Introduction
Nepal is one of the world’s most rewarding (if frustratingly bureaucratic) trekking destinations, where one is likely to hear entirely different answers about obtaining permits for the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp from five different trekking agencies. With new rules put in place in 2023, the requirements for permits have changed markedly: the so-called TIMS card’s distribution system was altered, and the requirement for a guide was imposed in certain circuits. In some areas, local municipality fees have replaced the TIMS card. This guide explains the purpose and cost of each permit, with recommendations for each region, to help you prepare a budget before arriving in Kathmandu.
Why Nepal Requires Trekking Permits in the First Place?
Before describing the permits and their costs, it is useful to describe why they exist at all. First, conservation: the areas around Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu are conservation areas, national parks, or forests. The funds raised by the permits help to maintain trails, protect wildlife, and fund social programs in the villages through which trekkers pass. Another reason for requiring trekking permits is safety: trekking in Nepal is inherently risky due to the high altitude and poor weather conditions. Thus, having a permit serves as a way to track who has entered the area and when they might be expected to return. Finally, permits serve the purpose of restricting access to certain sensitive regions, particularly those near China, or with political or cultural complexities.
Due to the variety of objectives served by permits, different permits fall under the jurisdiction of different government agencies. This is why it can be confusing to understand what permits one needs for a particular trek: in addition to the Nepal Tourism Board and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, other bodies, including municipal governments and the Department of Immigration, may impose additional restrictions and require documentation.
The Mandatory Guide Rule and Its Implications
The most important change to Nepal’s permit system came in the form of a ban on independent trekking in the country. As of April 1, 2023, foreign hikers are no longer allowed to make independent trips on Nepal’s popular trekking routes.
This development has made many older web resources on trekking in Nepal somewhat outdated, as prior to April 2023, solo trekking (or “FIT” – Foreign Independent Trekking) has been allowed – albeit with the need to pay additional fees at designated points. The rule changes mean that for most areas in Nepal, including Annapurna, Langtang, and most other trekking regions, FIT trekkers must arrange a permit through a trekking agency. In addition, Langtang was the last region to ban solo trekking in 2025. Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo restricted independent trekking long ago. The Everest region’s (Khumbu) trail system does not require a TIMS card, but a local government fee was introduced in its place.
At the same time, it should be noted that a guide is obligatory in most cases, regardless of whether one travels in a group or on one’s own. As a consequence of the new rules, most travelers will not have to deal with the TIMS card – as it is the travel agencies that apply for it on their behalf (and for the client’s), based on their passport data and personal information. For some of the described regions, TIMS cards are no longer issued, while others have replaced them with local municipal fees. Therefore, it is much more convenient to rely on the recommendations of your trekking agency regarding the issuance of TIMS cards, and the payment of local fees if applicable.
TIMS Card: What It Is and Where It Is Needed
TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. The TIMS card itself was issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in conjunction with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). This system was designed to collect information from trekkers for emergency search and rescue purposes. Thus, each TIMS card contains information about the trekker’s itinerary, nationality, and emergency contact information.
Originally there were two types of TIMS cards: Green and Blue. Green was for independent (FIT) trekkers, and Blue was for those who hired a trekking agency. In practice, these cards differ only in the color of the stripe on the left side of the card. However, with the advent of the new rules, most travelers will receive a Blue TIMS card, as all agencies now apply for cards on behalf of their clients.
The cost of a TIMS card depends on the type of travel: when requesting a card as an independent trekker, the cost is around NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15–20). When applying through an agency, the card costs about NPR 1,000 (about USD 8–10) per person. The cost is indicated in Nepalese Rupees (NPR), as the TIMS card system uses this currency. The approximate value in USD should be used as a guide, as the exchange rate may vary.
TIMS cards are required in the Annapurna region, Langtang, lower Manaslu, and other national parks or conservation areas outside the Everest region. Your agency will issue this card as part of the permits package, along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or the appropriate national park permit for other regions.
However, there are places where the TIMS card is no longer valid: this is the Everest region (Khumbu). The local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality introduced a new system that requires additional fees on top of the Sagarmatha National Park permit. This system has replaced theTIMS card, which is no longer issued in this region.
In addition to the TIMS card, it is important to note that checkpoints on trails where TIMS card inspections used to be held are now few and far between – partly because they were shut down during the pandemic. However, this does not mean that the TIMS card is no longer relevant: if a trekker does not have a valid TIMS card, they can be fined on the spot. Previously, the fine was about USD 120, which is much higher than the cost of a TIMS card.
ACAP: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Any trek to Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit inevitably involves a visit to the conservation area. Thus, for hikes in Annapurna or its foothills (Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Tilicho Lake), a special permit called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required. This permit is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation – an organization responsible for preserving the region’s wildlife and forests.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Local Fee (Everest Region)
Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and the high passes around are inside Sagarmatha National Park, named after the Nepali word for Mount Everest. Unlike Annapurna, this region has a system of permits different from the standard national park plus TIMS combination.
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit: NPR 3,000 (USD 22-25) per foreign trekker. A simple park entry/exit fee, similar to ACAP, paid at the park entrance in Monjo while ascending the valley towards Namche Bazaar.
