Admin UserBefore you lace up your boots, you will need the right paperwork. Nepal's trekking permits cover national parks, conservation areas and restricted regions, and the rules have changed several times in recent years. This guide explains the main permits, typical costs, how to arrange them and what to watch for in 2026. Fees and requirements are revised periodically, so always confirm current amounts with your agency or the Nepal Tourism Board before you travel.
The big picture: three kinds of permit
Most treks need some combination of the following:
- A trekker registration card (historically the TIMS card), which helps authorities track trekkers.
- An entry permit for the area you are walking in, such as a national park, conservation area or municipality.
- A restricted-area permit for specially designated regions near borders or in sensitive areas.
Which ones apply depends on your route. Your agency will tell you the exact list and arrange everything, usually within one to three working days for standard permits and a little longer for restricted regions.
Standard permits
TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
This is a registration system that helps authorities and rescue teams track trekkers. Requirements have changed repeatedly: recent guides report that Everest region treks now use the local municipality entry fee instead of TIMS, while sources disagree on whether TIMS is still mandatory in Annapurna (older figures were about NPR 2,000 independent and NPR 1,000 through an agency). Your agency will confirm whether a TIMS card or an equivalent applies to your route.
Conservation area and national park permits
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): around NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) for foreigners. Covers Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho.
- Sagarmatha National Park: around NPR 3,000 for most foreigners, plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality entry fee (reported as NPR 3,000 for most foreigners and NPR 2,000 for SAARC nationals and Chinese citizens). Together roughly NPR 6,000, about USD 45–55 including taxes.
- Langtang National Park: around NPR 3,000 for the Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda.
- Manaslu Conservation Area: around NPR 3,000, on top of the restricted-area fee, and ACAP is also required for the eastern end of the circuit.
Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and part of the fee goes to conservation and trail maintenance.
Restricted-area permits
Restricted areas include Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Humla and other remote regions. These permits are issued only through registered agencies, and fees are charged per week or per day depending on the region and season.
| Region | Typical restricted-area fee |
|---|---|
| Upper Mustang | Sources conflict: USD 500 for the first 10 days plus USD 50 per extra day in many guides, or a flat USD 50 per day with no minimum under a rule change reported from late 2025 |
| Manaslu | USD 100 for the first 7 days plus USD 15 per extra day (September–November); USD 75 plus USD 10 per extra day (December–August) |
| Tsum Valley | Per-week fee, check current rates |
| Nar Phu | Per-week fee, check current rates |
| Dolpo and Humla | Higher fees due to remoteness |
Prices vary between seasons and can change, so treat the table as a guide and confirm with your agency. For region-specific details, see our guides to Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu and Tsum Valley.
How to get your permits
- Choose your route and agency. Use a registered Nepali operator with a verifiable licence.
- Send passport scans and your dates. Agencies need a clear copy of your passport and visa.
- The agency prepares permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara. For restricted areas, allow more time.
- Carry originals and copies. You may be asked to show them at checkpoints along the route.
- Keep receipts. They matter if there is any question about fees paid.
Guide and agency rules in 2026
Rules on guides and independent trekking have shifted since 2023, with different regions and checkpoints applying them differently. For restricted areas, a registered agency and licensed guide are always required, and reports suggest the two-person minimum was relaxed in 2026. Read our summary of solo trekking in Nepal in 2026 and always confirm with your agency and the Department of Immigration.
Permits and insurance
Permits do not replace travel insurance, and many agencies will not take you without insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. Make sure your policy covers your maximum altitude and that you carry a copy of the policy number and emergency phone line.
Permits, visas and your entry to Nepal
A tourist visa lets you enter Nepal; trekking permits allow you to walk in specific areas. Arrange your visa first, then your permits. If your trek extends beyond the length of your visa, plan an extension in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you leave for the mountains.
Costs in context
Permits are a small part of the total cost of a trek, but they add up for restricted areas. See how they fit into overall budgets in the Everest trek cost and Annapurna Circuit guides.
