Nepal Trekking Permits: TIMS, Fees & Restricted Areas

Trekking in Nepal can require several different permits or entry fees depending on your route. The main requirements are the TIMS Card, protected-area entry fees for national parks or conservation areas, and special trekking permits for restricted areas. The exact combination depends on the trekking region, route, season and whether the trail enters a restricted zone.

Nepal Trekking Permits at a Glance

Requirement	What it is	Where it applies
TIMS Card	Trekker registration and safety-management document	Designated trekking routes
National Park Entry	Protected-area entry fee	National parks
Conservation Area Entry	Protected-area entry fee	Conservation areas
Restricted Area Permit	Special permit for controlled trekking zones	Government-designated restricted areas
Mountaineering Permit	Climbing authorization	Mountaineering expeditions

You do not automatically need every document listed above. A trek in a national park may require TIMS plus a park entry fee, while a restricted-area trek can require TIMS, a conservation-area fee and a separate restricted-area permit. Mountaineering permits are a separate category from ordinary trekking permits.

The Nepal Tourism Board separates these systems because they serve different purposes. TIMS records trekker information for safety and security, protected-area fees provide access to designated conservation areas, and restricted-area permits control access to government-designated zones.

What Are Nepal Trekking Permits?

“Nepal trekking permits” is a broad search term that covers several types of documentation rather than one universal permit.

For most trekkers, the important distinction is between TIMS, protected-area entry fees and restricted-area trekking permits.Treating all three as the same document can lead to incorrect cost estimates or problems at checkpoints.

TIMS Card

The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is designed to register trekkers and support safety, security and emergency coordination.

Under Nepal’s revised TIMS provision, the Nepal Tourism Board lists numerous trekking routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS Card. The current NTB information lists the TIMS charge as NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants.

Protected-Area Entry Fee

A protected-area entry fee applies when a trek enters a national park or conservation area.

Examples include:

• Sagarmatha National Park
• Langtang National Park
• Shey-Phoksundo National Park
• Annapurna Conservation Area
• Manaslu Conservation Area
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area
• Api Nampa Conservation Area

The fee is separate from TIMS.

Restricted Area Trekking Permit

A restricted-area trekking permit is different from TIMS and protected-area entry.

These permits apply to specially controlled areas such as Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Manaslu’s restricted zone, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu and several other designated regions.

The Department of Immigration administers restricted-area trekking permits. Nepal Tourism Board guidance also states that trekkers must carry the permit during the trek and produce it to immigration or police officials when requested.

What Permits Do You Need for Trekking in Nepal?

The answer depends primarily on where you are trekking, not simply how many days you are walking.

A useful way to determine your requirements is:

Route → protected area → restricted zone → TIMS requirement → guide requirement → seasonal fees

For example, an ordinary trek through a national park can have a different permit structure from a trek entering a restricted border region.

TIMS Card

The current Nepal Tourism Board TIMS guidance states that the revised provision applies to specified trekking regions and routes. Its listed routes include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, Gosaikunda, Helambu and several other routes.

TIMS is therefore best understood as a route-specific trekking registration requirement, not as a universal substitute for every other permit.

National Park Entry Permit

If your route enters a national park, you normally need to pay the applicable protected-area entry fee.

Important trekking parks include:

• Sagarmatha National Park
• Langtang National Park
• Shey-Phoksundo National Park
• Makalu-Barun National Park
• Rara National Park

Conservation Area Entry

Conservation areas have their own entry fees.

Major trekking conservation areas include:

• Annapurna Conservation Area
• Manaslu Conservation Area
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
• Gaurishankar Conservation Area
• Api Nampa Conservation Area

Restricted-Area Permit

If your route enters a government-designated restricted area, an additional trekking permit is required.

This is especially important for:

• Upper Mustang
• Upper Dolpa
• Manaslu restricted area
• Tsum Valley
• Nar Phu
• Humla
• parts of Rasuwa
• parts of Manang
• selected border and remote mountain regions

Nepal Trekking Permit Fees in 2026

Permit prices can change through government decisions, seasonal rules or administrative updates. For that reason, the fee should always be checked against the latest official authority before departure.

