Trekking Permits Master Guide for Nepal

Getting permits in Nepal can feel like a maze, but once you know which documents apply to your trek, it’s straightforward. The key is planning ahead and not leaving it for the last minute at the trailhead.

For a smooth experience, the Places Nepal Treks team handles the entire permit process—TIMS, conservation and park fees, and RAPs—so you can skip the queues and focus on the mountains.

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

The TIMS card is Nepal’s trekking registration system, now fully digital as e-TIMS. It helps authorities track trekkers for safety and rescue.

• Who needs it? Since March 2023, a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS card are mandatory on all major trekking routes like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, and more.

• Cost: NPR 2,000 (foreign nationals), NPR 1,000 (SAARC).

• How it works: TIMS is only issued by trekking agencies through the official NTB e-TIMS system—you can’t apply directly.

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers 180 km (110 miles) and involves 6–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larke high pass.

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2. National Park & Conservation Area Permits

Most treks pass through either a National Park (managed by DNPWC) or a Conservation Area (managed by NTNC). These permits are separate from TIMS and must be carried at all times.

National Park entry (foreigners):

• Sagarmatha (Everest): NPR 3,000
• Langtang, Makalu-Barun, Shey-Phoksundo, Rara: NPR 3,000
• Shivapuri-Nagarjun (near Kathmandu): NPR 1,000

Conservation Area entry (foreigners):

• Annapurna (ACAP), Manaslu (MCAP), Kanchenjunga (KCAP), Gaurishankar (GCAP): NPR 3,000
• SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000.
• Children under 10: Free.

⚠️ Buying at field check-posts costs double. Always get your permits online or in Kathmandu/Pokhara before setting off.

Trek the Everest Base Camp Trek

This classic trek takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region, past vibrant Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and towering Himalayan peaks.

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3. Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Some remote and border regions are classified as Restricted Areas. These require a RAP in addition to TIMS and conservation/park permits.

Where they apply: Upper Mustang, Upper/Lower Dolpo, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Humla/Limi, Kanchenjunga, Rolwaling, and a few border belts.

• How they work:

• Issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu through registered trekking agencies only.

• Usually priced per week (some per first 10 days).

• Most require a minimum of two trekkers plus a licensed guide.

Typical fees:

• Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpo: US$ 500 for the first 10 days, US$ 50 per extra day.

• Manaslu: US$ 100 per week (autumn), US$ 75 (off-season).

• Tsum Valley: US$ 40 per week.

• Lower Dolpo & Kanchenjunga: US$ 20–25 per week.

Trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek

A legendary high-altitude trek in Nepal that encircles the Annapurna Massif, offering dramatic scenery, diverse cultures, and the iconic crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.

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4. Where to Get Your Permits

• TIMS: Only through your trekking agency (digital e-TIMS system).

• Conservation Areas (ACAP, MCAP, KCAP, GCAP): Online via NTNC e-permit or at NTB offices in Kathmandu/Pokhara.

• National Parks: At NTB counters or park gates (cash often required).

• Restricted Area Permits (RAP): Department of Immigration, Kathmandu—through an agency.

Trek the Langtang Valley Trek

A Short Trek to Majestic Peaks and Deep Culture.

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5. What You’ll Need

• Passport + valid Nepal visa

• 2 passport photos (physical or digital)

• Itinerary with entry/exit points and dates

• Emergency contact information

• Agency documents & guide details (your agency handles this part)

Trek the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Classic Himalayan trail reaching 4,130 meters at the foot of Mount Annapurna.

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6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying permits at check-posts → costs double.

• Thinking RAP replaces other permits → it doesn’t. RAPs are always in addition to park/conservation fees.

• Wrong dates on RAP → these are corridor-specific; mistakes mean reapplication.

• Skipping TIMS/guide where required → you’ll be turned back or fined.

• Forgetting local fees → e.g., Everest’s Khumbu Pasang Lhamu fee (about NPR 2,000–3,000), paid in cash at Lukla/Monjo.

