Are you a solo adventurer dreaming of exploring Nepal’s most exclusive trekking zones without waiting for a group? Or a couple planning an intimate journey through ancient Tibetan-style villages and untouched valleys? Exciting news has arrived for every trekker in 2026 – single restricted area permit nepal is possible now!
The Department of Immigration, Nepal has officially introduced a single Restricted Area Permit Nepal (RAP) for foreign tourists in all restricted zones. Starting March 2026, you no longer need to find a second foreign trekker — one person, one permit, one unforgettable adventure!
At Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, we are overjoyed to bring you this breaking update. As Nepal’s trusted trekking company since 2005, we have helped thousands experience the magic of restricted areas trekking Nepal. This new rule makes your dream trips to Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, and Upper Dolpo easier, faster, and more personal than ever before.
Read the full announcement here: Tourists will now be able to get a single Restricted Area Permit Nepal to travel in restricted areas.
For the latest official guidelines, always check the Department of Immigration official website.
Nepal’s restricted areas are true hidden gems — ancient kingdoms, sacred monasteries, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that feel like stepping back in time. Until now, strict rules made these zones feel out of reach for solo or small-group travelers.
But in March 2026, everything changed for the better through single Restricted Area Permit Nepal!
For decades, the Department of Immigration protected these sensitive border regions for national security, cultural preservation, and environmental safety and did not allow a single Restricted Area Permit Nepal. The old Restricted Area Permit rules were clear and strict:
Many passionate trekkers told us stories of frustration: “I was ready to go to Upper Mustang, but I couldn’t find a partner!” or “We waited two months to form a group for Tsum Valley.” These rules protected the areas beautifully but limited freedom for independent adventurers.
The Department of Immigration listened to trekkers and the tourism industry for single Restricted Area Permit Nepal . The new rules (effective March 2026) are traveler-friendly while keeping safety and protection first:
This change by single Restricted Area Permit Nepal opens Nepal’s 13 restricted districts to thousands more solo and small-group travelers in the 2026 spring and autumn seasons through single Restricted Area Permit Nepal .
According to the Department of Immigration, there are 15 specific restricted zones spread across 13 districts near Nepal’s borders. These areas require the special RAP in addition to any conservation area or national park permits now through single Restricted Area Permit Nepal .
Here is the full detailed list with current permit fees (USD, per person, subject to change — always confirm with us):
Upper Mustang Restricted Area (Mustang District)
Lomanthang RM (wards 1-5), Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda RM (wards 1-5), Baragung Muktichetra RM (ward 3 & Satang village ward 5)
Fee: USD 50 per day
Explore our Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Dolpa Restricted Area (Dolpa District)
Dolpo Buddha RM (wards 4-6), Shey Phoksundo RM (wards 1-7), Charka Tangsong RM (wards 1-6)
Fee: USD 500 first 10 days + USD 50 per extra day
Manaslu Restricted Area (Gorkha District)
Chumnubri RM (wards 1-4) Fee (Sep-Nov): USD 100/week + USD 15/extra day
Fee (Dec-Aug): USD 75/week + USD 10/extra day
Tsum Valley Restricted Area (Gorkha District)
Chumnubri RM (wards 3,6,7) – villages Sirdibas, Lokpa, Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, Chule
Fee (Sep-Nov): USD 40/week + USD 7/extra day Fee (Dec-Aug): USD 30/week + USD 7/extra day
Nar & Phu Valley Restricted Area (Manang District)
Narpa RM (wards 1-5), Nasho RM (wards 6-7) Fee (Sep-Nov): USD 100/week + USD 15/extra day Fee (Dec-Aug): USD 75/week + USD 15/extra day Nar Phu Valley Trek details
Humla Restricted Area (Humla District)
Simikot, Namkha & Changkheli RMs
Fee: USD 50/week + USD 10/extra day
Lower Dolpa Restricted Area (Dolpa District)
Multiple municipalities including Thulibheri, Tripurasundari, etc.
Fee: USD 20/week + USD 5/extra day
Taplejung Restricted Area (Taplejung District)
Phantanglung, Mikwakhola & Sirijunga RMs
Fee: USD 20/week (first 4 weeks) + USD 25/week after
Dolakha Restricted Area (Dolakha District)
Gaurishankar & Bigu RMs Fee: USD 20/week
Sankhuwasabha Restricted Area (Sankhuwasabha District)
Bhotkhola & Makalu RMs
Fee: USD 20/week (first 4 weeks) + USD 25/week after
Solukhumbu Restricted Area (Solukhumbu District)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu RM ward 5
Fee: USD 20 (first 4 weeks) + USD 25/week after
Rasuwa Restricted Area (Rasuwa District)
Gosaikunda RM (ward 1 & part of 2)
Fee: USD 20/week
Bajhang Restricted Area (Bajhang District)
Saipal RM Fee: USD 90 first week + USD 15/extra day
Mugu Restricted Area (Mugu District)
Mugum Karmarong RM
Fee: USD 100/week + USD 15/extra day
Darchula Restricted Area (Darchula District)
Vyas RM
Fee: USD 90/week + USD 15/extra day
These zones protect rare biodiversity, ancient Bon and Buddhist traditions, and border security. Every single Restricted Area Permit Nepal supports local communities and conservation.
Let’s dive deep into the most loved routes you can now book as a solo traveler or tiny group.
Walk through red-rock canyons, ancient caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Visit 15th-century monasteries and feel like you’re in old Tibet.
