Nepal Trekking Permits
Planning a trek in Nepal involves more than choosing a trail, booking a flight and packing a warm jacket. Most established trekking routes pass through national parks, conservation areas, controlled border regions or other protected landscapes. Depending on the destination, a trekker may need a TIMS card, a protected-area entry permit, a restricted-area permit—or a combination of all three.
The permit system can seem confusing because the term “trekking permit” is often used loosely. A TIMS card is not the same as a national park ticket, and neither of those replaces a restricted-area trekking permit. Some routes require only one document, while remote itineraries such as the Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley and Upper Dolpo involve several approvals.
This guide explains the main Nepal trekking permits, current published fees, application procedures and route-specific requirements. Permit rules and prices can change, so trekkers should confirm the final requirements with the Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Immigration or a government-registered trekking agency before departure.
Information last verified: July 31, 2026.
Nepal Trekking Permit Requirements at a Glance
Most international trekkers will encounter one or more of the following:
A Trekkers’ Information Management System card, commonly called TIMS
A national park entry permit
A conservation area entry permit
A restricted-area trekking permit
A local government or municipality entry fee
A climbing permit when an itinerary includes an officially classified trekking peak
The exact combination depends on the trekking route.
For example, an Annapurna-area itinerary may require TIMS and an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit. An Everest-region trek may involve TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park admission and a local municipality fee. A Manaslu Circuit itinerary normally requires a Manaslu restricted-area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area entry, Annapurna Conservation Area entry and the services of a registered agency and licensed guide.
The Nepal Tourism Board advises trekkers to determine whether their selected route falls under the revised guide-and-TIMS provisions before arranging the trip. Its official list includes numerous routes in the Everest, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions.
What Is a TIMS Card?
TIMS stands for the Trekkers’ Information Management System. The system records information about trekkers, their routes, trekking agencies and guides. Its primary purpose is to support trekker monitoring and emergency coordination in Nepal’s mountain regions.
Under the revised provision introduced on March 31, 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board states that trekkers on specified protected-area routes must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a TIMS card issued through a trekking agency.
The current NTB information lists the TIMS fee as:
NPR 2,000 for trekkers from countries outside SAARC
NPR 1,000 for citizens of SAARC countries
Government-registered trekking agencies submit trekker, guide and route information through the online system. Once payment is completed, the system generates an electronic TIMS card containing a QR code.
Is TIMS Required for Every Trek in Nepal?
Official web pages are not always perfectly synchronized, and some older pages still describe earlier procedures for independent trekkers. The most current English-language NTB page specifically associates the revised system with designated routes in protected trekking regions.
Because enforcement and route interpretation may vary, do not assume that a trek is exempt merely because it is short or close to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Before departure, verify:
Whether the exact route requires TIMS
Whether the TIMS card must be agency-issued
Whether a licensed guide is mandatory
Whether the route crosses a national park or conservation area
Whether a separate local entry fee applies
A registered trekking agency should provide a written list of required documents before accepting payment.
Routes Listed Under the Revised TIMS and Guide Provision
The Nepal Tourism Board’s current route list includes, among others:
Everest Base Camp
Gokyo
Everest Three Passes
Everest View Trek
Langtang Valley
Gosaikunda
Tamang Heritage Trail
Manaslu Circuit
Tsum Valley
Annapurna Circuit
Poon Hill–Annapurna Base Camp
Khopra Danda
Mardi Himal
Upper Mustang
Dhaulagiri Circuit
Upper and Lower Dolpo
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Makalu Base Camp
Humla Limi Valley
This is not a substitute for checking the exact itinerary, especially when a route crosses multiple jurisdictions.
National Park and Conservation Area Permits
A TIMS card does not replace a national park or conservation area entry permit.
Many of Nepal’s famous trails lie inside protected landscapes. Entrance fees help fund conservation, trail management, visitor services and local environmental programs.
The Nepal Tourism Board states that protected-area entry permits may be purchased at the Tourist Service Center in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at designated entry points, depending on the area.
Common Protected-Area Entry Fees
The following are selected fees currently published by the Nepal Tourism Board.
