Restricted Area Permits in Nepal: 2026 Guide to Costs, Regions, and Requirements

Major Policy Shift: Upper Mustang Permit Reform and Its Impact on Tourism

Nepal’s restricted area permit framework has long been one of the defining regulatory systems governing high-altitude and culturally sensitive Himalayan regions. In late November 2025, the Government of Nepal implemented a major reform affecting one of the country’s most iconic restricted destinations: Upper Mustang. Historically, foreign trekkers were required to pay a blanket USD 500 fee covering the first ten days regardless of actual length of stay, which often discouraged short visits or exploratory itineraries. The system was criticized for charging travelers for unused days, limiting flexibility and deterring potential visitors who were curious about the region but unwilling to commit to extended expeditions.

Under the updated regulations, Upper Mustang now follows a daily permit model costing USD 50 per person per day. Instead of paying a flat rate, visitors only pay for the exact duration of their stay. This policy shift reflects broader tourism strategy changes designed to increase accessibility while maintaining revenue for conservation and local communities. Officials and industry stakeholders have emphasized that daily pricing is more transparent and equitable, allowing tourists to design shorter cultural trips, jeep tours, or exploratory journeys without being penalized financially.

The implications of this change are significant. Short-term travelers who previously avoided the region due to high upfront costs now have a viable entry point. Trekking agencies report growing interest from travelers seeking shorter itineraries of eight to fourteen days rather than longer, traditional trekking routes. From an economic standpoint, the change is expected to stimulate local economies by increasing visitor numbers and distributing tourism income across more small businesses rather than concentrating revenue solely in long-duration trekking packages.

Moreover, the policy positions Nepal competitively against neighboring Himalayan destinations such as Bhutan and Tibet, where strict tourism controls and high daily fees have historically shaped visitor flows. By balancing accessibility with regulation, Nepal aims to encourage responsible tourism while preserving fragile cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

With this reform setting the tone for evolving tourism policy, understanding the full landscape of restricted area permits in Nepal becomes essential for travelers, trekking operators, and tourism professionals. The following sections provide a comprehensive breakdown of each restricted region, associated permit requirements, costs, and logistical considerations.

Understanding Restricted Area Permits in Nepal

Restricted area permits (RAPs) are special authorization documents issued by the Nepal Department of Immigration for designated border and culturally sensitive regions. These areas are typically located near the Tibetan frontier or in ecologically fragile zones where uncontrolled tourism could disrupt local traditions or damage the environment. Access is tightly regulated through mandatory permits, licensed guides, and minimum group requirements in many cases.

The purpose of RAPs extends beyond revenue collection. Nepal uses these permits to control visitor numbers, protect indigenous cultures, and monitor environmental impact in remote regions where infrastructure is limited and emergency services may be minimal.

In addition to RAPs, travelers often require supplementary permits such as national park entry permits, conservation area passes, or regional taxes. For example, treks through Manaslu require both restricted area permits and conservation area permits due to the region’s inclusion within protected landscapes.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area

Overview

Upper Mustang lies in north-central Nepal near the Tibetan plateau and represents one of the most culturally preserved Himalayan regions. The walled city of Lo Manthang and surrounding villages maintain strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions, architecture, and language patterns.

Permit Requirements and Fees

• Current system: USD 50 per person per day under the revised daily pricing model.
• Previous system: USD 500 for the first ten days regardless of length of stay.

Additional permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit may also apply depending on the trekking route.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The daily fee structure is expected to encourage shorter trips and expand tourism beyond traditional multi-week expeditions. This accessibility fosters increased economic activity in local lodges, transportation services, and cultural tourism operations.

Upper Dolpa Restricted Area

Overview

Upper Dolpa is among the most remote trekking destinations in Nepal, characterized by high-altitude plateaus, Buddhist monasteries, and isolated communities influenced by Tibetan culture.

Permit Fees

• USD 500 per person for the first ten days
• USD 50 per person per day beyond ten days

Additional Requirements

Travelers typically need entry permits for Shey Phoksundo National Park and must trek with a licensed guide.

