Here is the single most important thing to know before you read anything else about Nepal trekking permits in 2026:
If your permit information comes from an article written before 2024, there is a strong chance it is wrong.
Nepal’s trekking permit system has changed more in the last three years than in the previous decade. The Green Independent TIMS card is gone. The Everest region now uses a local municipality permit instead of TIMS. Digital e-TIMS with QR codes has replaced paper cards in many regions. A mandatory guide requirement has fundamentally changed how permits are issued. A new travel insurance requirement was added at the permit stage. And the March 2026 solo permit update for restricted areas introduced yet another layer of nuance.
Nepal Trekking Permits 2026
Most permit articles online are written by agencies trying to sell packages, updated inconsistently, or simply copied from older sources without verification. This guide is different. It is written in Kathmandu, cross-referenced against the Nepal Tourism Board, the NTNC (National Trust for Nature Conservation), and the Department of Immigration, and updated to reflect exactly what is in effect for the 2026 spring and autumn trekking seasons.
Read it once, carefully. Then trek Nepal with confidence.
How Nepal’s Trekking Permit System Works: The Big Picture
Nepal does not have a single trekking permit. There is no one card, one fee, one office, or one system that covers all trekking routes in the country. Instead, Nepal uses a layered permit system where the permits you need depend entirely on the specific region, route, and type of land you are crossing.
There are five distinct permit categories in 2026:
- National Park Permits — for routes passing through designated national parks
- Conservation Area Permits — for routes within conservation areas (ACAP, MCAP, KCAP, etc.)
- TIMS / e-TIMS Cards — a trekker registration and tracking system (region-specific; discontinued in some areas)
- Local Municipality Permits — new regional fees introduced by local governments, now replacing TIMS in some areas
- Restricted Area Permits (RAP) — for border-adjacent and culturally sensitive zones requiring agency booking
Most popular treks require two permits from this list. Some require three or four. One trek (the full Manaslu Circuit) requires four separate permits.
The permit system exists for three legitimate reasons that are worth understanding rather than resenting:
- Conservation funding: Permit fees directly fund trail maintenance, waste management, wildlife protection, and ranger stations
- Trekker safety: Your permit registration is how authorities know your planned route and timeline it is the foundation of any search and rescue operation if you go missing
- Economic distribution: Newer local municipality permits ensure that revenue stays in the specific communities whose land you are crossing, rather than being absorbed by central government
The TIMS Card in 2026: What Changed, What Remains, What’s Gone
The TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) was introduced in 2008 by TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal) and the Nepal Tourism Board as a unified trekker registration system. For over a decade, it was the central document in Nepal trekking required on virtually every route, issued at NTB offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
In 2026, the TIMS card system is in the middle of a significant and ongoing transformation. Here is the current status, region by region:
TIMS Status by Region 2026
| Region / Trek | TIMS Required? | Replaced By | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everest / Khumbu | No — discontinued | Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit | TIMS not checked at any Khumbu checkpoint in 2026 |
| Annapurna region (all routes) | Not enforced | — | ACAP permit only actively checked; e-TIMS may be issued by agency but not required at checkpoints |
| Langtang National Park | Yes — still required | — | Both Langtang NP permit and TIMS checked at Dhunche checkpoint |
| Manaslu Circuit | Yes — e-TIMS | — | Agency handles; QR-coded e-TIMS verified digitally at Manaslu checkpoints |
| Rara Lake / Far West Nepal | Yes — still required | — | Paper TIMS still in use; confirm with agency |
| Restricted Areas (all) | Via agency only | Incorporated into RAP process | Standalone TIMS not applicable; agency handles registration as part of RAP |
| Pikey Peak / Solukhumbu lower | No | — | Outside Sagarmatha NP permit zone; no TIMS required |
| Khopra Danda / Mardi Himal | Not enforced | — | ACAP only verified at checkpoints |
The practical summary: If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp or anywhere in the Annapurna region, you do not need to obtain a TIMS card separately in 2026. If you are trekking in Langtang, Manaslu, or far-western Nepal, you do. If you book through a registered agency which is now legally required your agency handles all TIMS registration where it remains applicable.
