Planning a Nepal trek and confused about permits?
You’re not alone. Nepal’s permit system can feel complicated different permits for different regions, different costs, different rules. This guide makes it simple. We’ll break down every permit you might need, what it costs, and exactly where to get it.
Nepal Trekking Permits 2026
Quick Reference: Nepal Trekking Permits at a Glance
| Permit | Cost | Needed For |
|---|---|---|
| TIMS Card | $15–$20 | Almost every trek in Nepal |
| ACAP | $22 | Annapurna region (ABC, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Khopra) |
| Sagarmatha National Park | $25 | Everest region (EBC, Gokyo) |
| Langtang National Park | $22 | Langtang Valley |
| Manaslu Restricted Area | $35–$50/day | Manaslu Circuit |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area | $500 (10 days) | Upper Mustang |
| Kanchenjunga Restricted Area | Varies | Kanchenjunga Base Camp |
What Is a TIMS Card?
TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System.
It’s a card that records your basic trekking details name, route, emergency contact. If something goes wrong on the trail, this card helps rescue teams find and identify you faster.
Almost every trekking route in Nepal requires a TIMS card. Think of it as your basic trekking ID.
TIMS Card Cost
- Through a registered trekking agency: NPR 1,000 (about $7.50)
- Independent application: NPR 2,000 (about $15)
Booking through an agency is cheaper because they handle the paperwork in bulk.
Where to Get a TIMS Card
- Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara
- Through your trekking agency (most convenient)
What You Need
- Passport
- One passport photo
- Your trekking itinerary (rough dates are fine)
What Is ACAP?
ACAP stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
This permit lets you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area the protected region covering most of the popular Annapurna treks.
You need ACAP for these treks:
- Annapurna Base Camp
- Poon Hill / Ghorepani
- Mardi Himal
- Khopra Danda
- Annapurna Circuit (lower sections)
ACAP Cost
NPR 3,000 about $22 USD per person.
Where to Get ACAP
- Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara Lakeside
- Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
- Through your trekking agency
The fee goes toward conservation work in the Annapurna region wildlife protection, forest management, and supporting local communities.
What Are National Park Entry Fees?
If your trek passes through a national park, you need a separate entry permit different from ACAP.
Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)
Cost: NPR 3,390 about $25 USD
Needed for: Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lakes trek, Three Passes trek
Where to get it: Monjo checkpoint (the park entrance) or in advance in Kathmandu
Langtang National Park
Cost: NPR 3,000 about $22 USD
Needed for: Langtang Valley trek, Gosaikunda trek
Where to get it: Dhunche checkpoint or in advance in Kathmandu
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
This is an extra local fee specifically for the Everest region separate from the national park fee.
Cost: NPR 2,000 about $15 USD
Needed for: Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo Lakes trek
Restricted Area Permits — The Special Category
Some regions in Nepal need an extra permit beyond the standard ones. These are called restricted area permits.
They cost more. They require a licensed guide. And some require a minimum group size.
Why Do Restricted Areas Exist?
These areas usually sit close to Nepal’s borders with Tibet or India. The government limits tourist numbers here for security and cultural preservation reasons.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Cost: $500 for 10 days, then $50 per extra day
Minimum group: 2 people
Guide required: Yes, mandatory
[See our Mustang Nepal travel guide for full details.]
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Cost: $35–$50 per day depending on season
Minimum group: 2 people
Guide required: Yes, mandatory
[See our Manaslu Circuit trek guide for full details.]
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
Cost: Varies by season confirm with your agency
Minimum group: 2 people
Guide required: Yes, mandatory
Lapchi Valley Restricted Area Permit
Cost: Bundled with agency fees independent pricing not available
Guide required: Yes, mandatory
[See our Lapchi Valley trek guide for full details.]
Important: You cannot get restricted area permits on your own. A registered trekking agency must apply for them on your behalf.
