5 Restricted Region Trek in Nepal

Five restricted region trek in Nepal, Nepal is a paradise of heaven for all trekkers around the globe. Many places that require special permits are known as restricted trekking regions. Nepal has many restricted trekking sites in the western, central, and eastern parts. The Himalayan ranges lie between the border of Nepal and China. 

The trails of these hiking areas were closed until 1990 A D during the Shaha Dynasty regime. 

Officially, these areas are not restricted but closed for security reasons. Limi Valley, Manaslu, Kanchanjunga, Upper Dolpo, and Upper Mustang are famous for restricted trekking areas. Nepal Trekking in closed areas is more challenging than in open regions like the Annapurna region trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Closed or restricted trekking areas do not have proper food and accommodation facilities. Travelers need to bring tents and camps on most of the treks. Additionally, the permit fees of ‘restricted’ areas are also higher. The government has also declared that at least a group of two people are needed on this trip. Travelers also walk on the close observation of government officials. Your hiking to a restricted region goal is only possible with the help of registered trekking agencies like Nepal Trekking Routes. 

Its staff and management team manage your overall logistics for this trip to give you the best experience in the Himalayas. The main features of the restricted region trek are below.

• A special permit needs to issue from Nepal Immigration Department at TIA
• A minimum of two people is required
• The scenic beauty of the highest peaks of the Great Himalayan Trail 
• Travel with a Licensed Nepal Trekking Guide and Porters
• Chance to Explore ethnic communities, their culture, and lifestyles
• Hidden gems of mountain trails, flora, and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries

If you are interested to read more, we have shared the five best-restricted region trekking in Nepal below. 

Limi Valley Trek

Limi Valley is one of the restricted Trekking areas in Nepal. Limi is a high-altitude valley in the Humla. Hike to Limi trekking routes opened only in 2002 AD due to its closeness with the China border, Tibet. Hiking to Limi Valley is one of the popular off-beaten path treks in far-western Nepal. Its routes follow through the banks of the Karnali River- the longest river in Nepal. Because of its difficulty, fewer groups of trekkers are interested in this trip. However, Limi Valley Trek offers a spectacular view of Mount Kailash and nearby peaks in that area. Likewise, tourists get a chance to explore the uniqueness and traditional culture of the Buddhist community. 1000-year-old Halji and Djang Gompas are the main shrines of the area. We travel through three unique and remote villages in Humla ( Halji, Dzang, and Til) in this adventurous as well as spiritual trek. Another highlight of this trip is that modernization has not affected much in the lives of villagers. They still have a medieval society and a culturally rich lifestyle that attracts anyone. 

Trek to Limi Valley is a real sense of adventure that offers scenic beauty and authentic mountain lifestyles. Limi Valley’s trails are newly open and less explored, so there are no tea houses. We only have an option of a camping tent in the Himalayas. We see blue sheep, pine, oak, rhododendron forests, and occasionally snow leopards on the way to Limi Valley. 

The gateway of Mount Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar Trek, Limi, offers a stunning view of Mount Saipal, Mt, Api, Kanjirowa, Annapurna, and Kailash. The 18-22 days long trip starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Simikot, Humla. Simikot is also the gateway to Simikot Hilsa Trek, one path to reach Kailash ManSarovar Lake. You need at least two people in a group to perform this trek. 

Furthermore, we can also travel to Limi via Limi Valley JeepTour, but the road is dusty and bumpy. May to November is the best time to hike in the Limi Valley. Altitude sickness does not bother you if you follow precautions on this trip. And food and accommodations will be managed by Nepal Trekking Routes. 

Highlights

• Gateway of Mount Kailash
• Explore a high-altitude valley of Humla
• Explore the culture and traditions of locals
• Moderately Challenging trek
• Overnight at Tent

Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo region is one of the popular restricted areas of Nepal Trekking. It takes you to the beautiful Dhaulagiri massif (8167 m) in far-western Nepal. Its hiking trails opened in 1990, and since then, it has attracted many adventurous people around the globe. The Tibetan-influenced villages are also attractions of this trek. It is a restricted and challenging trek. Thus, you cannot do it independently. For organized trekking, you need to find the Upper Dolpo Trekking guide. And our professional and licensed guides and porters can help you to make your journey successful. Besides, we manage food and accommodation (camping) for all participants of this trip who book the Upper Dolpo trek with us. The 22-day-long trip requires a balance of health and mental status. 

Travelers walk through the Shey-Phoksundo National park in the core of the Dolpo region. Travelers’ minds get blown by the blueish water of Lake Phoksundo- the deepest lake in Nepal. 