The e-TIMS System (2026)
Where TIMS still applies, the physical laminated card has been replaced with an e-TIMS: a digital permit with a QR code that is scanned at checkpoints. The e-TIMS is issued through registered trekking agencies and cannot be obtained individually at the NTB office this is part of the mandatory guide policy’s administrative backbone.
From the Nepal Tourism Board’s own website: Once payment is successful, an eCard for TIMS is generated for each trekker with a QR code embedded. The system is generally available at all times. Costs are NPR 1,000 for SAARC country applicants and NPR 2,000 for all other nationalities.
Part 1: National Park Permits Fees, Where to Get Them
National park permits are required for any trekking route that passes through a designated national park. They are issued by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and obtainable at NTB offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or at park entrance gates.
National Park Permit Fees 2026 (Foreigners)
| National Park | Treks Covered | Permit Cost (Foreign) | SAARC Rate | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park | EBC, Three Passes, Gokyo, Everest View | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,500 | +13% (total ~USD 25–28) |
| Langtang National Park | Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Helambu | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 | +13% (total ~USD 25) |
| Shey-Phoksundo National Park | Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo approach | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 | +13% |
| Rara National Park | Rara Lake trek | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 | +13% |
| Makalu Barun National Park | Makalu Base Camp | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 | +13% |
Important 2026 note on Sagarmatha (Everest) NP: The VAT addition to Sagarmatha National Park permits has been confirmed at 13%, making the total approximately NPR 3,390 (~USD 25–28). Some checkpoints collect cash on arrival in Monjo bring NPR in small bills.
Where to obtain national park permits:
- Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office, Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu Sunday to Friday, 9am–5pm
- NTB office, Lakeside Road, Pokhara for Annapurna and some other regions
- Park entrance gates: Sagarmatha permit available at Monjo gate; Langtang permit at Dhunche gate
- Through your registered trekking agency (recommended they handle everything)
Documents required: Valid passport, Nepal tourist visa copy, 2 passport-sized photos, completed application form, cash in NPR
Part 2: Conservation Area Permits Fees and How to Apply
Conservation area permits are managed by the NTNC (National Trust for Nature Conservation) rather than the national park system, but they function similarly. They are required for all routes within conservation areas which covers the Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and Gaurishankar regions.
Conservation Area Permit Fees 2026
| Conservation Area | Permit Name | Treks Covered | Foreign Cost | SAARC Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area | ACAP | ABC, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Tilicho Lake, Khopra Danda | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | MCAP | Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley (lower section) | NPR 3,000 peak / NPR 2,000 off-season | NPR 1,000 |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area | KCAP | Kanchenjunga Base Camp (north and south) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 |
| Gaurishankar Conservation Area | GCAP | Gaurishankar trek, Rolwaling Valley | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 1,000 |
ACAP permit the most important conservation permit to understand:
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit covers Nepal’s most popular trekking region the largest protected area in Nepal at 7,629 sq km. A single ACAP permit covers your entire time in the Annapurna region, regardless of which specific route you take. You do not pay again for each different Annapurna trail. Every checkpoint from Birethanti (Poon Hill/ABC trailhead) to Besisahar (Annapurna Circuit start) will verify your ACAP.
Where to obtain ACAP and MCAP:
- Online: NTNC e-permit portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np ACAP and MCAP can be applied for online (recommended to do before departure)
- Kathmandu: NTNC office, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur bring 2 passport photos
- Pokhara: Tourist Service Centre, Damside most convenient if starting Annapurna trek from Pokhara
- Through your agency they will obtain it as part of your trek package
Online application note: The digital system does not always function at remote checkpoints always carry physical printed copies of all permits, and bring 2 passport-sized photos for any in-person applications.
Part 3: The Khumbu Municipality Permit Everest Region’s TIMS Replacement
This is the permit that catches the most trekkers off guard in 2026 including trekkers who have done the EBC route before.
