Dolpo: fines for trekking without permits, more checkpoints

What happened

On 6 November 2026, Nepal's Department of Immigration fined a Kathmandu agency Rs 50,000 for taking four Mexican trekkers into Lower Dolpo without a restricted area permit. Each trekker was fined Rs 10,000 and also had to pay the US$20 permit they should have bought before setting off. The district administration reported the group.

Two days earlier, on 4 November, another agency got the same fine for leading two Belgian tourists towards Dolpo Buddha without permits and ignoring instructions from local officials. The department also asked for an inquiry into the guide's licence.

Checks at every entry point

Until now, only Shey-Phoksundo National Park staff recorded visitors, at Suligad. The district now also registers them at Juphal airport, in Dunai and at other entry points, with police checking at Khadang. Expect to be asked where you came in, where you are going and when you plan to come back. Officials say the aim is search and rescue: in early November, six Indian tourists stranded by snow in Upper Dolpo had to be flown out by helicopter.

What it means for you

• Both Lower and Upper Dolpo are restricted areas. You need a special permit, issued through a licensed agency, before you go. You cannot get one on the spot.
• Carry your permits (restricted area and Shey-Phoksundo National Park) at all times: they are checked at several places.
• Give your route and return date at the registration posts. That is what allows a search to start if you don't come back.
• If an agency offers to take you in without a permit to save money, say no: you pay the fine too.

Source: Onlinekhabar, 6 November 2026; see also Onlinekhabar, 4 November 2026.