Trekking Permit in Nepal

Planning a trek in Nepal involves more than choosing a beautiful Himalayan trail and packing your backpack. Depending on your trekking destination, you may need a conservation area entry permit, national park entry permit, or a special trekking permit for restricted areas.

Understanding the permit system before you leave Kathmandu can save time and prevent problems on the trail. Some popular routes, including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and other Himalayan treks, have different permit requirements.

This guide explains how to get a trekking permit in Nepal, what documents you may need, how much permits cost, and what Indian and other SAARC travelers should know before starting their trek.

Important: Permit fees and procedures can change. The information below reflects the current information published by Nepal’s official tourism and government authorities, but trekkers should confirm the latest fees before departure.

What Is a Trekking Permit in Nepal?

A trekking permit is an official authorization required for trekking in certain areas of Nepal. The exact requirement depends on your route.

Not every popular trekking trail requires the same permit. For example, a trek through a conservation area may require a conservation-area entry permit, while a trek through a restricted area requires a special permit issued through the Department of Immigration.

The Nepal Tourism Board states that special trekking permits are required for designated restricted areas. Trekkers must carry the permit during the trek and show it to immigration officials or police when requested.

Therefore, when planning a trek, do not simply ask, “Do I need a trekking permit?” Instead, ask:

Does my route require a TIMS card?
Does my trek enter a national park?
Does it enter a conservation area?
Does it pass through a restricted area?
Do I need a licensed trekking guide?
Does my nationality affect the applicable fee?

Understanding these requirements before departure can save time and prevent problems on the trail.

What Permits Do You Need for Trekking in Nepal?

There are several types of permits and registrations that trekkers may encounter.

1. Conservation Area Entry Permit

Many of Nepal’s famous trekking destinations lie inside protected conservation areas.

For example, the Annapurna region is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, while the Manaslu region lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area.

The current NTNC online permit system lists the conservation-area entry fee at:

Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person
SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person

The fee includes applicable tax according to the NTNC online permit system. The system also provides online and counter payment options, and travelers who pay online can receive the permit by email.

This is why travelers searching for an ACAP permit online can apply through the official NTNC electronic permit system.

ACAP stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. If you are trekking in areas such as Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal or other routes within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you should check the current ACAP requirement before your trek.

2. National Park Entry Permit

Some trekking routes pass through national parks rather than conservation areas.

For example, the Everest region includes Sagarmatha National Park, while the Langtang region includes Langtang National Park.

Current Nepal Tourism Board information lists the following examples:

Protected area	SAARC fee	Foreign national fee
Sagarmatha National Park	NPR 1,500	NPR 3,000
Langtang National Park	NPR 1,500	NPR 3,000
Shey-Phoksundo National Park	NPR 1,500	NPR 3,000
Annapurna Conservation Area	NPR 1,000	NPR 3,000
Manaslu Conservation Area	NPR 1,000	NPR 3,000

Fees can be updated, so trekkers should check the latest official information before traveling.

Special Trekking Permit for Restricted Areas

The most important distinction is between normal trekking routes and restricted trekking areas.

Nepal has designated several areas where special permission is required because of their geographical location, proximity to international borders, environmental considerations or other government regulations.

Examples include:

Manaslu restricted areas
Tsum Valley
Upper Mustang
Upper Dolpo
Nar Phu Valley
Parts of Humla
Parts of Dolakha
Certain areas of Manang
Selected border regions of eastern Nepal

The Department of Immigration publishes the official restricted-area trekking fees. These fees vary according to the region, season and length of the trek.

For example, the current published Manaslu restricted-area fee is:

September–November: USD 100 per person for the first week, then USD 15 per additional day
December–August: USD 75 per person for the first week, then USD 10 per additional day

The exact restricted area covered by the permit depends on the designated wards and trekking route.

Because restricted-area permits involve additional documentation and agency procedures, trekkers should arrange them before entering the restricted zone.

How to Get Trekking Permit in Nepal

If you are wondering how to get a trekking permit in Nepal, the process depends on the type of permit you need.

For most popular trekking routes, the easiest approach is to work with a registered Nepal trekking agency.

Step 1: Choose Your Trekking Route

First, decide where you want to trek.

Your route determines which permits you need. For example, an Annapurna trek may involve an ACAP entry permit and TIMS, while a Manaslu trek may require a conservation-area entry permit, TIMS and a restricted-area trekking permit.

Step 2: Check Your Nationality

Your nationality can affect the cost of protected-area entry permits.

Citizens of SAARC countries generally receive a different rate from other foreign nationals for several protected-area and trekking-related fees.

India is a SAARC member, so Indian trekkers should check the current SAARC rate when calculating their permit expenses.

Step 3: Prepare Your Passport Details

For foreign trekkers, your passport information is normally required when processing trekking documentation.

For restricted-area permits, additional information and documents are required by the immigration authorities and the trekking agency.

Step 4: Arrange TIMS and Other Permits

A registered trekking agency can arrange the necessary documentation based on your itinerary.

The Nepal Tourism Board states that the current TIMS system allows registered trekking agencies to enter trekkers and guide details online and generate the electronic TIMS card after payment.

Step 5: Carry Your Permits During the Trek

Do not leave your permits at your hotel.