Since 2023, the Khumbu region (Solukhumbu district) discontinued the TIMS card and replaced it with a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit a local government entry fee that ensures all revenue from Everest-region trekking stays within the Khumbu communities rather than going to central government.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit 2026 Fees
| Duration | Cost (Foreign nationals) | Where Collected |
|---|---|---|
| First 4 weeks | NPR 2,000–3,000 (~USD 15–22) | Lukla entry gate or Monjo checkpoint |
| Beyond 4 weeks | Additional fee applies | Checkpoint on trail |
This permit is checked at Monjo — the formal entry gate to Sagarmatha National Park, just before Namche Bazaar. Trekkers arriving at Monjo without this permit are charged on the spot or, in some cases, turned back.
For EBC trekkers in 2026, your full permit requirement is:
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT (~USD 25–28)
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit NPR 2,000–3,000 (~USD 15–22)
- Licensed guide (mandatory) not a permit but legally required
Total permit cost for EBC: approximately USD 37–44 per person (not including guide fees)
The TIMS card is not required in the Khumbu region in 2026. Agencies or websites that list TIMS as part of the EBC permit package are providing outdated information.
Part 4: Manaslu Circuit Nepal’s Most Permit-Complex Trek
The Manaslu Circuit requires more permits than any other standard trekking route in Nepal four separate documents, each with its own fee, office, and administrative process. If you are planning this trek, understand what you need before you book.
Manaslu Circuit Permit Requirements 2026
| Permit | Cost — Peak Season (Sep–Nov) | Cost — Off Season (Dec–Aug) | Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 100 per person, first 7 days + USD 15/day after | USD 75 per person, first 7 days + USD 10/day after | Department of Immigration — agency only |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | NTNC office / agency |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | NTNC office / agency (required if crossing into Dharapani) |
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality local fee | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | Collected on trail in lower Manaslu corridor |
Total Manaslu Circuit permit cost (peak season, full circuit): approximately USD 152–196 per person
This does not include your mandatory licensed guide fee (USD 25–35/day), which is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity on this route.
Why the ACAP permit for Manaslu? The Manaslu Circuit’s full route descends to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit crossing into the Annapurna Conservation Area. If you complete the full circuit, you need ACAP as well as MCAP. If you turn back before crossing into Annapurna territory, ACAP is not required. Confirm the exact route with your agency.
Part 5: Restricted Area Permits (RAP) Complete 2026 Guide
Restricted Area Permits cover Nepal’s most remote and culturally sensitive trekking regions areas bordering Tibet, containing indigenous communities that the government has chosen to protect through controlled access.
Critical rule for 2026: Restricted Area Permits cannot be self-applied. They must be obtained through a TAAN-registered trekking agency, which submits your application through the Department of Immigration portal. Your agency generates a Submission ID that allows you to track your application status before you travel to Nepal. The permit itself must be collected in person at the Department of Immigration office, Maitighar, Kathmandu.
Restricted Area Permit Fees 2026 All Regions
| Restricted Area | Peak Season (Sep–Nov) | Off Season (Dec–Aug) | Additional Permits Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Mustang | USD 500 for first 10 days + USD 50/day after | Same rate year-round | ACAP (NPR 3,000) |
| Upper Dolpo | USD 500 for first 10 days + USD 50/day after | Same rate year-round | Shey-Phoksundo NP permit |
| Lower Dolpo | USD 200 for first 10 days | Same rate year-round | Shey-Phoksundo NP permit |
| Manaslu Circuit | USD 100/person, first 7 days + USD 15/day | USD 75 + USD 10/day | MCAP + ACAP (if full circuit) |
| Tsum Valley | USD 35–40/person per week | USD 35/person per week | MCAP |
| Nar Phu Valley | USD 90–100/person per week | USD 75/person per week | ACAP |
| Kanchenjunga | USD 20/person per week | USD 20/person per week | KCAP |
| Humla (Simikot / Limi Valley) | USD 50/person per week | USD 50/person per week | NP permit |
| Gaurishankar / Lapchi | USD 20/person per week | USD 20/person per week | GCAP |
The March 2026 Solo Restricted Area Update Explained Accurately
On March 21–22, 2026, Nepal’s Department of Immigration issued an official update to restricted area permit rules. This update has been widely misreported. Here is what it actually says:
What changed: Previously, restricted area permits required a minimum of two foreign trekkers in the group (not including guides or porters). A solo foreign trekker could not obtain a restricted area permit in their name alone they had to find a second trekking partner or join a group departure.
