Nepal Trekking Permits: Costs, Requirements & Where to Get Them

Nepal Trekking Permits: Costs, Requirements & Where to Get Them

Nepal has some of the world’s most spectacular trekking areas, including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu. Before starting a trek, trekkers should obtain the appropriate permits. Permit requirements and fees can vary depending on the trekking areas and routes. This guide explains the major Nepal trekking permits, fees and where to obtain them. 

Quick Overview of Trekking Permits in Nepal

• Everest: Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
• Annapurna: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) + Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
• Langtang: Langtang National Park Permit + Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
• Manaslu Circuit: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) +  Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Everest Region Trekking Permits: 

The Everest region is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, offering spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Chotatse and numerous other Himalayan peaks. Popular treks in the Everest region include:

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Gokyo Lakes Trek
• Everest Three Passes Trek
• Everest View Trek
• Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
• Gokyo Chola Pass Trek
• Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek

For these routes, trekkers generally need two different permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Local Government) Permit.

1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person

 2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Local Government) Permit

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals and China: NPR 2,000 per person

Annapurna Region Trekking Permits:

The Annapurna region is another of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, offering breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich cultural experiences, lush forests, traditional mountain villages and diverse landscapes of Annapurna region.

Major routes include:

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Ghorepani - Poon Hill Trek

Trekkers generally need two different permits for trekking in the Annapurna region. (ACAP and TIMS)

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 per person

 2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 2,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person

Langtang Region Trekking Permits:

The Langtang region is a famous trekking area in Nepal. Trek duration varies depending on the route and itinerary. This trek offers a combination of Himalayan scenery, Tamang culture, glaciers, lush forests, and high-altitude Himalayan landscapes. Popular routes include: 

• Langtang Valley Trek
• Langtang - Gosaikunda Trek
• Gosaikunda Trek
• Tamang Heritage Trek
• Ganja La Pass Trek

The required permits for trekking in the Langtang regions are as below: 

1. Langtang National Park Permit

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person

2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 2,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person

Manaslu Region Trekking Permits:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most popular restricted-area treks. The route falls in a restricted area therefore trekkers need additional authorization from the department of immigration and a licensed trekking guide is mandatory for this trek. Required Manaslu trekking permits are:

1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

• September - November: USD 100 per person for a week and USD 15 per person beyond one week, 
• December - August: USD 75 per person for a week and USD 10 per day beyond one week

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

•  Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 Per person 

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 3,000 per person

(ACAP is required when the itinerary enters the Annapurna Conservation Area).

Is a TIMS card required for Everest region trek?

The current Nepal Tourism Board has listed the Everest region as TIMS required trekking area. However, Everest region trekking has specific local arrangements under the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, where trekkers should obtain Local government (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality) permit instead of TIMS. 

Trekking Permit Payment Methods

Trekkers should carry sufficient Nepali Rupees because payment options can vary between checkpoints, and remote counters may not accept foreign currency or cards. 

Where can you get Trekking Permits in Nepal?

• National Park and Conservation area permit: National park and Conservation area permits can be obtained from authorized entry checkpoints in the relevant trekking regions. The exact location and payment procedure can vary by trekking area.
• TIMS Card: TIMS Card is arranged through government-registered trekking agencies. Trekkers should contact or inform their registered trekking agency before starting the trip.
• Restricted area Permits: Manaslu Restricted area permit is handled by the department of immigration in Kathmandu and through the government-registered trekking agency process. 

Required Documents for Trekking Permits

Trekkers need the following documents for trekking permits in Nepal:

• Valid passport
• Passport size photo
• Trekking itinerary
• Emergency contact number
• Travel insurance
• Guide and trekking agency details, where applicable

FAQ

1. Where can I buy permits for Everest Base Camp Trek?

   • Trekkers can obtain the required Everest Base Camp Trek Permits at Lukla and Monjo checkpoints.

2. Is a TIMS Card required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

   • A TIMS Card is not required for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekkers should obtain Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (local government permit) instead of TIMS.

3. What permits are required for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

   • The main permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

4. How can I pay for the permits?

   • Trekkers should carry sufficient Nepali rupees in cash. Payment options can vary between checkpoints, and some remote counters may not accept foreign currency or cards.

Important information

Trekking permit fees, local government charges and trekking rules and regulations may change.