As checked on 15 September 2026, the Department of Immigration’s current trekking-permit page lists restricted-area fees ranging from approximately USD 20 per week to USD 500 for the first 10 days, depending on the region and permit category.

The current Immigration information includes examples such as:

Restricted area	Current Immigration-listed fee
Upper Mustang	USD 50/person/day
Upper Dolpa	USD 500/person for first 10 days, then USD 50/day
Manaslu	Seasonal pricing
Humla	USD 50/person/week
Taplejung	USD 20/week for first 4 weeks
Lower Dolpa	USD 20/person/week
Dolakha	USD 20/person/week
Tsum Valley	Seasonal pricing
Sankhuwasabha	USD 20/week for first 4 weeks
Solukhumbu restricted area	USD 20/week for first 4 weeks
Rasuwa	USD 20/person/week
Manang	Seasonal pricing
Bajhang	USD 90/week
Mugu	USD 100/person/week
Darchula	USD 90/person/week

Important: These are restricted-area permit fees only. They do not necessarily include TIMS, conservation-area entry, national-park entry or local fees.

There are also discrepancies between some older NTB-published material and the current Department of Immigration information. For a high-trust article, the latest Immigration schedule should be treated as the operational reference for restricted-area fees, while NTB remains an important source for the broader trekking-permit framework.

Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fees

A restricted-area permit is not the same thing as a TIMS Card or a national park/conservation-area entry fee.This distinction is one of the most important concepts for anyone researching Nepal trekking permits.

Upper Mustang

The Department of Immigration currently lists USD 50 per person per day for the Upper Mustang restricted area.

Upper Mustang also falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the restricted permit should not be treated as the complete permit budget.

Upper Dolpa

Upper Dolpa has a premium restricted-area permit structure. The current Immigration information lists USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, followed by USD 50 per day.Additional protected-area requirements may apply.

Manaslu

Manaslu has a seasonal restricted-area permit structure.The fee changes according to the trekking season, so travelers should check the current Immigration schedule rather than relying on an old blog post or itinerary PDF.

Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley is another restricted area inside the Manaslu region.A Tsum Valley itinerary can therefore require more than the standard Manaslu conservation-area entry and TIMS arrangements.

Nar Phu

Nar Phu is within the restricted portion of the Annapurna region. Trekkers should distinguish the restricted-area permit from the standard Annapurna Conservation Area entry requirement.

Nepal Trekking Permits by Popular Trek

The following table provides a practical starting point.

Trek	TIMS	Protected-area requirement	Restricted permit
Everest Base Camp	Required under current listed route rules	Sagarmatha National Park	Route-dependent
Annapurna Circuit	Route-dependent/current TIMS rules	ACAP	Route-dependent
Annapurna Base Camp	Current TIMS rules apply	ACAP	Normally no restricted permit
Manaslu Circuit	Required	MCAP	Yes
Tsum Valley	Required	MCAP	Yes
Upper Mustang	Required where applicable	ACAP	Yes
Langtang Valley	Required under listed routes	Langtang National Park	Normally no restricted permit
Gosaikunda	Listed under current TIMS rules	Langtang National Park	Route-dependent
Tamang Heritage	Listed under current TIMS rules	Langtang National Park	Route-dependent
Kanchenjunga	Required	KCA	Route-dependent
Upper Dolpo	Required	Shey-Phoksundo National Park	Yes
Lower Dolpo	Required	Shey-Phoksundo National Park	Yes

This table should be treated as a planning guide rather than a replacement for route-specific permit verification.

Annapurna Region Trekking Permits

The Annapurna region contains both standard trekking routes and restricted-area routes, so permit requirements depend on the itinerary.

Annapurna Circuit Permit Requirements

A standard Annapurna Circuit itinerary generally involves:

• TIMS under applicable current rules
• Annapurna Conservation Area entry
• Route-specific local requirements where applicable

If the itinerary enters Nar Phu, the permit structure changes because Nar Phu is a restricted area.

The same principle applies when a trek adds specialized high-altitude crossings or routes that enter controlled zones.

