Nepal Trekking Permits & Trail Regulations
Official 2026 government fees, TIMS card guide mandates, Conservation Area tariffs, and Restricted Area Permits (RAP). Calculate your exact expedition costs and paperwork requirements.
Trekking Route Permit Calculator
Select your trekking circuit and traveler details to calculate your exact permit costs in Nepali Rupees and USD, guide requirements, and physical document checklists.
1. Route & Traveler Parameters
Standard international tariffs apply.
Annapurna Circuit & Sanctuary (ABC / Poon Hill)
Itemized Permit Breakdown (Per Person)
Valid for single continuous entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Requires registered guide credentials. Issued as blue card via licensed agency.
Government-Certified Guide Mandatory
Under the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) mandate, solo foreign trekkers on this circuit must be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide.
4 Passport Photos
Carry original physical prints on light background.
Tourist Service Center (Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu)
Also: ACAP Counter (Damside, Pokhara)
1. TIMS Cards & The 2026 Mandatory Guide Rule
In April 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), in conjunction with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, enacted a safety mandate requiring all solo foreign trekkers in designated national parks and conservation areas to be accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide.
The primary mechanism for tracking trekkers and verifying guide licenses is the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. Under the current regulatory framework, individual or free independent trekker (FIT) green TIMS cards have been phased out. All standard TIMS cards are now issued as blue cards directly through authorized trekking agencies, with the guide’s official government license number linked to the registration.
Standard TIMS Card Protocol
- • Tariff: NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) for Non-SAARC; NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens.
- • Applicable Regions: Annapurna, Langtang, Helambu, Rara, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga.
- • Insurance Requirements: Requires medical and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage for the trekker and mandatory life insurance for the accompanying guide.
The Khumbu Regional Exemption
- • TIMS Not Recognized: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality operates under local autonomy and does not recognize central TIMS cards.
- • Direct Municipality Permit: Trekkers pay NPR 3,000 directly at the Lukla arrival desk or Toktok checkpoint.
- • Do Not Buy in Kathmandu: If you are exclusively trekking to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo, do not purchase a TIMS card in Kathmandu.
Why Was the Guide Rule Enacted?
The mandate was introduced following high casualty rates among solo trekkers who suffered Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), trail disorientation during blizzards, or falls across remote high passes without communication. Licensed guides carry satellite communicators or direct dispatch contacts with helicopter evacuation services and coordinate with local checkpoint authorities.
2. Universal 2026 Trekking Permit Directory
Every trekking circuit in Nepal requires at least one protected area entry permit, managed by either the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), or the Department of Immigration (DoI).
TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System)
Authority: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) / TAAN
Official tracking system linking the trekker to a certified government-licensed guide and registered trekking agency. Enforced across all major open trekking regions.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit
Authority: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Local Government
Locally administered fee replacing the central TIMS card in the Everest region. Paid directly upon arrival at the Lukla airstrip or trail entrance.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Authority: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
Required for all routes in the Annapurna range including Annapurna Circuit, ABC Sanctuary, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Double-fee penalty applies if bought at trailheads.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Authority: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
Required for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area from Philim onward. Always paired with ACAP because the Larkya La pass descent finishes in Dharapani.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP)
Authority: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
Covers the Rolwaling Valley and Tsho Rolpa glacial lake trail bordering the Tibetan frontier. Managed directly under NTNC.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Authority: Department of National Parks (DNPWC)
UNESCO World Heritage park permit covering Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gokyo, and Everest Base Camp. Inspected at Monjo gate.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Authority: Department of National Parks (DNPWC)
Required for Langtang Valley, Kyanjin Gompa, Gosaikunda holy lakes, and Tamang Heritage trails. Checkpoints at Dunche and Syabrubesi.
Rara National Park Entry Permit
Authority: Department of National Parks (DNPWC)
Protects Nepal’s largest alpine lake in Mugu district. Inspected at Danfe Lagna pass and park headquarters on the lake shore.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Issued exclusively through authorized Nepali trekking agencies for at least 2 foreign travelers. Covers the ancient walled kingdom of Lo Manthang north of Kagbeni.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Required from Jagat to Dharapani. Autumn peak rate: $100 USD/week (+$15/day). Off-peak rate: $75 USD/week (+$10/day). Must be filed through a registered agency.
Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Tibetan-borderland security corridor branching off Koto. Autumn: $100 USD for initial 7 days; Spring/Winter: $75 USD. Minimum 2 foreign trekkers.
Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Sacred Buddhist hidden valley in northern Gorkha. Autumn: $40 USD for first week (+$7/day); Spring/Winter: $30 USD (+$5/day). Minimum 2 trekkers required.
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Trans-Himalayan high plateau north of Phoksundo Lake. Standard $500 USD tariff for 10 days. Requires full expedition agency logistics and certified guide.
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
Authority: Department of Immigration (DoI)
Eastern wilderness corridor bordering Sikkim and Tibet. Issued in 4-week blocks at $20 USD per person per week. Minimum 2 foreign trekkers with registered guide.
3. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) & Borderlands
Regions located within sensitive trans-Himalayan border territories adjacent to the Tibet Autonomous Region (China) are designated as Restricted Areas by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These regions require special permits issued exclusively by the Department of Immigration (DoI).
Upper Mustang
$500 / 10dRestricted north of Kagbeni. Covers ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Overstay fee: $50 USD per day extra.
