What are restricted area treks in Nepal?

Restricted area treks are specific trekking routes in Nepal that require a special trekking permit due to their remote location, cultural significance, or sensitivity for environmental conservation. These areas are generally less explored and have limited access to preserve their unique culture and environment.

Which are some popular restricted area treks in Nepal?

Some popular restricted area treks in Nepal include Upper Mustang Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Upper Dolpo Trek. These treks offer a blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

How do I obtain a permit for a restricted area trek?

To obtain a permit for a restricted area trek, you need to go through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. They will help you with the necessary paperwork, permits, and arrange a guide if required. The agency will submit the required documents to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the respective district's immigration office.

What are the costs involved in obtaining a permit for a restricted area trek?

The cost of permits for restricted area treks is generally higher compared to other treks in Nepal. The fees vary depending on the specific trek and the duration of your stay in the restricted area. As of September 2021, the permits for Upper Mustang cost USD 500 for the first ten days and USD 50 for each additional day. The costs can change, so it's essential to check the current fees with the trekking agency.

Are there any minimum group size requirements for restricted area treks?

In the past, there were minimum group size requirements for certain restricted area treks, but the rules have been relaxed in recent years. However, individual trekkers are generally not allowed in restricted areas, and you must trek with at least one other person. This is primarily for safety reasons, as these remote areas have limited infrastructure and services.

Can I trek independently in restricted areas?

No, trekking independently in restricted areas is generally not permitted. You must hire a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency, and they will accompany you throughout the trek. The guide helps ensure your safety, assists with navigation, and provides valuable insights into the local culture and customs.

Are there any additional permits required for restricted area treks?

In addition to the special trekking permits, you may need other permits depending on the specific trek and its location. For example, if your trek enters a national park or conservation area, you will need the respective entry permit. Your trekking agency will assist you in obtaining all the necessary permits for your trek.

Lower- Dolpo Trek - 18 Days

Duration18 Days
DestinationNepal
Difficulty Level Hard
Maximum Altitude 5310
Activity High pass Trekking
Group Size Minimum 2 Person
Accommodation Hotel/Lodge/Tent
Meals Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Best Season May-June/September-December

Dolpo is the land of the Bon-Po faith, an old indigenous religion of western Tibet. The faith was later adapted by Buddhist teachings and religious practices. Still, there are some differences between the Bon-Po and Buddhist practices. The counter-clockwise way of circumambulation by the Bon Pos is in contrast to the clockwise pattern of the Buddhists. Similarly, they spin their prayer wheels to the left and circumambulate chortens and shrines with their left side towards the object of their respect. Dolpo has its very unique way of lifestyle, language, festivals, and dresses, and of course, the landscapes which are very much similar to the scenery of western Tibet. If you are trekking in May /June, the Caravan in the hunt for Yarcha Gumba makes you think about how important or costly Yarcha Gumba is. Hundreds of thousands of people from the Dolpo and even from lowlands will be in such elevation, camping for months in their search for Yarcha Gumba (it is half plant and half insect) half of its body is in within the ground and the remaining half is above the ground as a plant.

Bon-Po Invocation: OM PANI PADME HUM (Buddhist sacred invocations) is replaced by OM MA TRI MU YE SA LE DU (Bon Po sacred Invocation). D. L. Snellgrove translates the invocation as: “The way to the thread-cross has been shown. Shown as what? Shown as the realm where the spirits of the directions and intermediates directions and the zenith and nadir all gather together. There is no need to tell them. The sun and moon the lunar mansion and the stars, the lords of the soil, spirits below ground, spirits above ground, all of them find joy in the Thread-Cross and yearn after it. They delight in the substitute offerings and revel in the riches”.

All Nepal Hiking invites you for a lifetime wilderness experience in the Dolpo region. We also organize our treks for budget travelers. The Numa-La and Baga-La are the famous passes of lower Dolpa, with amazing views of Kannjiroba Mountain. Another attraction is the famous Phoksundo Lake inside Phoksundo National Park with various flora and fauna before reaching the Ringmo Village.

Highlights

Dolpo does have its very unique way of life-style, language, festivals, and dresses and of course the landscapes which is very much similar to scenery of western Tibet. If you are trekking in May /June, the Caravan in the hunt for Yarcha Gumba makes you think about how important or costly Yarcha Gumba is. Hundreds of thousands of people from the Dolpo and even from lowlands will be in such elevation, camping for months in their search for Yarcha Gumba (it is half plant and half insect) half of its body is in within the ground and the remaining half is above the ground as a plant.Wilderness, off the beaten trail, Passess Namu La Baga La. Tibetan culture.