Protected areaSAARC nationalsOther foreign nationalsSagarmatha National ParkNPR 1,500NPR 3,000Langtang National ParkNPR 1,500NPR 3,000Makalu-Barun National ParkNPR 1,500NPR 3,000Rara National ParkNPR 1,500NPR 3,000Shey-Phoksundo National ParkNPR 1,500NPR 3,000Shivapuri-Nagarjun National ParkNPR 600NPR 1,000Annapurna Conservation AreaNPR 1,000NPR 3,000Manaslu Conservation AreaNPR 1,000NPR 3,000Gaurishankar Conservation AreaNPR 1,000NPR 3,000Kanchenjunga Conservation AreaNPR 500NPR 2,000
The NTB table identifies these as per-person, per-entry fees and generally allows children younger than ten to enter free.
Why You Should Verify the Fee Before Traveling
Some individual destination pages on official websites display older fee amounts that differ from the central park-fee table. For example, certain older Annapurna and Manaslu pages show lower historical entrance prices. The centralized NTB park-entry table appears to be the more current reference, but trekkers should still verify the final amount at the time of purchase.
Carry enough Nepalese rupees for permit counters and trail checkpoints, even when an agency says the fees are included in a package.
What Is a Restricted-Area Trekking Permit?
Nepal designates certain remote, culturally sensitive and border-adjacent regions as restricted or controlled trekking areas.
Access to these areas is regulated more closely than access to ordinary trekking routes. The Department of Immigration issues the relevant permits, generally through licensed trekking agencies rather than directly to individual foreign trekkers.
Restricted-area permits are separate from TIMS and protected-area entry tickets.
A trekker entering Upper Mustang, for example, may need:
A restricted-area permit
Annapurna Conservation Area admission
A registered trekking agency
A licensed guide
The minimum required trekking group arrangement
The Department of Immigration publishes the official restricted routes, covered administrative areas and permit fees.
Can You Apply for a Restricted-Area Permit Yourself?
In ordinary circumstances, a foreign trekker cannot independently walk into the Department of Immigration and obtain a restricted-area permit as a solo applicant.
The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal explains that permits for controlled areas are issued through the formal agency process and are not issued as ordinary individual trekking permits.
A registered agency normally prepares:
Passport copies
Visa details
Trekking itinerary
Route and date information
Trekker photographs
Insurance documentation
Guide and staff information
Agency guarantee documents
Government fee payments
The immigration citizen-charter information indicates that agencies must submit licensing, tax, insurance, itinerary and trekker documentation when processing restricted-area permits.
Is a Guide Required in Restricted Areas?
Yes, restricted-area itineraries should be organized through a government-registered trekking agency and accompanied by an authorized guide.
The guide requirement is not simply a commercial convention. Restricted areas often involve international borders, limited rescue infrastructure, culturally sensitive settlements and controlled travel corridors.
Attempting to enter without the proper permit can result in denied access at checkpoints, itinerary disruption, fines or immigration complications.
Restricted-Area Permit Fees in Nepal
The Department of Immigration’s current fee schedule includes the following major trekking regions. Fees are normally charged per person.
Upper Mustang Permit
The current published fee for Upper Mustang is:
USD 50 per person per day
The covered area includes designated wards of Lo Manthang, Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda and Baragung Muktichhetra rural municipalities.
This differs from older fee structures that charged USD 500 for the first ten days. Travelers should use the current Department of Immigration route-and-fee page as the primary reference and obtain written confirmation from the agency processing the permit.
Upper Dolpo Permit
The current published Upper Dolpo fee is:
USD 500 per person for the first ten days
USD 50 per person per day after ten days
Upper Dolpo is among Nepal’s most expensive regulated trekking areas, reflecting its remoteness, restricted status and unusually complex logistics.
Manaslu Restricted-Area Permit
For the restricted section of the Manaslu region, the published fee is:
September through November
USD 100 per person for the first week
USD 15 per person per additional day
December through August
USD 75 per person for the first week
USD 10 per person per additional day
The permit applies to specified wards of Chumnubri Rural Municipality.
A standard Manaslu Circuit trek usually also enters the Manaslu Conservation Area and later the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, the restricted-area permit does not represent the complete permit cost.