Keep your passport and trekking documents safely with you during the trek. Restricted-area permits must be available for inspection when requested by immigration officials or police.

Nepal Trekking Permit Online: Can You Apply Online?

Yes, but the answer depends on which permit you mean.

There is not one single online application that covers every trekking permit in Nepal.

For example, the NTNC online permit system provides online payment and electronic delivery for conservation-area permits.

TIMS is also processed through the online system used by registered trekking agencies.

Restricted-area trekking permits are different. The Department of Immigration has introduced digital processes, but these permits are handled through registered trekking agencies and require agency documentation. The Department’s current information lists documents such as the online application receipt, trekking program, trekker details, insurance documents and agency-related documents.

Therefore, if you search for a Nepal trekking permit online, make sure you identify the specific permit you need rather than assuming that every permit uses the same online application.

Nepal Trekking Permit Cost

The total cost of trekking permits in Nepal depends on your route.

There is no single Nepal trekking permit cost for every trek.

A typical trekking budget may include several separate government fees:

TIMS card
National park entry fee
Conservation-area entry fee
Restricted-area trekking permit
Local government or route fees, where applicable

For example, a trek in the Annapurna region may require a conservation-area entry permit and TIMS, while a Manaslu trek can require additional restricted-area permission.

This means two trekkers can pay different permit costs even if they are both trekking for the same number of days.

Nepal Trekking Permit Cost for SAARC Countries

SAARC travelers include citizens of countries such as India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

For many protected areas and trekking services, SAARC travelers pay a different fee from visitors from countries outside SAARC.

For example, the current NTNC online system lists:

Conservation-area entry:

SAARC: NPR 1,000
Other foreign nationals: NPR 3,000

The Nepal Tourism Board also lists SAARC-specific fees for TIMS and national park entry.

Because fee structures differ between permits, always check the specific trekking region rather than using one general price for every trek.

Popular Treks and Their Permit Requirements

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp route enters Sagarmatha National Park and also passes through Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, where a local government entry fee is required. The Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee can be obtained near Lukla or at Manjo before entering Sagarmatha National Park. Trekkers should also arrange the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit as required before continuing along the trail.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers generally need the appropriate conservation-area entry permit and TIMS under the current trekking regulations.

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is also listed among the trekking routes covered by the current TIMS and guide requirements. Because the route is within the Annapurna region, trekkers should arrange the applicable conservation-area entry documentation as well.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu requires careful permit planning because the route includes the Manaslu Conservation Area, a designated restricted area, and the Annapurna Conservation Area toward Dharapani.

Depending on the itinerary, trekkers may need:

Local Government permit
MCAP entry permit
ACAP entry permit
Restricted-area trekking permit

At Ruby Alpine Trails, our Manaslu Circuit Trek package includes the required permits and arrangements, making your trek planning easier.

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking region and has a substantially higher special permit fee than many other trekking destinations. The current Department of Immigration schedule lists USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per additional day.

Do You Need a Trekking Agency?

For many major trekking routes covered by the current TIMS provisions, trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and obtain TIMS through a registered trekking agency.

Restricted-area treks also require agency involvement because special permits are issued through registered trekking agencies.

A local agency can help you:

Check the correct permits for your route
Process TIMS
Arrange conservation-area permits
Apply for restricted-area permits
Prepare the required documents
Confirm your itinerary
Coordinate your guide and porter
Help with permit checkpoints during the trek

This is particularly useful if you are visiting Nepal.

Important Tips Before Your Trek

Permit regulations can change, so check the latest government information before starting your journey.

Keep the following points in mind:

Check your exact route. A small change in itinerary can sometimes change the permit requirements.
Check the season. Some restricted-area permits have different prices during different months.
Carry your documents. Keep your passport and permits accessible during the trek.
Use a registered trekking agency where required. This is especially important for restricted areas and routes covered by mandatory guide/TIMS provisions.

Do not confuse TIMS with a trekking permit. TIMS, conservation-area permits, national park permits and restricted-area permits are separate requirements.

Check fees before payment. Government fees can change, so use official sources for the latest prices.

Plan Your Nepal Trek With the Right Permits

Getting the correct trekking permits is an important part of planning a safe and organized Himalayan adventure.

The main thing to remember is that Nepal does not use one universal trekking permit. Your requirements depend on your route, nationality, season, and whether you enter a national park, conservation area, or restricted zone.

For popular routes such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Langtang, and Manaslu, it is best to confirm the current requirements before departure. A registered local trekking agency can also arrange the required permits and explain which costs are included in your trekking package.

At Ruby Alpine Trails, we offer a range of trekking packages with the necessary permits, guides, transportation, accommodation, and other logistics arranged according to your chosen trek. Our local team can also explain the different permits and fees, including TIMS, conservation-area entry permits, national park fees, and restricted-area trekking permits, so you know exactly what is included in your package and what you are paying for.

Whether you are planning your first Himalayan trek or returning to Nepal for a more remote adventure, arranging your permits in advance gives you one less thing to worry about once you reach the trail.

If you are planning your next adventure in Nepal, feel free to get in touch with us. Ruby Alpine Trails is a government-registered trekking and adventure company, and we are here to be your trusted local trekking partner in Nepal. From choosing the right trek to arranging permits, guides, accommodation, transportation, and other details, our local team is happy to help you plan a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Himalayan experience.