Itinerary

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

Max. Altitude:(1340 m)
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Time:1
Meals:B

Day 2:Trekking preparation

You will meet your trek leader for a briefing about the trek beginning the next day. After the briefing, there will be a short question and answer session about your trip in which you may ask anything regarding the trek. We all finalize our preparation for the trek. In the evening enjoy the nightlife in Kathmandu.

Accommodation:Kathmandu
Time:1
Meals:B

Day 3:Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m): 45 min

Nepalgunj lies in the Mid-Western region of Nepal, close to the Nepal-Indian border. It is a lowland terrain. The 45-minute flight with great views passes through hilly mid-regions of Nepal, with the long range of Himalayas in the north. Transfer to hotel and evening tour by Rikshaw to Bageswori temple on the Nepal-India Border. Overnight in Hotel. FB

Day 4:Fly to Jhuphal (2475 m) and trek to Dunai (2140 m): 4 hrs

A 30-minute early morning flight to Jhuphal. We need to arrange porter, fuels, and things in Jhuphal. We will take some lunch in Jhuphal. Jhuphal is on the ridge, we walk steeply down through a beautiful village, houses are joined with each other, there are Hindu flags on their rooftop and the houses are built with mud and rocks. The path is steep downhill mostly till the banks of Thuli Bheri and flat to Dunai. Overnight in Hotel. FB (Dunai is the headquarters of the Dolpo district)

Day 5:Dunai to Shar Tara (2730 m): 7 hrs

After having breakfast in the hotel, we trek through the Thuli Bheri River. The trails will be full of local villagers, the donkeys carry stuff for villages up to upper Dolpa. The temperature is a bit high during the daytime. We can walk wearing shorts. The trail is almost flat, overnight in a hotel. FB

Day 6:Shahar Tara to Laina Odar (3370 m): 8 hrs

After Shahar Tara, we won’t have proper settlements for the next few days till Dho Tarap. So we are fully equipped with a tent, fuel, and food. We can get a tented hotel, where you can order some food as well. Usually, we will have a fixed tent next to a local big tent like a big house, safety matters! The trail passes through nature and is full of ups and downs. We will be in Laina Odar. Sleep inside the tent. FB

Day 7:Laina Odar to Toltol (3523 m): 7 hrs

After taking our breakfast, we leave Laina early for Toltol. Another day full of ups and down through the Dho Khola, the beginning of the Thuli Bheri River. We really can enjoy the unique landscape of the Dolpo region, with rocky hills, wild animals, and various species of butterflies, and the blooming flowers on the trail are amazing. Tented camp next to the river. FB

Day 8:Toltol to Dho-Tarap (3945 m): 5 hrs.

Now, we are in the dry region of mountains beyond the tree lines. We can see only juniper bushes, wild roses with sharp thrones, and many types of flowers in the ground, different shapes, and full of deep colors. We gradually trek up to the Dho Valley. The valley gets wider and we can see the Dho valley with crops on the field, and the monastery with colorful praying Buddhist flags on the upper ridge of the valley. Overnight at Hotel. FB

Day 9:Rest Day, Explore Bon Monasteries, Visit local village

Today is the day for getting used to the height, or the acclimatization Day. Dho Valley is long and lies from east to west. First, we visit a Bon monastery in Sipchyo in the eastern part of the Dho Valley. Then we can climb up to the hill, there is Amchey lama and from that monastery, we can see the bird’s eyes views of the Dho-Tarap Village. Getting into the local houses of Dho Tarap village and knowing their lifestyle, food, jewels, dresses, etc will be an extra experience of this trek. Another attraction would be a visit to the Crystal Mountain School. Students of the School get standard facilities even in such a remote area. Sleep in Hotel. FB

Day 10:Dho Tarap to Numa-La Base Camp (4440 m): 5 hrs

After staying two wonderful nights in Dho -Tarap, we continue our trip to Tokyu, a village in the same Dho Tarap Valley. We cross the small river and visit a newly built monastery and our journey continues toward Numa-La Base camp. Grazing yaks and horses can be seen on the field. If you are trekking in May /June, the Caravan in the hunt for Yarcha Gumba makes you think about how important or costly Yarcha Gumba is. Hundreds of thousands of people from the Dolpo and even from lowlands will be in such elevation, camping for months in their search for Yarcha Gumba (it is half plant and half insect) half of its body is in within the ground and the remaining half is above the ground as a plant. Overnight in the tent. FB

Day 11:Numa-La Base Camp to Numa-La (5310 m) and to Danigar (Banga La Base Camp) (4512 m): 9 hrs

