Information about Nepal Trekking Permits and Visa 2026 – Complete Travel Guide
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Nepal is home to some of the world's most spectacular Himalayan trekking, peak climbing, mountaineering, and adventure routes. Before starting a trekking adventure in Nepal, international travelers need to understand the applicable Nepal tourist visa, trekking permits, TIMS card, national park entry fees, conservation area permits, restricted-area permits, and climbing or expedition permits. The documents required depend on the destination, trekking route, season, duration, and type of adventure.
At Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., we provide practical assistance with trekking documentation and logistics so that travelers can concentrate on experiencing the mountains, local culture, Himalayan landscapes, and Sherpa hospitality. Our experienced team helps arrange the permits and supporting documents required for your selected Nepal trekking package, peak climbing itinerary, or Himalayan expedition.
Nepal Tourist Visa – Latest Information
Most foreign visitors can obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Nepal's Department of Immigration currently lists the standard tourist visa fees as USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 125 for 90 days. Tourist visas are multiple-entry visas and are valid from the date of entry.
Travelers can complete the tourist visa application online before traveling or use the electronic kiosks available at the airport. After completing the application, travelers follow the payment procedure and then proceed to the immigration counter with their passport and required documents. The Department of Immigration also provides an electronic travel authorization/online application process.
Nepal Tourist Visa Fees
| Tourist Visa Duration | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| 15 Days | USD 30 |
| 30 Days | USD 50 |
| 90 Days | USD 125 |
Tourist visas can generally be extended in Nepal, subject to immigration regulations. The Department of Immigration currently states that tourist visas can be extended up to a maximum combined stay of 150 days in a visa year, with an extension fee of USD 3 per day and a minimum extension period of 15 days.
Passport Validity
Travelers should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months before traveling to Nepal. The Nepal Department of Immigration specifically lists six months as the required passport validity for tourist visa applicants.
Countries Without Visa on Arrival
Visa-on-arrival restrictions apply to citizens of certain countries. The Department of Immigration currently lists Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland), Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria among nationalities that cannot obtain a Visa on Arrival and must arrange the appropriate visa in advance.
Indian Travelers and Other Visa-Free Categories
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Nepal also provides certain gratis or visa-fee exemptions to eligible travelers, including specific SAARC citizens and other categories under current immigration rules. Travelers should verify their individual eligibility before departure.
Trekking Permits in Nepal
A Nepal trekking permit is not identical for every trekking destination. The documentation depends on whether your itinerary passes through a national park, conservation area, restricted zone, or another regulated region.
For restricted trekking areas, a Special Trekking Permit must be obtained through the Department of Immigration. Nepal Tourism Board states that trekkers must carry their permit during the trek and present it to immigration officials or police when requested. Travelers must also remain within the specified permitted route.
This makes it important to determine the exact route before calculating your Nepal trekking permit cost.
Restricted Area Trekking Permit Fees
The current official Nepal Tourism Board schedule includes the following restricted-area permit rates:
| Restricted Trekking Region | Current Permit Information |
|---|---|
| Upper Mustang | USD 50 per person per day |
| Upper Dolpo | USD 50 per person per day |
| Manaslu Restricted Area | USD 100/person/week, Sept–Nov; USD 75/person/week, Dec–Aug, with additional daily fees |
| Tsum Valley | USD 40/person/week, Sept–Nov; USD 30/person/week, Dec–Aug, with additional daily fees |
| Nar Phu / Manang | USD 100/person/week, Sept–Nov; USD 75/person/week, Dec–Aug, with additional daily fees |
| Humla | USD 50/person/week, plus additional daily fee |
| Kanchenjunga / Taplejung | USD 20/person/week for first four weeks; USD 25/week thereafter |
| Makalu / Sankhuwasabha | USD 20/person/week for first four weeks; USD 25/week thereafter |
| Lower Dolpo | USD 20/person/week, plus additional charges beyond the initial period |
| Mugu | USD 100/person/week, plus additional daily fee |
These rates are based on the current Nepal Tourism Board restricted-area schedule. Permit fees can vary according to season, trekking duration, route, and designated restricted-area boundaries, so travelers should confirm the exact fee applicable to their itinerary before departure.
