Restricted Areas In Nepal: List, Permits And Entry Fees

Restricted Areas in Nepal: List, Permits and Entry Fees

Some of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich regions are officially designated restricted areas. These are mostly remote Himalayan valleys along the border with Tibet (China), where the government limits and monitors tourism to protect fragile local culture and environments and for border security. To trek in these regions, foreign trekkers need a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), often called a "special permit".

This guide lists Nepal's restricted areas and their permit fees, explains the latest rules, and shows exactly how to get the special permit for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Key Rules for Restricted Area Trekking

You can't get the permit yourself. Restricted-area permits are issued by the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, and only through a registered trekking agency. Foreign trekkers generally cannot obtain these permits on their own or at the trailhead.

A licensed guide is mandatory. Every trekker in a restricted area must be accompanied by a licensed guide arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency.

Solo trekkers are now allowed (new in 2026). On 22 March 2026, the Department of Immigration removed the minimum-two-trekkers rule for restricted-area permits across all of Nepal's restricted districts, so solo trekkers can now be issued a permit in their own name. Before this, a single traveller had to find a partner or pay for a second "ghost" permit.

Group size limit. The Department now allows a maximum of seven trekkers per licensed guide on a restricted-area permit, so a group of eight or more needs a second guide named on the permit.

No TIMS card needed. If your trek is entirely inside a restricted area, the RAP replaces the TIMS card and you don't buy TIMS on top. You still need the relevant national park or conservation area permits.

List of Restricted Areas in Nepal and Permit Fees

The Department of Immigration's list covers 15 official restricted zones across 13 districts. The fees below were compiled from recent published sources. Upper Mustang's fee changed in December 2025: the old flat USD 500 for 10 days was replaced by USD 50 per person per day, charged only for the days spent inside the restricted zone.

Note: Restricted-area boundaries and fees can be revised by the Government of Nepal, so always confirm the latest rates before you book. Nepal Trekking Trail will quote the current official fees for your dates.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

The Manaslu Circuit needs three permits:

You need the ACAP because the circuit leaves the Manaslu region over Larkya La and exits through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The restricted zone covers the upper Budhi Gandaki valley, which lies in Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha.

Example cost (autumn, 12-day Manaslu Circuit): On a typical 12-day itinerary, the restricted section from Jagat to the far side of Larkya La fits inside the first permit week. That makes the RAP USD 100, plus MCAP and ACAP at NPR 3,000 each, for total permit costs of roughly USD 160 per person. Longer itineraries with extra days inside the restricted zone add the daily fee.

Adding Tsum Valley? You'll need a separate Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (see the table above) in addition to the Manaslu permits.

How to Get the Special Permit for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

With Nepal Trekking Trail, you don't have to deal with any paperwork at government offices. We handle the whole process for you:

1. Book your trek. Choose a group departure or a private trek on your own dates. Solo trekkers are welcome.
2. Send us your documents. You'll need:
   • A clear colour scan of your passport (valid for at least six months)
   • Your Nepal visa, or your visa application submission ID if you haven't arrived yet
   • Passport-size photos (digital copies are fine)
   • Travel insurance details covering trekking up to at least 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation
   • Your trek dates and itinerary
3. We apply on your behalf. Our team submits your Manaslu RAP application to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and arranges your MCAP and ACAP. Permits are applied for using your visa application submission ID rather than the visa number itself, which makes advance planning easier.
4. Your permit is issued. In Kathmandu, the RAP is usually issued within one working day. We normally complete permits a day or two before departure, once you've arrived in Nepal.
5. Carry your permits on the trek. Your guide keeps the permits safe and presents them at the checkpoints at Jagat, Philim, and on the Annapurna side.

Important: Always carry your original passport on the trek, as officials may check it alongside your permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit without a guide?
No. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, and a licensed guide from a registered agency is mandatory for every trekker.

Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit solo?
Yes. Since 22 March 2026, you can get the Manaslu RAP as a single trekker. You'll still trek with your own licensed guide.

Do I need a TIMS card for Manaslu?
No. The Restricted Area Permit replaces the TIMS card. You still need the MCAP and ACAP.

How far in advance should I book?
Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead, especially for the busy autumn season (September–November), so there's time to confirm guides, transport, and permit documents.

Are permit fees included in the trek price?
[Confirm Actual Adventure's inclusion policy here, e.g. "Yes, all permit fees are included in our Manaslu Circuit Trek package."]

Trek Nepal's Restricted Areas with Nepal Trekking Trail

Nepal's restricted areas offer some of the most authentic, untouched trekking in the Himalayas, from the Tibetan villages of Nubri and Tsum to the ancient kingdom of Lo in Upper Mustang. Our experienced, licensed guides and permit team take care of every detail, so you can focus on the journey.

Contact Nepal Trekking Trail to plan your Manaslu Circuit Trek or any restricted-area adventure in Nepal.

• Fees for some areas can change with or without information . The Manaslu, Tsum, Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga figures match recent 2026 sources. The Nar Phu, Lower Dolpo, Rasuwa, and far-western rates came from older or less detailed pages. Verify them against the Department of Immigration's official fee page, which I couldn't open directly.
• The Solukhumbu restricted section is described only as a municipality ward in the sources. You'll know better than me how to name it for your readers.
• The FAQ on permit fees has a placeholder for Actual Adventure's inclusion policy.