Complete Guide to Restricted Area Permits in Nepal 2025
Sherkha
March 21, 2025
If you want to go trekking in certain parts of Nepal, you have to follow some rules. These places are called 'Restricted Areas,' and the government has strict rules about who can go there.
If you want to trek in these places, you can't go alone; you have to be in a group of at least two people. Also, you need a special permit from the Department of Immigration.
You can't get this permit by yourself. You have to talk to trekking partners, and they will apply for the permit for you. The trekking partners will take care of all the paperwork and stuff. When you go trekking in these areas, you must be with a licensed trekking guide.
There's a fee you have to pay for the permit, and it's in US dollars. But when you pay, you have to use Nepali Rupees. Make sure you have a valid visa for enough days to cover your trekking plans. Also, remember that you can't get a permit if your visa is going to expire soon.
Trekking Route and Permit Fee
Upper Mustang
If you're planning to visit Upper Mustang, a super cool place with awesome views in Nepal, there are some important rules to follow. You need to get special permits to go to certain parts of Upper Mustang, like Lo-Manthang and Baragung Muktichhetra.
For the first 10 days, it's $500 per person. If you want to stay longer and explore more, it's an extra $50 per person per day.
Upper Dolpo
To explore special places like Dolpo Buddha, Shey Phoksundo, and Charka Tangsong, you have to follow certain rules about permits.
For the first 10 days, it's $500 per person. If you want to stay longer and keep enjoying the awesome landscapes, it's an extra $50 per person per day.
Gorkha Manaslu Area
To explore places like Chumnubri, you've got to follow specific rules about permits, and the cost depends on when you visit.
If you're going during the busy season from September to November, it's $100 per person per week. And if you stay longer than the first week, it's an extra $15 per person per day.
But, if you're visiting during the off-peak season from December to August, the permit is a bit cheaper at $75 per person per week. Still, if you extend your stay beyond the first week, there's an extra charge of $10 per person per day.
Humla
To check out places like Simikot, Namkha, and Changkheli, you need to get special permits. The permit fee is $50 per person per week, and if you decide to stay longer than the first week, there's an extra charge of $10 per person per day.
Taplejung
If you're heading to Taplejung in Nepal and want to explore places like Phantanglung, Mikwakhola, and Sirijunga, there are some rules about permits you should know.
To get into these cool areas, you need to grab a permit. The cost is $20 per person per week for the first four weeks. If you decide to stay longer than that, the fee goes up to $25 per person per week.
Lower Dolpa Area
If you're up for an adventure in the Lower Dolpa Area in Nepal, where you can explore places like Thuli Bheri, Tripurasundari, Dolpo Buddha, Shey Phoksundo, Jagdulla, Mudkechula, and Kaike, there are some rules to follow.
To get into these awesome areas, you need to get a permit. It costs $20 per person per week for the first period. If you decide to stay longer than the first week, there's an extra charge of $5 per person per day.
Dolakha
If you're planning to explore Dolakha in Nepal, especially places like Gaurishankar and Bighu, here's the scoop on permits.
You need to grab a permit to get into these areas. It's $20 per person per week. So, make sure you get your permits sorted for a fantastic exploration of Dolakha!
Gorkha Tsum Valley Area
If you're gearing up for an adventure in the Gorkha Tsum Valley Area in Nepal, including cool places like Sirdibas, Lokpa, Chumling, Chhekampar, Nile, and Chhule, here's the lowdown on permits.
To explore these awesome spots, you'll need permits, and the cost depends on when you go. In the busy season from September to November, it's $40 per person per week. If you stay longer than the first week, there's an extra charge of $7 per person per day.
Now, if you're planning to visit during the quieter season from December to August, the permit is a bit cheaper at $30 per person per week. But, like in the peak season, there's still an extra charge of $7 per person per day if you extend your stay beyond the first week.
Sankhuwasabha
To get into beautiful Sankhuwasabha in Nepal, you need a permit. It's $20 per person per week for the first four weeks. But, if you decide to stay longer than that, the fee goes up to $25 per person per week.
Solukhumbu
You need to grab a permit to get into stunning Solukhumbu region in Nepal. It's $20 per person per week for the first four weeks. But, if you decide to extend your stay beyond that, the fee goes up to $25 per person per week.
Rasuwa
To get into beautiful Rasuwa in Nepal, especially places like Gosainkunda, you've got to grab a permit. It's $20 per person per week.
Manang
During the busy season from September to November, you'll need a permit, and it costs $100 per person per week. If you decide to stay longer than the first week, there's an extra charge of $15 per person per day.
Now, if you're planning to visit during the quieter season from December to August, the permit is a bit cheaper at $75 per person per week. But, like in the peak season, there's still an extra charge of $15 per person per day if you extend your stay beyond the first week.
Bajhang
To get into scenic Bajhang in Nepal, especially places like Saipal, you've got to grab a permit. It's $90 per person for the first week. But, if you decide to extend your stay beyond that, there's an extra charge of $15 per person per day.
Mugu
To get into Mugu, you need to grab a permit. It's $100 per person for the first week. But, if you decide to stay longer than that, there's an extra charge of $15 per person per day.
Darchula
If you're heading to the awesome Darchula in Nepal, especially areas like Vyas Rural Municipality's Ward No. 1, here's the scoop on permits.
To get into these cool areas, you've got to grab a permit. It's $90 per person for the first week. But, if you decide to stay longer than that, there's an extra charge of $15 per person per day.
Important note: If you're planning a mountain expedition in the Upper Mustang or Upper Dolpa Region and the royalty paid is less than the fee for a trekking permit, you'll need to pay the difference amount.
Conditions to be followed by Trekkers
If you're planning to go trekking in Nepal, here are some important rules to keep in mind:
Show Respect
Always be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Don't do anything that might upset or go against the local way of life.
No Solo Trekking in Special Areas
You can't go trekking alone in special places. You need at least one buddy with you.
Keep Your Helpers Safe
Make sure to take care of the local folks helping you out. Give them fair pay, safety gear, and the right clothes. And hey, don't forget insurance for accidents!
Stick to the Plan
Stick to the route mentioned in your trekking permit. Changing the plan during the trek isn't allowed unless the guide or the trekking agency says it's okay.
Mountaineers, Listen Up
If you're planning to climb big peaks and need to go through special areas, get a trekking permit too. Good news – you don't have to pay extra for it.
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So, like, in the end, Nepal has lots of cool places, you know? But here's the thing, to check out these places, you need permits, and each place has its own rules.
The prices can range from $20 to $500 per person, depending on where you want to go and when you want to go.
