Nepal Trekking Permits Explained: TIMS, NP Fees & Restricted Areas
A clear breakdown of every trekking permit you need in Nepal — TIMS cards, national park fees, conservation area permits, and restricted area permits with costs and where to get them.
Overview
Nepal's permit system can be confusing. This guide explains every permit type, where to get them, and how much they cost.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Required for: Most trekking regions (Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and others) — but not the Everest/Khumbu region, which uses its own municipality permit instead
Cost:
- NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers
- NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
Where to get it: Through a government-registered trekking agency. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in the designated trekking regions must hire a licensed guide, and the TIMS card is issued through the agency.
What you need: Passport, 2 photos, trek itinerary, travel insurance details
National Park & Conservation Area Permits
| Area | Fee (foreigners) | Fee (SAARC) |
|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha (Everest) NP | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Everest) | NPR 3,000 | — |
| Annapurna Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| Langtang NP | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Makalu Barun NP | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 | — |
Restricted Area Permits
Some regions require special permits due to their proximity to borders or cultural sensitivity.
Manaslu
- Cost: $100 for the first 7 days, then $15/day (Sep–Nov); $75 for the first 7 days, then $10/day (Dec–Aug)
- Minimum group: 2 trekkers with a registered agency
Upper Mustang
- Cost: $500 for the first 10 days, $50/day after
- Minimum group: 2 trekkers with a registered agency
- Season: Best in monsoon (rain shadow area)
Dolpo
- Upper Dolpo: $500 for 10 days
- Lower Dolpo: $20/week
- Minimum group: 2 trekkers with a registered agency
How to Get Permits
- Through a trekking agency (easiest) — they handle everything
- In person in Kathmandu — Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap
- In person in Pokhara — Nepal Tourism Board, Damside
- Online — Some permits available via the NTB website (still being expanded)
Tips
- Carry photocopies of all permits — checkpoints may keep a copy
- Permits are checked at multiple points along all major treks
- Guides and porters need their own credentials but not tourist permits
- Budget $30–50 per trek for standard permits, more for restricted areas
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We write from research and reporting, and the ground changes faster than we can keep up. If something here is out of date, or you have been and would tell it differently, we would rather hear it.