Best Restricted Area Treks In Nepal

Top Restricted Area Treks In Nepal: Explore Permits, Routes, and Tips

Nepal is a landlocked country situated between China and India. The country has one of the best geography and landscapes in the world, with the Himalaya Mountain range to the north and plains that are ideal for agriculture and wildlife in the south. Hence, it is home to some of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world, all of them are in remote locations.

However, some of these areas are restricted by the Government of Nepal to preserve the natural environment, culture heritage, and ensure the safety of both domestic and international tourists. Thus, permits for trekking in restricted areas are needed, and they are usually more expensive and difficult to get than those for common trekking trails, such as Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, or the Annapurna Circuit. 

Some of the treks in Nepal’s restricted zones are as follows:

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is situated in the northwestern part of Nepal, in the Mustang district of Gandaki Province, as part of the Dhaulagiri range. The capital of the area is Lo Manthang located at an elevation of 3,800 m (12,500 ft) above sea level. It is also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” and was not allowed for tourists to visit until 1992. This place is a culturally rich destination with a strong Tibetan influence.

Speaking of landscape, it lies in a rain shadow area, making the land a true desert. To visit this sacred land, an individual needs a permit costing USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day.Upper Mustang Trek is one of the forbidden treks in Nepal and is advised moderate in difficulty. It often starts from Jomsom; however, some prefer to go directly to Kagbeni (the gateway to Upper Mustang) by vehicle, and from there, the journey officially starts toward the north. Tourists need to walk slowly for 5 to 7 hours every day through dry and flat land.

The best times to visit the area are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Nevertheless, it is also possible to trek in this area during the monsoon, as it is a rain-shadowed region of the country. The major attractions of Upper Mustang, besides Lo Manthang, are Ghar Gompa, the monks’ meditation caves, and the Tiji Festival.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

The name of the trekking trail is derived from Manaslu (8,163 m above sea level), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, situated in the Gorkha district, part of the Gandaki province. Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging in difficulty, meaning one should have strong physical fitnessand proper endurance. The best seasons to trek on this trail are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

The trek usually begins from Machhi Khola, Gorkha, and concludes in Dharapani, Manang. Most of the route lies in Gorkha. The Larke La Pass is the final point of the trek, sits at an altitude of 5,106 m. It usually takes 14 to 18 days to complete, varying depending on the walking pace and rest days for acclimatization.

The number of adventure lovers from around the world is increasing, especially those trekking in Nepal’s restricted zone, the Manaslu Region, where special permits are needed. As for permits, tourists should have the RAP (Restricted Area Permit), ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project). The costs for a RAP vary by season. Tourists are requied to pay USD 1000 per person for the first week and USD 15 for each additional day during autumn. During other seasons, the RAP cost is USD 75 per person for the first week and USD 10 for each additional day.

On the other hand, the costs for MCAP and ACAP are the same, NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals, and NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC citizens. The reason behind paying for ACAP permit as well is that the endpoint of the trek lies in Annapurna Region.

Adventurers can witness the beautiful views of Manaslu and other mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Boudha Himal in the region, its diverse landscape, and learn about the unique culture of the locals, which is heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions. Furthermore, trekkers may encounter wildlife such as himalayan tahr, musk deer, and snow leopard along the way, as the trail falls inside the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Tsum Valley Trek

The Tsum Valley trek is also located in the Manaslu Region and in the same district as Manaslu Circuit Trekking (in the opposite direction) and takes almost the same duration to complete. Trekkers can witness ancient Buddhist monasteries, a holy Himalayan valley, and learn aboutTibetan culture.

The Valley is situated at an elevation of 2,000 to 3,500 m. and is known for its beautiful mountain views, quiet surroundings, and the lifestyle of the indigenous people. It was not open to trekkers until 2008. Since then, it has been gaining popularity among adventure lovers. However, it is still a less crowded destination compared to other popular regions like Everest, Annapurna, or Dhaulagiri.

The permit to visit the valley cost USD 40 per week in autumn (September to November) and USD 30 for other months. To witness the perfect view of the valley, trekkers are highly encouraged to trek in spring and autumn. In terms of difficulty, it is moderate.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp is situated at 5,143 m in eastern Nepal, in the Taplejung district of Koshi province. The remote trail offers tourists a beautiful view of the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) and diverse flora and fauna along the way. As for the permit, it costs USD 20 per week for the restricted area. Moreover, tourists are required to obtain additional permits for the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which costs USD 30.

Speaking of difficulty, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek, requiring 20 to 22 days to complete, with long walking days at high altitudes and steep ascents. Moreover, there are fewer tea houses or hotels along the trail compared to other well-known trekking destinations.

There are three different route options for this trek: the North Base Camp Trek, the South Base Camp Trek, and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The North Base Cap Trek route leads directly to Pangpema, the South Base Camp trek route leads to Ramche, and the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek combines the route of both North and South Base Camps to complete the trek.