Tsum Valley Permit
For Tsum Valley, the current published fee is:
September through November
USD 40 per person for the first week
USD 7 per person per additional day
December through August
USD 30 per person for the first week
USD 7 per person per additional day
The permit covers designated settlements and wards within Chumnubri Rural Municipality.
Nar Phu and Restricted Manang Areas
The current Department of Immigration table lists the controlled areas of Manang at:
September through November
USD 100 per person for the first week
USD 15 per person per additional day
December through August
USD 75 per person for the first week
USD 15 per person per additional day
The controlled area includes Narpa Rural Municipality and specified wards of Nasho Rural Municipality.
Humla Permit
The current published fee is:
USD 50 per person for the first week
USD 10 per person per additional day
This applies to designated areas in Simikot, Namkha and Changkheli rural municipalities.
Kanchenjunga Border Areas
For designated controlled areas of Taplejung, the fee is:
USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks
USD 25 per person per week after four weeks
A Kanchenjunga itinerary may also require the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit, TIMS and an authorized guide, depending on the route.
Makalu and Sankhuwasabha Restricted Areas
For designated areas of Sankhuwasabha, the current fee is:
USD 20 per person per week for the first four weeks
USD 25 per person per week after four weeks
The restricted permit is separate from admission to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Lower Dolpo Permit
The current published Lower Dolpo fee is:
USD 20 per person for the first week
USD 5 per person per additional day
A Lower Dolpo journey may also require Shey-Phoksundo National Park admission and other route-dependent documentation.
Gaurishankar and Dolakha Restricted Areas
For specified areas in Dolakha, the current fee is:
USD 20 per person per week
The trekking itinerary may also require entry to Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Rasuwa Border Areas
For the designated restricted areas of Rasuwa, the published fee is:
USD 20 per person per week
This permit applies only to specified restricted wards and should not be confused with the general Langtang National Park entry permit.
Other Controlled Areas
The Department of Immigration also publishes permit requirements for parts of:
Bajhang
Mugu
Darchula
Solukhumbu border areas
Additional remote border municipalities
These routes receive substantially less international traffic than Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna region, but permit compliance remains mandatory.
Which Permits Are Needed for Popular Nepal Treks?
The following table offers a practical overview. Exact requirements must be confirmed against the final route.
TrekCommonly required documentsEverest Base CampTIMS, Sagarmatha National Park permit, local municipality feeGokyo LakesTIMS, Sagarmatha National Park permit, local municipality feeEverest Three PassesTIMS, Sagarmatha National Park permit, local municipality feeAnnapurna Base CampTIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area permitAnnapurna CircuitTIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area permitMardi HimalTIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area permitPoon HillTIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area permitLangtang ValleyTIMS, Langtang National Park permitGosaikundaTIMS, Langtang National Park permitManaslu CircuitManaslu restricted permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permitTsum ValleyTsum Valley restricted permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permitUpper MustangUpper Mustang restricted permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permitNar Phu ValleyNar Phu restricted permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permitKanchenjungaRestricted-area permit where applicable, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit, TIMSMakalu Base CampMakalu-Barun National Park permit, TIMS, restricted permit where applicableUpper DolpoUpper Dolpo restricted permit, Shey-Phoksundo National Park permitLower DolpoLower Dolpo restricted permit, Shey-Phoksundo National Park permit
The terms “permit,” “entry ticket” and “local fee” are sometimes used interchangeably by travel sellers, but they are not legally identical. Request an itemized permit list from the agency.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
Everest Base Camp is not classified in the same way as Upper Mustang or the controlled section of Manaslu. However, it still requires several forms of trail authorization.
A typical Everest Base Camp trek involves:
TIMS under the current NTB route list
Sagarmatha National Park entry
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee
The Nepal Tourism Board currently lists Sagarmatha National Park entry at NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 for SAARC citizens.
Local municipality fees should be verified directly because they may change independently of national park charges.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
A conventional Annapurna Base Camp itinerary generally requires:
TIMS
Annapurna Conservation Area permit
The central NTB park-fee table currently lists Annapurna Conservation Area admission at NPR 3,000 for other foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens.
Trekkers combining ABC with other restricted destinations may need additional permits, but an ordinary ABC itinerary does not normally require a restricted-area immigration permit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
The Manaslu Circuit has one of Nepal’s more complicated permit combinations.
