Nepal Trekking Permits Explained: What You Need and Where

Trekking paperwork in Nepal confuses almost everyone, partly because there are several kinds of permit issued by different bodies, and partly because the rules have been revised repeatedly. The outline below reflects the situation as reported in 2026. Fees and procedures change, so treat the figures as a guide and confirm them with your agency before you travel.

The four kinds of paperwork

1. Protected area entry permits. Most trekking routes lie inside a national park or a conservation area, and each charges an entry fee per person. For foreign nationals from outside South Asia, the standard fee for the main areas is NPR 3,000, with lower rates for citizens of neighbouring countries. Some parks add tax on top.

2. TIMS. The Trekkers' Information Management System is a registration scheme intended to record who is on which trail for safety and rescue. For foreign trekkers it is now processed through registered trekking agencies and is tied to having a guide. Its exact status has been disputed between tourism bodies and local governments, and you will find contradictory statements online. In practice, your agency registers you where it is required.

3. Local government fees. Some rural municipalities charge their own entry fee. The best-known example is in the Everest region.

4. Restricted area permits. Certain border regions require a special permit from the Department of Immigration, priced in US dollars and available only through an agency.

The guide rule

Since April 2023, Nepal's tourism authorities have required foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to be accompanied by a licensed guide or porter-guide arranged through a registered agency. Enforcement has varied by region and season, and tightened over time. Plan on the basis that a guide is required on all the main routes. Trekking independently without one risks being turned back or fined.

By region

Annapurna (Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, the Circuit, Lower Mustang). You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, known as ACAP, plus TIMS registration where applicable. Checkposts stamp the permit along the way.

Everest (Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes). Two payments: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the fee charged by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, which replaced TIMS in this region. The local fee has been quoted at NPR 2,000 to 3,000 depending on the source. Both can be obtained on the way in, at Lukla and at the park gate at Monjo.

Langtang (Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Tamang Heritage Trail). Langtang National Park entry permit, plus TIMS registration.

Manaslu. A restricted area permit, charged per week at a higher rate in autumn than in the rest of the year, together with conservation area permits for both Manaslu and Annapurna, and a local fee.

Upper Mustang. A restricted area permit, which changed in 2026 from a flat fee for ten days to a per-day charge, plus ACAP.

Other restricted regions. Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Kanchenjunga and parts of the far north-west each have their own fee schedules.

Restricted areas: what is different

• Permits are issued only via a registered trekking agency.

• A licensed guide is compulsory.

• Your original passport and visa are needed for processing, which takes a few working days in Kathmandu.

• Historically a minimum of two trekkers was required. In 2026 the rules were eased to let a single trekker with a guide apply.

• Permits specify dates and route, and are checked at police and army posts.

Where to get permits

If you are trekking with an agency, which under the guide rule is nearly everyone, they will obtain everything for you. They will ask for passport copies, photographs and your visa details. Online systems now allow some permits to be applied for and paid in advance.

Permits for the main parks and conservation areas are otherwise issued at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and at some entry gates. Payment is in Nepali rupees, in cash.

What to carry on the trail

• The original permits.

• Your passport, or at least a clear copy with the visa page.

• A few spare passport photographs.

Keep them somewhere dry and accessible. You will be asked for them several times.

The practical upshot

Choose your route, book a reputable registered agency, send them your documents early and let them handle the forms. Then ask one question in writing: "Which permits are included, and what are the current fees?" A clear answer is a good sign about everything else they will arrange.