2 Mar 2022 9 min to read
Blog-Explained: All 15 Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) in Nepal for Trekkers, Cost Included. Restricted Areas in Nepal are the regions in, which the Nepalese Government has given the utmost priority to the conservation of nature, culture, heritage, and other significant factors. There are certain limits to visiting these areas and Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) are issued to control as well as manage them. For any traveler looking for a unique experience in this nation a trip to one of the restricted areas through any means will be a wonderful experience. This article focuses on these regions, what they encompass, and the RAPs required to be there.
Most restricted areas in Nepal require at least a group of two people to apply for the permits. For trekkers, these might include the guide or other fellow travelers to that region. This rule is to better maintain the activities in these special regions and also for the safety of the visitors. As for where to apply for the permits, you can attain all these RAPs from the Department of Immigration Office in Kathmandu. No tourists can enter the RAPs with the special permits, even paying extra costs, and the permits can be issued only for the registered trekking agencies.
Restricted area permits are mandatory to legally travel, trek, tour, or explore these designated regions in Nepal. Make sure you make an extra copy of your RAPs alongside your other documents which will come in handy in case you lose the original. Similarly, you will have to show the permits at the checkpoints in different places as well as complete the entry/exit procedures. Make sure you know these posts will help you to complete your journey in Nepal without any hassle.
Here we have a detailed list of all the 15 restricted area permits in Nepal alongside the tentative cost for any visitors to get them.
1. Upper Mustang RAP
Required For: Upper Mustang Trek and Driving Tours
Upper Mustang is one of the most elusive regions in Nepal for any adventure-loving individual. It has been a prime bucket list entry for travelers. You would be required to have a dedicated permit to explore the Kingdom of Lo. The restricted area starts immediately from Kagbeni and there is the official checkpoint for your RAPs as well.
Restricted Parts:
- Lo Manthang Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 5 all areas)
- Lo-Gekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 5 all areas)
- Baragung Mukti chetra Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 3 all areas and Satang village of ward no 5)
Upper Mustang RAP Costs:
- USD 500 per person (10 days) + extra USD 50 per person per day (beyond 10 days)
2. Manaslu Conservation Area RAP
Required For: Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu region is known to have some of the best natural and cultural delights for visitors of the outside world. However, it does have two different restricted regions the first of which is the Manaslu CA. This region starts from Jagat and while doing the regular circuit you will be in it for over 5 days till you’ve reached Samagaon.
Restricted Parts:
- Tsumnubri Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 4 all areas )
Manaslu Conservation Area RAP Costs:
- USD 100 per person (7 days) + extra USD 15/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Sep-Nov]
- USD 75 per person (7 days) + extra USD 10/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Dec-Aug]
3. Lower Dolpo RAP
Required For: Lower Dolpo trek
Dolpo region lies in the district of Dolpa, the biggest district in Nepal. It is home to some of the best-preserved cultures and lifestyles you’ll see in the mid-western rural zones of Nepal. There are two distinct restricted areas here the first of which is the Lower Dolpo. As the name suggests, Lower Dolpo covers the lower region of the Dolpa district.
Restricted Parts:
- Thuli Bheri municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 11 all areas)
- Tripurasundari municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 11 all areas)
- Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 3 all areas)
- Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 8 and 9 all areas)
- Jagdulla Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 6 all areas)
- Mudkechula Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 9 all areas)
- Kaike Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 7 all areas)
Lower Dolpo RAP Costs:
- USD 20 per person (7 days) + extra USD 5 per day (beyond 7 days)
4. Upper Dolpo RAP
Required For: Upper Dolpo trek, Kang La Pass trek
The region of Upper Dolpa is one of the best-untouched paradises in the Nepalese Himalayas. This restricted area has a long history and scenic natural beauty that any adventure-loving traveler will admire. Upper Dolpo alongside the multiple passes is considered by many as the best value destination for off-the-beaten-track trekking in the world.
Restricted Parts:
- Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 4 to 6 all areas)
- Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 7 all areas)
- Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 6 all areas)
Upper Dolpo RAP Costs:
- USD 500 per person (10 days) + extra USD 50 per day (beyond 10 days)
5. Humla Rural Municipality RAP
Required For: Simikot Limi Valley Trek
Humla District is one of the underrated destinations in Nepal which has in recent years gained a cult following among trekking operators. Similar to the alpine highlands of Switzerland and Italy, the Limi Valley section is amazing to travel and explore. The RAP of Humla will allow you to travel in all the Simikot, Changkheli, and Namkha Rural Municipalities here.
Restricted Parts:
- Simikot Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1, 6, and 7 all areas)
- Namkha Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 6 all areas)
- Changkheli Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 3 to 5 all areas)
Humla Rural Municipality Costs:
- USD 50 per person (7 days) + extra USD 10 per day (beyond 7 days)
6. Rasuwa Gosaikunda RAP
Required For: Gosaikunda Lake Trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
This permit is slightly different from the others in the list as it also encapsulates the religious (pilgrimage) factors in the destination. Gosaikunda Lake is one of the holiest places for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Additionally, this region is also popular for the Tamang Heritage trail which is a wonderful experience for trekkers in Nepal.
