TREKKING PERMITS AND FEES
Foreign trekkers are required to obtain specific permits and registrations to go trekking in Nepal. The requirements and fees are different for each area. Most trekking destinations in Nepal are located in areas that are protected for environmental or cultural purposes, from national parks and conservation areas to restricted areas. As of August 2015, all foreign trekkers are required to trek with a Nepali guide or porter registered with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Nepal’s national parks, conservation areas, and restricted areas.
National Parks and Conservation Areas:
Foreign trekkers need to obtain permits to enter all the national parks and conservation areas in Nepal. The fees collected from these permits are used to maintain and preserve those areas. Entry permits are not required for children below ten years of age to enter conservation areas or national parks.
Restricted Areas:
A few trekking destinations are located in places that the Government of Nepal classifies as restricted areas. Foreign trekkers must obtain specific Restricted Area Permits (RAP) to enter these areas. The fees collected from RAPs are used for local community development and cultural preservation projects. Children below ten years old are not required to pay the Restricted Area Permit fees.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS):
Foreign trekkers are also required to register with the Trekkers’ Information Management System (known as TIMS) and purchase a TIMS card to enter most trekking areas. Managed by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), TIMS is used to keep track of foreign visitors in Nepal and respond in case of emergencies. Foreign trekkers are not required to register with or purchase a TIMS card if they are acquiring a Restricted Area Permit. Children below ten years old are not required to pay the TIMS card fees.
1. Everest Region
Area Type:
National Park Trekking routes in the Everest region lie within Sagarmatha National Park. Foreigners are required to obtain a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit as well as a TIMS card to trek in the Everest Region.
Permits and Fees:
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
Where to get the permit:
2. Annapurna Region
Area Type: Conservation Area
Most trekking trails in the Annapurna region, including the world-famous Annapurna Base Camp circuit, are inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Foreigners are required to obtain an entry permit from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) as well as a TIMS card to trek in the Annapurna region.
Permits and Fees:
- ACAP try permit fee for foreigners: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
- ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
Where to get the permit:
*If you book with a trekking agency they will arrange these for you.
3. Nar and Phu, Manang
Area Type: Restricted Area
Permits and Fees:
Where to get the permit:
4. Upper Mustang
Area Type:
Permits and Fees:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first 10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
- ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
Where to get the permit:
5. Langtang Region
Type: National Park
Permits and Fees:
- Langtang National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Langtang National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
Where to get the permit:
6. Manaslu Region
Type: Conservation Area/Restricted area
Permits and Fees:
- Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $70 per person for the first week and US $10 per day after.
- Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit fee for foreigners: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
- Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
- ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
7. TSUM Valley Permit:
Where to get the permit:
8. Rolwaling Region
Type: Conservation Area
Permits and Fees:
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry fee for foreigners: 2,000 NPR (Approx. US $20)
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area entry fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
Where to get the permit:
9. Dolpo: Upper and Lower
9.1 Phoksundo Lake and Lower Dolpo
Type: National Park
Permits and Fees:
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
Where to get the permit:
9.2 Upper Dolpo
Type: National Park/Restricted Area
Permits and Fees:
- Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first 10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Shey-Phoksundo National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
Where to get the permit:
10. Rara Lake
Type: National Park
Permits and Fees:
- Rara National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Rara National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
- TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)