How to Get a Trekking Permit in Nepal: Step-by-Step Guide
Trekking in Nepal is thrilling and allows you to visit the beautiful mountains, villages and Himalayas of Nepal. However, before you start your trek, it is important to have the correct permits. Permits required are based on your trekking route, protected areas, and whether your trek will cross a restricted area. Some of the more popular permits include the TIMS Card, conservation area or national park entry permits and special permits for more restricted areas of trekking.
In this blog, you will know about the different trekking permits which can be issued to the trails of Nepal and information to acquire them. You will also learn about permit fees, application process, online permits, and the time limit for trekking with a licensed guide and/or registered dealer. The following step-by-step approach will help you learn about permits before you start on your trek.
What Is a Trekking Permit in Nepal?
A trekking permit is an official document that is required to go and trek in some areas of Nepal. They vary depending on the route and on the areas to be trekked. A TIMS Card may be required on some popular trekking routes, others may require a national park or conservation area entry permit.
Permit requirements vary from one trekking route to another. If the trek crosses a restricted area, a special trekking permit will be needed from the Department of Immigration. There are also some anchored areas that have extra regulations such as trekking with a licensed guide. So it is important to determine permit requirements in advance for your specific trekking tracks prior to departure.
Permit requirements vary from one trekking route to another. If the trek crosses a restricted area, a special trekking permit will be needed from the Department of Immigration. There are also some anchored areas that have extra regulations such as trekking with a licensed guide. So it is important to determine permit requirements in advance for your specific trekking tracks prior to departure.
What Permits Do You Need for Trekking in Nepal?
Permits for trekking in Nepal depend on your way of trekking as well as the area you are going to trek. Certain hikes include a TIMS Card and others an entry permit to the national park or to a conservation area. You'll also require a special permit from the Department of Immigration if you are trekking in a restricted area.
If you are heading on a trip, please check the permits needed for the route with you first. Below are the major categories of trekking permits available in Nepal:
If you are heading on a trip, please check the permits needed for the route with you first. Below are the major categories of trekking permits available in Nepal:
1. TIMS Card
In Nepal, many trekking routes have a special requirement for the Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card. According to the present TIMS rules, some of the main trails require the presence of the trekking guide and trekkers need to get their TIMS Card from a registered trekking agency.
These routes include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal and more. The Nepal Tourism Board (Nepal Tourist Office) currently charges NPR 2000 ($20) for majority foreign trekkers and NPR 1000 ($10) for trekkers from the SAARC countries.
These routes include Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal and more. The Nepal Tourism Board (Nepal Tourist Office) currently charges NPR 2000 ($20) for majority foreign trekkers and NPR 1000 ($10) for trekkers from the SAARC countries.
2. Conservation Area Entry Permit
Most of the time, if your trek goes into a conserved area, you'll be required to obtain a conservation area entry permit. This Permit contributes towards the conservation and management of these Natural Areas.
For example the trekkers who are going to Annapurna Cons. Area, Manaslu Cons. Area, Gaurishankar Cons. Area requires a corresponding entry permit. At present, the conservation-area permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors and NPR 1,000 for SAARC visitors. The permit can be applied for through the NTNC e-permit system, or picked up at the designated permit counters.
For example the trekkers who are going to Annapurna Cons. Area, Manaslu Cons. Area, Gaurishankar Cons. Area requires a corresponding entry permit. At present, the conservation-area permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors and NPR 1,000 for SAARC visitors. The permit can be applied for through the NTNC e-permit system, or picked up at the designated permit counters.
3. National Park Entry Permit
There are some treks that go through the National Park, so the trekkers should have access permits from the National park. Permit: access to and hiking through the protected area. They require entry permits like Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, Makalu-Barun National Park and Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Foreign tourists and visitors from SAARC countries now have to pay NPR 3,000 per head and NPR 1500 per head respectively to enter the country. Currently, the Nepal Tourism Board puts children younger than 10 years old under the 'free' category.
4. Restricted Area Trekking Permit
A special trekking permit must be obtained from the Department of Immigration when you are trekking in a restricted area. There are other rules for these areas which are due to its location, environmental or security concerns. Popular restricted trekking in Nepal is Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Manaslu, Humla and some border trekking areas. The permit fee varies from area to area and could be based on the time of year and length of stay in the area.
For instance, Upper Dolpa areas require USD 500 per person for initial 10 days followed by USD 50 per person/day thereafter whereas for Upper Mustang, it's USD 50 per person/day.