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo is located in the Dolpa district of Karnali province. The highest point of the trek is at 5,360 m. During the trek, tourists can enjoy Shey Phoksundo (one of the high-altitude lakes in the country), remote wilderness, ancient Bonpo culture, and the high-altitude desert. In addition to these, trekkers walk through Nepal’s largest national park, Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1984, with a total area of 3,555 square kilometers.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is also considered one of the forbidden treks in Nepal. It usually starts from Juphal, a small town near the airport and passes through several villages such as Dunai (the district headquarters), Tarakot, Phoksundo, and Saldang. After these villages, the next place destination is none other than Shey Phoksundo. It normally takes 18 to 20 days to complete the Upper Dolpo Trek.

To obtain a permit, tourists are required to pay USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. In terms of difficulty, the trek is challenging since there are no tea houses available after Shey Phoksundo.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar and Phu are two different villages situated within the same valley in Manang district of Gandaki province in the Annapurna Region. The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a hidden trekking area in Nepal that has recently got popularity among trekkers from around the world. It offers visitors beautiful Tibetan-style villages, monasteries, and dramatic landscapes. Its highest point is Kang La Pass (5,306 m).

Tourists can get a permit by paying USD 100 for the first seven days and USD 15 for each additional day. The best seasons to visit the valley are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

The trek is less crowded compared to other destinations in the Annapurna Region, and it takes typically 12 to 16 days, varying depending on the walking pace and rest day for acclimatization. It is one of the challenging treks in Nepal.

Limi Valley Trek

The best season to visit the Limi Valley for trekking is from May to October. The Limi Valley Trek considered is challenging and usually takes 18 to 21 days to complete. To visit the valley, tourists are required to obtain a permit costing USD 50 per week, with additional cost as per the itinerary.

The Limi valley offers Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, a unique culture, and remote landscapes to tourists. It is situated in the Humla district of Karnali province. In terms of elevation, the valley reaches up to 5,630 m.

Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal by area. It is also considered the ‘Queen of Lakes’ in the country. Located in the Mugu district of Karnali province, at an altitude of 2,990 m. The lake coversa total area of approximately 10.8 square kilometers and is Nepal’s deepest lake with a depth of 167 m.

The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, as well as juniper, lush pine, and spruce forests. The lake's clean blue water offers an astounishing view, reflecting the stunning landscape. The region is home to multiple ethnic groups, such as Chhetri, Thakuri, Brahim, and Tamang. They continue to keep their traditional lifestyle, effectively preserving their culture.

The Rara Lake trek is considered moderate in difficulty. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for trekking in the destination. It offers a chance to explore traditional cultures, remote parts of the country, and untouched landscape. Trekkers can also visit Rara National Park, established in 1976, to experience the wilderness and beauty of the area.

The permit costs USD 90 per week, though this is subject to change. Furthermore, an ACAP or Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit may be required, depending on the trail. The region is designated as a restricted area to protect its culture and environment.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

The base camp is located within the Makalu Barun National Park (established in 1992), which covers total area of 1,500 kilometers square across two districts in Nepal: Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha, both in the Koshi province. It stands at an elevation of 4,870 m.

The reason for its restriction is to control the high flow of tourists in the area and protect its fragile ecosystem. As for the permit, tourists are required to pay USD 10 per week for the Makalu Region Restricted Area Permit, along with an additional fee for the Makalu Barun National Park Entry (NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC citizens, NPR 100 for Nepalese, and NPR 25 for tourist porters).

Makalu Base Camp trek typically starts from Tumlingtar, Sankhuwasabha and frequently takes about 9 to 10 days to complete. However, trekkers can enjoy the stunning views of mountains such as Makalu, Lhotse, and other peaks in the Mahalangur range throughout the journey.

Things To Know Before Trekking In Restricted Areas

Going on a trek to any destination is always fun. However, since this blog is discussing the best restricted area treks in Nepal, there are a few things to know before trekking in restricted areas.

• Trekking in all the restricted areas mentioned above requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Only registered guides and agencies are eligible to take tourists there.
• To trek in these areas, there must be at least two people in a group.
• The restricted regions mentioned above are culturally sensitive. Therefore, visitors should respect the local customs and traditions.
• Trekking in the restricted region requires proper physical fitness, as they are all located in remote regions of Nepal.
• Trekkers should carry all essential items, such as trekking poles, sunscreen (SPF 50+ or above), gloves, UV protection glasses, a water bottle, warm clothing, lip balm, a UV protection face mask, a sleeping bag, a quality backpack, warm socks, quality trekking shoes, etc.
• Trekkers should also carry some medicationsfor high-altitude sickness or sudden injuries, such as Diamox, Dexamethasone, water purification tablets, bandages, etc. They should consult their doctor before embarking on treks in these restricted areas.
• The best trekking seasons in Nepal are autumn and spring, with autumn being considered the peak season and spring being a good time to trek with fewer crowds in these restricted areas.

Conclusion

Restricted area treks in Nepal are ideal for adventure enthusiasts who seek to explore the culture and tradition of the place, study its natural resources, and hike in less crowded areas. At the same time, it is important to focus on preserving and protecting the value of these destinations to attract trekkers from around the world.

Among all the restricted areas mentioned in this blog, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the best restricted area treks in Nepal at the current time, offering a truly immersive trekking experience. It offers an adventure-filled experience for tourists who prefer a less commercialized trail over the more popular ones, with beautiful views of gorgeous mountains and culturally rich communities. Whether you are an experienced trekker or simply interested in outdoor recreational activities like trekking, it guarantees a mind-blowing adventure in Nepal.