6 Restricted Trekking Routes of Nepal

Information about Restricted Trekking Routes of Nepal

The nation of Nepal contains numerous ethnic groups together with multiple different natural environments. Various destinations across the entire territory exhibit exclusive mixtures of cultural and natural characteristics. The Government of Nepal established these areas under restricted status. Protecting these locations in the restricted category serves to conserve their special cultural and natural heritage elements. Tibet the autonomous region of the Republic of China presents high sensitivity toward all of its neighboring areas. The combination of political factors with cultural elements and natural elements determined these regions to become restricted access areas. Treasures are always kept hidden. These hidden treasures have attracted the curiosity of numerous persons who seek to explore them. These popular restricted trekking routes of Nepal form the core subject of this blog which provides fundamental information about them. Read this blog to discover which Nepal trekking trails belong to the best three restricted routes.

Do you seek an undisturbed trekking path which only few choose to explore? The blog named “What are the best restricted trekking routes of Nepal?” provides valuable information for your query.

List of Restricted Trekking Routes of Nepal

1. Tsum Valley Trek(TVT)

The Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal exists as a secret wonder of the Manaslu region. Inside this area there exist two confirmed trekking destinations. Among these two routes would be the Manaslu Circuit Trek followed by the Tsum Valley Trek. The path through Tsum Valley stands shorter compared to the route of Tsum valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek. Reaching Ganesh Himal Base Camp is possible through this combination which also allows travelers to experience Tsumba People’s cultural practices. The individuals from Tibetan ancestry practice Bon and Buddhism.

The trekking route contains numerous historical monasteries. Time has exempted the monastery of Mu Gompa from its ancient origins as this place now accommodates more than twenty monks and nuns. Gorkha district’s distant regions hold this place while presenting beautiful Himalayan landscapes combined with important cultural aspects. Tsum Valley’s travel duration is shorter than the duration needed to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Manaslu Circuit Trek combines with Tsum Valley Trek when tourists decide to undertake the route as a single visit.

2. Nar Phu Valley Trek(NPVT)

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route passes through the two distinct villages called Nar and Phu. Although adjacent to Nepal’s famed oldest trekking route the expedition of Nar Phu holds mythical beauty and grandeur in its journey. The Manang region of Nepal finds its essence in these two towns of Nar and Phu. Landscape fame distinguishes one town from its counterpart which displays traditional Himalayan culture and reveals local mountain residence techniques. Nullify your travel planning by adding this Nar Phu Valley Trek to your bucket list of exciting holiday destinations while visiting both villages.

3. Upper Mustang Trek(UMT)

There exists a road access that allows visitors to reach Upper Mustang. The town of Lo Manthang serves as the capital of Upper Mustang region of Nepal which one can see through accessible transportation. The transportation network now extends into Upper Mustang region. There are two tour options to reach Upper Mustang via motor bike along with Luri Gompa Trek or Jeep drive to Upper Mustang. Real access to the authentic Upper Mustang landscape requires you to trek either from Jomsom or from Beni. Jomsom stands as the main starting point for this trek because it exists as the windy town located along Kaligandaki River in Lower Mustang. Trekkers find joyful satisfaction by walking through the Upper Mustang Trek which offers them unique cultural encounters with local people. Despite being part of a republican state these people continue to follow monarchy rules in their practice. The country earns its Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal nickname due to its status.

4. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek(KBC)

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek stands as a magnificent highlight among Eastern Himalayan destinations of Nepal. The journey leads hikers to stay at the Nepal-Sikkim border area. The trek operates from Mount Kanchenjunga which stands as the world’s third tallest peak and delivers an entirely new adventure to trekkers. They consider the Kanchenjunga area distinguished by unique biodiversity as well as spectacular natural scenery and dense forest growth. The Kanchenjunga trek dedicates its fame to showing visitors two distinct village types because it passes both flat lowland settlements and elevated Tibetan-influenced hamlets set among high elevation lands.