Permits by Trek — Quick Lookup Table
Use this table to see exactly what you need for your specific trek.
| Trek | Permits Needed | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp | TIMS + ACAP | ~$37 |
| Poon Hill | TIMS + ACAP | ~$37 |
| Mardi Himal | TIMS + ACAP | ~$37 |
| Khopra Danda | TIMS + ACAP | ~$37 |
| Everest Base Camp | TIMS + Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu Municipality | ~$55 |
| Gokyo Lakes | TIMS + Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu Municipality | ~$55 |
| Langtang Valley | TIMS + Langtang NP | ~$37 |
| Manaslu Circuit | TIMS + ACAP + Restricted Area | $500+ |
| Upper Mustang | ACAP + Restricted Area | $530+ |
| Lapchi Valley | Restricted Area (bundled) | Varies |
| Kanchenjunga | TIMS + Restricted Area | Varies |
Do I Need a Guide for All These Permits?
Since April 2023, yes a licensed guide is mandatory for almost every trekking route in Nepal.
This applies whether you need a simple TIMS card or a complex restricted area permit.
[See our complete guide on hiking in Nepal without a guide for the full rules and what’s actually allowed.]
How to Get Your Permits — Step by Step
Option 1: Through a trekking agency (easiest)
Your agency handles everything applications, payments, paperwork. You just provide your passport and photos. This is the recommended option for most trekkers, especially for restricted areas.
Option 2: Independent application
For standard treks (ABC, EBC, Poon Hill, Langtang), you can apply yourself.
- Go to the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Bring your passport and 2 passport photos
- Fill out the application form
- Pay the fee in cash (NPR or USD)
- Receive your permit usually same day
Note: Restricted area permits (Mustang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Lapchi) cannot be done independently. You must go through a registered agency.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right Permit?
You’ll be stopped at the checkpoint.
Every major trekking route has checkpoints where officials check your permits. If you don’t have the correct one, you’ll be turned back or asked to buy it on the spot usually at a higher price. This is especially strict on:
- Sagarmatha National Park entrance (Monjo)
- All restricted area checkpoints
Don’t risk it. Get your permits sorted before you start trekking.
Permit Costs: Are They Worth It?
Yes and here’s why.
Conservation funding: Permit fees directly fund forest protection, wildlife conservation, and trail maintenance across Nepal’s trekking regions.
Local community support: A portion of fees supports local development projects in trekking areas.
Your safety: TIMS cards specifically help rescue teams locate trekkers faster in an emergency.
Crowd control: Restricted area permits keep visitor numbers low in fragile or culturally sensitive regions which is exactly why places like Upper Mustang and Lapchi Valley stay so peaceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need to trek in Nepal?
It depends on your route. Most treks need a TIMS card plus either ACAP (Annapurna region) or a national park entry fee (Everest, Langtang). Restricted areas like Mustang and Manaslu need additional special permits.
How much do Nepal trekking permits cost?
Standard treks like ABC, Poon Hill, or Langtang cost around $37 total in permits. Everest Base Camp costs around $55. Restricted areas like Upper Mustang cost $500 or more.
What is a TIMS card?
A trekking identification card that records your basic details and emergency contacts. It helps rescue teams find you faster if something goes wrong on the trail. Required for almost every trek in Nepal.
Can I get permits without an agency?
Yes, for standard treks like ABC, EBC, Poon Hill, and Langtang. You can apply yourself at the Nepal Tourism Board office. Restricted area permits (Mustang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga) require a registered agency.
Where do I get Nepal trekking permits?
The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara for TIMS and ACAP. National park fees are sometimes paid at the park entrance checkpoint itself. Restricted area permits go through your trekking agency.
What is the difference between ACAP and a national park permit?
ACAP covers the Annapurna Conservation Area specifically. National park permits cover different protected areas like Sagarmatha (Everest) or Langtang National Park. You only need one or the other depending on which region you’re trekking in never both for the same trek.
Do permits expire?
Most standard permits are valid for the duration of a single trek and don’t have a strict expiry date attached to specific days, though you should complete your trek within a reasonable timeframe. Restricted area permits like Upper Mustang have a fixed number of days (10 days standard) with extra daily fees if you go over.
Can I reuse a Nepal trekking permit for multiple treks?
No. Each permit applies to one specific trek or region. If you do ABC and then EBC on the same trip, you need separate ACAP and Sagarmatha National Park permits.