Detailed Guide to Restricted Area Permits in Nepal

6th Sep, 2024

Nepal, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers some of the most stunning trekking routes in the world. While many popular trails are accessible with standard permits, certain regions are classified as "restricted areas" due to their sensitive locations, cultural significance, or proximity to the borders. To trek in these areas, special permits, known as Restricted Area Permits (RAPs), are required.

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This guide provides a detailed overview of the Restricted Area Permits in Nepal, including the regions that require these permits, the costs involved, and essential information for trekkers.

What is a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)?

Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) are special trekking permits required to enter certain areas of Nepal that are deemed sensitive by the government. These permits help regulate the number of tourists and protect the cultural and natural heritage of these regions. RAPs are mandatory for foreign trekkers, and the conditions for obtaining them can vary depending on the specific area.

Why Are Certain Areas Restricted?

The Nepalese government has designated some regions as restricted for several reasons:

Security Concerns: Many restricted areas are close to Nepal’s borders with China (Tibet) and India, and the government limits access to ensure national security.
Preservation of Culture and Nature: Some areas have fragile ecosystems or unique cultural heritage that require protection from mass tourism.
Infrastructure Limitations: Restricted areas may lack the infrastructure to support a large influx of tourists, such as lodging, transportation, and medical facilities.

List of Restricted Areas in Nepal and Their Permit Requirements

Below is a detailed list of restricted areas in Nepal, the specific regions or VDCs they cover, and their respective permit fees.

S.No.	Restricted Area	Region Details	Permit Fee
1	Upper Mustang	- Lomanthang Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)	USD 500 per person (first 10 days); USD 50 per person/day beyond 10 days
		- Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
		- Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no. 5)
2	Upper Dolpa	- Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4 to 6)	USD 500 per person (first 10 days); USD 50 per person/day beyond 10 days
		- Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7)
		- Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
3	Gorkha Manaslu Area	- Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4)	Sep-Nov: USD 100 per person/week; USD 15/day beyond 1 week; Dec-Aug: USD 75/week; USD 10/day beyond 1 week
4	Humla	- Simikot Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1, 6, and 7)	USD 50 per person/week; USD 10 per person/day beyond 1 week
		- Namkha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
		- Changkheli Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 to 5)
5	Taplejung	- Phantanglung Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 6 and 7)	USD 20 per person/week (first 4 weeks); USD 25 per person/week beyond 4 weeks
		- Mikwakhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5)
		- Sirijunga Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8)
6	Lower Dolpa Area	- Thulibheri Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)	USD 20 per person/week; USD 5 per person/day beyond 1 week
		- Tripurasundari Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)
		- Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 3)
		- Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8 and 9)
		- Jagdulla Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
		- Mudkechula Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9)
		- Kaike Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7)
7	Dolakha	- Gaurishankhar Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 9)	USD 20 per person/week
		- Bighu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1)
8	Gorkha Tsum Valley Area	- Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule	Sep-Nov: USD 40 per person/week; USD 7/day beyond 1 week; Dec-Aug: USD 30/week; USD 7/day beyond 1 week
		- Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 3, 6, and 7)
9	Sankhuwasabha	- Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)	USD 20 per person/week (first 4 weeks); USD 25 per person/week beyond 4 weeks
		- Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4)
10	Solukhumbu	- Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5)	USD 20 per person/week (first 4 weeks); USD 25 per person/week beyond 4 weeks
11	Rasuwa	- Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 and some area of ward no. 2)	USD 20 per person/week
12	Manang	- Narpa Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)	Sep-Nov: USD 100 per person/week; USD 15/day beyond 1 week; Dec-Aug: USD 75/week; USD 15/day beyond 1 week
		- Nasho Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 6 and 7)
13	Bajhang	- Saipal Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)	USD 90 per person/week for the first week; USD 15/day beyond 1 week
14	Mugu	- Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9)	USD 100 per person/week; USD 15 per person/day beyond 1 week
15	Darchula	- Vyas Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1)	USD 90 per person/week; USD 15 per person/day beyond 1 week

How to Obtain a Restricted Area Permit

Trekking through a Registered Agency: Trekkers must book their trips through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. Independent trekking is not allowed in restricted areas, and all permits are issued through these agencies.
Accompanied by a Licensed Guide: Trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide or porter-guide, as mandated by the Nepal Tourism Board. This ensures safety and compliance with local regulations.
Group Size Requirements: Most restricted areas require a minimum of two trekkers to issue a permit. Solo trekking is not permitted.
Application Process: The trekking agency will apply for the permit on behalf of the trekkers. Necessary documents, such as a copy of the passport, visa, and passport-sized photographs, are required for the application.

Important Considerations

Permit Costs: The cost of permits varies depending on the region and the duration of the stay. Some regions have seasonal rates, with higher fees during peak trekking months (September to November).
Additional Permits: In addition to RAPs, trekkers may need other permits like the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), or Sagarmatha National Park Permit, depending on the trek.