Why Nepal Requires Trekking Permits

Nepal's trekking permit system serves two purposes: it generates conservation revenue for the national parks and protected areas that make Nepal's trekking routes possible, and it registers trekkers in a tracking system that helps locate missing persons and manage rescue operations. The system has evolved significantly since the 1960s when Westerners first began trekking these routes, and it continues to be updated - permit fees and requirements change periodically, so always verify the current status with a licensed Nepal trekking agency before departure.

The good news: for most popular treks (EBC, Annapurna, Langtang, Gosaikunda), the permits are straightforward to obtain, cost-effective relative to the total trek budget, and can be arranged in a day or two in Kathmandu - or in advance through your trekking agency.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS card is a trekker registration document required for most trekking areas in Nepal. It was introduced by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) to maintain a database of active trekkers in the mountains - improving search-and-rescue response times and generating statistics on trekking volumes.

Who Needs a TIMS Card

Individual trekkers and trekking groups in most non-restricted areas require a TIMS card. Trekkers who book through a registered Nepal trekking agency receive TIMS as part of their package. Independent trekkers must obtain their own TIMS from the NTB tourist service centres in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Types and Cost

• Green TIMS (individual/group treks booked through agencies): USD 10 per person
• Blue TIMS (free individual trekkers not booked through agencies): USD 20 per person

Note: As of recent Nepal Tourism Board policy changes, some trekking areas (including the Annapurna Conservation Area) have moved to region-specific permits that include trekker registration, reducing TIMS duplication. Verify current requirements for your specific route at the NTB office or through your trekking agent.

National Park and Conservation Area Permits

Every major trekking area in Nepal falls within either a National Park or a Conservation Area, each requiring a separate entry permit. These permits are a direct conservation contribution - the fee revenue funds park management, wildlife protection, and infrastructure maintenance on the trails.

Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22 - 25) per person
• Coverage: All treks in the Khumbu Valley including EBC, Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes, Ama Dablam BC
• Where to get it: Kathmandu (NTB office, Bhrikuti Mandap) or at the Monjo checkpoint on the trail (cash only)
• Also required: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee (NPR 2,000 per person)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

• Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22 - 25) per person
• Coverage: All treks in the Annapurna region: Annapurna Circuit, ABC, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Panorama, Australian Camp, Sarangkot, Muktinath area
• Where to get it: Kathmandu (NTB), Pokhara (NTB and ACAP offices at Lakeside), or at the entry checkpoints on each trail

Langtang National Park

• Cost: NPR 3,000 per person
• Coverage: Langtang Valley trek, Gosaikunda trek, Helambu trek, Chisapani - Nagarkot (partial)
• Where to get it: Kathmandu (NTB) or Syabrubesi checkpoint

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

• Cost: NPR 250 (foreigners) per person per day
• Coverage: Shivapuri day hike, Nagarjun Forest hike, Kakani edge trail, Chisapani - Nagarkot Day 1
• Where to get it: At the park gate on entry

Makalu-Barun National Park

• Cost: NPR 3,000 per person
• Coverage: Makalu Base Camp trek

Chitwan National Park

• Cost: USD 35 per person per day (foreigners)
• Coverage: All activities within the park (jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe)
• Note: The entry fee is per day, not per visit - a 4-night Chitwan stay with 3 safari days costs USD 105 in park fees alone

Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Restricted Area Permits are required for Nepal's most sensitive border regions - areas with significant security, conservation, or cultural preservation concerns. RAP areas require:

1. A minimum group of 2 trekkers
2. A mandatory licensed guide (you cannot trek independently)
3. A government-issued RAP obtained through a registered Nepal trekking agency
4. Advance application (4 - 8 weeks recommended for most areas)

Upper Mustang RAP

• Cost: USD 500 per person for 10 days; USD 50 per person per additional day
• Coverage: All areas north of the Kagbeni checkpoint on the Kali Gandaki
• Additional required: ACAP permit (NPR 3,000)

Upper Dolpo RAP

• Cost: USD 500 per person for 10 days; USD 50 per person per additional day
• Coverage: Upper Dolpo above Phoksundo Lake including Shey Gompa and the Tarap Valley
• Most expensive permit system in Nepal - a 20-day Upper Dolpo trek costs USD 1,000 per person in RAP alone

Tsum Valley RAP

• Cost: USD 35 per person per day (minimum 7 days = USD 245 minimum)
• Additional required: Manaslu Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000)

Manaslu Circuit RAP

• Cost: USD 100 per person for autumn (September - November); USD 75 per person for spring (March - May and December - August)
• Additional required: Manaslu Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000)

Nar-Phu Valley RAP

• Cost: USD 90 per person for the first week; USD 15 per person per additional day
• Additional required: ACAP permit

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

• Cost: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area permit NPR 2,000; plus the standard restricted area regime
• Special permit: Required for the high circuit above the base camps; apply through a registered agency

2025 Permit Costs Summary by Trek

Where to Get Your Permits

Kathmandu

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Tourist Service Centre at Bhrikuti Mandap (near Tribhuvan International Airport on the departure side). Open Sunday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00. You can obtain TIMS, national park entry permits, and initiate RAP applications here. Bring 2 passport photos and your passport.

Pokhara

ACAP/NTB office at Lakeside (near the main lakeside stretch). Handles ACAP permits, TIMS for the Annapurna region, and can assist with Mustang applications. Open daily 09:00 - 17:00.

Trekking Agencies

Any registered Nepal trekking agency can handle all permit applications on your behalf, including RAP applications that require government processing. This is the most convenient approach for restricted area permits, which require advance planning and cannot typically be obtained on arrival.

On the Trail

Some permits (national park entry) can be obtained at the first checkpoint on the trail, but this is not always guaranteed and can cause delays. Having permits ready in Kathmandu is far more efficient.

Permit Checkpoints on the Trail

Every trekking route has multiple checkpoints where permits are verified. In the Khumbu, checkpoints are at Monjo (Sagarmatha NP entry), Namche Bazaar (police checkpoint), Tengboche, and several points above. On the Annapurna Circuit, checkpoints are at Bhulbhule, Besisahar, Chame, and Manang. Always keep your permits and passport accessible (not buried in your porter's duffel) at these points.

Money-Saving Tips and Common Mistakes

• Book through a licensed agency to qualify for the cheaper Green TIMS (USD 10 vs USD 20 for the Blue TIMS solo rate). The savings may offset part of the agency fee.
• Get permits in Kathmandu, not at trail checkpoints - trail-entry pricing can be higher and availability is not guaranteed.
• Photograph all your permits and keep copies on your phone. Lost paper permits at a checkpoint can be resolved faster with photographic evidence.
• Apply for RAP permits at least 4 - 8 weeks in advance for restricted areas - government processing has fixed timelines that cannot be shortened significantly.
• Check NTB.gov.np before departure for the most current permit fee schedule - fees change periodically and old blog posts (including this one) can become outdated.
• Bring USD cash for permit payments - most checkpoints and offices accept USD at a reasonable exchange rate, and the convenience is worth the minor currency difference.