Trekking in Nepal’s Restricted Areas

Andy CrisconiHimalayan Trekking Tours

Taking the Road Less Traveled on a Trekking Expedition in Nepal

As of 2022, Nepal has designated 15 regions of the country as Restricted Areas. These are areas in which the Nepalese Government has given the utmost priority to the preservation of nature, culture and heritage. Almost all of these areas are located in the northern and western parts of Nepal and lie in close proximity to or actually share a border with China/Tibet or India.

Hiking in Nepal’s NarPhu valleys

While Nepal does not technically limit the number of travelers to these areas; logistics and the longer time required to access and complete a trip in these areas is a limiting factor. Restricted areas are in more remote corners of Nepal and usually require 2 to 3 days of flying and/or driving before you even start hiking. Restricted areas are also the least developed, so groups need to travel as small, self-contained camping expeditions to include a cook staff.

For each of our groups, One World Trekking must apply for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), with the cost of the permits built into your trip price. A minimum group size of 2 people is required to obtain these permits. Individual travel is not permitted.

So, for those of you out there with at least 1 travel partner, the extra time and looking to experience a remote Nepal getaway camping under the stars…one of these restricted areas may be worth considering.

  1. Upper Mustang
  2. Manaslu Conservation Area
  3. Lower Dolpo
  4. Upper Dolpo
  5. Humla Rural Municipality
  6. Rasuwa Gosaikunda
  7. Solukhumbu RAP for Rural Municipality
  8. Makalu region
  9. Manang NarPhu region
  10. Gorkha Tsum Valley
  11. Taplejung Rural Municipality
  12. Dolakha Rural Municipality
  13. Mugu Rural Muncipality
  14. Bajhang
  15. Darchula