The entry fee of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality: NPR 2,000-3,000, another fee paid separately. This local government dropped theTIMS card system in favor of collecting fees from the trekkers directly to fund their municipality.
The sum of the two usually makes a trekker pay around NPR 6,000 (USD 45) in total for the entry permits in Kathmandu before flights, guides, and teahouse accommodations. Notably, there is no longer a TIMS card for the Everest region – one of the reasons why the system changed in 2023, and many online resources still mention the old TIMS card.
Additional climbing permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association or the Department of Tourism should be acquired for Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak climbs in the Everest region.
Langtang National Park Permit
The region closest to Kathmandu also has its set of permits. In addition to the TIMS card (NPR 1,000 for a guided booking), a Langtang National Park entry permit costs NPR 3,000. As of 2025, Langtang is the only region allowing independent trekking (without a guide), so it can be a good option for time-constrained trekkers who want to get authentic mountain views without spending too long on the trail.
Restricted Area Permits: Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Dolpo, and other regions
Restricted area permits can be the most expensive and complicated category of all. Several regions of Nepal used to be closed to foreign visitors for cultural reasons or because of their proximity to the Chinese border. Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, and Upper/Lower Dolpo are the most popular restricted areas for trekking.
Some general notes on the restricted area permits:
• A guide is mandatory in all restricted areas, with no exceptions, as independent trekking is prohibited there.
• Most restricted area permits are valid for a minimum group of 2 people, which makes solo trekking extremely difficult (but not impossible), especially at the permit level. However, most agencies can organize a solo trek by booking an appropriate group for you.
• Permits must be obtained through trekking agencies; foreign visitors cannot apply for them directly.
• The fees are higher, and the length of validity varies from region to region. Usually, a minimum stay is 7–10 days, and the fee is calculated for this period. For every additional day of your trek, you will have to pay an extra fee.
Upper Mustang is the most sought-after destination in the restricted areas. The permit costs USD 500 for the first 10 days, and additional days will be charged separately. In addition to the restricted area permit, you will need an ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000) for Upper Mustang trekking, as well as a valid visa for Nepal.
A permit for the Manaslu Circuit trekking also falls under the restricted area category. The fee varies depending on the season, peaking in the autumn (September to November) and being lower for the rest of the year. In addition to the restricted area permit, you will need a Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit and, when on the western side of the range near Dharapani, an ACAP permit.
A Nar Phu Valley trekking permit also falls under the restricted area category, using a similar (to Upper Mustang) fee structure, varying from season to season, measured in weeks of stay.
As for the Dolpo region, permits to Upper and Lower Dolpo are priced separately, and Upper Dolpo is one of the most expensive restricted areas in Nepal because of its remoteness and the difficulty of patrolling such a vast region.
As a rough estimate, the restricted area permit costs from USD 50 to 100+ per person for less popular regions and can be much more expensive for the most desirable areas. Because prices change often and can vary significantly from one agency to another, it is best to request a detailed quote from your preferred agency for a specific trek.
Summary: The Breakdown of Costs for Foreign Trekkers
To help you in planning your trek, here is a rough breakdown of the costs in NPR and USD for a foreign trekker on a budget (does not include the costs of a guide, flights, food, or teahouse accommodations):
- For Annapurna region (treks like ABC, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna Circuit): ACAP NPR 3,000 + TIMS NPR 2,000 = NPR 5,000 or USD 38.
- For Everest region (EBC, Gokyo, Three Passes): Sagarmatha National Park NPR 3,000 + Khumbu Municipality Entry Fee NPR 2,000–3,000 = NPR 5,000–6,000 or USD 40–45. Note that there is no TIMS card needed here.
- For Langtang region: Langtang National Park permit NPR 3,000 + TIMS card around NPR 1,000 for a guided booking: NPR 4,000 or USD 30.
- For Upper Mustang (restricted area): USD 500 for the first 10 days of trekking with a possibility of extra fees for each additional day. You will also need an ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000).
- Manaslu Circuit permit costs much more than average, and the price varies depending on the season. It usually also includes an additional fee for the MCA Project or, for the western part of the trail near Dharapani, an ACAP permit.
Keep in mind that citizens of SAARC countries pay much lower fees than foreign visitors for most permits. Children under 10 are also usually exempt from most conservation area permits.
How and Where to Get Your Permits?
Since most regions now require a guide, the permits can usually be arranged by the guide or trekking agency for you, rather than buying them yourself. Here is a rough outline of the process:
Booking a permit-arranging service is the first step in most cases, for both independent and guided treks. Choose your preferred trekking agencies or guides. Make sure to use only certified and registered companies and guides. The Nepal Mountaineering Association certifies trekking guides, and TAAN is the association of trekking agencies in Nepal.
Provide the necessary information about your trek, including your scanned passport, passport-sized photos (2–4), and a rough itinerary several weeks in advance if possible. Some permits, especially for restricted areas, can take several days to process.
Your permits will be collected for you in Kathmandu or Pokhara, either at the Nepal Tourism Board offices, the National Trust for Nature Conservation counters, or your trekking agency.
