Trekking permit and National park fees
Trekking in Nepal generally requires a combination of basic registration cards, national park/conservation area permits, and (for sensitive zones) specialized restricted area permits.
Below is a quick overview of costs, entry fees, and permit requirements across Nepal’s major trekking regions:
- General Registration (TIMS Card & Local Fees)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): NPR 2,000 (approx. $15 USD) per person for foreign nationals. Issued via registered agencies or at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Khumbu Local Municipality Fee (Everest Region): The Everest region charges a local entry fee of NPR 3,000 (approx. $23 USD) at the entrance point (Lukla/Monjo). (Note: This replaces the standard TIMS card for Everest treks).
- National Park & Conservation Area Entry Fees
Most popular trekking routes pass through protected conservation areas or national parks. Entry fees are generally valid for single-entry visits:
| Region / Park | Permit Name | Foreigner Fee | SAARC National Fee |
| Annapurna Region (ABC, Poon Hill, Circuit) | ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,000 |
| Everest Region | Sagarmatha National Park | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,500 |
| Langtang Region | Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,500 |
| Manaslu Region | MCAP | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,000 |
| Gaurishankar Area (Rolwaling) | GCAP | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,000 |
| Kanchenjunga Area | KCAP | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,000 |
| Shey-Phoksundo (Dolpo) | Shey-Phoksundo NP | NPR 3,000 (~$22 USD) | NPR 1,500 |
| Chitwan National Park | Jungle Safaris | NPR 2,000 + 13% VAT | NPR 1,000 + 13% VAT |
(Children under 10 years old can enter national parks and conservation areas free of charge).
- Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
To preserve culture and natural habitats, designated remote zones require special Restricted Area Permits. These permits must be issued through a registered local trekking agency and typically require a minimum group of 2 trekkers traveling with a licensed guide:
- Upper Mustang: $50 USD per day, per person (or $500 for the first 10 days) + ACAP Permit.
- Upper Dolpo: $500 USD per person (covers first 10 days; $50/day thereafter).
- Manaslu Circuit:
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): $100 USD per person for the first 7 days ($15/day thereafter).
- Winter/Spring/Summer (Dec–Aug): $75 USD per person for the first 7 days ($10/day thereafter).
- Note: Requires both MCAP and ACAP permits as well.
- Tsum Valley: $40 USD per week (Sept–Nov) or $30 USD per week (Dec–Aug).
- Nar Phu Valley: $100 USD per week (Sept–Nov) or $75 USD per week (Dec–Aug).
- Kanchenjunga Region: $20 USD per week per person.
What Documents Do You Need?
When arranging permits in Kathmandu/Pokhara or through your agency, make sure to have:
- Original Passport (with valid Nepal tourist visa).
- Several passport-sized photos (2 to 4 copies depending on the region).
- Travel insurance details (covering emergency evacuation).