Restricted Parts:
- Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (Ward no.1 all areas and Ward no.2 some areas)
Rasuwa Gosaikunda RAP Costs:
- USD 20 per person per week
7. Solukhumbu RAP for Rural Municipality
Required For: Makalu Barun NP trek, Great Himalayan Trail
The Solukhumbu region is so much more than the regular Everest Base Camp areas. Travelers can enjoy an amazing blend of nature and culture while exploring the Khumbu area. This restricted area encompasses the areas of Bhotikhola and Makalu rural municipality.
Restricted Parts:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Ward no. 5 all areas)
Solukhumbu Rural Municipality RAP Costs:
- USD 20 per person (first 4 weeks) + extra USD 25 per week (beyond 4 weeks)
8. Makalu Region RAP, Sankhuwasabha District
Required For: Makalu Base Camp trek, Barun Valley Trek
Makalu region is situated beautifully between the Everest and Kanchenjunga massifs with promising experiences for travelers. The restricted area is located inside the Makalu Barun National park and more importantly the Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya, and Pawakhola villages. It is also a prime location for wildlife photography.
Restricted Parts:
- Bhot Khola Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 5 all areas)
- Makalu Rural Municipality (Ward no. 4 all areas)
Sankhuwasabha Makalu Region RAP Costs:
- USD 10 per person (first 4 weeks) + extra USD 20 per week (beyond 4 weeks)
9. Manang Nar Phu region RAP
Required For: Nar Phu Valley Trek, Kang La Pass Trek
The Nar Phu region provides the perfect off-the-beaten-track experience for travelers in the otherwise popular Annapurna Region. Leaving the main track the trail leads trekkers to the traditional villages of Nar and Phu with historical, traditional, and cultural significance. This trek is considered by many as a well-conserved counterpart to the Upper Dolpo in western Nepal.
Restricted Parts:
- Narpa Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 1 to 5 all areas)
- Nasho Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 6, and 7 all areas)
Manang Nar Phu RAP Costs:
- USD 100 per person (7 days) + extra USD 15/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Sep-Nov]
- USD 75 per person (7 days) + extra USD 10/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Dec-Aug]
10. Gorkha Tsum Valley RAP
Required For: Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley and especially the traditional villages here is a gem of a location frozen in time and yet untouched by Western trends and modernization. It is no surprise that the Nepalese Government has put a major emphasis on preserving the ancient lifestyle, tradition, culture, and monuments here. The area of Sirdibas, Lokpa, Chumling, Nile, Chekampar, and Chule alongside the Tsumnubri rural municipality is only accessible with a permit.
Restricted Parts:
- Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule
- Tsumnubri Rural Municipality (Ward nos. 3, 6, and 7 all areas)
Gorkha Tsum Valley RAP Costs:
- USD 40 per person (7 days) + extra USD 7/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Sep-Nov]
- USD 30 per person (7 days) + extra USD 7/person per day (beyond 7 days) [Dec-Aug]
These were the major restricted areas in Nepal where travelers frequently choose to experience something special. Apart from these, there are five more restricted areas in Nepal covering the rural municipalities around the country. Let’s cover them briefly as well including cost.
11. Taplejung Rural Municipality RAP
Required For: Traveling in Phantanglung, Mikwakhola, and Sirijunga Rural Municipalities
Taplejung Rural Municipality RAP Costs:
- USD 20 per week (first 4 weeks) + extra USD 25 per week (beyond 4 weeks)
12. Dolakha Rural Municipality RAP
Required For: Traveling in Gaurishankar and Bighu Rural Municipalities
Dolakha Rural Municipality RAP Costs:
- USD 20 per person per week
13. Mugu Rural Muncipality RAP
Required For: Exploring Muguma Karmarong Rural Municipality
Mugu Rural Municipality RAP Costs:
- USD 100 per person (7 days) + extra USD 15 per day (beyond 7 days)
14. Bajhang RAP
Required For: Saipal Rural Municipality
Bajhang RAP Costs:
- USD 90 per person (7 days) + extra USD 15 per day (beyond 7 days)
15. Darchula RAP
Required For: Api Nampa Trek, Vyas Rural Municipality
Darchula RAP Costs:
- USD 90 per person (7 days) + extra USD 15 per day (beyond 7 days)
Some Tips/Guidelines for trekkers trekking in the restricted regions
- Respect the local culture, tradition, and norms.
- Consult with your guide or ask permission from the locals before entering the monasteries, temples, palaces, or taking pictures.
- Don’t wander off on your own as individual trekking is prohibited in restricted areas.
- Appropriate travel insurance is highly suggested covering the duration of your trek/tour.
- Stick to your itinerary and route. These permits have the approved route for you to follow.
- You will need these permits even if your primary destination doesn’t fall in here.
- Follow the conservation area/national Park/rural municipality rules if you are exploring inside it.
Getting your restricted area permit is simple and shouldn’t take more than an hour to get approved. Be a responsible visitor while here and take nothing but memories from these beautiful places. Restricted areas in Nepal promise some authentic experiences and adventures so don’t miss out on these while you are in this country. Feel free to leave your questions with us and OHT experts will answer them personally.
Updated: Dec 10, 2023