Tourism Characteristics

High costs and logistical complexity keep visitor numbers relatively low, preserving the area’s pristine environment and cultural integrity.

Lower Dolpa Restricted Area

Overview

Lower Dolpa serves as a transitional zone between remote Upper Dolpa and more accessible trekking regions.

Permit Fees

• USD 20 per person per week
• USD 5 per day after the first week

Tourism Notes

Lower Dolpa provides an alternative for trekkers seeking cultural immersion without the higher financial barriers of Upper Dolpa.

Manaslu Restricted Area

Overview

The Manaslu region offers a remote alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, combining high mountain scenery with traditional villages.

Permit Fees

• September to November: USD 100 per week plus USD 15 per additional day
• December to August: USD 75 per week plus USD 10 per additional day

Additional Permits

Travelers must obtain the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and often the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit as well.

Tsum Valley Restricted Area

Overview

Located in northern Gorkha near the Tibetan border, Tsum Valley is known for its sacred monasteries and strong Buddhist heritage.

Permit Fees

• September to November: USD 40 per week plus USD 7 per additional day
• December to August: USD 30 per week plus USD 7 per additional day

Tourism Features

The valley’s isolation and spiritual significance require controlled visitor access to protect local traditions.

Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area

Overview

Nar and Phu villages lie northeast of Manang and remain culturally distinct due to geographic isolation.

Permit Fees

• September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days
• December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days
• Additional days: USD 15 per day

Tourism Considerations

The valley’s limited infrastructure and fragile environment necessitate strict permit control.

Humla Restricted Area

Overview

Humla is one of Nepal’s least visited districts, offering remote trekking experiences near the Tibetan border.

Permit Fees

• USD 50 per person per week
• USD 10 per additional day

Travel Notes

Access often involves flights to Simikot and extensive logistical planning.

Taplejung / Kanchenjunga Restricted Area

Overview

The Kanchenjunga region in eastern Nepal combines alpine landscapes with traditional mountain communities.

Permit Fees

• USD 20 per week for the first four weeks
• USD 25 per week beyond four weeks

Tourism Characteristics

The area remains relatively uncrowded compared to Everest and Annapurna regions.

Makalu Barun Restricted Area

Overview

The Makalu Barun region combines high Himalayan peaks with biodiversity-rich valleys.

Permit Fees

• USD 20 per week for the first four weeks

Additional Permit Rules and Travel Requirements

Most restricted areas impose additional logistical conditions:

• Trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory in many regions.
• Minimum group size requirements often apply.
• Permits must be carried at all times and presented upon request at checkpoints.

Conservation area permits and national park entry passes may also be required depending on trekking routes.

Why Nepal Maintains Restricted Area Policies

Nepal’s restricted area framework balances economic development with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Remote communities depend on tourism income but also require safeguards against mass tourism that could erode traditions or damage fragile ecosystems. Permit fees provide funding for conservation, infrastructure, and local livelihoods while controlling visitor numbers.

The evolving policies, particularly the Upper Mustang reform, demonstrate Nepal’s attempt to modernize tourism management while preserving its Himalayan heritage. By transitioning from rigid fee structures to more flexible daily pricing models, Nepal encourages broader participation in tourism without sacrificing sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Restricted area permits remain a defining feature of Nepal’s trekking landscape, shaping travel patterns across the country’s most remote and culturally significant regions. From the newly restructured Upper Mustang permit to longstanding high-cost zones such as Upper Dolpa and flexible seasonal fees in Manaslu and Nar Phu, each region reflects a balance between accessibility and preservation.

The recent shift toward daily pricing in Upper Mustang marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s tourism strategy. By lowering financial barriers and encouraging shorter visits, the reform has the potential to increase visitor numbers, diversify travel itineraries, and deliver broader economic benefits to local communities. As Nepal continues refining its permit system, travelers can expect evolving policies aimed at maintaining cultural authenticity, protecting fragile ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable tourism growth across the Himalayas.