After having some breakfast, we start our trekking to Numa-La early in the morning. The first hour is steeply up and another 3 hours go gradually upward with wonderful views of Kannjiroba and Mt. NorbiKang mountains. The landscape is amazing with wide views of the mountain desert. We step down to Baga-La Base Camp, another 4-hour slow walk to get down to Danigar. Overnight in the tent. FB

Day 12:Danighar to Baga-La (5170 m) and to Yak-Kharka (3860 m): 7 hrs

Danighar lies on the banks of Panklanga Khola (river). After crossing the river, the trekking trail goes vertically up to the Baga La. It takes about 3 hrs to the top with magnificent views surrounded by landscapes and snow-capped mountains. We trek down to the Yak Kharka for another three hours. Overnight in the tented camp. FB

Day 13:Yak Kharka to Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3641 m): 4 hrs

Here, we are again in the tree line, we can see vegetation like pines, walnut, willow oak, etc. Our first one-hour trek will be through the vegetation and for another 2 hours we walk through the cliffs, narrow rocky with great views of the landscape. We are very close to our today’s destination Phoksundo Lake. After taking lunch, we may visit Ringmo village, Phoksundo Lake, and the monastery on the north corner of the lake. The lake views from the courtyard of the monastery are amazing. Overnight in Hotel. FB

Day 14:Ringmo to Chhepka (2838 m): 7 hrs

The easy way down to Chhepka is through the forest and there is a beautiful viewpoint of a waterfall running out from the Shay Phoksundo Lake. From the viewpoint, the trail is rocky and dusty and goes steep down to Amchi Hospital. It would be nice to visit the Hospital where there are Amchy monks. The monks collect herbs and they grind the herbs to make powder which is distributed to the needy people. Overnight in Hotel. FB

Day 15:Chhepka to Jhuphal 5 hrs

Leaving Chepka, follow the Phoksundo River. Sloping upwards and down to Sulighat, Where there is the national Park Head Quarter then we meet the trail we started on the first day of our trekking. Climb uphill to get Jhuphal at the end. We can have a Jhuphal village tour in the evening. Overnight at hotel. FB

Day 16:Morning flight to Nepalgunj and next available flight to Kathmandu the same day

Fly to Nepalgunj and same day next available flight to Kathmandu. Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel. If interested, you may do the last-minute shopping. All Nepal Hiking will organize a dinner for you in a typical Nepal restaurant with ANH staff. Overnight in Hotel. FB

Day 17:Optional sightseeing around Kathmandu and Souvnir Hounting and more

We can arrange short or long day sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan or Bhaktapur and more monuments in the city. Shopping and some leisure time in Kathmandu before leaving.

Day 18:Fly to onwards destination

Airport reporting time is 3 hrs prior to your flight schedule. A representative from All Nepal Hiking will drop you at the Airport on time. If the flight is in the evening, you can have some sightseeing or souvenir hunting during the day.

Cost Details

Includes

All airport/hotel transfers
2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
Welcome and farewell dinner
Kathmandu Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj Jhuphal, Jhuphal Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj Kathmandu flights
All accommodations and meals during the trek, Tents, and kitchen equipment too
Pickup and drop to start your trek and from the ending point to your Hotel In Kathmandu or your destination
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (6 trekkers:1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
All Nepal Hiking duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paperwork and permits, Special immigration permits, (National Park permit, TIMS)
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes

Excludes

Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Travel Insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
Alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and water, soft drinks, etc.
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is respected but it is not obligatory)

Departure Dates

Select a Departure Month

Trip Date		Price	Status
Start DateStartsNov 27, 2024	End DateEndsDec 14, 2024	PriceUS$2323	StatusAvailable

