Many trekking areas in Nepal are restricted to foreign trekkers. The location of the restricted area is significant for the country’s local people to protect the culture and traditions of the local people. For trekking in a restricted area, the trekkers must have a special permit. However, you will not be issuing the restricted area permit by yourself; instead, it must be issued by the authorized trekking destination in Nepal.
Some popular restricted area treks in Nepal are the Upper Doplo, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga Trek, and Tsum Valley Trek. These treks are generally located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, so Nepal has a dedicated restricted area for border security and the safety of the trekkers.
Some Restricted Area Treks
Tsum Valley Trek – Starts at $900
Tsum Valley Trek is a restricted area trek in Nepal in the Manaslu region. This is one of the secluded areas of the Manaslu region mainly because the roads are not well built, so you have to trek the region hiking from teahouse to teahouse.
The civilization in the Tsum Valley remained undetected for several decades until recently. You will get an authentic experience and also a unique way of life. During your Tsum Valley trek, you will meet the local people influenced by Buddhism.
Highlights
- Visit the hidden valley on the coast of the Tibetan border.
- The Tsum Valley trek is one of the most unexplored treks in Nepal, and it has remote settlements.
- You can get stunning views of mountains such as Himalchuli, Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and others.
- The Tsum Valley Trek is also the gateway to the Manaslu Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Visit the major attractions, such as Milarepa’s cave, Lungdang Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Ganesh Himal Base Camp.
Nar Phu Valley Trek – Starts at $1049
Nar Phu Valley Trek is another remote and secluded trek in the beautiful Annapurna region. Since it is a restricted region, only a few trekkers bother to trek it. Instead, they choose the usual trekking sites like Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Nar and Phu are two beautiful villages that lie close to the Chame Village of the region. During this restricted area trek, you will also explore the passes of the Annapurna region, like Thorong La Pass and Kang La Pass.
Highlights
- Explore the most remote and secluded region of the Annapurna region.
- Visit two beautiful village hills in the Himalayas, Nar and Phu.
Get to the oldest cheese factories and taste local cheese. - Stroll around extensive yak pastures and camp during the night as well.
- Visit local attractions on the ABC trek, like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath.
Hillary Classical Trek – Starts at $1825
Hillary Classical Trek is the classical way of reaching Everest Base Camp, which is from Jiri rather than Lukla. This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. It is considered a challenging trek and is extremely popular among adventure enthusiasts worldwide.
The name is given due to the route used by the legendary climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their Everest Base Camp Trek expeditions.
Highlights
- Majestic trek of the Everest region.
- Reach Namche Bazaar, a town regarded as the Sherpa’s capital.
- Stunning views of mountains like Mt Everest, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse and others.
- Climb Kala Patthar and witness stunning views of the mountains: Sunrise and sunset.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – Starts at $895
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful areas of restricted-area trekking. If you want a scenic, off-the-beaten-path trekking path, then Manaslu Circuit Trek is the one for you, especially if you love challenges, rugged trails, and terrains. Although it is not impossible, this trek is not ideal for beginners. This trek takes you to the stunning villages of the Annapurna region, and you will also climb Larkya La Pass, which is over 5000m.
Highlights
- Reach the base of the 8th tallest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu.
- Wonderful but equally challenging Larkya La Pass at 5106 m.
- Visit different multiethnic villages inhabited by Dalits, Gurung, Brahmins, Chhetris, Sherpas, and Tibetans.
- Visit ancient and essential monasteries like Pungyen and Nubri Monastery.
Upper Mustang Trek – Starts at $1795
The Upper Mustang trek ranks among one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal. It was once a forbidden kingdom, which is why, even now, it falls in the restricted area of Nepal. It would help if you issued a restricted permit to explore the Upper Mustang trek, but the local communities must allow a high influx of tourists and trekkers. The trek takes you to one of the highest passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass.
Highlights
- Visit the ancient capital of the forbidden kingdom in Lo-Manthang.
- Scale one of the most challenging trekking trails in Nepal.
- Reach some famous settlements like Jomsom, Kagbeni, etc.
- Visit the sacred and religious place for both Buddhists and Hindus in Muktinath.
Everest Three High Passes Trek – Starts at $1920
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging adventure in Nepal. It takes about 18 to 20 days and includes three high passes. You can see fantastic mountains and visit Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the beautiful Gokyo Lakes. The trek takes adventurous individuals through the captivating landscapes of the Khumbu region in Eastern Nepal and is designed to enhance the renowned Everest Base Camp Trek.
Starting and ending in Lukla, the circular trek lasts approximately 18 to 20 days and includes three high passes in the Everest region: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,340 m).
Highlights
- Reach the stunning three passes of the Khumbu region in KongMa La, Renjo La, and Cho La Pass.
- Stroll around one of the most beautiful places in Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Lakes.
- Meet Himalayan Sherpa people and learn about their culture and traditions.
- Get a stunning view of Mount Everest and other high mountains from Kala Patthar.
Best Season For Restricted Area Treks
Restricted area trekking in Nepal can be challenging, but it can also be lots of fun. Although this trek is primarily for experts and not for beginners, it is always wise to consider the appropriate time for trekking before heading out. Two seasons are peak trekking seasons, while two others fall under the off-season.
Spring Season
Spring is among the best trekking seasons in Nepal. It has ideal weather, mild temperatures, and trails covered with flowers and jungles. Spring starts at the end of winter, so the initial days are still a bit chilly. However, as the days progress and the month of April arises, the vibrant atmosphere makes the trek pleasant.
Autumn Season
Many trekkers argue that the Autumn is the best season for the restricted-area trekking. This season starts in the middle of September and ends in November. The early part of September falls in the post-monsoon season, so it will receive adequate rainfall, which is not meant for trekking.
Preparation for the Restricted Area Treks
- The people of the restricted area are sensitive, so respect their traditions and always ask for permission.
- Restricted Area trek is long and will take a toll on your body, so be involved in cardiovascular and breathing exercises.
- Carry all the necessary documents and permits with you at all times.
- Always trek with more than one person and hire guides and porters for these challenging treks.
- Follow the instructions and obey the restrictions inside the national park or conservation area.