Highlights

• The highest altitude of this trip is 5070 meters. 
• Dhaulagiri Massif (8167 meter)
• Trek through the unseen and remote parts of Humla
• Rejuvenating by the Shey Phoksundo Lake, and National Park
• Visit 1000-year-old Gompas
• Accommodation via Tent Camp
• Witness to see the Snow Leopard, Yarchagumba- a weird fungus with several health benefits
• Himalayan herbs and Serbs

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek is known as the last Forbidden Kingdom in Nepal. It shares a border with Tibetan Plateau, and due to this, many Tibetian influenced people’s lives here. Travelers go there to see desert land and several highest peaks, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif. The Mustang area is the only place in Nepal where deserts sit in the lap of mountains. 

Its difficulty level is moderate, but the average altitude of this trip is over 3000 meters. Like other closed treks, it was restricted until 1990 to preserve culture, tradition, and biodiversity. Lo Manthang is the Capital of the ancient Mustang. There are many things to explore in Lo Manthang, Thugchen Gompa, Amchi Museum, and The Royal Place. There are 1000 artificial caves in Mustang partially made of mummified human bodies and skeletons. According to the archeologist reports, they are nearly 2000-3000 years old. 

The route follows the gorge of Kaligandaki by passing Kagbeni village of Jomsom to the Lo Manthang. Trekkers can also visit Damodar Kunda, which is nearby Lo. The famous lake is one of the sources of the Gandaki River- the deepest river in Nepal. 

Highlights

• Walk to the Lo Manthang- the forbidden kingdom of Nepal
• Explore the royal palace and ancient gompas
• Explore a glimpse of Tibetian-influenced locals
• Trek in an off-beaten-path
• Explore rock caves, snow-capped Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri massif

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu region is also a restricted trekking region in Nepal. It lies in the lap of Mount Manaslu- the world’s eighth-highest massif. The terrain takes you through the beautiful landscapes, dense forests, and fierce river falls to the Manaslu Base Camp. Trekkers can see the magical view of Manaslu, Lamjung, and Annapurna ranges from the Manaslu circuit trek. It is less explored and hidden gems in central Nepal. Alike other Himalayan ranges, it also lies between Nepal and China border. The off-beaten trails offer rhododendron, pine, birch, and beautiful meadows.

Only passionate and serial hikers do this trek due to its demand for physical challenges. 

The Manaslu circuit starts from Soti Khola, Dhading, and ends at Syange, Lamjung. This circuit is around 180 Km in length, nearly 110 miles. The 16-day trip is suitable for March, April, May, September, October, and November. The highest pass of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5160 meters). 

Highlights

• Less Crowded and less popular routes
• Trek to the remote area with the wilderness of travel
• Follows the Buri Gandaki gorge, a long river gorge
• Witness the beauty of Mount Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh, and Lamjung Himal Sanctuary
• Wide variety of flora and fauna
• Explore culturally rich villages on the way
• Passing 180 Km from Soti Khola to Syange
• 18-days-long trek followed by regular long hikes

Kanchenjunga Base camp

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is also a restricted region trek in Nepal. The Base Camp of Kanchenjunga lies in the Eastern parts of the country, between China and India border. Mount Kanchenjunga is also known as the Five Treasures of Snow. The off-beaten-path trek is not famous with tourists because of its low promotion. And it’s challenging nature. 

It is the world’s third-highest mountain and has seven different summits. It is also away from the limits of familiar trekking areas, Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

Kanchenjunga Base Camp is also the starting point of the Great Himalayan Trail (1700 Km)- the route across the Himalayas of Nepal from east to west. 

Even though it is a less crowded region, but provides beautiful landscapes of mountains and dense forests. Rhododendron, Pine, and Oak trees are the attractions of the Kanchenjunga Conservation area. Some trekkers can also see Himalayan animals like blue sheep, mountain bears, and musk deer. Exploring the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous community Kirat (Rai and Limbu) is another highlight of the trip. 

We get local food and hospitality service to Kirant people on our route to Base Camp. Altitude can be trouble for you on this trip if you do not follow precautions. 

Highlights

• Witness the World’s third-highest peak from the maximum 5143 meter
• Offering panoramic views of the Mount kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, Kumbhakarna, and Pathibhara Himal
• Visit the holy Pathivara Temple 
• Walking via Yalung glacier
• Less explored trekking trails
• Visit the historical place, Olangchung Gola Pass
• See the Plenty of wildlife species and dense forests
• Great hospitality of Kirant (Rai and Limbu)
• September-October and March-May are the best seasons to travel to Kanchenjunga. 

Write a message on WhatsApp or Viber to know the detailed itinerary of the above-mentioned treks and book your Nepal Tour with Nepal Trekking Routes.