Planning a trek in Nepal means sorting out permits, and that’s where many first-timers get stuck. There’s a TIMS card, an ACAP, an MCAP, a restricted area permit, and a few park fees. Each trek needs a different mix, and the rules have changed a lot in the past few years.
This guide explains each permit in plain language: what it is, what it costs, which treks need it, and how to get it. It also covers the biggest rule changes, and it tells you how sure we are about each one.
Last updated: October 2026. Permit fees and rules change often. Confirm the current details with your trekking agency before you book.
Quick Answer: It Depends on Where You Trek
There’s no single list of permits for all of Nepal. What you need depends on the type of area your route passes through.
| Type of area | Examples | What you usually need |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Standard routes outside protected areas | Short day hikes near Kathmandu and Pokhara | Usually no trekking permit. Some places charge a small entry fee. |
| 2. National parks and conservation areas | Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Manaslu Conservation Area | A park or conservation permit, a TIMS card where it’s issued, and a licensed guide |
| 3. Restricted areas | Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo | Everything in category 2, plus a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) that can only be issued through a registered agency |
Some routes pass through more than one area, so they need more than one permit. For example, the Manaslu Circuit uses a restricted area permit plus two conservation permits. Always check the permits for your exact itinerary.
The Key Rules (and How Sure We Are)
Rules change, and not every claim online is equally solid. Here’s what we know about the big ones.
| Rule | What we know | How to treat it |
|---|---|---|
| Guide required in national parks and conservation areas | The Nepal Tourism Board announced a licensed-guide requirement effective April 1, 2023. Most 2026 operator sources say it’s now required on major routes. Some reports describe uneven enforcement or exceptions, such as the Khumbu region in earlier years. | Treat a guide as required. Confirm for your route. |
| Guide required in restricted areas | Required for many years and unchanged. | Confirmed. |
| Solo restricted-area permits | The Department of Immigration (DoI) removed the two-trekker minimum on March 22, 2026 (8 Chaitra 2082), according to multiple operators and press reports. A licensed guide and a registered agency are still required. Reports also mention a limit of 7 trekkers per guide and permit processing before arrival. | Widely reported. DoI has not posted an English copy of the notice, so confirm with your agency. |
| TIMS card | The old green card for independent trekkers is no longer issued. A blue card is available through agencies. Some sources say TIMS isn’t collected on the Everest route or checked on Annapurna trails. | Confirm per route. |
| Upper Mustang daily fee | Reported as a change on December 22, 2025 from a flat fee of $500 for 10 days to $50 per day. Some websites still list the old fee. | Confirm current fee. |
Who Issues Permits
| Office | What it handles |
|---|---|
| Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) | TIMS cards and some national park permits |
| NTNC office (Jawalakhel) | ACAP and MCAP |
| National park offices | Sagarmatha, Langtang, and other park permits |
| Department of Immigration | Restricted Area Permits, only through a registered agency |
For most trekkers, your agency handles all of this.
Standard Park and Conservation Fees (Fixed)
These are the same no matter the season. Fees are shown in NPR first, with a rough USD conversion (about NPR 135 per $1).
| Permit | Fee (NPR) | Approx. USD | Basis | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | 3,000 | About $22 | Per person, per entry | Widely confirmed |
| MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area) | 3,000 | About $22 | Per person, per entry | Some sources list $30. Confirm current fee. |
| Langtang National Park | 3,000 | About $22 | Per person, per entry | Confirm current fee. |
| Sagarmatha National Park (Everest) | 3,000 | About $22 | Per person, per entry | Confirm current fee. |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local permit (Everest) | 3,000 | About $22 | Per person | Older sources list 2,000. VAT may apply. Confirm current fee. |
| TIMS card (where issued) | 1,000 | About $7 | Per person, through an agency | Confirm whether it applies to your route. |
Restricted Area Permit Fees (Seasonal and Duration-Based)
Restricted area permits are set by the Department of Immigration and priced in USD. They change with the season and the number of days you spend inside the restricted area.
| Area | Peak season (Sept–Nov) | Off-peak (Dec–Aug) | Extra days after week 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaslu | $100 for the first 7 days | $75 for the first 7 days | $15/day peak, $10/day off-peak |
| Tsum Valley | $40 for the first 7 days | $30 for the first 7 days | $7/day |
| Nar Phu | $100 for the first 7 days | $75 for the first 7 days | $15/day |
| Upper Mustang | $50 per day | $50 per day | $50/day |
| Upper Dolpo | $500 for the first 10 days | $500 for the first 10 days | $50/day. Confirm current fee. |
All fees are per person. Ask your agency how the days are counted, since fees follow the dates filed on your permit.