Which permits for which trek?
| Trek | Permits you will usually need |
|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes | Sagarmatha National Park permit and local municipality permit |
| Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal | ACAP, plus TIMS or equivalent where required |
| Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho | ACAP, plus TIMS or equivalent where required |
| Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda | Langtang National Park permit, plus TIMS or equivalent |
| Manaslu Circuit | Manaslu restricted-area permit, MCAP and ACAP |
| Upper Mustang | Upper Mustang restricted-area permit and ACAP |
| Tsum Valley, Nar Phu | Restricted-area permit, conservation area permit and (for Nar Phu) ACAP |
This table is a starting point, not a guarantee. Because rules change, ask your agency to list the exact permits for your dates in writing. It is also worth asking which permits are checked where: national park gates, village checkposts and conservation-area entry points each record trekkers, so a missing document can delay you at a specific point on the route. Your guide will normally handle this, but knowing the system makes you a more confident traveller and helps you spot a problem early.
Typical timeline for arranging permits
Allow one to two working days for standard permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and several days for restricted-area permits. If you are arriving on a weekend or public holiday (Nepal's offices close for festivals such as Dashain and Tihar), allow extra time. Send your passport scan and visa details at least a week before you land so your agency can prepare the paperwork in advance and you can leave on your preferred date.
What if you lose a permit or a checkpoint asks for something unexpected?
Keep a photo of every permit on your phone and a paper copy in a separate bag. If you lose an original, tell your guide and agency immediately; they can usually contact the issuing office or the checkpoint to confirm your registration. If a checkpoint asks for a document you do not have, stay calm, ask politely which rule applies and call your agency from the trail. Official fees are always receipted, so never pay an unreceipted "fine" without checking first.
Permits and responsible trekking
Permit fees are not just paperwork. Conservation area and national park fees fund trail maintenance, waste management, community projects and anti-poaching patrols, and local municipality fees support schools and health posts. Paying official fees, keeping receipts and choosing operators who follow the rules all help protect the places you came to see. Ask your agency how the money is used and, if you can, visit an information centre or conservation office on the way. Responsible trekkers also carry out non-biodegradable waste, avoid single-use plastics and support lodges that use solar power and proper waste systems; see our responsible travel guide.
Digital systems and what to expect at checkpoints
Nepal has been moving toward more digital registration for trekkers, with online forms and QR-coded cards reported in some regions. Because systems vary by area and year, do not rely on any single app or website. Carry paper copies and phone photos of everything, and ask your agency which system applies to your route. At checkpoints, staff will usually record your passport details, permit numbers and group information, which takes a few minutes. Be patient and polite, and keep documents in a waterproof pouch at the top of your daypack so you can find them quickly.
Fees for different nationalities
Permit fees are often different for foreign nationals, SAARC nationals (such as Indians) and Nepali citizens. Foreign rates are the highest. Always confirm which category applies to you, and carry the appropriate documents. If you are a resident or work-visa holder in Nepal, ask whether resident rates apply and which documents prove it.
Common mistakes
- Assuming permits can be bought at the trailhead. Some can, but it is slower and sometimes more expensive.
- Letting a visa expire mid-trek. Check dates carefully.
- Using an unregistered agency. This can invalidate insurance and leave you without recourse.
- Forgetting passport photos. Some offices still ask for them.
- Not keeping copies. Photograph every permit and receipt.
FAQ
Do I need a TIMS card in 2026?
It depends on your route and current regulations. Your agency will confirm.
Can I get permits at the trailhead?
Sometimes, but it is simpler and often cheaper to arrange them in advance.
How long does it take to obtain permits?
Usually one to two working days for standard permits and a few days for restricted areas.
Are permits refundable?
Generally no, so make sure your dates are firm.
Do I need a separate permit for each region?
Yes. If you combine regions, such as Manaslu and Annapurna, you need the permits for each area you enter.