Manaslu Circuit
$100 / $75Restricted from Jagat to Dharapani. Autumn (Sep–Nov): $100/wk (+$15/day). Dec–Aug: $75/wk (+$10/day).
Upper Dolpo
$500 / 10dTrans-Himalayan plateau north of Phoksundo. First 10 days: $500 USD. Beyond 10 days: $50 USD per day extra.
Mandatory RAP Legal Conditions
- Minimum Two Foreign Nationals: Solo travelers cannot legally obtain a RAP. Trekkers must apply in pairs.
- Agency Filing Only: Independent travelers cannot walk into the Department of Immigration to purchase a RAP. Applications must be submitted through a government-registered Nepali trekking agency.
- Certified Guide: The group must be accompanied throughout the entire restricted zone by a certified trekking guide holding a valid license and life insurance policy.
4. Official Issuing Counters, Hours & Document Checklist
Permits for non-restricted areas can be purchased directly by independent trekkers accompanied by their licensed guide at official tourist service hubs in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Tourist Service Center (Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu)
The central clearinghouse for standard permits in Nepal. Houses counters for the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), NTNC (ACAP/MCAP/GCAP), and DNPWC (National Parks) under a single roof.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily, including Saturdays and public holidays for ACAP/TIMS).
Location: Exhibition Road, Bhrikutimandap (approx. 20-minute walk from Thamel).
Payment Mode: Cash only in Nepali Rupees (NPR). ATM machines on premise frequently run out of cash.
ACAP Counter (Damside, Pokhara)
Primary issuing center for trekkers departing from Pokhara toward Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, or the Annapurna Circuit.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday – Friday), 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturdays & holidays).
Location: Sahid Chowk, Damside (approx. 10-minute taxi from Lakeside).
Payment Mode: Cash only in Nepali Rupees (NPR).
Essential Documents to Bring to the Issuing Counter:
- ✓ Original passport with minimum 6 months validity
- ✓ 2 photocopies of passport bio page and Nepal entry visa
- ✓ 4–6 identical passport-sized physical photographs
- ✓ Proof of emergency medical and medevac insurance
- ✓ Exact cash in Nepali Rupees (NPR)
- ✓ Guide’s government license number and agency details
5. Trailhead Penalties & Double-Fee Rules
Many trekkers mistakenly assume they can buy all permits at checkpoints along the trail. Doing so can cause significant delays or financial penalties:
Mandatory 100% Late Surcharge Penalties:
If you attempt to purchase an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) at checkpoint gates (such as Besishahar, Birethanti, or Pothana) without prior issuance in Kathmandu or Pokhara, the officers enforce a mandatory 100% late fee penalty, raising the cost from NPR 3,390 to NPR 6,780 per person.
TIMS cards cannot be issued at remote trail checkpoints. If you reach a checkpoint without an agency-issued TIMS card, you may be turned back or delayed until an authorized agency dispatches digital verification.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nepal Trekking Permits
Clear, verified answers to mandatory guide rules, TIMS card requirements, and counter logistics.
Can I trek solo in Nepal without a guide in 2026?
No, with one major exception. Under the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) mandate enforced since April 2023, all solo foreign trekkers in designated national parks and conservation areas must hire a licensed trekking guide through an authorized Nepali trekking agency. The single primary exception is the Khumbu (Everest) region, where the local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality allows self-guided trekkers on the main Everest Base Camp trail, though guides are still strongly advised for safety.
Do I need a TIMS card if I am hiking to Everest Base Camp?
No. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality operates under local autonomy and does not recognize or accept the central TIMS card. Instead, you purchase the local Khumbu Entry Permit (NPR 3,000) directly at Lukla and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit (NPR 3,390) at Monjo. Do not purchase a TIMS card in Kathmandu if you are only trekking in the Everest region.
Where do I obtain trekking permits in Kathmandu and Pokhara?
For standard Conservation Area (ACAP, MCAP, GCAP) and National Park permits (Langtang, Rara, Sagarmatha) alongside TIMS cards, visit the Nepal Tourism Board Tourist Service Center at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu (open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 7 days a week). In Pokhara, visit the ACAP / TIMS counter at Damside. Restricted Area Permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Dolpo) cannot be obtained independently and must be processed by a licensed Nepali trekking agency at the Department of Immigration.
What are the rules for Restricted Area Permits (RAP)?
Restricted Area Permits require a minimum of two foreign trekkers in the group, accompanied by a government-certified Nepali trekking guide, and must be processed through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Individual or solo applications are legally prohibited by the Department of Immigration.
Can I pay for my trekking permits at the trailheads?
While Sagarmatha National Park (Monjo) and Langtang National Park (Dunche) permit counters operate at the trail entry gates, doing so carries a 100% late surcharge penalty for certain permits, and TIMS cards cannot be issued at trailheads. Conservation Area permits (ACAP and MCAP) purchased at trail checkpoints (e.g. Besishahar or Pothana) incur a mandatory double-fee penalty (NPR 6,000+). Always obtain your permits in advance in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What documents and photos do I need to prepare for my permits?
Bring your original passport (valid for at least 6 months), two photocopies of your passport photo page and valid Nepal entry visa, and 4 to 6 passport-sized photographs on a light background. If applying for multiple regions (e.g. ACAP + MCAP + TIMS), carry at least 6 physical photographs. Payment at official government counters must be made in Nepali Rupees (NPR) in cash.
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