek in the restricted areas of Nepal for a solo traveler?
The trekking package of these restricted areas differ according to location and accessibility options. For example, less accessible places may cost you more for the trek. The places like the Manaslu region and Upper Mustang region can be done in lesser price. Whereas the off the beaten places like Dolpo may cost more. It clearly depends according to the place and the personal preferences of travel style of traveler. So, consider the cost from 900 $ per person to more than 2500 $ per persons to do trek in restricted areas of Nepal. As for solo traveler, the cost may be on higher side than for group trekkers.
What are the major trekking routes in Restricted Areas of Nepal?
Major trekking routes in the restricted areas of Nepal are as listed follow:
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Tsum Valley Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek
- Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Upper Dolpo Trek with Shey Gompa
Besides these top 6 restricted areas, there are other noticeable trekking trails under the same category. Makalu Barun Trek or famously known as the Makalu Base Camp Trek is also under the restricted area category. Humla Simikot Limi Valley is another raw and lesser known trekking area which is listed as the restricted region of Nepal. Choose the best trekking or travel company to arrange treks or tours in these places to avoid any kinds of hassles.
Which is the best trekking company to book restricted area and wilderness trek in Nepal?
By far, the Nepal High Trek is the best trekking company to book restricted area and wilderness treks in Nepal. The company has strict policy of keeping the interests of their clients first than the profit making issues. Moreover, the company always promotes the remote and restricted regions to ensure that Nepal is towards gaining sustainable tourism practices. Once again, let’s celebrate that solo traveler is now allowed in restricted areas of Nepal.
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Explore The Himalayas