Useful Info

Hiking in Nepal
A Checklist
Immunizations: Though, Nepal doesn’t have official vaccination requirements, it is nevertheless a good idea to consider some vaccines before coming here. See Immunization chapter under Safety for more details. It is also a good idea to read the chapter on Pre-existing Conditions before leaving home. Here is a list of the most relevant ones only:
Travel Insurance: Before you set out also make sure you have travel insurance that covers helicopter rescues. See Insurance under Safety for more details. Also, make sure to register with your embassy with your itinerary details before leaving. Go to our Embassy section for links.
Flight Tickets to Nepal
Book a Hotel in Nepal: There are a lot of review based web portals to book hotels in Kathmandu. However, it shouldn’t be much of a problem to get a room even if you haven’t booked in advance.
Packing Tips: Indeed exciting times we live in. Just make sure you don’t pack off valuables in your luggage for the international airport at Kathmandu isn’t too well renowned for packing everything in after a security check. Valuables are better off in your hand carry.
Things to do at the Airport in Kathmandu
Get a Nepali Visa: Visa on Arrival for most countries. Need USD 25(15 days)/ USD 40 (30 days)/ USD 100 (90 days) in one of these currencies: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. You will need your passport and 1 passport size photo.
Get a Nepali SIM Card: Both NTC and Ncell. two of the most popular telecom companies, provide SIM cards based on GSM technology. Tough luck if your phone is of the CDMA kind.
Comprehensive Packing List for Trekking in Nepal
Both branded items and local take on branded items are available in Kathmandu. It is totally possible to get everything and anything you will need for a trek here. A word of cautions about local products though: Being labeled North Face or Mountain Hardwear, as most local products are, doesn’t bless them with durability. However, there are good fakes and bad fakes and most are okay for the price. If you spend some time checking and rechecking the stuff especially the zippers and stitching, it will provide service for at least one trek. Or you could just stick to one of the branded outlets in Thamel.

However, bringing some stuff from home will save you time in Kathmandu and will also give you peace of mind. Also if you don’t know, the dress code for the mountains is layers. And avoid cotton inners at all costs.

Gear from your Home Country
Trekking Boots- Lightweight, waterproof, ankle support, some toe room and most importantly broken in.
Daypack/Rucksack with pack cover- If you plan on hiring porters, a 30-liter bag should be enough. Otherwise look for a 70 liter one.
Passport size photos- 5-7 should be good.
Sunglasses with straps- Straps are important as sunglasses happen to be the one thing that people misplace most often while taking pictures or resting.
Spare glasses/lenses- If you wear glasses or contact, having a spare is very important.
Inner Thermals- Both top and bottom will make your trek that much more enjoyable.
Fleece- Great for layering with wind/waterproof jacket for walking.
Wind/Water Jacket- Make sure it is breathable and is waterproof.
Down Jacket- Mornings and evenings can be pretty chilly. Will make your stay at camp and short excursions that much more comfortable.
Fleece pants- So you can remain warm and feel clean during the evenings.
Wind pants- Waterproof breathable is recommended.
Gloves- Make sure it is at least windproof.
Underwear- 4-6 should carry you through a two-three week trek.
Flashlight- Look for LED head torches.
Camera with extra battery- One extra battery should be good as charging can sometimes be a bit of a hassle. Also, you cannot charge, if you don’t have a charger. Do not forget that.

Socket Adapter- Many sockets in Nepal are of Type C that is they have circular pins. It will be handy to have an adapter just in case.
Water filters or Water purification tablets- To give you peace of mind and protection when you aren’t sure of the water. Water filters are amazingly small and efficient these days.
Optional Gear you should consider bringing from your Home Country
Vitamin supplements- One thing that you will be short on during a trek is Vitamin C. Supplements are always welcome.
Zip locks- Useful in oh so many different ways, for first aid kits to toiletries to documents.
Running shoes- Great to keep your feet comfortable in treks like ABC, Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu in which a sizeable portion of the trek goes through low country.
Swiss Army Knife- Pack it off in your luggage if you don’t want it confiscated at airports.
Binoculars- Consider small and light ones unless watching wildlife is your main purpose.
Books- A trek is a perfect time to catch up on reading. However, it would be tough to finish more than 2 books in a single two-three week trek.
Tablet computers- Entertainment at evenings.
Gaiters- Keeps your feet dry and warm if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Gear you can easily get in Nepal
Trekking trousers- 2 pairs. Lightweight and loose.
Trekking shirts- 2 pairs. Collared ones are better. Avoid cotton.
Woollen cap
Trekking poles- You back and legs will love you for these, especially in downhill stretches.

Water bottle- Get 2 with a wide mouth and which can take in hot water.
Sandals- Great for giving your feet a breather during the evenings.
Buffs- 3. Can be used as a neck gaiter, headwear, to mask, hairband and a whole bunch of other ways. One of the best use however is to cover your nose and mouth at high altitudes to hydrate your breath and avoid the cold dry mountain air. Make sure to keep it rather loose around your nose though and your lungs will love you for it.
Sleeping Bag liner- A light silk liner is good enough rather than the heavy fleece ones. Its main purpose is to protect you from lodge blankets that are washed at most twice a year.
Socks- 3 pairs are more than good enough. Make sure they are thick woolen ones. For treks that go through low country like Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit, you might consider getting 2 more pairs of lightweight socks too.
Sunscreen- SPF 30-50 will be good enough. There is little point in going over that. However, make sure it is rated UVA in addition to UVB.
Lip Balm- Moisturizing and SPF 30 necessary.
Toilet paper- 2 rolls should be good enough.
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shower Gel- Travel size or sachets ideal as you won’t be showering as much during a trek.
Shampoo- Travel size of sachets are ideal.

