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Nepal is quite popular as the Himalayan nation throughout the world. And so is preferred as the must-visit trekking destination. While travel enthusiasts plan on trekking in Nepal, prior planning and preparation are vital. One among the other, having knowledge of the trekking permits in Nepal can be of great help.
The trekking permits can vary depending on the region. There are different types and these permits help regulate tourist flow, generate funds for conservation, and ensure safety. When it comes to acquiring permits, they can be obtained from authorized offices like the Nepal Tourism Board, National Trusts, Department of Immigration.
Here, we’ll discuss the different types of permits with their cost and place to obtain. Getting permits is crucial for legal trekking and supporting local communities
Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal and Their Cost
If you’ve already planned to trek in Nepal then knowing about the trekking permits is crucial. Here, we’ll discuss the types of trekking permits with their essential information.
Important Note: The permit’s necessity and cost can change for various reasons. So for the recent update visit the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board.
1. TIMS Card
A TIMS Card is an important permit when trekking in Nepal. It stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. The main objective of this card is to maintain a database of trekkers along with their itineraries in order to execute safety and rescue operations.
The TIMS card was introduced by TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association Nepal) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in 2008 for the first time. However, the TIMS permit has become compulsory as of April 1st, 2023. Please note that a TIMS card is not needed for groups of expeditions mountain climbing, or round-trip helicopter tours.
Where Can You Obtain a TIMS Card?
A TIMS card can be acquired from TAAN offices located in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In order to apply for the card, you need a valid passport, passport photos, and trekking itinerary details.
Things To Remember
E-TIMS System:
- E-TIMS implemented from April 2023, only available through authorized trekking agencies
Penalties:
- Trekking without a guide or TIMS card can lead to a Rs. 12,000 fine
| Cost for TIMS Card | ||
| Category | Fee | Additional Information |
| SAARC Nationals | Rs. 1000 (~$8-10) | – |
| Others | Rs. 2000 (~$16-20) | – |
| Children up to age 10 | Free | Information needs to be submitted online |
2. National Park Permit
National Park Permits are mandatory granting you access inside the perimeter of specific National Parks in Nepal. This permit is not just necessary for trekking but for anyone visiting the National Parks.
The main aim of these permits is to manage tourist flow and establish ecological aspects of the parks. Additionally, the fees collected from the permit are utilized in the conservation, protection, and trail maintenance efforts.
Altogether, Nepal has 12 National Parks, 1 hunting reserve, and 1 wildlife reserve. All of these are monitored by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). DNPWC issues permit at its office in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.
Where Can You Obtain a National Park Permit?
A National Park Permit can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Along with it, the permit is also available at respective park offices or entry points. For instance, you can obtain a Sagarmatha National Park permit at the Monjo Village entrance for the Everest/Khumbu region.
Permit Validity and Rules:
- Permits are valid for a specific duration until you get an ‘Exit’ stamp
- Single entry only, separate permit needed for re-entry
- Mandatory permit required by government, penalties for non-compliance
| Cost for National Park Permit | |||||
| S.N. | National Park | Region | For Nepali | For SAARC Nationals | For Foreign National |
| 1 | Sagarmatha National Park | Everest | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 2 | Langtang National Park | Langtang | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 3 | Chitwan National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,000 per person | NPR 2,000 per person | |
| 4 | Makalu-Barun National Park | Makalu | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 5 | Rara National Park | Mugu | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 6 | Banke National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 750 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | |
| 7 | Bardia National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 750 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | |
| 8 | Khaptad National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 500 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | |
| 9 | Parsa National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 750 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | |
| 10 | Shey-Phoksundo National Park | Dolpo | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 11 | Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 600 per person | NPR 1,000 per person | |
| 12 | Shuklaphanta National Park | NPR 100 per person | NPR 750 per person | NPR 1,500 per person | |
Note: The permit cost is free for children below 10 years of age.
3. Conservation Area Permit
A Conservation Area is established under the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act to conserve flora, fauna, indigenous livelihoods, and cultural/religious values. In total, there are 6 conservation areas throughout Nepal with distinct geography and biodiversity. In order to enter each specific conservation area, you must obtain a valid permit.
Since the establishment of conservation areas, it has helped a lot to preserve and protect diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources within boundaries. Each area is popular for its unique features e.g. Annapurna (biodiversity), Manaslu (culture), and Kanchenjunga (landscapes).
Conservation Area Permits are issued and managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). The NTNC was established in 1982 as a non-profit for nature conservation. The permit counters are located at the Bhrikuti Mandap office within the Nepal Tourism Board building.
Where Can You Obtain a Conservation Area Permit?