A typical itinerary requires:
Manaslu restricted-area permit
Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit
Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
A registered trekking agency
A licensed guide
Compliance with the group rules applied to restricted-area permits
The Manaslu restricted fee changes by season, making autumn more expensive than winter, spring or monsoon months.
This structure makes Manaslu especially unsuitable for informal, undocumented or self-arranged travel.
Upper Mustang Trek Permits
Upper Mustang requires considerably more planning than a standard Annapurna trek.
A typical Upper Mustang itinerary requires:
Upper Mustang restricted-area permit
Annapurna Conservation Area permit
Registered agency arrangement
Licensed guide
Compliance with restricted-area group provisions
The Department of Immigration currently publishes the restricted permit at USD 50 per person per day.
Since Upper Mustang rules and fees have changed over time, the agency should confirm the applicable amount before the traveler pays a deposit.
Langtang Valley Trek Permits
A conventional Langtang Valley trek generally requires:
TIMS
Langtang National Park entry permit
The NTB currently lists Langtang National Park admission at NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals outside SAARC and NPR 1,500 for SAARC citizens.
An itinerary approaching restricted border wards may require additional authorization, so route details matter.
Where to Obtain Nepal Trekking Permits
The correct issuing authority depends on the permit.
TIMS
TIMS is processed through the online agency system for routes covered by the revised provision. The trekking agency submits the trekker, guide and route information and generates an electronic card with a QR code after payment.
National Park and Conservation Area Permits
Depending on the destination, protected-area entry permits may be obtained:
At the Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu
Through an authorized trekking agency
At a conservation-area office
At a designated trail entrance or checkpoint
The Nepal Tourism Board advises that protected-area fees can be paid at the Kathmandu service center or at entry points.
Restricted-Area Permits
Restricted-area permits are processed through the Department of Immigration by a registered trekking agency.
Trekkers should not rely on last-minute processing. Public holidays, incomplete visa records, route changes and administrative discrepancies can delay an application.
Documents Commonly Needed
A trekking agency may request:
Original passport
Clear passport copy
Valid Nepal visa
Digital or printed passport photograph
Travel insurance certificate
Emergency contact information
Arrival and departure dates
Complete trekking itinerary
Trekking guide details
Signed application or agency agreement
Payment of government fees
The passport and visa details must match exactly. A spelling difference, expired visa or incorrect passport number can prevent permit issuance.
How Long Does Permit Processing Take?
Standard park and conservation permits may be completed quickly when the required counters are open.
Restricted-area applications require agency submission. The Department of Immigration citizen charter indicates same-day processing for qualifying agency applications submitted before the specified cutoff, but this should not be interpreted as a guarantee for every traveler or itinerary.
A responsible agency should complete restricted permits before the trekking group leaves Kathmandu.
Can You Get Trekking Permits After Starting the Trek?
Some ordinary park permits may be available at entry checkpoints, but relying on trail-side issuance is risky.
Restricted-area permits must be arranged in advance. A checkpoint cannot simply convert an undocumented trekker into an authorized restricted-area visitor.
Arrange all required documentation before departure when:
The trek enters a restricted area
The route requires a guide
The itinerary crosses several protected areas
The trek begins with an early domestic flight
Government offices will be closed for a holiday
The route starts far from Kathmandu or Pokhara
How Much Should You Budget for Permits?
Permit costs vary considerably.
A short trek inside one national park may involve only a modest protected-area fee plus TIMS. A restricted trek can cost hundreds of US dollars before guide wages, transportation, accommodation or food are considered.
When budgeting, separate:
TIMS fee
National park fee
Conservation area fee
Restricted-area fee
Municipality fee
Agency processing charge
Guide cost
Porter cost
Taxes
Bank or payment charges
An agency advertisement that says “all permits included” should specify which permits are included and whether the quoted rate includes processing charges and taxes.
Common Nepal Trekking Permit Mistakes
Assuming TIMS Covers Every Fee
TIMS is a trekker registration system. It does not replace a national park, conservation area or restricted-area permit.
Using an Outdated Blog as the Final Authority
Permit fees and administrative rules change. Search results may continue displaying information published years earlier.
Always compare travel articles with current government pages.
Booking With an Unregistered Operator
A person advertising through social media may not be authorized to process restricted-area permits.
