Every trail in Nepal leads through some combination of national parks, conservation areas, and regulated corridors - and each one requires its own Nepal trekking permit. The permit system exists to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and support the communities that call these valleys home, but navigating it for the first time can feel like wrestling with bureaucracy when you would rather be packing your bag.
This guide breaks down every permit you need for trekking in Nepal in 2026 - what each one costs, where to get it, and what documents to bring. Think of it as your local friend walking you through the paperwork so you can focus on the mountains.
Understanding the Nepal Trekking Permit System
Nepal's permit system operates on two parallel tracks. The first is the TIMS card, a national registration system managed by the Nepal Tourism Board. The second involves entry fees for specific national parks and conservation areas, managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Most trekkers need both.
On top of these two standard requirements, certain remote regions of Nepal are classified as restricted areas. These require a separate restricted area permit with higher fees, mandatory guide requirements, and minimum group sizes.
Here is the simple rule of thumb: the more popular and accessible the trek, the fewer permits you need and the less you pay. The more remote and restricted the region, the more paperwork and cost involved.
How Permits Protect Nepal's Mountains
These fees are not just bureaucratic revenue. National park entry fees fund trail maintenance, anti-poaching patrols, reforestation projects, and waste management programs that keep Nepal's trails walkable. The TIMS system tracks trekker movements for safety - if something goes wrong on the trail, search and rescue teams can use TIMS data to locate you. Restricted area fees limit foot traffic in culturally and ecologically sensitive zones where uncontrolled tourism would cause real damage.
When you pay for your Nepal trekking permit, you are directly investing in the preservation of the places you have come to see.
TIMS Card Nepal: The Universal Trekker Registration
The Trekkers' Information Management System - known universally as the TIMS card Nepal - is the baseline permit that nearly every trekker needs. It functions as a national registration system that logs your identity, itinerary, and emergency contact information.
TIMS Card Types and Costs
There are two categories of TIMS card:
| TIMS Category | Who It Covers | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Group (Green Card) | Trekkers traveling with a registered trekking agency | $10 per person |
| Individual (Blue Card) | Independent trekkers without an agency | $20 per person |
Important: The individual TIMS card costs twice as much as the group card. If you are booking through Navigate Globe or any registered Nepali trekking agency, you automatically qualify for the cheaper group rate - and we handle the entire application for you.
Where to Get Your TIMS Card
You can obtain your TIMS card at the following locations in Kathmandu:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office - Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu (the most common location)
- Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) - Maligaon, Kathmandu
- TIMS Online Portal - Online pre-registration is available, though you still need to collect the physical card in Kathmandu
- Pokhara Tourism Office - For treks departing from the Annapurna region
Documents Required for TIMS
Bring the following when you apply:
- Valid passport (original and one photocopy)
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Your trekking itinerary with entry and exit points
- Travel insurance details (recommended, not always required)
- Agency booking confirmation (for group TIMS)
Processing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes during normal business hours. During peak season in October and November, expect longer queues at the Nepal Tourism Board office.
TIMS Checkpoints on the Trail
Your TIMS card will be checked at multiple police and army checkpoints along every major trekking route. Officers record your card number and date of passage. Do not lose your TIMS card on the trail - replacing it requires returning to Kathmandu or the nearest district headquarters, which can add days to your trip.
National Park and Conservation Area Permits
Every major trekking region in Nepal falls within either a national park or a conservation area. You need a separate entry permit for each one you enter. These are the nepal national park fees you should budget for in 2026.
National Park and Conservation Area Fee Table
| Park / Conservation Area | Fee (Foreign Nationals) | Fee (SAARC Nationals) | Treks That Require It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park | $30 | $15 | Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Three Passes |
| Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) | $30 | $15 | Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill |
| Langtang National Park | $30 | $15 | Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Helambu |
| Makalu Barun National Park | $30 | $15 | Makalu Base Camp |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | $30 | $15 | Manaslu Circuit (in addition to restricted area permit) |
| Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park | $15 | $5 | Shivapuri day hikes from Kathmandu |
| Rara National Park | $30 | $15 | Rara Lake trek |
| Khaptad National Park | $30 | $15 | Khaptad trek in far-western Nepal |
Note: Children under 10 receive free entry to all national parks and conservation areas. SAARC nationals (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) pay reduced rates.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
The sagarmatha national park permit is required for any trek in the Everest (Khumbu) region. At $30 for foreign nationals, it covers your entire stay within the park boundaries. The permit is checked at the park entrance gate in Monjo, roughly a half-day walk from Lukla. You can purchase it in advance at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation office in Kathmandu (Babar Mahal) or at the park gate itself.
