Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal

The previously restricted areas are currently known as Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal. In fact there are currently no restricted areas in Nepal for trekking. To illustrate previously restricted areas were considered sensitive in terms of environment, culture and political points of views. Specifically special trekking areas falls basically among less visited mountainous region; thus remain attraction to many of the trekking enthusiasts. Most of the special trekking routes in Nepal fall in the border of highly sensitive geography of Tibet, China, and conservation areas. Accordingly a separate charge and special permit are required from Immigration Department to enter such restricted areas. Those trekkers here have to take minimum two customers and supplementary permits.

Kangchenjunga, Manaslu, Naar, Phu, Upper Mustang, Tsum valley, Dolpo, Shey-Phoksundo, Mugu, and Humla are called special/restricted trekking areas. The Tourism Ministry of Nepal has introduced the Trekker Information Management System (TIMS) to effectively manage trekking in such restricted areas recently. A separate help desk for this specific route has been established. Also independent trekkers should produce TIMS cards provided by the system at checkpoints of conservation area and national park entry. Government of Nepal in an attempt to lessen environmental impact in such areas imposed restrictions but sometimes it is considered for economical gain too.

The trekking agencies are demanding to make them more accessible to all the trekkers in easier manner. In some areas government only allows a trek group if they are ready to take special officers (environmental, security) who will guide them properly in respect of all the do’s and dont’s in these areas.

Ganesh Himal Trekking

The Ganesh Himal Trekking route is famous route more because of its nearness to Kathmandu and Pokhara both. Despite being near to the tourist cities still an undamaged Ganesh Himal region includes the great Himalayan chain. Namely Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III, Ganesh IV, a spectacular mountainous panorama contained between the valley of the Budhi Gandaki and Trishuli River. It offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty and a great bio-diversity. Specifically Ganesh Himal is a sub-range of the Himalayas located mostly in north-central Nepal, but some peaks lie on the border with Tibet region. It is one of the most interesting place to trek in Nepal.

Nar Phu Trekking

Nar-Phu is one of the newest trekking routes in Nepal. More of a cultural excursion trekking region Nar and Phu are ancient villages comprising ageless Tibetan model life style. Generally combined with Annapurna Trail trekking Nar-Phu trekking route is full of exhilarating rugged landscape and jaw dropping vistas. Just opened in 2002 Nar-Phu trekking area follows the Annaprna Circuit via narrow canyons, forests, Monasteries surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the world. Nar-phu Trekking is one of the most important religious sites in Nepal Himalaya, also popular for its landscape features and Himalayan views in Annapurna Himalayan range.

Upper Mustang Trekking

To illustrate Upper Mustang is one of the Nepal’s oldest heritages closely associated with Tibetan culture. In this stark landscape trekkers encounter medieval town, surrounded by a huge wall with some of the oldest scriptures. The last resort of Upper Mustang Trek is Lo Mangtang that is believed to be the old Buddhist kingdom. There is an old 4-story royal palace with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains in the background. Stark Tibetan Landscapes, golden rice fields, Hindu shrines with cliff hanging Monasteries, ruggedly carved mountains reaching the blue sky, glittery icy peaks to the south, vast and barren ridges extending to the northern horizon

Mostly known through movie and books like ‘Himalayan Pilgrimage, ‘The Snow Leopard’ and ‘The Caravan’; Dolpa region remains still a mystery for many. The trekking route that reflects a mixed cultural (Nepali and Tibetan) lifestyle; Dolpa Circuit comprises Dhaulagiri massif to the Tibetan (ranging from 1650 m/ 5,412ft to 5136 m/16,846ft) highlands including Shey-Phoksundo National Park with the deepest mountain lake in the country. Upper Dolpo is basically a Tibetan region in the West of Nepal; we can see many Buddhist and Bonpo (shamanistic pre Buddhist) monasteries on the way to Dolpo. The Dolpo region full of amazingly beautiful and thrilling viewpoints.

Manaslu Trekking

Manaslu Trekking Route is for the trekking enthusiasts who love to have mountainous adventure but prefer to be away from highly busy routes. Though relatively a newer trekking route; Manaslu (8,156m/ 26,758ft) region offers astonishing views of surrounding mountain and a cross country cultural experience. Manaslu trekking that is considered as alternative route to the busiest route in the nation Annapurna region; is homeland of the Tsum Valley, Jomsom mountain desert along with many snow capped breath taking views. It begins to get more serious with the start of the ancient of the Gandaki River valley.

Rara Trekking

Besited being located at 3200 meters from sea level, Rara is 167 meters deep covering area of 10.8 square kilometers. If fact it is known for the various colors of the water at different times of the day. As well it is situated inside Rara National Park. To illustrate Rara overlooks a scenic mountainous panorama including Sisne and Kanjirowa Himal. Also to the north, it stretches up to the Tibetan frontier. The lake is a few days trek from the mountain airport at Jumla, the most usual starting point for Rara Lake trek. Accordingly trekkers using the air route should be aware of the pre-bookings because planes are not regular and tickets are not so easily available.

Indeed there is an alternative trekking route to Rara from the area of Dolpo to the east and Khaptad National Park to the southwest, while Karnali highway is already in operation making it easy access Rara. Further trekking to Nepal’s largest lake, Rara is mainly popular during summer, spring and autumn. Additionally Rocky terrain and views of rare mountainous wild animals are primary attractions.

Kanchanjunga Himal Trekking

Kanchanjunga is the majestic mountainous region in the eastern part of Nepal. Namely ‘Kanchan’ means beautiful in Nepali and the third highest peak (8586m), is named as the most beautiful peak in the nation. The region is also one of the most loved trekking routes. This trek offers views of four of the world’s five highest mountains along the way including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga itself.

Furthermore Kanchenjunga trekking is considered best during autumn and spring. Home to exotic species like elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Musk Dear and exotic species of birds, Kanchanjunga is best to observe exhilarating natural beauty and ecological variety at once. Morever it is comparatively a less crowded region than other tourist destinations in Nepal offering rugged adventure. Also this region features a blend of Nepalese ethnicities including Rai, Limbu, and Sunuwar collectively known as ‘Kirat’.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Indeed Makalu base camp trek is home to world’s fifth highest mountain Mt. Makalu and also a renowned destination among avid adventure lovers. In fact if you admire natural beauty and snowy peaks beside the wilderness this is the place you have to be. Specifically the Makalu base camp trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the most isolated and exhilarating region in the nation. Featuring the fifth highest peak in the world, Mt. Makalu, the trail passes through serene jungle and village in the mid-hills taking us up to the sacred alpine landscape of Makalu-Barun National Park. To summarize the neighboring regions are Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu region the most see regions in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Upper Rowling Trek