Permits by Trek
| Trek | Required permits | Additional local or park fees | Approx. cost and basis | Verification note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp · ABC trek | ACAP | TIMS where issued | NPR 3,000–4,000 (about $22–$29) per person | Check whether TIMS applies |
| Poon Hill · Poon Hill trek. | ACAP | TIMS where issued | NPR 3,000–4,000 (about $22–$29) per person | Same as ABC |
| Mardi Himal · Mardi Himal trek. | ACAP | TIMS where issued | NPR 3,000–4,000 (about $22–$29) per person | Same as ABC |
| Langtang Valley · Langtang trek | Langtang National Park | TIMS where issued | NPR 3,000–4,000 (about $22–$29) per person | Confirm current fee |
| Everest Base Camp · EBC 15 days | Sagarmatha National Park | Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local permit | About NPR 6,000 (about $44) per person | TIMS usually not collected here. Confirm. |
| Manaslu Circuit | Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP | None | RAP by season and days, plus NPR 6,000 for the two conservation permits | See example below |
| Tsum Valley · Manaslu Tsum Valley 14 days | Tsum RAP, and the Manaslu RAP for the shared approach | MCAP | RAP by season and days, plus NPR 3,000 | Some sources list Tsum as an add-on to Manaslu. Ask your agency for the exact total. |
| Nar Phu and Kang La Pass · Nar Phu trek | Nar Phu RAP, ACAP | TIMS where issued | RAP by season and days, plus NPR 3,000 | See example below |
| Upper Mustang · Upper Mustang tour | Upper Mustang RAP, ACAP | TIMS where issued | $50 per day plus NPR 3,000 | Confirm current fee |
Example Totals (Illustrative)
These examples use the fees above and count days inside the restricted area, not your full trip length. They are not quotes.
- Manaslu Circuit, autumn, 7 days inside the zone: RAP $100 + MCAP NPR 3,000 + ACAP NPR 3,000 = about $144.
- Manaslu Circuit, off-peak, 7 days: RAP $75 + NPR 6,000 = about $119.
- Nar Phu, autumn, 10 days: RAP $100 + (3 extra days × $15) = $145, plus ACAP about $22 = about $167.
- Upper Mustang, 10 days: RAP $50 × 10 = $500, plus ACAP about $22 = about $522.
How to Get Your Permits
For most trekkers, the easiest way is through a registered agency. Here’s what usually happens:
- Book your trek with a licensed operator.
- Send your documents: a copy of your passport, your visa details, and passport photos.
- Your agency applies for the permits and arranges your guide.
- Restricted areas take longer. Send your documents early, since permits are date-specific. Some agencies can now start processing before you arrive, using your visa details.
- Carry your permits on the trail. They’re checked at checkpoints.
Restricted area permits can never be arranged on your own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming one list fits every trek. Each route needs its own permits.
- Trusting old fee lists. Fees and rules change often, especially for Upper Mustang.
- Waiting too long for restricted areas. Send your documents at least a few weeks early.
- Forgetting combined routes. A trek through two areas can need two sets of permits.
- Ignoring date limits. Restricted permits cover set dates, and delays can cost extra.
- Skipping travel insurance. Get cover for high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.
FAQs
What permits do I need to trek in Nepal?
It depends on your route. Parks and conservation areas need a park permit, plus a TIMS card where it’s issued. Restricted areas also need a Restricted Area Permit.
Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal?
Treat a licensed guide as required in national parks, conservation areas, and restricted areas. A guide has been required in restricted areas for many years. Confirm the rule for your route with your agency.
Can I trek in Nepal solo?
You can travel alone and book a guided trek. As of March 22, 2026, solo travelers can also get restricted-area permits, but a guide and a registered agency are still required.
What is a restricted area permit?
A permit for border-sensitive regions like Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Upper Mustang, and Dolpo. It’s issued by the Department of Immigration and only through a registered agency.
What is ACAP and how much is it?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. It covers treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal, and costs about NPR 3,000.
Do I need a TIMS card?
It depends on the route, and sources disagree. Some say it’s not collected on the Everest route and not checked on Annapurna trails. Ask your agency.
How much does a Manaslu permit cost?
The Manaslu RAP is $100 for the first 7 days in autumn and $75 off-peak, plus a daily fee after that. You also need MCAP and ACAP.
How much is the Tsum Valley permit?
The Tsum Valley RAP is $40 for the first 7 days in autumn and $30 off-peak, plus $7 per extra day. Ask your agency about the Manaslu permit for the shared approach.
How much is the Upper Mustang permit?
Reported as $50 per day since December 2025. Older sources list a flat $500 for 10 days, so confirm the current fee.
How much do permits cost for Everest Base Camp?
About NPR 6,000 (around $44) for the Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu local permit.
Can I get permits myself?
Standard permits sometimes can be arranged in person, but a licensed guide is still required. Restricted area permits can only be issued through a registered agency.
Are permits included in the trek price?
Most guided packages include permits and government fees. Always check the “included” list.
Ready to plan your trek? Browse our Snowbank Adventure treks , and we’ll handle the permits and paperwork. For official information, see the Department of Immigration , the Nepal Tourism Board , and the NTNC for ACAP and MCAP .