The path passes through three main environmental zones that include rhododendron forests, alpine grasslands, and mountain elevation landscapes. Trekkers will particularly appreciate seeing the Kanchenjunga mountain as a major draw of the route. You will experience deep interest from the combination of the views of cascading hills and your journey through lush green forests featuring rhododendrons, alpine meadows and mountain landscapes. Those climbing to high elevations will cross demanding mountain passes where they can witness multiple peaks including Everest and Lhotse and Makalu and especially the third tallest peak Kanchenjunga.

The information I presented in this blog about hidden gems of Nepal exists within the title “What are the best restricted trekking routes of Nepal?” Today’s departure leads to discovering Nepal’s hidden treasures.

5. Dolpo Trek(DT)

Dolpo Trek is located in the Far Western region of Nepal and it is one of the most remote regions in the country. The Upper Dolpo Trek is often referred as the journey inside the forbidden kingdom of Nepal like the Upper Mustang Trek route. The trail was opened to trekkers in the late 1990s. Tibetan ancestry and unspoiled landscapes that span the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges combine to provide a unique experience that combines ethnic diversity with strenuous fitness requirements. The major highlight of the Dolpo Trek is the Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Lake is turquoise gem set against a backdrop of towering cliffs and green lush forests.

The lake is sacred to Nepalese people and is considered as one of the most beautiful destination of Nepal. In fact, the destination is still untouched as very less number of people travel to this destination. The trek takes you through ancient Tibetan villages, where you can witness traditional life and experience Buddhist practices. The journey encompasses monasteries adorned with centuries old wall paintings and prayer wheels. The trek to Dolpo is relatively long and requires good physical fitness due to its high altitudes, crossing passes like Numa La which is at an altitude of 5190 m . The isolation of the region ensures that the trekking route is less crowded, providing trekkers with a more tranquil and intimate experience with nature’s beautiful allures.

6. Manaslu Circuit Trek(MCT)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek stands out as the most preferred among the various restricted trekking options that exist in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek draws numerous hikers from different geographical regions since it introduced the 2023 trekking season. Mountain climbers have few opportunities to reach the base camp of Mt. Manaslu because this 8th tallest peak on the planet reaches 8163 meters above sea level.

Among all the walking ventures in Nepal Manaslu Circuit Trek leads the attraction category as a top choice. The Manaslu Circuit Trek direction has started to gain ground against widely popular Nepalese trekking destinations including Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek together with Langtang Valley Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Trek this enchanting trekking route of the Manaslu Trek before it becomes untimely because you will experience serenity, tranquility, spirituality and wilderness adventure in a route with lower traffic levels.

Things to remember while Restricted Trekking Routes of Nepal:

To participate in Nepalese trekking one needs to fulfill physical, mental and legal requirements. There are essential requirements you must recognize before beginning any trek to Nepal. These points should be considered by trekkers during their visits to restricted areas in Nepal.

Every trekking activity performed in Nepal requires possessing Trekking Permits. The authorities require trekking permits for every expedition regardless of whether the routes are listed under restricted trekking areas. Trekkers who plan to visit the Everest Trek or any other trek zone inside Nepal must acquire the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit. Having no requirement for the provision of TIMS permits remains true for the present year (2025) though it might reintroduce in forthcoming times.
The Rural Municipality Entry Permit has become a common requirement in the present day. The purchase of this permit depends on the trekking routes selected in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek within Nepal needs you to acquire a Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.

National Park Entrance Fees
The entrance fees at national parks become mandatory for trekking specific areas. Any trekking inside the Langtang region of Nepal requires Langtang National Park entry fees for admission.

The Conservation Area permit becomes mandatory for all trekking activities within the areas established as conservation zones. Visiting the Annapurna area for trekking requires possession of Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
The immigration office of Nepal located in Kathmandu issues a restricted Area Permit through special authorization. Physical exploration of restricted Nepal regions requires holders of a mandatory permit.
Travel Insurance is mandatory! It is essential for travelers to obtain appropriate travel insurance in their home nation before visiting Nepal.
The Nepalese authorities do not allow independent trekking inside their restricted areas. Every trekker must participate in a minimum group of two people.
Independent traveling is restricted! Every trekking trip requires operations by Nepal Government registered trekking agencies based in Nepal.
Physical and mental fitness must remain proper to start.