There has been a recent update (2025–2026) by the Nepal government regarding trekking in restricted areas, and it’s quite important. Let me explain it simply and clearly:
1. What changed recently?
Earlier rule:
- You needed at least 2 foreign trekkers to get a permit for restricted areas
- Solo trekking was NOT allowed
New rule (2026 update):
- Solo trekkers can now get permits
- But not fully independent trekking
2. Important conditions (VERY IMPORTANT)
Even though solo is allowed, there are still strict rules:
Guide is still compulsory
- You must hire a licensed guide
- You cannot trek completely alone
This is for safety (remote areas, rescue issues)
Must go through a trekking agency
- You cannot apply yourself directly
- Permit must be processed via a registered trekking agency
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) still required
- Mandatory for areas like:
- Upper Mustang
- Manaslu
- Dolpo
- Issued by Department of Immigration
Old “minimum 2 trekkers” rule removed
- Before → minimum 2 people required
- Now → 1 person allowed (with guide)
3. Why government changed this?
- To attract more tourists (especially solo travelers)
- To make trekking more flexible
- But still maintain safety and control
4. Simple Summary
- Solo trekking in restricted areas = NOW ALLOWED
- But:
- Guide = mandatory
- Agency = mandatory
- Permit = mandatory
- You still cannot trek completely alone
5. Easy way to understand
Before:
“2 people + guide required”
Now:
“1 person + guide required”
If you want, I can explain which restricted areas are popular + their permit costs (like Upper Mustang, Manaslu, etc.) in a very simple table
6. What changed in permit fees (Real change)
Old system (before 2025/early 2026)
- Example: Upper Mustang / Upper Dolpo
- USD 500 per person (minimum 10 days)
- Even if you stayed 3–5 days → still had to pay full $500
New system (latest update)
- Minimum 10-day rule REMOVED (in some areas like Upper Mustang)
- Now: ~USD 50 per day per person
This means:
- Stay 3 days → pay ~$150
- Stay 5 days → pay ~$250
Much more flexible and cheaper for short trips
This change was made to make trekking more accessible and realistic for modern
7. ButImportant — not same for all areas
This is where many people get confused:
Updated / Flexible (example)
- Upper Mustang → now daily rate (~$50/day)
Still same (NO change yet)
- Upper Dolpo → still
- $500 (first 10 days) + $50/day extra
Mixed system areas
- Manaslu / Tsum / Nar Phu
- Weekly or seasonal pricing (already flexible before)
7. Big picture (very simple)
Two major changes happened:
Solo permit allowed (2026)
- No need for 2 trekkers anymore
- But guide + agency still compulsory
Fee structure improved (some regions)
- Removed “forced 10-day payment” in some areas
- Introduced per-day pricing → more fair
8. Why this change is important
- Before: short trek = very expensive (forced $500)
- Now: short trek = pay only for days you stay
This is exactly what trekkers and agencies were requesting for years
Final simple answer
Yes — you are right
The 10-day minimum fee rule has been removed (at least in some regions like Mustang)
Now it is more flexible → pay per day instead of fixed $500
But:
- Not all restricted areas have changed yet
- Some still follow the old $500 system
