Nepal Trekking Permits Guide 2025: Types, Costs & Region-Wise Requirements

Trekking in Nepal isn’t just about packing your boots and backpack, you’ll also need the right permits. Whether you’re heading to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or remote restricted areas like Upper Mustang, each region has specific requirements.

This Nepal trekking permits guide covers all the types of permits, their costs, and the regions they apply to, so you can plan your adventure without surprises.

1. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Purpose: Registers trekkers for safety and monitoring.
Required For: Most standard treks across Nepal.
Issued By: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Individual (Green Card) – For solo trekkers.
Group (Blue Card) – For agency-organized groups.

Fees:

Non-SAARC: NPR 2,000 (~USD 17)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.50)

2. National Park / Conservation Area Permit

Purpose: Supports conservation and maintenance of protected areas.
Required For: Treks inside national parks or conservation areas.
Issued By: NTB and local offices.

Popular Examples:

Sagarmatha National Park (Everest): USD 35
Annapurna Conservation Area: USD 20
Manaslu Conservation Area: USD 20

3. Restricted-Area Trekking Permit

Purpose: Controls tourism in ecologically and culturally sensitive zones.
Required For: Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga, Tsum Valley, etc.
Issued By: Department of Immigration (via licensed trekking agency).

Key Notes:

Solo trekking is prohibited in these areas.
Minimum group size: 2 trekkers.
Licensed guide required.

Fee Examples:

Manaslu: USD 100/week (Sep–Nov), USD 70/week (Dec–Aug)
Upper Mustang / Upper Dolpo: USD 500 for the first 10 days + USD 50/day thereafter

4. Rural Municipality Permit

Purpose: Local-level trekking regulation and development.
Required For: Certain regions like Everest and Makalu.
Issued By: Rural municipality offices at trek entry points (e.g., Lukla).

Fee: NPR 2,000 per trekker.

5. Trekking Peak / Mountaineering Permit

Purpose: For summiting “trekking peaks” that require climbing gear.
Required For: Peaks like Lobuche East, Island Peak, Mera Peak.
Issued By: Nepal Mountaineering Association.

6. Filming / Documentary Permit

Purpose: For professional filming during treks.
Required For: Shooting in protected or restricted regions.
Issued By: Relevant government authority.

Summary Table

Region-Wise Trekking Permit Requirements

1. Everest Region (Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes, etc.)

• Rural Municipality Permit (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu) – NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – USD 35

• TIMS Card – Not required for Khumbu region since 2018

2. Annapurna Region (Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, etc.)

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – USD 20

• TIMS Card – USD 17 (Non-SAARC), USD 7.50 (SAARC)

3. Manaslu Region (Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley)

• Restricted Area Permit – USD 100/week (Sep–Nov), USD 70/week (Dec–Aug)

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – USD 20

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – USD 20 (for crossover into Annapurna)

• TIMS Card – Not required for restricted areas

4. Upper Mustang

• Restricted Area Permit – USD 500 for first 7 days + USD 50/day thereafter

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – USD 20

• TIMS Card – Not required for restricted areas

5. Upper Dolpo

• Restricted Area Permit – USD 500 for first 10 days + USD 50/day thereafter

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit – USD 35

6. Lower Dolpo

• Restricted Area Permit – USD 20/week (cheaper than Upper Dolpo)

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit – USD 35

7. Kanchenjunga Region

• Restricted Area Permit – USD 20/week

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP) – USD 20

8. Langtang Region (Langtang Valley, Helambu, Gosainkunda)

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit – USD 35

• TIMS Card – USD 17 (Non-SAARC), USD 7.50 (SAARC)

9. Makalu Region

• Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit – USD 35

• Rural Municipality Permit – NPR 2,000 (~USD 15)

• TIMS Card – USD 17 (Non-SAARC), USD 7.50 (SAARC)

Summary Table

Don’t let permits slow you down – let us handle the paperwork while you focus on the trail ahead. Whether it’s Everest, Annapurna, or remote Upper Mustang, we’ll secure all the required permits and connect you with licensed guides.

📩 Contact us today to plan your trek and get your permits sorted hassle-free!