For instance, Upper Dolpa areas require USD 500 per person for initial 10 days followed by USD 50 per person/day thereafter whereas for Upper Mustang, it's USD 50 per person/day.
How to Get a Trekking Permit in Nepal: Step-by-Step
Initially it can be tricky to understand the procedures of obtaining a trekking permit to Nepal, particularly when they vary depending on the region of trekking. But the application for obtaining permits will typically be fairly straightforward as long as you are sure what you are applying for and where you plan to hike. A few permits are now available online, others are to be arranged by a registered trekking agency.
Before you begin your trek in Nepal, follow the easy steps below to get appropriate permits.
Before you begin your trek in Nepal, follow the easy steps below to get appropriate permits.
Step 1: Choose Your Trekking Route
The first step is to choose your trekking route. Permits required will vary based on location and places that you plan to traverse. For instance, to trek to Everest Base Camp, people must be issued a permit, while as for trekking in Upper Mustang, there are different requirements. Others may go through a national park, conservation area or restricted area and it is possible you may need multiple permits.
Step 2: Check the Required Permits
After having considered your trekking path, review the necessary permits for the path in question. Depending on your route a TIMS Card, conservation area permit, national park entry permit and/or restricted area trekking permit may be required.
There are also rules for extra routes for some trekking tours. Some may have to take a registered trekking agency's permission and have to trek with a licensed guide tour. Check these matters prior to planning your trek.
There are also rules for extra routes for some trekking tours. Some may have to take a registered trekking agency's permission and have to trek with a licensed guide tour. Check these matters prior to planning your trek.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Get all of the information and documents that you will require for your permit ready before you approach the application. In almost all, you must provide the information about the details of your passport, your information, your intended itinerary, and the dates of your expected trip.
In addition, some online permit applications will require information regarding your nationality, date of birth, contact information in case of any emergencies and details regarding your accommodation. If you're on a trekking tour in restricted land, your trekking company will normally assist you in preparing some of the extra documents you might need to get your permit.
In addition, some online permit applications will require information regarding your nationality, date of birth, contact information in case of any emergencies and details regarding your accommodation. If you're on a trekking tour in restricted land, your trekking company will normally assist you in preparing some of the extra documents you might need to get your permit.
Step 4: Apply for the Permit
The process for applying for a Permit will vary according to the permit type required. In some cases permits are available on-line or from permit offices, in others, the permit must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
Such permits as conservation area permits (through the NTNC e-permit system) and restricted area permits (through a registered trekking agency and the Department of Immigration) may be required. Your trekking agency will also have your TIMS Card set up for routes that are covered in the current TIMS rules.
Such permits as conservation area permits (through the NTNC e-permit system) and restricted area permits (through a registered trekking agency and the Department of Immigration) may be required. Your trekking agency will also have your TIMS Card set up for routes that are covered in the current TIMS rules.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fee
Once you have completed the application, you will have to make the necessary payments of the permit fee. The fee is determined by the permit type, nationality and, in some special places, the duration of the stay.
Online permit systems will sometimes even have choices of payments such as the card, and some permit counters will accept cash, too. Always find out how you can apply for payments and what the fees will be.
Online permit systems will sometimes even have choices of payments such as the card, and some permit counters will accept cash, too. Always find out how you can apply for payments and what the fees will be.
Step 6: Check Your Permit Details
When you get your permit, do some checking on the paper. Check the correctness of your name, passport number, trekking area and dates.
This is significant because permits are not easily adjustable or refundable once issued, and are not transferable. Before you begin your hike, correct any mistakes you came across.
This is significant because permits are not easily adjustable or refundable once issued, and are not transferable. Before you begin your hike, correct any mistakes you came across.
Step 7: Carry Your Permit During the Trek
Once all is in place, leave permits with you on the journey. They will be required to present them at points of entry or when requested by park authorities, police or immigration officials.
It is advisable to have permits in a good place to access them while travelling. You won't face issues and will be able to participate in your hike without unnecessary delays if you have the proper permits.
It is advisable to have permits in a good place to access them while travelling. You won't face issues and will be able to participate in your hike without unnecessary delays if you have the proper permits.
How Much Does a Trekking Permit in Nepal Cost?
The trekking permits fee in Nepal varies with trekking route and types of permits required. All treks do not have fixed fees but vary according to the area. In some cases two or more permits might be necessary.
Some common permit fees are:
| Permit | Foreigners | SAARC Nationals |
| TIMS Card – Group Trekker | NPR 1,000 | NPR 300 |
| TIMS Card – FIT | NPR 2,000 | NPR 600 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| Sagarmatha National Park | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,500 |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area | USD 50/day | Depends on applicable rules |
| Upper Dolpa Restricted Area | USD 500/first 10 days | Depends on applicable rules |
Here are a few regular examples, and these are not the price of each of these trips. As regards Permit fees, it should be noted that they may vary, please consult with the most recent official information before your travels.