Annapurna Base Camp Permit Requirements

Annapurna Base Camp lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Trekkers should therefore distinguish between:

• TIMS
• ACAP entry
• any current route-specific requirements

The standard ABC itinerary does not normally involve the same restricted-area permit structure as Nar Phu or Upper Mustang.

Tilicho Lake and Tilicho Pass

Adding Tilicho Lake to the Annapurna Circuit does not automatically mean the trek has entered a restricted area.

This is an important distinction for trekkers planning an Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake.

A standard Tilicho Lake detour should not be confused with routes involving Mesokanto Pass or other restricted/high-altitude itineraries that may have different requirements.

Everest Region Trekking Permits

The Everest region is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking areas, but popularity does not remove the need to follow current permit rules.

Everest Base Camp

The current NTB TIMS route list includes Everest Base Camp among the routes covered by the guide and TIMS provision.

An EBC trek can therefore involve:

• TIMS
• Sagarmatha National Park entry
• applicable local or municipal requirements
• licensed guide arrangements under current rules

Gokyo Trek

Gokyo is also included in the current NTB TIMS route list.

The trek enters the Sagarmatha National Park area, so protected-area entry requirements also apply.

Everest Three Passes

The Three Passes Trek is listed by NTB under the current guide/TIMS requirements.

Because this itinerary is longer and crosses several high mountain passes, trekkers should verify the complete route and permit package before departure.

Mera Peak and Climbing Routes

A trekking permit should not automatically be confused with a mountaineering permit.

Once an itinerary involves climbing a designated peak, additional climbing authorization and royalty requirements may apply.

Manaslu Region Trekking Permits

Manaslu is one of Nepal’s clearest examples of why the phrase “Nepal trekking permit” can be misleading.

Manaslu Circuit

A Manaslu Circuit itinerary can involve:

• TIMS
• Manaslu Conservation Area entry
• restricted-area permit
• guide and agency requirements
• seasonal permit pricing
• applicable local requirements

The restricted-area permit is particularly important because the Manaslu region is subject to controlled access.

Tsum Valley

Tsum Valley has its own restricted-area requirements in addition to the broader Manaslu permit structure.

A combined Manaslu + Tsum Valley itinerary therefore needs to be calculated according to the exact route and dates.

Mustang, Dolpo and Humla Permits

Remote trans-Himalayan regions often have more complex permit structures.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang requires a restricted-area permit as well as the applicable conservation-area entry.

The current Immigration schedule lists USD 50 per person per day for the restricted zone.

Lower Mustang

Lower Mustang should not automatically be treated as Upper Mustang.

The restricted-area rules associated with Upper Mustang do not simply apply to every trekking route in Lower Mustang.

Upper Dolpo

Upper Dolpo combines restricted-area controls with protected-area requirements associated with Shey-Phoksundo National Park.

The current Immigration fee structure is significantly different from the standard fees associated with ordinary trekking routes.

Lower Dolpo

Lower Dolpo also has restricted-area requirements, but its permit structure differs from Upper Dolpo.

Humla and Limi Valley

Humla’s remote border geography means that route-specific restricted-area documentation can be important.

Trekkers should confirm:

• restricted-area permit
• TIMS
• applicable protected-area entry
• agency and guide requirements
• exact itinerary
• current permit fee

Langtang, Gosaikunda and Tamang Heritage Permits

The Langtang region is especially important for permit planning because several popular routes overlap the same broader trekking area.

These include:

• Langtang Valley
• Gosaikunda
• Tamang Heritage
• combined Langtang-Gosaikunda routes

The current NTB TIMS information specifically lists Gosaikunda and other Langtang-area routes among routes covered by the current guide/TIMS provision.

Trekkers should also account for Langtang National Park entry.

For Gosaikunda, route planning matters because alternative approaches can cross different jurisdictions or route segments.

How Much Does a Nepal Trekking Permit Cost?

There is no single universal Nepal trekking permit price.

Your total permit budget can consist of several separate charges:

1. TIMS
2. National Park entry
3. Conservation Area entry
4. Restricted-area permit
5. Local government or municipality fees where applicable
6. Mountaineering or climbing permits where applicable

For example, the permit budget for Everest Base Camp is not calculated in exactly the same way as Manaslu, Upper Mustang or Upper Dolpo.

