Solo Travelers: Nepal’s Restricted Areas Are Finally Open to You!
For a long time, solo hikers dreaming of the mystical landscapes of Upper Mustang or the rugged trails of Manaslu hit a major roadblock: the “buddy system.” Until recently, Nepal’s Department of Immigration required a minimum of two foreign trekkers to issue permits for restricted zones. If you didn’t have a partner, those trails were legally off-limits.
That just changed. As of March 22, 2026, Nepal has officially scrapped the two-person requirement. You can now explore these remote “Controlled Areas” entirely on your own terms. While you still need a professional guide by your side for safety, you no longer need to find a travel buddy just to qualify for a permit.
The New Rule, SimplifiedThis policy shift, supported by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), aims to make Nepal more accessible while maintaining high safety standards.
- Solo Power: Single foreign trekkers can now legally obtain Restricted Area Permits.
- Guide is Mandatory: You must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide at all times.
- Agency-Led: You cannot self-apply. All permits must be processed through a registered trekking agency which handles your logistics and emergency rescue protocols.
- Digital Convenience: Applications are now filed online using your Visa Submission ID, meaning your agency can often start the process before you even land in Kathmandu.
2026 Restricted Area Permit Price List
Permit fees are government-regulated and vary by region and season. Below is the updated pricing for solo-accessible restricted routes:
| Trekking Region | Season | Permit Fee (Initial Period) | Additional Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Mustang | All Year | $50 per day (New Flexible Rate) | $50 / day |
| Upper Dolpo | All Year | $500 (for 10 days) | $50 / day |
| Manaslu Circuit | Sept - Nov | $100 (for 7 days) | $15 / day |
| Dec - Aug | $75 (for 7 days) | $10 / day | |
| Nar-Phu Valley | Sept - Nov | $100 (for 7 days) | $15 / day |
| Dec - Aug | $75 (for 7 days) | $15 / day | |
| Tsum Valley | Sept - Nov | $40 (for 7 days) | $7 / day |
| Dec - Aug | $30 (for 7 days) | $7 / day | |
| Humla (Limi Valley) | All Year | $50 (for 7 days) | $10 / day |
| Kanchenjunga | All Year | $20 (per week) | $25 / week |
| Lower Dolpo | All Year | $20 (per week) | $5 / day |
| Bajhang / Darchula | All Year | $90 (for 7 days) | $15 / day |
Note: Most of these regions also require a Conservation Area Permit (ACAP or MCAP) or National Park entrance and in some areas Local Development fees.
1. Conservation & National Park Permits
Standard entry fees for protected nature zones.
- ACAP (Annapurna): NPR 3,000. Required for Upper Mustang, Nar-Phu, and the end of the Manaslu trek.
- MCAP (Manaslu): NPR 3,000. Required for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley.
- KCAP (Kanchenjunga): NPR 2,000 – 3,000.
- Sagarmatha National Park: NPR 3,000. Required for restricted zones in the Everest region.
Some regions have moved away from the federal TIMS card and now collect their own local development fees.
- Manaslu (Chumnubri Rural Municipality): NPR 2,000. Collected in Jagat for trail maintenance.
- Everest (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality): NPR 3,000.
Ready to explore the Himalayas on your own terms? The door is finally open.
You get the peace and solitude of solo travel with the expertise and safety of a local pro.