Duration: 14-18 days | Difficulty: Moderate | Best time: April-May & Sept-Oct
With the new single permit, you can depart any week! Our 13-day private Upper Mustang Trek includes the restricted area permit, luxury camping, and a personal guide who shares local stories. Highlights: Lo Manthang palace, Chhoser caves, and Himalayan desert landscapes. Full itinerary here.
Circle the world’s 8th highest mountain through pristine forests, Gurung villages, and dramatic glaciers. Add the sacred Tsum Valley for hidden monasteries and Buddhist culture.
Duration: 14-20 days | Difficulty: Challenging | Best time: April-May & Sept-Oct
New single permit makes this easier for independent spirits. Our packages combine Manaslu Restricted Area + Tsum Valley permits seamlessly. Expect rhododendron forests, Larkya La pass (5,106m), and warm local hospitality.
A peaceful side journey or standalone trek to ancient gompas like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. Meet friendly Tsum people and enjoy pure Himalayan serenity.
Duration: 14-18 days | Difficulty: Moderate | Best time: April-May & Sept-Oct
Perfect for solo travelers seeking spiritual vibes. Seasonal fees are affordable, and our guides know every prayer flag and legend.
Explore two remote villages — Nar and Phu — with stunning views of Annapurna and Pisang peaks. Caves, monasteries, and a true off-the-beaten-path feel.
Duration: 12-16 days | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Best time: April-May & Sept-Oct
The new rules mean you can experience this magical valley without joining a big group.
One of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding journeys. Crystal-blue Shey Phoksundo Lake, ancient Bon monasteries, and high passes with yak caravans.
Duration: 18-25 days | Difficulty: Demanding | Best time: April-May & Sept-Oct
The USD 500 permit now opens this wilderness to solo dreamers. Our 21-day Upper Dolpo Trek is legendary among serious adventurers.
We also organize special trips to Humla (Limi Valley), Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp restricted sections, and more — all now simpler with the single permit!
The 2026 trekking season is already filling up fast with this fantastic news! Whether you want a private solo-style journey or a small group of friends, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure is your perfect partner.
Contact us today for a free, personalized quote: Email: sales@explorehimalaya.com
Visit our website: www.explorehimalaya.com and browse all restricted areas trekking packages.
Don’t let another year pass by. The hidden Himalayas are calling — and now a single permit is all you need to answer!
Explore the forbidden kingdoms, one step at a time. Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure — Making Nepal trekking dreams come true since 1997.
Safe travels and happy trekking!
Yes! The new single Restricted Area Permit rule introduced by the Department of Immigration in March 2026 officially allows solo travelers to explore Nepal’s restricted zones without needing a second foreigner. All you need is a registered trekking agency like Explore Himalaya and a licensed Nepali guide for safety and compliance. This means your dream solo trek to Upper Mustang, Manaslu, or Tsum Valley is now 100% possible and fully approved.
The cost of the single Restricted Area Permit has not changed and depends entirely on the zone and duration you choose. For example, Upper Mustang still costs USD 50 per day per person, while Manaslu is USD 100 per week in peak season. We at Explore Himalaya will give you the exact price in your personalized package quote so there are no surprises or hidden fees.
Thanks to the new online application system launched in March 2026, your single Restricted Area Permit is usually ready in just 3 to 7 working days. Explore Himalaya handles everything — from document submission to final approval — so you can focus on planning your adventure instead of waiting. This quick process makes last-minute 2026 Nepal trekking trips much easier than before.
Yes, besides the single Restricted Area Permit you will also need a TIMS card and any relevant conservation area or national park permits. For routes like Manaslu Circuit or Upper Dolpo, this includes the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit or Shey Phoksundo National Park entry. Some regions like Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality requires local permit. Explore Himalaya arranges all these extra permits automatically as part of your package so you don’t have to worry about a single thing.
Absolutely — a licensed Nepali trekking guide is still compulsory for every restricted area trek under the new single permit rules. This requirement ensures your safety in remote Himalayan regions and helps protect local culture and environment. Our fully trained and insured guides at Explore Himalaya will make your journey safe, smooth, and filled with local stories and insider tips.
The single Restricted Area Permit now covers 15 official zones across 13 districts as per the Department of Immigration list. Famous destinations include Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar & Phu Valley, Upper Dolpo, Humla, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and more. You can now book any of these hidden Himalayan gems as a solo traveler or small group without waiting for others.
Yes, the updated regulations set a maximum of 7 trekkers per group to keep the experience personal, safe, and environmentally responsible. Whether you travel solo or with a few friends, this limit ensures your guide can give full attention to everyone. Smaller groups also mean deeper cultural connections and a more peaceful trek through Nepal’s restricted areas.
No, you must book through a registered trekking agency like Explore Himalaya to obtain the single Restricted Area Permit. The Department of Immigration requires an agency to guarantee your safety, emergency rescue, and proper route compliance. We handle the entire online process for you, making it simple and stress-free from start to finish.
You only need to provide a clear passport copy, your Nepal visa details, a day-by-day itinerary, proof of comprehensive travel insurance, and payment confirmation. Explore Himalaya collects these documents from you and submits everything directly to the Department of Immigration. We guide you step by step so the paperwork feels effortless.
The single Restricted Area Permit system officially began in March 2026 and has been made permanent by the Department of Immigration to boost tourism in Nepal’s remote regions. This change will remain in place for the 2026, 2027, and future trekking seasons. You can now confidently plan your solo or small-group adventure in restricted areas for years to come!
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
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