You will also need to keep paper copies of your permits with you while trekking, even if your guide arranges them for you, as some local authorities still require that they be shown upon request. Checkpoints can be found throughout the trail in the conservation areas (Birethanti and Chhomrong for Annapurna, Monjo for the Everest region), and permits will need to be presented there. It is best to keep copies of your permits in your backpack as well as your guide’s copies, as these may not always be available.
Remember that permits are issued for a specific period, usually according to the length of your trek. If your plans change significantly, you may need to update your permits. It may also be necessary to update permits if you change your itinerary and travel through different national parks or conservation areas.
The most common mistakes hikers make when applying for permits:
Some common mistakes that trekkers make when applying for permits include:
Assuming that a TIMS card is required for some or all of your trek when it is not: As described above, theTIMS card system was abolished in the Everest region (replaced by the local fee). Some trekkers may also wrongly assume that the TIMS card is still required when visiting the Annapurna region in certain areas, such as Poon Hill.
Not factoring in the additional costs related to restricted area trekking: Some visitors to restricted areas, such as Upper Mustang, are surprised to learn that while a USD 30 fee is required for the first 10 days, additional fees are charged for each additional day of your trek. This is especially common if you do research before your trip on a site that does not describe it well or is out of date.
Attempting to independently organize permits for a trek when they are not available to independent trekkers: As mentioned above, this is now the exception rather than the rule for most of Nepal’s trekking regions. Some hikers may attempt to independently organize their trek, only to learn at the beginning of their journey that this is not possible and they will have to find another option, such as a guide, at much higher costs.
Assuming that the rates listed on a website or social media post are up to date when in reality, permit costs change often: As mentioned several times, prices change frequently and often, especially since 2023. This is partly due to the new guide requirements, but it is also due to the fact that many municipalities are taking over responsibility for issuing permits from the TIMS system and setting their own rates. Prices listed on a website may well have changed since the last visit. It is best to double-check with your agency for the most recent price before booking.
Failure to account for the fact that different permits are required when trekking through more than one region or conservation area: While trekking through more than one region at once is rare, it is not unheard of. One example of this is the Manaslu Circuit, which crosses from the Manaslu Conservation Area into the Annapurna Conservation Area near Dharapani. It is important to note that each conservation area has its own set of permits, which means that additional permits may be required for such a trek.
Notes on Changing Fees
Nepal’s trekking permit system has undergone significant reforms in the past year or so. Some of these changes are likely to continue in the future, as local municipalities adopt similar policies for their regions. In any case, the system described here provides a complete overview of the current situation. For the most part, reforms have focused on making independent trekking more difficult, requiring visitors to use guides. Although some of these changes have been controversial, they are not likely to be reversed anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TIMS card for EBC? No – for the Everest region, the local authority called the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality levies an entry fee on trekkers instead of using the TIMS card system.
Can I still trek independently in Nepal? Not on most trails, as foreign visitors must now book independent treks through trekking agencies or hire a guide. With the exception of a few trails near Kathmandu, most treks in Nepal require a permit and a guide.
Do children need permits to trek in Nepal? Most conservation area permits, including ACAP, are free for children under 10. Other permits, including TIMS and those for restricted areas, may also be free or discounted, depending on the region and the trekking agency. It is best to contact your agency directly to determine whether any of the permits you are considering applying for are free for children under 10.
How early should I apply for trekking permits? If you are traveling to a region that only requires a standard trekking permit (such as Annapurna or Everest), you can apply for permits shortly before your trek begins once you have arrived in Nepal. When you visit restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo, you should apply for a permit several days before your trek begins.
Are permits paid for in cash, card, or online? This depends on the permit and the office that issues it. National and conservation area permits are usually paid for in cash in Nepalese rupees. Some national/conservation area permits can now also be paid for online with a small transaction fee. For restricted area permits, you may need to make the payment through an authorized trekking agency.
What happens if I trek without permits? Some trailheads now have checkpoints where authorities ensure that trekkers have the necessary permits. If you are caught trekking without the necessary permits, you may be fined on the spot or asked to return to the trailhead. It is best not to risk a fine, as the cost of permits is much lower than a fine.
Do these permits cover the entire trek or are they charged for each day of trekking? With the exception of restricted area permits, most permits only need to be paid for once, regardless of how long your trek is.
Final Thoughts
The permit system in Nepal can be confusing, as it has genuine regional variations (what applies to Everest doesn’t apply to Annapurna), and restricted areas have an even more specific set of regulations than either of those. In practice, this means that the mandatory-guide policy has decreased the actual workload of a trekker while adding new bureaucratic details, which are handled by the guide: the only work you have to do is having your passport photos ready and budgeting the extra USD 30-45 needed for the permit in popular destinations (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang) and several hundreds in more exotic locations like Upper Mustang, Manaslu or Dolpo.
Ask a registered agency for details closer to your planned date, as the system is being reformed constantly, and make sure to keep physical copies of any permits you have during the trek – and they will become a largely inconsequential detail of your adventure.
