Restricted Area Trekking Permit in Nepal – 2024 / 25

The Nepalese government is taking steps to reduce permit costs for foreigners visiting the ‘prohibited trials’ in the Northern Territory by up to 50% , aiming to boost tourism traffic. This reduction in permit charges on highway links with China is being pursued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Currently, there are 100 locations in five districts designated as ‘prohibited areas of pedestrian traffic,’ requiring licensed guides for Nepalese and a fee for foreign visitors. Discussions are underway within the Ministry of Tourism, with plans to present proposals for tariff reductions to the Council of Ministers while ensuring strategic security isn’t compromised. These adjustments follow historical restrictions dating back to the 1960s along the northern border, strengthening in the 1970s due to geopolitical concerns. The move aims to review tourism’s impact positively or negatively and potentially modify laws concerning postal charges, overseen by the Department of Immigration.

The Department of Immigration has informed that there are now 100 locations in 4 villages in five districts of Taplejung in the east to Darchula in the far west and the area covered by it is ‘prohibited area of pedestrian traffic’. Nepalese who have taken the guide’s license should be taken along with the foreigner who has paid a fee to travel to these areas.

“To make the tour year a success, we have to adjust the pathway fee of the restricted area. The matter is under discussion, ‘Rudrasingh Tamang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Tourism, said, adding that it is ready to take the proposal of reducing the tariff to the Council of Ministers in consultation with the Immigration Department.

He further said that further decisions on tariff will be taken next year after reviewing the positive/negative impact of tourism promotion. The Department of Immigration is taking charge of the postal charges. Director-General of the Department, Ishwar Raj Poudel, said that the issue of adjustment of postage fees has reached the Ministry of Home Affairs. “There will be some modifications to the laws that do not interfere with strategic security,” he said.

The government had banned the movement of foreigners in some areas along the northern border since 1965. In the ’70s, the movement of foreigners into the restricted area was further strengthened after the Dalai Lama’s supporters with independent Tibet demanded armed activities against China from Nepali lands. According to the latest immigration data, Chinese Mustang border areas are prohibited in Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Lower Dolpa, Manaslu area of Gorkha, Humla, Taplejung, Chum valley of Gorkha, Ganesh Himal, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Rasuwa, Manang, Mazhang, Mugu and Darchula. Tourists must pay up to the US $ 500 for 10 days to the restricted areas of these districts. Tourists have been paying the US $ 1000 for two-person for  10days while traveling from 1 to 5 wards of the Lomanthang village of Mustang. Permit fees to other prohibited areas also vary.

How to Obtain Permit?

Special trekking permit must be acquired from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, for trekking to areas that fall under the Restricted Zone. For more information please log on to http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates

1. Trekking in any area or along any route except the specified area of route shall be deemed to be violation of law.
2. The Trekking permit should be kept along with the trekker while trekking.
3. The Trekking permit has to be shown to immigration employees or police on request.

Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fee In Nepal 2024

Source: NTB 2024-05-09