As always you can obtain a Conservation Area Permit from Nepal Tourism Board head offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
It is highly suggested to acquire permits via head office. Otherwise, it can cost you double when you’re at the entry point without a permit. Remember that the permits are for single entry only.
| Cost for Conservation Area Permit | |||||
| S.N. | Conservation Area | Region | For Nepali | For SAARC Nationals | For Foreign National |
| 1 | Annapurna Conservation Area | Annapurna | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,000 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 2 | Manaslu Conservation Area | Manaslu | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1,000 per person | NPR 3,000 per person |
| 3 | Kanchenjunga Conservation Area | Kanchenjunga | NPR 100 per person | NPR 500 per person | NPR 2,000 per person |
| 4 | Gaurishanker Conservation Area | NPR 100 per person | NPR 1000 per person | NPR 2,000 per person | |
| 5 | Api Nampa Conservation Area | NPR 100 per person | NPR 500 per person | NPR 2,000 per person | |
| 6 | Blackbuck Conservation Area | NPR 100 per person | NPR 500 per person | NPR 2,000 per person | |
Note: The permit cost is free for children below 10 years of age.
4. Restricted Area Trekking Permit
Certain regions in Nepal are classified as restricted/controlled areas. This is due to the fact that some regions are situated in remote, sensitive regions with unique cultures and settlements. Thus special permits are required to enter these areas which we call “Restricted Area Permit.”
These special permits help in monitoring and managing tourism activities while protecting fragile ecosystems. In addition, it also supports responsible tourism practices respecting local customs. The funds collected from the permit is used for developing infrastructure and lifestyle in traditional settlements.
Where Can You Obtain a Restricted Area Permit?
A Restricted/Special Area Permit is issued by the Nepal government for the restricted regions. It can be obtained from the Department of Immigration offices. It’s best to get the permit processed in the Kathmandu office.
Regulations:
- Restricted areas highly regulated by the Nepal government
- Free individual trekkers (FITs) are strictly not allowed
- Permits only issued through registered trekking agencies
| Cost for Restricted Area Trekking Permit | ||
| S.N. | Restricted Trekking Area | Fees |
| 1 | Gorkha Manaslu Area | September – November
December – August
|
| 2 | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area | September – November
December – August
|
| 3 | Manang (Nar and Phu Valley) | September – November
December – August
|
| 4 | Upper Mustang |
|
| 5 | Upper Dolpa |
|
| 6 | Lower Dolpa Area |
|
| 7 | Taplejung (Olangchung Gola and Kanchenjunga) |
|
| 8 | Mugu (Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality) |
|
| 9 | Humla |
|
| 10 | Sankhuwasabha (Makalu Area) |
|
| 11 | Dolakha (Lapche Valley and Tashi Lapcha Pass) |
|
| 12 | Bajhang (Mount Saipal Area) |
|
| 13 | Darchula (Api and Nampa Himal Area) |
|
| 14 | Solukhumbu (Thame and Tashi Lapcha Area) |
|
| 15 | Rasuwa (Rasuwaghat and Thuman Area) |
|
Which documents do a trekking company need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit?
You can obtain a Restricted Area Permit only through a registered trekking agency. To apply for the permit, the following documents are necessary:
- Passport copy
- Visa with sufficient validity covering trekking days
- Trekkers’ name lists
- Trekking Itinerary (Daywise)
- Tourism Ministry License for trekking business operation
- Nepal Rastra Back License for foreign currency exchange
- Guarantee letter of Agency
- Agreement with Agency
- Trekking Company’s Tax Clearance Certificate
- PAN (Permanent Account Number) card Registration Certificate
- Bank payment (fees) voucher
5. Rural Municipality Area Permit
Rural Municipality Area Permit grants you access to the rural parts of Nepal largely untouched by development and modernization. While visiting such parts, you get to experience the lifestyle, settlements and routines of rural communities. Each rural municipality has distinct ethnic groups and characteristics.
The permit has been issued in order to improve lifestyle, medical/educational facilities, and environmental conservation in these areas. Consequently, you’ll have a different trekking experience in comparison to other iconic trekking routes.
Where Can You Obtain a Rural Municipality Area Permit?
A Rural Municipality Area Permit can be obtained at the entry points to the areas. The Department of Immigration issues this permit similar to restricted area permits. For the Everest region, a “TREK CARD” permit can be obtained at the Lukla/Namche checkpost. It is highly recommended to obtain the permit with the help of registered trekking agencies.
Rural municipalities were established in 2017, replacing village development committees. Currently, there are 460 rural municipalities across Nepal. So far Khumbu Pasang Lhamu is the only one implementing a trekking permit.
Documents Required for Obtaining Permits
The following are the essential documents required for obtaining trekking permits in Nepal:
- Passport or Travel Documents
- A valid passport copy
- A recent passport-size photo
- Your contact information
- Travel and health insurance
- Arrival and departure flight details
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Depending on the different regions, you need to obtain the required permits to enter the area. It’s best for you to apply for a permit with the help of registered trekking agencies.
Once you obtain the permit, make sure to travel responsibly maintaining legal aspects as well. Whether it is a TIMS card or a restricted area permit, each one has its specific role and function. Getting a permit not only allows you to enter a specific area but also the fees collected from it are used in the conservation of wildlife and maintenance efforts.