How to Get a Trekking Permit in Nepal.

Getting the right trekking permit is one of the first things you need to sort before any trek in Nepal. Many trekkers focus on the destination, the gear, and the cost. Fewer think about permits until the last minute. This leads to delays, fines at checkpoints, and in some cases a trek that ends before it begins.

Nepal requires all trekkers to carry government-issued permits when entering national parks, conservation areas, and restricted zones. The rules have also changed significantly in 2026. Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition has put together this complete guide so you know exactly what permits you need, how much they cost, and how to get them without any hassle.

Why Do You Need a Trekking Permit in Nepal?

Trekking permits are not just bureaucratic paperwork. They serve real and practical purposes that directly affect your safety and experience on the trail.

Permits record your name, route, and emergency contact. If you go missing, get injured, or are caught in an avalanche or earthquake, rescue teams use this information to locate you. Without it, response time increases significantly.

Permit fees also fund the maintenance of trails, conservation of wildlife, and local infrastructure in remote Himalayan communities. Schools, hospitals, and roads in areas like Solukhumbu and the Annapurna region all benefit from trekking permit revenue.

From a legal standpoint, trekking without a permit is a punishable offence. Checkpoint officers can issue on-the-spot fines of NPR 12,000 (approximately USD 90) and turn you back on the trail.

What Is the TIMS Card?

TIMS stands for Trekkers' Information Management System. It was introduced in 2008 and is jointly managed by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. The card records your full name, nationality, passport number, trekking route, guide details, and emergency contact information.

In 2023, the old paper TIMS card was replaced by the digital e-TIMS system. Trekkers now receive a QR code linked to their trekking profile. Checkpoint officers scan this code for real-time verification instead of manually recording details.

As of 2026, the TIMS card has been fully discontinued in the Everest and Khumbu region. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality now issues its own local entry permit at NPR 3,000, which replaces TIMS for all treks in that area. For Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and other regions, e-TIMS remains in effect.

Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal

Nepal does not have one single trekking permit that covers everything. The permits you need depend entirely on the region you are trekking in. As of 2026, there are five active permit types.

e-TIMS Permit

The digital version of the Trekkers' Information Management System permit. Required for most standard trekking routes outside the Khumbu region. Can only be issued through a registered trekking agency. Individual trekkers cannot obtain this permit directly.

National Park Entry Permits

Required when your trek passes through a national park. Each park has its own entry fee. The Sagarmatha National Park permit is required for Everest region treks and the Langtang National Park permit is required for the Langtang Valley.

Conservation Area Entry Permits

Required for trekking in areas managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, known as ACAP, is the most widely needed. It covers all treks in the Annapurna region including Poon Hill, the Annapurna Circuit, and Annapurna Base Camp.

Restricted Area Permits

Required for trekking in sensitive zones near the Tibetan border. These are the most expensive permits in Nepal and must be arranged through a registered agency. A minimum of two trekkers travelling together with a licensed guide is required. Restricted areas include Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Nar-Phu Valley, Tsum Valley, and Humla.

Khumbu Local Entry Permit

This permit is specific to the Everest and Khumbu region. It is issued by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and costs NPR 3,000 per person. It replaced the TIMS card in this region and is now a mandatory requirement for all Everest area treks.

Permit Requirements by Region

Here is a straightforward breakdown of which permits are needed for each major trekking region:

• Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes: Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu local entry permit. No TIMS required.
• Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill: e-TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Langtang Valley Trek: e-TIMS and Langtang National Park permit
• Manaslu Circuit: e-TIMS, Manaslu Conservation Area permit, and restricted area permit during peak season
• Upper Mustang: e-TIMS, ACAP, and restricted area permit at USD 500 for the first 10 days
• Upper Dolpo: Shey Phoksundo National Park permit and restricted area permit at USD 50 per day

Requirements can change between seasons. Always confirm the exact permits needed for your specific route with your trekking agency before you travel.

How Much Do Trekking Permits Cost in 2026?