Trek the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Wake Up to the Himalayas – A Short Trek with Timeless Sunrise Views

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7. Region-by-Region Permit Combinations

Here’s what you actually need, depending on where you trek:

• Everest (EBC, Gokyo, Three Passes): TIMS + Sagarmatha National Park + Khumbu local fee.

• Annapurna (Circuit, ABC, Mardi): TIMS + ACAP.

• Manaslu with Tsum Valley: TIMS + MCAP + RAP (and ACAP if exiting via Annapurna).

• Langtang/Helambu: TIMS + Langtang National Park.

• Upper Mustang: TIMS + ACAP + RAP.

• Dolpo: TIMS + Shey-Phoksundo NP + RAP.

• Kanchenjunga: TIMS + KCAP + RAP.

• Makalu Base Camp: TIMS + Makalu-Barun NP (RAP only if entering border wards).

• Rolwaling: TIMS + Gaurishankar CA (RAP in some wards).

• Rara: Rara NP (TIMS optional).

• Humla/Limi Valley: TIMS + RAP.

• Far-West (Api Nampa, Khaptad): TIMS + local CA/NP permits.

Trek the Gokyo Lake Trek

This trek features stunning turquoise glacial lakes and panoramic views of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

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8. How Long It Takes

• TIMS & Park/CA permits: Same day (10–30 mins in person, instant online).

• RAPs: Usually same working day after agency submission, but allow at least one buffer day in peak season.

Local Municipality Entry Permits

In addition to national-level permits, some trekking regions also levy a local entry fee managed by rural municipalities. These are collected at trailheads and are used for local infrastructure, waste management, and community development.

• Everest Region (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality): Around NPR 2,000–3,000 per trekker, collected at Lukla or Monjo. Payment is cash only and must be made on the spot.

• Manaslu Region (Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee): Trekkers pay an additional NPR 2,000 per person to the local authority when entering the region, often collected at the starting point around Jagat/Philim. This is separate from the MCAP fee and the RAP required for Manaslu. Carry cash, as card payments are not accepted.

• Annapurna Region (various municipalities): A few rural municipalities along the Annapurna Circuit and nearby side valleys may charge small entry or tourism development fees (generally under NPR 500). These are in addition to the ACAP permit.

• Other regions: Some far-western trekking areas are considering or have implemented similar rural entry charges. Always check with your agency before departure.

These fees are not available online; they are paid directly at local checkpoints, usually with a receipt issued.

Trek the Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek

Explore the remote beauty of Kanchenjunga South Base Camp Trek in eastern Nepal.

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Typical lead times (realistic)

• TIMS & NTNC/DNPWC: same-day issuance during business hours (allow 1–2 hours).

• RAP: usually same business day after filing; in peak months plan 1 full working day buffer. 

Final notes

• Solo trekking: Nepal’s 2023 policy change means most marquee routes require a licensed guide + TIMS. Don’t risk being turned around—confirm your route against NTB’s list.

• Fee changes happen: Local bodies (e.g., KPRL) can revise amounts in-season. Carry cash and follow posted rates at the gate.

• Let an expert handle it: Places Nepal Treks operations team can secure every permit (TIMS, ACAP/MCAP/KCAP/NP, RAP) in advance and brief you on checkpoints—so you spend your time trekking, not in queues.

Top 10 Treks in Nepal & the Permits You’ll Need (2025 Update)

Every trekking region in Nepal has its own entry rules. While the mountains call you in, the paperwork makes sure you’re trekking legally, supporting local communities, and staying safe. From the Everest region to remote Dolpo, here’s a straightforward guide to the top ten treks in Nepal and the permits required for each.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple layers: Some regions (Everest, Manaslu, Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, Humla) require at least three different permits.

• Local fees: Rural municipalities like Khumbu (Everest) and Manaslu now charge their own entry permits, separate from national fees.

• Buy ahead: ACAP/MCAP/KCAP bought online or in Kathmandu/Pokhara are cheaper than buying at check-posts, where the cost doubles.

• RAP rules: Restricted permits can only be arranged by registered trekking agencies, not individuals.