Nepal Trekking Permits and Fees
Trekking in Nepal requires various permits to ensure the safety and security of trekkers and to help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the trekking regions. The permits you need will vary depending on your chosen route.
Types of Trekking Permits
National Park/Conservation Area Project Permit:
Most popular trekking routes, such as those in the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions, fall within a national park or a conservation area.
This permit is required for all trekkers, including Free Individual Trekkers (FITs).
How to get it: You can obtain this permit by filling out a form and submitting it with a passport copy and passport-sized photo at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Cost: The fee is typically around NPR 3,000 for Conservation Area Permits and NPR 3,390 for National Park Permits per person.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
The TIMS card is a joint initiative by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety and security of trekkers.
Note: As of April 1, 2023, Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) are no longer able to get a TIMS card directly. It is now mandatory to use a licensed guide and book through a registered trekking company.
Cost: The fee is NPR 2,000 per person for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
Special Permits for Controlled/Restricted Areas:
Certain regions, often near international borders, are designated as controlled or restricted areas by the government of Nepal. Trekking in these areas is highly regulated and requires a special permit.
Regions: Examples include Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu.
Requirements: To obtain this permit, you must be in a group of at least two trekkers, be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide, and book through a registered trekking company. Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) are not allowed in these regions.
Cost: Fees for these permits can be significantly higher and are often priced per week or per day. For instance, an Upper Mustang permit can cost US$ 500 for the first 10 days.
Rural Municipality Fees:
Some local rural municipalities have started charging their own fees to trekkers. These permits are typically issued at the start of the trek.
Regions: This is most common in the Everest and Makalu regions.
How to get it: You can get this permit at a check post at the starting point of your trek, such as in Lukla for the Everest region.
Cost: The fee for the Everest region is approximately NPR 2,000 per trekker.
Important Information for Trekkers
Documents Required: If you are arranging your permits yourself, you will need to bring your original passport, a copy of your passport, a copy of your visa, and at least four passport-sized photos.
Permit Office Hours: The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu is generally open from Sunday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Saturdays and public holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Booking Through a Company: If you book your trek through a registered trekking company, they will handle all the permit arrangements for you. This is particularly beneficial for treks in restricted areas where a guide and agency are mandatory.
For more information, you can contact the following offices:
Nepal Tourism Board:
Address: Pradhasani Marg, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 1 4256909
Email: info@ntb.org.np
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN):
Address: Maligaun, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-1-4427473, 4440920
Email: info@taan.org.np
Department of Immigration:
Address: Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-01-4429659, 4429660
Email: mail@nepalimmigration.gov.np