• e-TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
• Sagarmatha National Park permit: NPR 3,400 (approximately USD 26) for foreign nationals
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23)
• Langtang National Park permit: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23)
• Khumbu Local Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 23)
• Upper Mustang Restricted Permit: USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per additional day
• Upper Dolpo Restricted Permit: USD 50 per day
• Manaslu Restricted Permit during peak season: USD 100 per week

Children under 10 receive conservation area permits free of charge. All permit fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest rates with your agency before booking.

How to Get Your Permits: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Trekking Route

The permits you need depend entirely on your destination. Before anything else, confirm your route and full itinerary with Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition. This determines the exact combination of permits required.

Step 2: Book Through a Registered Agency

Solo independent trekking is now banned on all major trekking routes in Nepal. All trekkers must travel with a government-licensed guide through a TAAN-registered agency. The agency manages all permit applications on your behalf so you do not have to visit multiple offices yourself.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Before your agency submits the applications, you will need to provide your valid passport, your Nepal tourist visa, two recent passport-size photographs, a completed application form that your agency will supply, and proof of travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 4,000 metres.

Step 4: Submit and Pay

Your agency submits all documents and pays the permit fees on your behalf. Standard permits including e-TIMS, national park, and conservation area permits are typically processed within one business day. Restricted area permits require 5 to 7 business days. If you are trekking in a restricted area, apply well in advance of your departure date.

Step 5: Receive Your Permits

Once approved, you will receive your e-TIMS as a QR code and physical receipts for national park and conservation area permits. Keep all permits on you at all times during the trek. Checkpoint officers will verify them at multiple points along the trail.

Documents You Will Need

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your trek end date
• Valid Nepal tourist visa
• Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background
• Completed permit application form, provided by your agency
• Travel insurance certificate covering helicopter evacuation above 4,000 metres
• Confirmed trekking itinerary from your registered agency

Bring extra passport photos and photocopies of your passport and visa. Several checkpoints along major routes ask for copies, and it saves time to have them ready.

Important 2026 Rule Changes

Mandatory Licensed Guide Now Strictly Enforced

Solo trekking without a licensed guide is officially banned on all major routes in Nepal. This was introduced following a significant rise in missing trekker cases and preventable accidents. Checkpoints now scan guide credentials alongside trekking permits. If your guide is not registered, you will be turned back.

TIMS Discontinued in the Everest Region

If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Mera Peak, or anywhere in the Khumbu area, you no longer need a TIMS card. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality local entry permit is the official replacement. Any website or agency telling you that TIMS is still required in this region is providing outdated information.

Travel Insurance Now Required at Permit Issuance

From 2026, trekkers must show proof of valid travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 4,000 metres before permits are issued. This requirement is checked at permit offices and again at major checkpoints on the trail. Arrange your insurance before you arrive in Nepal or on your first day in Kathmandu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get trekking permits after arriving in Nepal?

Yes. Standard permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara through your registered trekking agency after you arrive. Restricted area permits are the exception and require 5 to 7 business days for processing, so these must be applied for in advance.

Can I trek without a guide?

No. Solo independent trekking without a licensed guide is banned on all major routes in Nepal as of 2026. This rule is enforced at checkpoints throughout all national parks and conservation areas.

Do I need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp?

No. TIMS has been discontinued in the Khumbu and Everest region. You need a Sagarmatha National Park permit and a Khumbu local entry permit instead.

What happens if I trek without a permit?

You will be stopped at the first checkpoint and turned back. You may also face an on-the-spot fine of NPR 12,000. In restricted areas, the consequences are more severe and can include deportation.

Conclusion

Getting your trekking permits in Nepal is not complicated when you know what you need and work with a reliable agency. The process is well established, and the costs are clearly defined.

The key 2026 updates to remember are that solo trekking is banned and a licensed guide is now mandatory, TIMS is no longer required in the Everest region, and travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation must be presented when permits are issued.