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Trekking Permits in Nepal: What You Need and How to Get Them

Introduction

Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in the world for trekking. Nepal has many different places to visit such as various different mountain peaks, hills, beautiful rivers and people from all over the world come here to walk in the mountains and enjoy nature. But before you start your trek, you need something very important, that something important is called a trekking permit.

Trekking permits in Nepal are like tickets. These trekking permits allow you to walk in certain areas. They also help keep you safe and protect the environment. Every trekker, even if you're going on a short walk, needs the right permit.

Some permits are quite easy to get. Others need special rules, like going with a guide or group. If you're not sure what to do, you can ask a good local travel company like ours Go Nepal Travels, Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. We can help you properly understand how to get trekking permits in Nepal quickly and quite easily.

In this guide, you will learn:

  • Why trekking permits are needed

  • What types of trekking permits you need

  • How to get trekking permits step by step easily

  • Which treks need which permits

Let’s make your trekking in Nepal safe, legal, and fun.

 

Why Trekking Permits Are Required in Nepal

When you go trekking in Nepal, you must have a trekking permit with you. It’s a rule made by the government. These permits are important for many good reasons.

1. Safety of Trekkers

  • The permit tells the government where you are going.

  • So it basically provides information about where you will be and so if something somehow goes wrong, it helps rescue teams find you faster as they will know your location where you will probably be at.

  • All in all this helps you to be safe during your trek.

2. To Protect Nature

  • Many trekking paths pass through national parks and conservation areas.

  • Permit money is used to protect animals, forests, and clean thepaths.

  • It helps keep Nepal beautiful for future trekkers, so you are not just buying permits, but rather you are helping to keep nature preserved and animals safe.

3. To Support Local People

  • Some of the money from trekking permits also goes to villages that are on the path.

  • It helps build schools, health posts, and water taps for locals.

  • Trekking supports the people who live in the mountains.

4. To Manage Tourism

  • Permits also help in controlling how many people are allowed to trek in one area.

  • So this stops overcrowding from happening and thus makes the trek better for everyone with more peace while trekking.

  • It also prevents damage to the environment and trails.

5. It’s the Law

  • Trekking without a permit is illegal.

  • You may be stopped by checkpoints and asked to pay a fine.

  • So always be sure to get your permit before you start the trek.

If you don’t know what permit you need or where to get it, you contact us Go Nepal Travels we will make sure to help you as best as you can.

 

Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal

When you go trekking in Nepal, you need the right permit. There are mainly three main types of trekking permits in Nepal. The type of permit you need depends on where you are going.

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

  • This card keeps a record of trekkers in Nepal.

  • It helps for safety and rescue if anything goes wrong.

  • There are two types:

    • Group TIMS Card – if you go with a guide or agency

    • Individual TIMS Card – if you go alone (but this is only allowed in some places)

  • Cost:

    • Group TIMS: around USD 10

    • Individual TIMS: around USD 20

  • Where to get it: TAAN or Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office

2. National Park and Conservation Area Permits

These are needed when you trek inside national parks or protected areas.

  • Some common ones:
    • ACAP – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

    • MCAP – Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

    • Langtang National Park Permit

    • Sagarmatha National Park Permit (for Everest region)

  • Cost: Around NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) per person

  • You can get them at the park entrance or NTB office

3. Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Some areas in Nepal are close to the border or very remote. These are called restricted areas. You need a special permit to go there.

  • Common restricted treks:
    • Upper Mustang Trek

    • Manaslu Circuit Trek

    • Upper Dolpo Trek

    • Tsum Valley Trek

  • Important Rules:
    • You must go with a licensed guide

    • You need to be in a group of at least 2 trekkers

    • You can’t get this permit by yourself you can only go to such places through a registered trekking agency like our Go Nepal Travels

  • Cost: Starts from USD 100 to 500+ depending on the area and number of days

Summary Table

Permit Type

Where It's Needed

Where to Get It

Notes

TIMS Card

Most trekking routes

NTB / TAAN / travel agency

For safety and record-keeping

Conservation/National Park

Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, etc.

Park gate / NTB

Required for protected areas

Restricted Area Permit

Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, Tsum Valley

Travel agency only

Needs guide + group, not for solo trek

To avoid confusion or mistakes, it’s best to let a trusted company like Go Nepal Travels arrange your permits. We know exactly how to get trekking permits in Nepal quickly and legally. So if you feel like getting a trekking permit yourself is troublesome, confusing then you can just book a package with us and the permit will be included in the package itself so you won’t have to spend anything and can get permits very easily without you having to do anything at all.

