Trekking Permits in Nepal

- soleencounters

Nepal is a trekking paradise—but before setting off on your Himalayan adventure, it’s essential to understand the trekking permits required in Nepal. Whether you’re heading to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or venturing into remote regions like Upper Mustang or Manaslu, obtaining the correct permits is mandatory and helps support sustainable tourism, conservation, and trail management.

In this guide, Sole Encounters Trekking Pvt. Ltd. explains everything you need to know about trekking permits in Nepal, including TIMS, ACAP, restricted area permits, where to get them, costs, and why they’re essential for your journey.

Why Are Trekking Permits Required in Nepal?

Trekking permits serve several important purposes:

• They help maintain trekking infrastructure and conserve natural environments.

• They regulate visitor movement in sensitive and restricted areas.

• They enhance safety and monitoring, especially in high-altitude zones.

• Permit fees contribute to community development in trekking regions.

As a registered trekking company in Nepal, Sole Encounters Trekking handles all necessary permits for our clients—saving you time and ensuring legal compliance.

Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS Card is mandatory for most trekking routes outside restricted zones. It is a record-keeping system managed by the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure trekkers' safety.

• Required For: All standard treks in the Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and other popular regions.

• Types of TIMS Cards:

  • Green TIMS Card: For FITs (Free Individual Trekkers)

  • Blue TIMS Card: For group trekkers through a registered agency

Cost:

• NPR 2,000 for group trekkers (via a registered agency)

• NPR 2,000 for solo trekkers (Green TIMS, subject to availability and updates)

Where to Get It:
Through registered trekking agencies or the TAAN/NTB office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Note: TIMS is not required for the Everest Region, which uses a separate local permit system.

2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The ACAP permit is mandatory for anyone trekking in the Annapurna Region, which is a protected conservation area.

• Required For:

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Mardi Himal Trek

  • Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Cost:

• NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person for foreigners

• NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals

Where to Get It:
NTB office in Kathmandu or Pokhara

3. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

For trekking in the Everest Region, a TIMS card is no longer required. Instead, you need:

• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

These two permits cover most treks in the Everest region including:

• Everest Base Camp Trek

• Gokyo Lake Trek

• Everest Three Passes Trek

Costs:

• Sagarmatha National Park: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25)

• Local Khumbu Permit: NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 17)

Where to Get It:

• Sagarmatha Permit: NTB office in Kathmandu or at Monjo park entrance

• Khumbu Permit: Lukla entrance checkpoint

4. Langtang National Park Permit

This permit is required for trekking in the Langtang Region, including:

• Langtang Valley Trek

• Gosaikunda and Helambu treks

Cost:

• NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person

Where to Get It:
NTB office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance in Dhunche

5. Restricted Area Permits (RAPs)

Certain remote or culturally sensitive areas are considered restricted zones and require a special permit. These treks must be done through a registered agency with a licensed guide, and group size must be at least two trekkers.

Popular Restricted Areas:

• Upper Mustang Trek

  • Permit: USD 500 for 10 days, USD 50/day thereafter

  • Trip Details »

• Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Permit: USD 100 for first 7 days (Sept–Nov), USD 15/day after

  • Additional ACAP and MCAP permits required

  • Trip Details »

• Tsum Valley Trek

  • Permit: USD 40–70 depending on season (per week)

• Nar Phu Valley Trek

  • Permit: USD 100 for 7 days

Note: TIMS is not required for restricted area treks.

Permit Checklist by Trekking Region

For a full list of treks and permit requirements, visit our Trekking in Nepal page.

Important Tips for Trekking Permits in Nepal

• Always carry physical copies of your permits on the trail—checkpoints are common.

• Take passport-sized photos and a valid passport with visa to obtain permits.

• Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.

• Hire a licensed trekking guide for restricted area treks—it’s a legal requirement.

• Sole Encounters Trekking takes care of all permits on your behalf for any guided trek booked with us.

When and Where to Get Trekking Permits

Permits can be issued at the following offices:

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Kathmandu: Pradarshani Marg

• NTB, Pokhara: Damside

• TAAN Secretariat, Kathmandu: Maligaun

• Checkpoint offices at entry points: For regions like Everest and Langtang

However, for your ease and peace of mind, all permit logistics are handled when you book your trek through Sole Encounters Trekking Pvt. Ltd.

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Trek Legally

Understanding and obtaining the correct trekking permits is a vital part of planning your adventure in Nepal. It ensures you're trekking legally, safely, and responsibly while contributing to the preservation of Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage.

Whether you’re drawn to the high passes of the Everest Region, the rich biodiversity of Annapurna, or the isolated beauty of Upper Mustang, Sole Encounters Trekking is here to make your journey seamless—from permits to guides, logistics, and beyond.

Need help selecting or securing permits for your trek?
Contact our local experts for advice and customized trekking packages.

Your Himalayan journey starts here—with confidence, legality, and the right information.