If you are flying into Lukla for an Everest Base Camp trek, we strongly recommend purchasing the permit in Kathmandu beforehand. The Monjo gate can have queues during peak season, and buying in advance saves time on the trail.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The annapurna conservation area permit - commonly called ACAP - covers the entire Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill treks. At $30 for foreign nationals, it is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
You can purchase ACAP at:
- NTNC counter at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
- NTNC office in Pokhara (Lakeside or the main office)
- Entry checkpoints along the trail (though availability varies)
For treks departing from Pokhara, buying your ACAP there makes the most sense. The Pokhara office is efficient and rarely has long waits.
Restricted Area Permits Nepal: Remote Region Access
Some of Nepal's most extraordinary trekking regions are classified as restricted areas. These zones were historically closed to foreigners and have been gradually opened with strict regulations. Restricted area permits Nepal are significantly more expensive than standard permits and come with mandatory requirements.
Restricted Area Permit Fees and Requirements
| Restricted Area | Permit Fee | Minimum Duration | Group Size | Guide Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu | $100 per week (Sep-Nov), $75 per week (Dec-Aug) | 1 week | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Upper Mustang | $500 for first 10 days, $50/day after | 10 days | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Upper Dolpo | $500 for first 10 days, $50/day after | 10 days | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Lower Dolpo | $20 per week | 1 week | No minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Tsum Valley | $100 per week (Sep-Nov), $75 per week (Dec-Aug) | 1 week | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Nar-Phu Valley | $100 per week (Sep-Nov), $75 per week (Dec-Aug) | 1 week | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Kanchenjunga | $20 per week | 1 week | 2 trekkers minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
| Simikot-Hilsa (Kailash route) | $50 per week (Sep-Nov), $25 per week (Dec-Aug) | 1 week | No minimum | Yes - licensed guide mandatory |
Key Rules for Restricted Areas
There are non-negotiable rules that apply to all restricted area treks:
- Licensed guide mandatory: You cannot enter any restricted area without a government-licensed trekking guide employed through a registered agency. Solo trekking is not permitted.
- Minimum group size: Most restricted areas require a minimum of two trekkers. Solo travelers need to find a trekking partner or join a scheduled group departure.
- Agency booking required: Restricted area permits can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency. You cannot apply independently.
- Permit must be carried at all times: Multiple checkpoints verify your restricted area permit throughout the trek. Fines for trekking without a valid permit are severe.
Manaslu Circuit: A Popular Restricted Area Trek
The Manaslu Circuit is the most popular restricted area trek in Nepal, and for good reason. It offers scenery and cultural immersion comparable to the Annapurna Circuit with a fraction of the foot traffic. The permit cost adds up quickly though - you need the restricted area permit ($100/week in peak season), the Manaslu Conservation Area permit ($30), and your TIMS card ($10 with an agency). Budget $140 to $200 in total permit costs depending on trek duration and season.
Climbing Permits in Nepal
If your ambitions extend beyond trekking to mountaineering, Nepal requires separate climbing permits issued by the Department of Tourism. These apply to any peak above the trekking category, including all 8,000-meter peaks and designated climbing peaks.
Climbing Peak Categories
Nepal divides its mountains into three permit categories:
- Expedition peaks (above 6,500m) - Fees range from $1,000 to $11,000 depending on peak height and team size. Everest permits alone cost $11,000 per person.
- Trekking peaks (below 6,500m) - Fees range from $250 to $500. Popular trekking peaks include Island Peak (6,189m), Mera Peak (6,476m), and Lobuche East (6,119m).
