Nepal has several overlapping permit systems for trekkers, and the requirements vary significantly by region. Get this wrong and you can be turned back at a checkpoint. Here is exactly what you need for every major trekking area, what it costs, and how we handle it.
TIMS Card — Trekkers Information Management System
The TIMS card is required for most trekking areas in Nepal. It registers your name, nationality, and route with the government — ostensibly for safety tracking. Cost: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) for group trekkers travelling with a registered company, or NPR 4,000 for individual trekkers. We arrange and pay for this as part of every package. You need two passport photos and your passport.
ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Required for all treks in the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23). Issued by the Nepal Tourism Board at their Kathmandu and Pokhara offices. We arrange this as part of your package.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Required for all Everest region treks, including Everest Base Camp and the Three Passes Trek. Cost: NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 30, including 13% VAT). Also required: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit (NPR 2,000). Both issued at Lukla or Monjo checkpoint. We arrange both as part of your package.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Required for the Langtang Valley Trek and Gosaikunda. Cost: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23). Issued at the Dhunche entry checkpoint. We arrange this as part of your package.
Restricted Area Permits — Manaslu and Upper Mustang
These are the most complex and most expensive permits in Nepal.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Cost: USD 100 per person per week (USD 75 per week from September to November). Also requires Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP, NPR 3,000). Minimum group of two trekkers. Must be arranged through a registered trekking company — no individual applications. We handle everything.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: Required for the Upper Mustang Trek. Cost: USD 500 for the first 10 days, USD 50 per additional day. Minimum group of two. Also requires ACAP (NPR 3,000). Needs 14 days notice minimum. Bring 4 passport photos. We arrange everything.
How We Handle Permits
We take care of all permit logistics for every trek we operate. You need to provide: your passport (valid 6+ months), two to four passport-sized photos (depending on the trek), and in some cases, your travel insurance certificate. We brief you on exact requirements at booking confirmation. You never have to visit a permit office yourself — unless you specifically want to.
Important Notes
- Permit fees are included in all our trek packages — there are no surprise additions at the trailhead
- Permit checkpoints are strict — your guide carries all permits and presents them at each checkpoint
- Permits are non-refundable once issued — this is why we confirm your travel dates carefully before applying
- Restricted area permit fees fund local community development and environmental conservation