This is why articles that advertise one “Nepal trekking permit cost” without identifying the route can be misleading.

Example Permit Cost Structure

Everest Base Camp

Budget for the applicable TIMS requirement, protected-area entry and any current local requirement.

Annapurna Circuit

Budget for applicable TIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area entry and any route-specific requirement.

Manaslu Circuit

Budget for TIMS, Manaslu Conservation Area entry and the seasonal restricted-area permit.

Upper Mustang

Budget for the restricted-area permit plus ACAP and applicable TIMS requirements.

Upper Dolpo

Budget for the premium restricted-area permit plus Shey-Phoksundo National Park and other applicable requirements.

Tsum Valley

Budget for TIMS, MCAP and the Tsum Valley restricted-area permit.

The important lesson is simple: calculate the complete permit package rather than searching for one universal trekking permit price.

How to Get a Trekking Permit in Nepal

The process depends on the type of permit.

Step 1: Choose Your Route

Start with the exact trekking itinerary rather than simply choosing a region.

For example, “Annapurna” is not enough information to determine whether you are doing ABC, the Circuit, Nar Phu or another route.

Step 2: Check Whether the Route Is Restricted

Identify whether any part of your itinerary enters a restricted zone.

This can significantly change the documentation and cost.

Step 3: Check TIMS Requirements

Confirm whether your route is covered by the current TIMS and licensed-guide provision.

Step 4: Check Protected-Area Fees

Identify every national park or conservation area crossed by the route.

Step 5: Use a Registered Trekking Agency Where Required

Restricted-area permits are generally processed through the authorized agency system.

Step 6: Submit the Required Details

Depending on the permit, documentation can include:

• passport details
• trekker information
• itinerary
• trekking dates
• agency information
• guide information
• photographs
• insurance documentation
• payment documentation

Step 7: Carry the Permit

Do not leave permit documentation at your hotel.

Restricted-area permits should be carried during the trek and produced to authorized officials when requested.

What Documents Are Required?

A practical permit checklist includes:

• Passport
• Passport details
• Passport-size photograph where required
• Trekking itinerary
• Route details
• Trekking dates
• Trekking agency information
• Guide information where applicable
• Emergency/contact information
• Insurance documentation where required
• Payment

Exact requirements vary according to the permit category.

Do You Need a Guide to Get a Nepal Trekking Permit?

For many major trekking routes, current rules require a licensed trekking guide and agency-issued TIMS Card.

The current NTB route list includes Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes, Gosaikunda, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp and other routes.

Restricted areas have additional agency and guide requirements.

However, it would be inaccurate to say that every trekking route in Nepal has exactly the same guide and permit rules. Requirements depend on the route and the current government provisions.

Nepal Trekking Permits vs TIMS vs National Park Entry

Document	Main purpose	Authority	Applies to
TIMS	Trekker registration and safety	NTB / registered agency	Designated trekking routes
National Park Entry	Protected-area access	Protected-area authority	National parks
Conservation Area Entry	Protected-area access	Relevant conservation authority	Conservation areas
Restricted Area Permit	Controlled access	Department of Immigration	Restricted areas
Mountaineering Permit	Peak-climbing authorization	Relevant government authority	Mountaineering

This distinction is essential when calculating trekking costs.

Can You Get Nepal Trekking Permits Without a Trekking Agency?

There is no single answer for every trek.

Standard trekking routes and restricted routes can have different administrative requirements.

Current NTB guidance states that specified routes require an agency-issued TIMS Card and licensed guide. Restricted-area permits are also administered through the authorized agency process.

Therefore, trekkers should not assume that a permit can always be purchased independently simply because the trek itself is popular.

Where Can You Get Trekking Permits in Nepal?

Permit services depend on the type of document.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the main administrative center for many trekking and restricted-area permit processes.

Pokhara

Pokhara is particularly important for Annapurna-region trekking and has trekking-related permit services.

Registered Trekking Agency

For routes requiring agency-issued TIMS or restricted-area documentation, working with a registered trekking company can simplify the process.

Online TIMS

The Nepal Tourism Board currently provides an online agency process for TIMS. Agencies enter trekker, guide and route information, complete payment and generate an electronic TIMS card with a QR code.

