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A definitive guide to exploring Nepal’s pristine wilderness zones—from Upper Mustang and Manaslu Circuit to Upper Dolpo and Nar Phu. Understand Department of Immigration rules, fee schedules, mandatory guide regulations, and permit processing timelines.
Permits are strictly issued for groups of at least 2 foreign passport holders. Solo trekkers cannot obtain restricted permits independently.
You must be accompanied by a licensed Nepal government guide who is insured and registered under your organizing agency.
Only Department of Tourism registered agencies with valid tax clearance and NATTA/TAAN affiliation can submit RAP dossiers.
Most restricted zones overlap with Conservation Areas or National Parks (e.g. ACAP, MCAP, Shey Phoksundo), requiring separate entry tickets.
Estimate official government permit tariffs, mandatory national park tickets, and minimum trekker group rules instantly.
Excludes guide salary/insurance, transport, meals, and lodge accommodations.
Official Department of Immigration permit rates (in USD) and district-specific requirements for international trekkers.
Mustang (Lomanthang, Charang, Lo-Ghekar)Ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, sky caves, Tibetan Buddhist gompas, dry plateau terrain.
$500 USD per person (First 10 Days), then $50 USD / day
ACAP Permit ($30 USD) + TIMS Card
Strict minimum of 2 foreign trekkers + 1 licensed Nepal trekking guide required.
Gorkha (Jagat to Dharapani & Tsum Valley)Larkya La Pass (5,106m), sacred hidden Tsum Valley, Tibetan-border cultural heritage.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): $100 USD/person/week + $15/day extra. Spring/Off-Peak: $75 USD/person/week + $10/day extra.
MCAP Permit ($30 USD) + ACAP Permit ($30 USD)
Restricted Area Permit mandatory from Jagat until Larkya La exit point into Dharapani.
Dolpa (Shey Phoksundo, Saldang, Ringmo)Turquoise Lake Phoksundo, Crystal Mountain monastery, Bon culture, raw wilderness.
$500 USD per person (First 10 Days), then $50 USD / day
Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit
Remote logistics; camping gear and satellite communication support highly advised.
Manang (Koto to Kang La / Phu)Hidden Tibetan villages of Nar and Phu, high pass Kang La (5,320m), rugged gorge trail.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): $100 USD/person/week + $15/day extra. Spring/Off-Peak: $75 USD/person/week + $10/day extra.
ACAP Entry Permit ($30 USD)
Easily combined with the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek at Koto and exit at Ngawal.
Because restricted areas border sensitive Tibetan boundaries or fragile ecosystems, the Government of Nepal requires authorized DMC operators to handle permit issuance directly with the immigration office.
"Zeo Tourism prepares and files all Department of Immigration permit dossiers in Kathmandu, ensuring full regulatory compliance before your departure."
Send high-resolution digital scans of your valid passport and Nepal entry visa to Zeo Tourism’s Kathmandu operations desk.
We pair your trek with a licensed government guide, register their insurance, and finalize the exact route checkpoints.
Our Kathmandu team submits the physical dossier and pays official fees at the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan.
Your guide carries the original stamped permit papers to clear police and army checkpoints along the trail.
No. Department of Immigration regulations strictly require a minimum group of two (2) foreign travelers accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide from a registered tour/trekking operator like Zeo Tourism. Individual solo permits are not issued.
No. Restricted area permits in Nepal can only be applied for and processed by a government-registered trekking agency on behalf of the travelers. Agencies submit passport copies, Nepal tourist visas, guide insurance, and company tax clearances to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Processing typically takes 1 to 2 business working days at the Department of Immigration in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least 24–48 hours prior to your scheduled trek departure.
You will need: (1) Valid original passport with at least 6 months validity, (2) Valid Nepal Tourist Visa stamp/sticker, (3) 2 passport-sized photographs, (4) Detailed daily itinerary approved by your licensed agency.
Children under 10 years of age are generally exempt from permit fees for most conservation areas, but their presence and passport details must still be recorded in the group permit dossier.
Pilgrims crossing from Nepal into Tibet via Rasuwagadhi (Kyirong border) or Hilsa (Simikot route) must hold coordinated transit documents, Humla restricted area permits (for Simikot-Hilsa route), Tibet Travel Permits, and China group visas processed through an authorized operator.
Get direct guidance on permit timelines, group matchmaking, and custom routes from our Kathmandu operations desk.