Under the March 2026 update, a solo foreign trekker can now obtain a restricted area permit without needing a second trekking partner, provided they are accompanied by a licensed Nepali guide from a TAAN-registered agency.
What did NOT change:
- A licensed guide remains mandatory throughout all restricted areas
- All permits must still be arranged through a TAAN-registered agency
- The permit must still be collected in person at the DoI office in Kathmandu
- The permit fees listed above remain unchanged
- Checkpoints in restricted areas verify permits, guide credentials, and insurance with the same strictness as before
The one-line summary: You can now trek restricted areas as a solo traveller (one person, no required companion), but you cannot trek without a licensed guide. The “solo” restriction was lifted; the guide requirement was not.
Important caveat: As of late March 2026, some trekking agencies reported that the update was still transitioning through final government approval channels. Confirm the current status with your agency at time of booking.
Part 6: New 2026 Requirements Insurance and Digital Verification
Two significant additions to the permit process came into effect for the 2026 season that most older permit guides do not mention.
Mandatory Travel Insurance at Permit Stage
From 2026, proof of travel insurance is required when collecting permits particularly for restricted area permits and increasingly at major national park and conservation area checkpoints.
Your insurance policy must specifically cover:
- Emergency helicopter evacuation to altitudes of at least 4,000m (some checkpoints require 6,000m coverage)
- Medical treatment for altitude-related conditions (AMS, HACE, HAPE)
- Trip cancellation (recommended but not universally required at permit stage)
A helicopter evacuation in Nepal costs USD 5,000–10,000 or more. Your insurance must cover this explicitly many standard travel policies do not. Read your policy’s small print on altitude limits before purchasing.
Where insurance is checked: At the DoI office when collecting restricted area permits (mandatory). At Sagarmatha NP entry in Monjo (increasingly common). At Annapurna Conservation Area entry checkpoints (becoming standard). At Manaslu checkpoint entry points.
Digital QR Verification at Checkpoints
Major trekking routes in the Annapurna and Manaslu regions now use digital QR code scanning at checkpoints rather than paper ledger recording. Your e-permit and e-TIMS (where applicable) carry a unique QR code that checkpoint officials scan using handheld devices.
Practical implications:
- Always carry physical printed copies of all permits connectivity in remote areas is unreliable and officials do not accept mobile screenshots as substitutes
- Your permits are tied to your passport number bring your passport (or certified copy) on the trek itself
- If a checkpoint cannot scan a QR code due to connectivity issues, a physical permit copy allows manual verification
Master Permit Table: What You Need by Trek (2026)
This is the table that most permit guides don’t provide clearly. Here is exactly what permits you need, what they cost, and where to get them, for every major trek in Nepal.
Permits by Trek 2026 Complete Reference
| Trek | Permit 1 | Cost | Permit 2 | Cost | Permit 3 | Cost | Total Permit Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | Sagarmatha NP | NPR 3,390 (~USD 25) | Khumbu Municipality | NPR 2,000–3,000 (~USD 22) | — | — | ~USD 37–47 |
| Gokyo Lakes | Sagarmatha NP | NPR 3,390 | Khumbu Municipality | NPR 2,000–3,000 | — | — | ~USD 37–47 |
| Three Passes Trek | Sagarmatha NP | NPR 3,390 | Khumbu Municipality | NPR 2,000–3,000 | — | — | ~USD 37–47 |
| Annapurna Circuit | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | e-TIMS (if required) | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | — | — | ~USD 22–37 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | e-TIMS (if req.) | NPR 2,000 | — | — | ~USD 22–37 |
| Poon Hill / Ghorepani | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | — | — | — | — | ~USD 22 |
| Mardi Himal | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | — | — | — | — | ~USD 22 |
| Tilicho Lake | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | — | — | — | — | ~USD 22 |
| Langtang Valley | Langtang NP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | TIMS/e-TIMS | NPR 2,000 (~USD 15) | — | — | ~USD 37 |
| Gosaikunda | Langtang NP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | TIMS/e-TIMS | NPR 2,000 | — | — | ~USD 37 |