- NMA peaks - Managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association with lower fees and simpler application processes.
Climbing permits are separate from trekking permits. If you are climbing Island Peak after your Everest Base Camp trek, you need both your EBC trekking permits and a separate climbing permit for Island Peak.
Complete Permit Table by Popular Trek
To make planning simple, here is a summary of exactly which nepal trekking permits 2026 you need for the most popular routes:
| Trek | TIMS Card | National Park / Conservation Area | Restricted Area Permit | Total Permit Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | $10-$20 | Sagarmatha NP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Annapurna Circuit | $10-$20 | ACAP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | $10-$20 | ACAP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Poon Hill | $10-$20 | ACAP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Langtang Valley | $10-$20 | Langtang NP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Manaslu Circuit | $10-$20 | Manaslu CA - $30 | $100/week (peak) | $140-$250 |
| Upper Mustang | $10-$20 | ACAP - $30 | $500/10 days | $540-$550 |
| Upper Dolpo | $10-$20 | Shey Phoksundo NP - $30 | $500/10 days | $540-$550 |
| Tsum Valley | $10-$20 | Manaslu CA - $30 | $100/week (peak) | $140-$250 |
| Makalu Base Camp | $10-$20 | Makalu Barun NP - $30 | Not required | $40-$50 |
| Kanchenjunga | $10-$20 | Kanchenjunga CA - $30 | $20/week | $60-$90 |
Costs shown for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals pay reduced national park fees. Group TIMS ($10) applies when booking through a registered agency; individual TIMS ($20) applies for independent trekkers.
Tips for Hassle-Free Permit Processing
After helping thousands of trekkers sort their paperwork, here are the practical tips that actually make a difference:
Bring extra passport photos. You need two for TIMS, and additional photos for national park permits and restricted area applications. Pack six passport photos from home - getting them printed in Kathmandu is cheap but adds an unnecessary errand.
Carry photocopies of your passport. Multiple copies of your passport data page and Nepal visa page. At least four copies. Every permit application requires one, and you will thank yourself for not having to hunt for a copy shop during peak season rush.
Apply in Kathmandu before heading to the trailhead. While some permits can theoretically be purchased at trail entry points, availability is not guaranteed, and you risk delays. The Nepal Tourism Board office and DNPWC office in Kathmandu are reliable and efficient.
Budget time for permit processing. Allow one full day in Kathmandu for permit collection, especially during October and November when office queues are longest. Offices are typically open Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Nepal follows a Sunday-to-Friday work week; Saturday is the weekly holiday).
Keep permits accessible on the trail. You will be asked to show your TIMS card and park permits at multiple checkpoints. Store them in a waterproof pouch in an easy-to-reach pocket, not buried in the bottom of your pack.
Double-check permit dates and spelling. Errors on permits can cause problems at checkpoints. Verify that your name, passport number, and trek dates are accurate before leaving the issuing office.
Why Navigate Globe Handles All Your Permits
Here is the honest truth - the permit system is not complicated once you understand it, but it is time-consuming. Standing in government offices during your limited holiday time in Kathmandu is not most people's idea of adventure.
When you book a trek with Navigate Globe, we handle every single permit before you arrive. Your TIMS card, national park permits, restricted area permits, climbing permits - all of it is prepared, paid for, and waiting in your trek welcome packet. Our team visits the offices, manages the paperwork, and double-checks every detail.
This is not just a convenience. It is a guarantee that nothing gets missed. We have seen independent trekkers turned away at checkpoints because they purchased the wrong permit or forgot to obtain one altogether. That does not happen with our treks.
For restricted area permits - where agency booking is mandatory anyway - we manage the entire application process, coordinate minimum group sizes for solo travelers, and assign licensed guides who know the restricted regions intimately.
Ready to plan your trek without worrying about a single piece of paperwork? Get in touch with our team and we will sort every permit you need while you focus on training for the trail.
Permit fees and regulations in this guide reflect the latest information available for 2026. The Nepal government occasionally adjusts fees and requirements. Navigate Globe monitors all regulatory changes and updates our trekkers accordingly. For the most current fees, check the Nepal Tourism Board and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation websites.