Ask for:
Company registration
Tourism license
Tax registration
Physical office information
Written receipt
Permit breakdown
Guide identification
Changing the Route Without Updating the Permit
Restricted permits are tied to specified routes, dates and regions. Changing the itinerary may require an amendment or a new permit.
Losing the Original Document
Checkpoints may ask to see the original or official electronic record. Keep paper copies, offline digital copies and passport copies in separate locations.
Entering a Restricted Route Alone
Solo travel rules for general trails should never be confused with restricted-area regulations. An immigration-controlled route must follow the applicable agency, guide and group requirements.
How to Check Whether a Trekking Agency Is Legitimate
Before transferring a large deposit, confirm that the company can legally arrange the trek.
Ask the operator to provide:
Registered company name
Nepal tourism license number
Permanent Account Number or tax details
Office address
Written itinerary
Permit list
Cancellation policy
Guide credentials
Staff insurance details
Emergency and evacuation protocol
For a restricted trek, ask the company to explain exactly which office issues the permit and when you will receive a copy.
A professional agency should answer these questions clearly rather than treating permit information as a secret.
Nepal Trekking Permit FAQs
Do I need a permit to trek in Nepal?
Most major trekking routes require at least one form of authorization, such as TIMS, a national park entry permit, a conservation area permit or a restricted-area permit.
Is TIMS the same as a trekking permit?
No. TIMS records trekker, route, guide and agency information. It does not replace national park, conservation area or restricted-area authorization.
How much does a TIMS card cost?
The Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the fee as NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for citizens of SAARC countries.
Can I get TIMS without a trekking agency?
The current NTB system states that agencies register trekkers, guides and routes and generate the electronic TIMS card for the designated routes covered by the revised provision.
Do I need both TIMS and a national park permit?
Often, yes. They perform different functions. For example, a Langtang itinerary may require both TIMS and Langtang National Park admission.
Do I need a guide for Everest Base Camp?
The Nepal Tourism Board includes Everest Base Camp in its current list of routes covered by the revised guide-and-TIMS provision. Travelers should verify current enforcement and documentation with a registered agency before departure.
Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit independently?
The restricted section of Manaslu requires an immigration permit processed through a registered agency and is subject to guide and group requirements. It should not be treated as an independent trekking route.
What permits are needed for Manaslu Circuit?
A standard circuit generally requires the Manaslu restricted-area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
What permits are needed for Annapurna Base Camp?
A conventional ABC trek generally requires TIMS and an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit.
What permits are needed for Everest Base Camp?
A standard EBC trek commonly involves TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park admission and the Khumbu local-government entry fee.
Are Nepal trekking permits refundable?
Government permit fees are commonly non-refundable once issued. Ask the agency for its written refund policy before submitting an application.
Can permits be transferred to another person?
No. Trekking permits are issued against an individual’s passport and travel details.
Do children need trekking permits?
The central NTB park-fee table states that children younger than ten generally receive free protected-area entry. However, TIMS, restricted-area documentation and local rules should be verified separately.
Can I pay permit fees in US dollars?
Restricted-area permits are commonly quoted in US dollars. Protected-area fees are normally published in Nepalese rupees. Payment methods depend on the issuing authority and agency.
Should I carry the permit while trekking?
Yes. Carry the original or authorized electronic document, together with your passport or an accepted identification copy, for checkpoints.
Final Thoughts
Nepal’s permit system is not one single document. It is a layered structure reflecting trekker registration, environmental protection, local administration and immigration control.
The safest planning method is to begin with the route, identify every jurisdiction it enters and then match each section to the correct permit.
For an ordinary protected-area trek, this may mean TIMS plus one park or conservation permit. For Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Dolpo or another controlled destination, it usually means restricted-area permission, protected-area admission, a registered agency and a licensed guide.
Do not choose a trekking operator solely because it quotes the lowest permit price. Government charges should be transparent and broadly consistent. A suspiciously low fee may indicate outdated information, omitted costs or an operator that is not following the proper process.
Before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara, obtain an itemized permit list, inspect the names and passport numbers, save digital copies and understand which documents must be shown at each checkpoint. That small amount of preparation can prevent a major interruption after the trek has already begun.