| Manaslu Circuit (full) | RAP | USD 100 (peak 7 days) | MCAP | NPR 3,000 | ACAP | NPR 3,000 | ~USD 152–196 |
| Tsum Valley | RAP | USD 35–40/week | MCAP | NPR 3,000 | — | — | ~USD 57–62 |
| Nar Phu Valley | RAP | USD 90–100/week | ACAP | NPR 3,000 | — | — | ~USD 112–122 |
| Upper Mustang | RAP | USD 500/10 days | ACAP | NPR 3,000 | — | — | ~USD 522+ |
| Upper Dolpo | RAP | USD 500/10 days | Shey-Phoksundo NP | NPR 3,000 | — | — | ~USD 522+ |
| Kanchenjunga BC | RAP | USD 20/week | KCAP | NPR 3,000 | — | — | ~USD 42/week |
| Rara Lake | Rara NP | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) | TIMS | NPR 2,000 | — | — | ~USD 37 |
| Pikey Peak | — | — | — | — | — | — | ~USD 0–5 (minimal local fee) |
All costs are per person. Peak season = September–November. Restricted area costs shown for first 7–10 days. Verify current exchange rates: NPR 130–135 per USD approximately in 2026.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Nepal Trekking Permits in 2026
Option A: Through a Registered Trekking Agency (Recommended for All)
This is the legally required method for restricted area permits, and the most practical method for all trekkers in 2026 given the mandatory guide requirement.
Step 1: Choose a TAAN-registered trekking agency. Verify their TAAN membership at the TAAN office or website before committing.
Step 2: Provide your agency with:
- Clear scan of passport main page (minimum 6 months validity)
- Nepal tourist visa copy
- 2–4 recent passport-sized digital photos (also bring physical copies to Nepal)
- Proof of travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation and altitude sickness
- Completed agency application form
Step 3 (restricted areas only): Your agency submits your application through the Department of Immigration portal at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np and provides you with a Submission ID for tracking.
Step 4: Collect your physical permit in person at:
- Department of Immigration, Maitighar, Kathmandu (restricted area permits)
- NTB office, Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu (national park permits)
- NTNC office, Jawalakhel (ACAP, MCAP)
Step 5: At peak season checkpoints, processing takes 2–4 hours. Off-season, often same-day. Go early morning.
Step 6: Your agency issues your e-TIMS (where applicable) you receive a digital card with QR code. Print a physical copy.
Option B: Self-Applied (Non-Restricted Routes Only)
For Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang permits, independent trekkers (who still need a guide) can obtain national park and conservation area permits directly from NTB offices or park gates.
Kathmandu NTB office: Pradarshani Marg, near Bhrikutimandap. Open Sunday–Friday 9am–5pm. Go early lines build significantly after 11am during peak season.
Pokhara office: Lakeside area, Pokhara. Most convenient for Annapurna region treks starting from Pokhara.
Online: ACAP and MCAP are available online at epermit.ntnc.org.np useful if you want to pre-arrange before arrival. Pay with international card, print confirmation, and carry physical copies.
Park gates: Sagarmatha NP permits can be obtained at Monjo gate on the trail. Langtang NP at Dhunche. This is a last-resort option only queues at peak season can take hours, and arriving without a permit at altitude after a long walk is an unpleasant situation.
What Happens If You Trek Without a Permit?
Enforcement in 2026 is systematic, not occasional. Checkpoint officials on all major routes verify permits digitally or physically, check guide credentials, and increasingly verify insurance at entry points.
The consequences of being caught without a valid permit:
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| No national park or conservation area permit | Fined on the spot OR denied entry; must obtain permit at checkpoint |
| No municipality permit (Khumbu) | Cannot pass Monjo checkpoint; turned back |
| No restricted area permit | Immediate removal from the trail; potential blacklisting from future Nepal trekking |
| Trekking without a licensed guide | Fine of NPR 12,000 (~USD 90), removal from trail, voided travel insurance |
| Trekking in restricted area without guide | Permit revocation; potential ban from Nepal re-entry |
The insurance consequence is often the most financially significant: If you have a helicopter evacuation while in violation of any permit or guide requirement, your travel insurance claim is almost certainly rejected. Helicopter evacuation costs USD 5,000–10,000+. This is not a theoretical risk people are evacuated from Nepal’s mountains every trekking season.