What Happens If You Trek Without the Required Permit?

Trekking without required documentation can create legal and practical problems.

Possible consequences include:

• problems at checkpoints
• inspection by immigration or police officials
• interruption of the itinerary
• inability to enter a restricted zone
• problems during route verification
• complications during emergency or rescue coordination

Avoid assuming that an old blog post or another trekker’s experience represents the current rules.

Do Nepal Trekking Permits Expire?

Permit validity depends on the permit type and the dates or duration stated on the document.

Restricted-area permits can have:

• weekly validity
• daily charges after an initial period
• seasonal pricing
• route-specific validity

Always check the dates printed on the permit and make sure they match your actual itinerary.

Nepal Trekking Permit Rules for Children

Children can be subject to different fee rules depending on the permit category.

For example, Nepal Tourism Board’s protected-area fee information identifies free entry for children below 10 years for the listed protected-area fees.

That does not mean every trekking document or restricted-area permit automatically follows the same exemption.

Families should therefore check the specific permit category before departure.

Do You Need a Permit for Short Treks in Nepal?

Trek duration does not automatically determine whether you need a permit.

A short trek can still enter a protected area and require an entry fee or fall under current TIMS requirements.

Examples include:

• Gosaikunda
• Poon Hill
• Everest View
• Langtang routes
• Shivapuri-area trekking
• cultural and heritage trails

The route and jurisdiction, rather than simply the number of trekking days, determine the applicable requirements.

Common Nepal Trekking Permit Mistakes

1. Assuming TIMS is the only required document
2. Confusing park fees with restricted-area permits
3. Using outdated fee information
4. Booking before checking the exact route
5. Ignoring seasonal restricted-area pricing
6. Assuming similar routes have identical requirements
7. Forgetting guide requirements
8. Entering a restricted zone without the correct permit
9. Failing to carry permit documents
10. Using passport information that does not match the permit application

The biggest mistake is relying on a fee table without checking its publication date.

Nepal Trekking Permit Checklist Before Leaving Kathmandu

Before starting your trek, confirm:

• ☐ Passport valid for travel
• ☐ Exact trekking route confirmed
• ☐ TIMS requirement confirmed
• ☐ National park entry confirmed
• ☐ Conservation-area entry confirmed
• ☐ Restricted-area permit confirmed if applicable
• ☐ Licensed guide arranged where required
• ☐ Permit dates checked
• ☐ Passport information matches documents
• ☐ Digital copies saved
• ☐ Emergency contacts available
• ☐ Travel insurance confirmed
• ☐ Current route conditions checked

Nepal Trekking Permits: Region-by-Region Quick Reference

Region	TIMS	Protected Area	Restricted Permit
Everest	✓	Sagarmatha NP	Route-dependent
Annapurna	✓	ACAP	Route-dependent
Manaslu	✓	MCAP	✓
Langtang	✓	Langtang NP	Route-dependent
Mustang	✓	ACAP	✓ in restricted areas
Dolpo	✓	Shey-Phoksundo NP	✓
Humla	✓	Route-dependent	✓
Kanchenjunga	✓	KCA	Route-dependent
Tsum	✓	MCAP	✓

Always verify the exact route before departure because permit regulations, fees and guide requirements can change.

Plan Your Trek With the Right Permits

Planning a trek in Nepal starts with the route, not the permit.Once the itinerary is clear, the applicable TIMS, protected-area entry, restricted-area permit, guide and documentation requirements become much easier to identify.A registered local trekking company can help you verify the current requirements, prepare the documentation, arrange licensed guides where required and make sure the permit package matches your actual route and dates.

At Wilderway Trekking & Expedition, the practical approach is simple: choose the right trek first, verify the current rules, then build the logistics around them.Whether you are planning the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit, Gosaikunda, Langtang, Upper Mustang or a more remote Himalayan route, the permit requirements should be confirmed before leaving Kathmandu.Your permit is more than paperwork. It connects your trek with Nepal’s visitor-management, conservation and safety systems.

Plan the route carefully, verify the current requirements, and start your Himalayan journey with the right documents in place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal Trekking Permits