Trekking and Climbing Permits in Nepal

Planning an adventure in the land of the Himalayas is the thrill of a lifetime, but navigating the legal paperwork can feel like climbing a mountain of its own. Nepal’s trail and mountaineering regulations have evolved significantly, making it essential to understand which permits you need before packing your bags.

Whether you are heading out for a classic teahouse trek or aiming to summit a 6,000-meter peak, this complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about trekking and climbing permits in Nepal.

1. The TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Historically, the TIMS card was a staple requirement for all international hikers in Nepal. However, the regulatory framework has shifted dramatically:

• The 2026 Status: In a bid to streamline rural tourism and enhance safety, the traditional TIMS card has been completely phased out in major regions like Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna.

• The New Standard: Instead of a TIMS card, the government has transitioned to direct local municipality fees and strict digital tracking systems. Checkpoints across the country now utilize digital tracking to ensure environmental compliance and hiker safety.

• The Golden Rule: While the card itself is gone, solo trekking is strictly banned across almost all national parks and conservation areas. Every trekker is now legally required to hire a government-licensed professional guide through a registered agency.

2. National Park & Conservation Area Fees

Most trekking routes weave through strictly protected ecological zones. To enter these regions, you must purchase a specific entry permit. The funds generated go directly toward trail maintenance, environmental protection, and local community infrastructure.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

• Applies to: Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal.

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $23 USD) per person.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest Region)

• Applies to: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes Trek.

• Cost: NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT (Approx. $28 USD) per person.

• Bonus Khumbu Fee: The local municipality collects an independent Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for NPR 3,000 (Approx. $23 USD) to fund regional infrastructure.

Langtang National Park Permit

• Applies to: Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda Lake, Helambu Circuit.

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $23 USD) per person.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

• Applies to: Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (Approx. $23 USD) per person.

3. Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Certain zones bordering international boundaries or hosting incredibly fragile tribal cultures are heavily monitored by the Department of Immigration. You cannot apply for these permits individually; they must be managed entirely by a registered trekking agency.

🚀 Exciting Update: The Department of Immigration officially introduced a Single Restricted Area Permit. Solo travelers are no longer forced to find a second foreign trekking partner to satisfy bureaucratic requirements—you can now explore these remote lands with just your mandatory licensed guide!

The specialized weekly or daily fee structures include:

• Upper Mustang: $50 USD per person, per day.

• Upper Dolpo: $500 USD for the first 10 days, then $50 USD per day after.

• Manaslu Circuit: $100 USD per week during peak autumn (Sept–Nov); $75 USD per week during the rest of the year.

• Tsum Valley: $40 USD per week (Autumn); $30 USD per week (Off-peak).

• Kanchenjunga & Makalu: $20 USD per week for the first 4 weeks.

4. NMA Peak Climbing Permit Fees

If your adventure involves true mountaineering on any of Nepal’s 27 designated “Trekking Peaks” managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), you will need a specialized peak climbing permit. These include famous summits like Island Peak (Imja Tse), Mera Peak, and Lobuche East.

The NMA uses a tiered seasonal pricing structure for all peaks 6,500 meters and lower:

• Spring Season (Peak Climbing): $350 USD per person.

• Autumn Season: $175 USD per person.

• Winter/Summer (Off-Peak): $175 USD per person (with select peaks dropping lower).

Note: Peak permits are strictly valid for a maximum of one month from the date of issue to prevent overcrowding and “permit squatting” on base camps. Solo permits for NMA peaks are strictly banned; a minimum team size of two climbers is required, accompanied by a certified climbing guide.

5. Department of Tourism / NTB Mountain Fees

For the major mountain giants exceeding 6,500 meters—such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—permits are issued directly by the Department of Tourism (often referred to under broader Ministry/Tourism Board frameworks).

Royalties for these mega-expeditions are substantial:

• Mount Everest (Spring Peak): $15,000 USD per person.

• Mount Everest (Autumn): $7,500 USD per person.

• Other 8,000-Meter Peaks: Approximately $1,800 USD during the prime spring climbing window.

6. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Permits

The permit acquisition process depends entirely on where you are traveling:

For Standard Conservation & National Park Permits:

If you are doing a standard route like Annapurna or Langtang, these can be processed at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, because a registered agency and guide are mandatory, your trekking operator will typically handle this ahead of time.

For Restricted Area Permits & Peak Permits:

These cannot be purchased by individual travelers. They must be processed digitally through a government-authorized, TAAN-registered trekking agency in Nepal.

The Document Checklist:

To allow your agency to secure your documents seamlessly before your arrival, you must provide them with:

1. A clear digital scan of your Passport (must have at least 6 months of validity).

2. A copy of your Nepal Tourist Visa (or visa application submission ID).

3. Two to four recent Passport-sized digital photos.

4. Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy details (must explicitly state coverage for high-altitude emergency medical and helicopter evacuation).

Let Us Handle the Bureaucracy!

Don’t let government paperwork distract you from the magic of planning your Himalayan trek. When you book your adventure with our team, our staff coordinates directly with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of Immigration to ensure all your permits are fully approved, verified, and waiting for you the day you land in Kathmandu.