Checkpoint Locations by Region: What to Expect on the Trail
Everest Region Checkpoints
- Monjo — Sagarmatha NP entry, Khumbu municipality permit checked; most strictly enforced point
- Jorsalle — Secondary check, sometimes skipped for trekkers with clear documentation
- Namche Bazaar — Guide credential verification common
Annapurna Region Checkpoints
- Birethanti — ACAP check for ABC and Poon Hill routes; Besisahar for Circuit
- Chhomrong — ABC route mid-trail check
- Besisahar / Chamje — Annapurna Circuit main entry check; QR scanning active
- Jomsom — Upper Mustang restricted area begins here; strict RAP verification
Langtang Region Checkpoints
- Dhunche — National park entry; TIMS and permit verified
- Syabrubesi — Secondary check on the main trail
Manaslu Region Checkpoints
- Arughat / Soti Khola — Start of Manaslu region; all four permits verified
- Jagat — Restricted area boundary; strict RAP check
- Samagaun — Mid-circuit check; QR verification active
Frequently Asked Questions: Nepal Trekking Permits 2026
Do I need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp in 2026?
No. The TIMS card is not required in the Khumbu / Solukhumbu region. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit has replaced it. Any source listing TIMS as required for EBC in 2026 is outdated.
Is TIMS required for the Annapurna region?
Not actively enforced at checkpoints in 2026. The ACAP permit is the only document currently checked on Annapurna trails. Some agencies still issue e-TIMS for Annapurna routes as a safety measure this is not harmful but not strictly required.
Can I get a restricted area permit without a guide?
No. Restricted area permits can only be obtained through a TAAN-registered agency and require a licensed guide as part of the permit conditions. This has not changed in the March 2026 update what changed is that a second trekking companion is no longer required.
Can I get my permits on the day I arrive in Nepal?
For standard national park permits (Sagarmatha, Langtang) and conservation area permits (ACAP): yes, if you arrive at the NTB office early on a weekday. For restricted area permits: no. These require 2–4 days minimum processing time through the DoI portal, and the physical permit must be collected in person. Plan ahead.
Are children exempt from permit fees?
Children under 10 years of age are exempt from national park and conservation area permit fees. Children aged 10 and above pay the same rates as adults. Children under 10 must still be registered for restricted area permits (no fee, but registration is required).
Do SAARC nationals get a discount?
Yes. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals including Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Maldivian, and Afghan nationals pay significantly reduced permit fees. ACAP and most national park permits cost NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals versus NPR 3,000 for other foreigners. TIMS, where applicable, is NPR 300 for SAARC nationals versus NPR 2,000 for others.
What documents should I carry on the trek?
Carry physical printed copies of every permit, your passport (or certified copy), Nepal visa, travel insurance certificate, and your guide’s credentials. Never rely solely on digital copies connectivity is unreliable on remote trails and officials do not accept mobile screenshots.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trek after getting permits?
No. Conservation area and national park permits are non-refundable once issued. Restricted area permits may have limited cancellation provisions through your agency. Purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation cover before obtaining any permits.
The Bottom Line: Nepal Trekking Permits in 2026
The permit system is more complex in 2026 than it was in 2019. The TIMS card has been replaced, discontinued, or digitised depending on your region. Local municipality permits have created a new layer of documentation in the Everest area. The mandatory guide requirement has changed how permits are issued. Insurance is now verified at the permit stage.
None of this is a reason to be intimidated. It is a reason to plan ahead, choose a reputable TAAN-registered agency, and read a guide like this one before you go.
The mountains are exactly as they have always been. The paperwork between you and them is manageable with the right information. Get your permits in order. Then go.
Have a permit question specific to your route or nationality? The Explore All About Nepal team is based in Kathmandu and can answer with current, firsthand knowledge. Drop your question in the comments.