Towel- A small one will be more than good enough.
Moisturizing cream- That cold dry mountain air will take its toll on your skin.
Hand sanitizer

Plastic Bags- 2 large ones 3 small ones. Comes in very handy to put in your dirty laundry
Snacks- Carry some chocolate bars and nuts for a quick munch before lunch. Don’t carry too much as you can find them in lodges all along the trails.
Optional Gear you can easily Get in Nepal
Sun Hat/Baseball Hat- Great for protection from the sun when it is still warm enough.
Neck gaiter- A buff can be used in place of this. But this one comes in handy
Deodorant- Your partner will love you for this.

Diary
Pen- Carry some spares.
Kit Bag and lock- If you plan to hire a porter, a kit bag comes in handy. Make sure you get a lock too. Combination ones are easier.
Medical Kit Checklist
Due to lax prescription requirements, most of the items are easier to get in Kathmandu.

Povidone-Iodine cream- 1 tube
Cotton- 1 roll
Dressing Gauze- 5 pcs
Crepe Bandage- 2
Band-Aids- 10
Dressing tape- 1
Moleskin/ 2nd Skin- 1 packet
Calamine- To aid in skin healing due to sunburns or chaffing.
Paracetamol 300 mg- 20 tablets. For mild headaches.
Ibuprofen 400 mg- 10 tablets. To relieve moderate to severe pain.
Throat lozenges- 20. For cough and sore throat. Can be used preventively against the cold dry mountain air.
Decongestant- 10 tablets- For nasal congestion. Non-drowsy kinds like pseudoephedrine recommended.
Antihistamine 10 tablets- For allergies.
Antiemetic 10 tablets- To control vomit and nausea.
Azithromycin 500 mg- 3 tablets. For bacterial diarrhea.
Omeprazole 20 mg- 10 tablets. For gastric problems.
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg- 10 tablets. For bacterial diarrhea.
Tinidazole 2 g- 3 tablets (500 mg- 12 tablets). For giardia and amoebic diarrhea.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 250 mg - 20 tablets. To aid acclimatization and AMS treatment.
Dexamethasone 4 mg - 10 tablets. To be used under expert supervision to treat AMS.
Nifedipine 60 mg - 10 tablets. To be used under expert supervision to prevent and treat HAPE.
Loperamide 2 mg- 20 tablets. To control diarrhea.

FAQs

Q1. What are restricted area treks in Nepal?
Restricted area treks are specific trekking routes in Nepal that require a special trekking permit due to their remote location, cultural significance, or sensitivity for environmental conservation. These areas are generally less explored and have limited access to preserve their unique culture and environment.
Q2. Which are some popular restricted area treks in Nepal?
Some popular restricted area treks in Nepal include Upper Mustang Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Upper Dolpo Trek. These treks offer a blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Q3. How do I obtain a permit for a restricted area trek?
To obtain a permit for a restricted area trek, you need to go through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. They will help you with the necessary paperwork, permits, and arrange a guide if required. The agency will submit the required documents to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or the respective district's immigration office.
Q4. What are the costs involved in obtaining a permit for a restricted area trek?
The cost of permits for restricted area treks is generally higher compared to other treks in Nepal. The fees vary depending on the specific trek and the duration of your stay in the restricted area. As of September 2021, the permits for Upper Mustang cost USD 500 for the first ten days and USD 50 for each additional day. The costs can change, so it's essential to check the current fees with the trekking agency.
Q5. Are there any minimum group size requirements for restricted area treks?
In the past, there were minimum group size requirements for certain restricted area treks, but the rules have been relaxed in recent years. However, individual trekkers are generally not allowed in restricted areas, and you must trek with at least one other person. This is primarily for safety reasons, as these remote areas have limited infrastructure and services.
Q6. Can I trek independently in restricted areas?
No, trekking independently in restricted areas is generally not permitted. You must hire a licensed guide from a registered trekking agency, and they will accompany you throughout the trek. The guide helps ensure your safety, assists with navigation, and provides valuable insights into the local culture and customs.
Q7. Are there any additional permits required for restricted area treks?
In addition to the special trekking permits, you may need other permits depending on the specific trek and its location. For example, if your trek enters a national park or conservation area, you will need the respective entry permit. Your trekking agency will assist you in obtaining all the necessary permits for your trek.