Nepal Allows Solo Permits for Restricted Area Trekking

Nepal’s new Solo Permits policy for 2026 has finally opened the country’s restricted Himalayan regions to individual trekkers, ending the long-standing two-person rule that kept solo adventurers out of Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpa, and Manaslu.

For years, destinations like Upper Mustang required at least two trekkers on one permit. With the Department of Immigration update announced on March 23, 2026, Solo Permits can now be issued to a single foreign traveler. It is not fully independent trekking — a licensed guide and registered agency are still mandatory —, but it is the most accessible form of guided solo travel Nepal has ever allowed.

At Broad Adventure, we are already processing the first wave of Solo Permits for 2026 departures.

What Are Solo Permits in Nepal?

Solo Permits are Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) issued to one person instead of a group. They apply to 15 restricted zones across 13 districts, primarily along the Nepal–China border, created to protect:

• Unique Tibetan-influenced cultures and indigenous traditions
• Fragile high-altitude ecosystems
• Sensitive border security areas

You still need a special RAP from the Department of Immigration, not just a TIMS card or national park ticket.

Solo Permits: What Changed in 2026?

Previously, RAPs were issued only to groups, effectively blocking solo trekking in border regions.

Under the 2026 Solo Permits update:

• Solo foreign trekkers can now obtain permits for restricted areas
• The minimum group size of two is removed
• Permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency
• A licensed trekking guide is mandatory for every Solo Permit holder

This marks a major shift from “no solo” to “solo with support.”

How Solo Permits Work: Rules You Must Still Follow

Solo Permits give you freedom on the trail, not freedom from regulation:

• Agency only: All Solo Permits must be processed by a Nepal-registered trekking agency
• Guide mandatory: Your agency provides a government-licensed guide who is legally responsible for safety and emergency rescue
• Guide ratio: 1 licensed guide can lead up to 7 trekkers, including solo clients
• No independent entry: You cannot apply at the immigration office alone or trek without a guide

These rules ensure Solo Permits improve safety rather than increase rescues.

Solo Permits and the New Digital System

The biggest practical win for Solo Permits is the fully digital application:

• Apply from abroad using your visa Application Submission ID
• Apply in Nepal using your visa number
• Faster approvals and less paperwork for solo travelers

You can secure your Solo Permit before arriving in Kathmandu, which is ideal for tight schedules.

Best Treks to Use Your Solo Permit

1. Upper Mustang with Solo Permits – The “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” Lo Manthang, desert cliffs, and 15th-century monasteries. Perfect for a 7–10 day solo cultural trek.

2. Upper Dolpa with Solo Permits – Shey Phoksundo Lake, Bon villages, and Nepal’s most remote trails.

3. Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley – A serious alternative to Everest, with fewer crowds and authentic Gurung culture.

4. Nar Phu Valley – Hidden valleys north of Annapurna with strong Tibetan influence.

5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp – Eastern Nepal wilderness under the world’s third-highest peak.

2026 Solo Permits Cost Table

These are official RAP fees for Solo Permits. Park and conservation fees are extra.

Note: Upper Mustang’s Solo Permit fee dropped from a flat USD 500 to USD 50 per day in late 2025, making short solo trips far more affordable.

Why Solo Permits Matter for Nepal Tourism

• Solo Permits boost remote-region tourism without compromising safety
• They create year-round jobs for licensed local guides
• They give experienced solo travelers legal access instead of risky workarounds
• They support sustainable tourism by keeping permits agency-controlled

Get Your Solo Permit with Broad Adventure

Broad Adventure specializes in Solo Permits for Nepal’s restricted areas. We provide:

• Pre-arrival Solo Permit processing through the digital system
• Handpicked licensed guides for solo trekkers
• Full logistics, accommodation, and emergency support
• Custom itineraries for Upper Mustang, Dolpa, Manaslu, and Nar Phu

Whether you want 10 days in Mustang or 3 weeks across Dolpa, we handle your Solo Permit from start to finish so you can trek with confidence and independence.

Ready to apply for your 2026 Solo Permit? Contact Broad Adventure today and start planning your solo Himalayan journey.