Can You Get a Nepal Trekking Permit Online?
Yes, it is possible to book some trekking permits online. The NTNC has an e-permit system in place which can be used online to obtain permits in conservation areas like Annapurna, Manaslu and Gaurishankar. Once the application is filled out and fees are paid, the permit shall be mailed to you via email.
Parks that participate in the DNPWC ticketing system can also buy national park entry permits online. But, TIMS and restricted-area permits are different, though. Typically if you make these hikes you will be guided by a registered trekking company that will help you in obtaining the necessary permits and TIMS for your hike.
Parks that participate in the DNPWC ticketing system can also buy national park entry permits online. But, TIMS and restricted-area permits are different, though. Typically if you make these hikes you will be guided by a registered trekking company that will help you in obtaining the necessary permits and TIMS for your hike.
Do You Need a Guide to Get a Trekking Permit?
Depending on which trekking path you select, you might need a guide or you may not. There are several popular trekking routes in Nepal, where trekkers have to hire a guide and obtain their TIMS Card from a registered trekking agency. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit, Kanchenjunga and so on are a few of these routes.
There are more restrictions on restricted trekking areas. They are mostly required to be booked via a registered trekking agency (RTA) and other requirements may also be in place. Therefore, always consult the rules prior to planning out for your route.
There are more restrictions on restricted trekking areas. They are mostly required to be booked via a registered trekking agency (RTA) and other requirements may also be in place. Therefore, always consult the rules prior to planning out for your route.
Tips for Getting Your Trekking Permit
Obtaining a trekking permit is an integral component in planning the trek in Nepal. Requirements and costs may differ with each route so please check and ensure all permits are in place before embarking on your travels.
- Do check route first: Identify permits or authorisations needed for your trek.
- Permits before trek: Apply for permits prior to the trek.
- Have your passport information handy: This will be needed for many applications.
- Read through your permit thoroughly: Ensure name, passport number, dates and route are correct.
- Keep a backup copy: Make a backup copy, and (where possible) a hard copy as well.
- Carry your permits: Be sure to have permits with you, which will be checked for at official checkpoints.
- Check official information: Always verify information on official sites; guidelines and fees may change.
- Use a registered agency when required: If a restricted area, routes or a guide and agency-issued TIMS is required, use a registered agency.
Conclusion
It is important to obtain a trekking permit before clinging to the new trail of a trek in Nepal. Permits required will vary depending on the route you take and any conservation areas, national parks or restricted areas you are crossing. Please be sure to verify current permit conditions and applicable fees prior to travel and bring all necessary permits with you to the trail.
We at Nepalaya Treks do help trekkers plan a trek to any point in Nepal including popular areas like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna or the less popular areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo etc. As the best tour and travel agency in Nepal, we are able to advise you on what permits are required for your trip and plan what is needed for your route and your needs when traveling. But there are ways to enjoy the mountains, and make the best use of your time in Nepal, with proper preparation.
We at Nepalaya Treks do help trekkers plan a trek to any point in Nepal including popular areas like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna or the less popular areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo etc. As the best tour and travel agency in Nepal, we are able to advise you on what permits are required for your trip and plan what is needed for your route and your needs when traveling. But there are ways to enjoy the mountains, and make the best use of your time in Nepal, with proper preparation.
FAQs on How to Get a Trekking Permit in Nepal
1. Do all treks in Nepal require a trekking permit?
Not all trips require the same type of permits. A TIMS Card, national park permit, conservation area permit and/or restricted area permit may be required, depending on your route. Always find out what specific trek requires before traveling.
2. Can I get a trekking permit after reaching the trail?
It depends on the kind of a permit. Since it is a national park, some permits can be obtained at the designated park entrance stations, but it is better to obtain permits prior to embarking on the trek. Generally, restricted area permits must be obtained from a registered trekking agency.
3. How long does it take to get a trekking permit in Nepal?
The time varies on the basis of the permit type and application. For some, permits can be issued following the payment and submission of the application. Restricted area permits will take longer because they go through a trekking agency and the Department of Immigration.
4. Do I need to carry my trekking permit during the trek?
Yes, it is recommended to carry permits with you on the hike. They might be required at roadblocks or as inspectors review permits. Having the permits where they can be easily found and kept safe can prevent undue issues on the trail.
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