Nepal Trek Permits — Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about ACAP, Sagarmatha, TIMS, and restricted area permits.
All Trekking Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
$23 • Annapurna Region
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
$23 • Everest Region
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
$15 • All Nepal Region
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
$100 • Manaslu Region
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
$500 • Mustang Region
Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
$500 • Dolpo Region
Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
$20 • Dolpo Region
Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit
$20 • Kanchenjunga Region
Makalu Barun National Park Permit
$23 • Makalu Region
Langtang National Park Permit
$23 • Langtang Region
Permits Comparison
| Permit Name | Region | Cost | Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) | Annapurna | $23 (NPR 3000) | NTB |
| Sagarmatha National Park Permit | Everest | $23 (NPR 3000) | DNPWC |
| Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) | All Nepal | $15 (NPR 2000) | TAAN |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | Manaslu | $100 (NPR 13000) | Immigration Dept |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit | Mustang | $500 (NPR 65000) | Immigration Dept |
| Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit | Dolpo | $500 (NPR 65000) | Immigration Dept |
| Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit | Dolpo | $20 (NPR 2600) | Immigration Dept |
| Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit | Kanchenjunga | $20 (NPR 2600) | Immigration Dept |
| Makalu Barun National Park Permit | Makalu | $23 (NPR 3000) | DNPWC |
| Langtang National Park Permit | Langtang | $23 (NPR 3000) | DNPWC |
Understanding Nepal's Permit System
Trekking in Nepal requires specific permits depending on the region you are visiting. The permit system helps fund conservation efforts, maintain trails, and ensure trekker safety.
National Park & Conservation Area Permits
Most popular treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, require an entry permit for the respective protected area. For Annapurna, it's the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. For Everest, it's the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. These are straightforward to obtain and cost around $20-$25.
Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
Certain regions, typically near the Tibetan border, are highly regulated to protect their fragile environment and culture. Examples include Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo. RAPs are expensive (e.g., $500 for Upper Mustang) and come with strict rules: you must trek with a registered guide and be in a group of at least two trekkers. You cannot obtain these permits independently; they must be processed by a registered Nepali trekking agency.
The TIMS Card
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is a database designed to track trekkers for safety purposes. Note that regulations change frequently; as of recent updates, hiring a guide is mandatory for most treks, and the agency will handle the TIMS processing for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TIMS card?
TIMS stands for Trekkers' Information Management System. It is required for most trekking areas to ensure the safety and security of trekkers.
Can I trek independently without a guide?
As of 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board mandates that all foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide. Solo, independent trekking is officially no longer permitted for most major routes.
Where do I get my permits?
Most permits can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Restricted area permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.