 

How to Get Trekking Permits in Nepal

Getting your trekking permits in Nepal is quite easy if you follow the right steps. You can get them by yourself, or even us Go Nepal Travels to help you. 

Here's how you can easily get Trekking Permits yourself in Nepal:

1. Visit the Right Office

You can go to these places to get permits:

2. Bring These Things With You

You need a few things to apply:

  • A copy of your passport (which should be valid for at least 6 months)

  • 2 passport-sized photos

  • Your trek plan (where you will go and for how long)

  • Details of your trekking guide or agency (for restricted areas)

3. Pay the Permit Fees

  • You must pay the permit fees based on your trek.

  • Prices are different for each permit.

  • Most places take Nepali rupees in cash. Some may accept money from the card but still it’s best if you bring along some money with you.

4. Get Help From a Trekking Agency

  • The easiest way is to let a travel and trekking company like our Go Nepal Travels get the permits for you.

  • We will:

    • Fill out the forms

    • Handle payments

    • Collect the permits and give them to you

  • This saves you lots of time and avoids mistakes

 5. Keep Your Permits with You

  • After getting the permits, always be sure to properly and securely carry them with you during the trek.

  • As you will need to show them at checkpoints and park entrances.

  • If you don’t have them, you may be fined or even asked to return back.

Quick Tip:

If you're going to a restricted area, you must go with a guide and travel agency like our Go Nepal Travels, Treks and Tours as you cannot get those permits on your own.

 

Permit Requirements by Trekking Region

Different places in Nepal need different types of trekking permits. Some areas are quite easy to enter, while others are restricted and need special permits to enter. 

Below is a simple guide to help you understand which permits you need for the most popular treks.

Permit Guide Table

Trekking Region

Permits Required

Notes

Everest Base Camp

1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit

2. Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit

No TIMS card needed here

Annapurna Circuit

1. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

2. TIMS Card

One of the most popular treks

Langtang Valley

1. Langtang National Park Permit

2. TIMS Card

Great for short treks near Kathmandu

Manaslu Circuit

1. MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit)

2. Restricted Area Permit

3. TIMS Card

Must go with a licensed guide and a group of 2 or more trekkers

Upper Mustang

1. Restricted Area Permit

2. ACAP

Very special area, costs more, guide required

Upper Dolpo

1. Restricted Area Permit

2. Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

Remote and wild region, guide and agency are a must

Mardi Himal

1. ACAP

2. TIMS Card

Short and scenic trek, great for beginners

Tsum Valley

1. MCAP

2. Restricted Area Permit

3. TIMS Card

Close to Manaslu, also a restricted area

Important Notes:

  • Restricted Area Permits can only be arranged by a registered trekking agency in Nepal like our Go Nepal Travels, Tours and Treks.

  • You must be in a group of at least two trekkers and have a licensed Nepal trekking guide.

  • Always double-check with local offices or your guide, as rules can change.

Getting the right permits helps to make sure that your trek is safe, legal, and enjoyable. If you're confused or short on time, let a trusted agency like our Go Nepal Travels help you with the process

 

Conclusion of Trekking Permits in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal is an amazing adventure that if possible you must experience once in your life. Here you can walk through big mountains, peaceful villages, and beautiful forests providing you with exciting, eventual, peaceful, fun, happy memories to treasure for a long time to come. But before you start your trekking adventure, you must get the right trekking permits.

Permits are important because:

  • They help keep you safe

  • They protect nature and wildlife

  • They support local people and communities

  • They are required by law

There are different kinds of trekking permits in Nepal, like:

  • TIMS Card

  • National Park and Conservation Area Permits

  • Restricted Area Permits

Each trekking region has its own rules. Some places are quite easy to enter, while there are others that need special permits and a guide. If you're not sure what to do, consider contacting a trusted travel agency in Nepal like our Go Nepal Travels, Tours and Treks, we can help you get everything ready in no time at all without you having to deal with all of the troublesome stuff.

Always check the permit rules before your trek, carry your permits with you, and follow local guidelines properly. This way, you can enjoy your trekking in Nepal without any trouble.

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