TIMS Card for Nepal Trekking
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) is an important part of Nepal's trekking safety and registration system.
Under the current TIMS provisions, many major trekking routes require trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and to obtain a TIMS card through a registered trekking agency. The Nepal Tourism Board specifically lists routes in the Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Mustang, Dolpo, and other regions under the applicable provisions.
Current TIMS Fees
| Trekker Category | TIMS Fee |
|---|---|
| SAARC Citizens | NPR 1,000 |
| Other Foreign Trekkers | NPR 2,000 |
The current TIMS system is issued electronically by registered trekking agencies, with an e-card and QR code generated after the required registration and payment process.
National Park and Conservation Area Entry Fees
Many famous Nepal trekking routes enter protected areas. Therefore, trekkers may need to pay a national park entry fee or conservation area entry fee in addition to TIMS and, where applicable, restricted-area permits.
Current Nepal Tourism Board information lists the following foreign visitor fees:
| Protected Area | Foreign Visitor Fee |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park | NPR 3,000 |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 |
| Makalu-Barun National Park | NPR 3,000 |
| Shey-Phoksundo National Park | NPR 3,000 |
| Rara National Park | NPR 3,000 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 |
| Gaurishankar Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 |
| Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve | NPR 3,000 |
| Kanchenjunga Conservation Area | NPR 2,000 |
| Api-Nampa Conservation Area | NPR 2,000 |
| Chitwan National Park | NPR 2,000 |
| Bardia National Park | NPR 1,500 |
| Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park | NPR 1,000 |
Children below 10 years are listed as free for the protected-area entry fees shown by Nepal Tourism Board. Fees are normally charged per person per entry, and travelers should verify the latest official rate before beginning their journey.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
The Everest Base Camp Trek requires appropriate trekking documentation, including the applicable TIMS and protected-area/route fees. Everest trekking routes fall within the Sagarmatha region, and the Nepal Tourism Board lists Everest Base Camp and related routes among those requiring a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS under the current provisions.
For trekkers joining our Everest Base Camp Trek, Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition assists with the required trekking documentation and explains the costs before departure.
Annapurna Trekking Permits
Popular routes including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Trek, Poon Hill Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek can involve different combinations of TIMS and protected-area or restricted-area permits.
The Annapurna Conservation Area currently has a foreign visitor entry fee of NPR 3,000 per person per entry according to Nepal Tourism Board information.
Routes entering restricted areas, such as Nar Phu, may require an additional special trekking permit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is different from many standard trekking routes because part of the route falls within a restricted area.
Trekkers may require:
TIMS card
Manaslu Conservation Area entry permit
Restricted-area trekking permit
Licensed trekking guide
Additional permits according to the exact itinerary
The restricted-area fee for the Manaslu region is currently USD 100 per person per week during September–November and USD 75 per person per week from December–August, with additional daily charges after the initial week.
Langtang Valley Trek Permits
The Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, Tamang Heritage Trek, Ganja La Trek, and other routes in the region have specific documentation requirements.
The Langtang region is listed among the trekking areas where a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS apply under the current provisions. Langtang National Park entry for foreign visitors is NPR 3,000 per person per entry.
Upper Mustang Trek Permit
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal's most distinctive restricted-area trekking experiences. It requires a special restricted-area trekking permit in addition to the other applicable trekking documentation.
The current Nepal Tourism Board schedule lists the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit at USD 50 per person per day.
Because Upper Mustang has special entry regulations, trekkers should arrange their permits through an authorized trekking agency before entering the restricted region.
Upper Dolpo Trek Permit
The remote Upper Dolpo Trek also falls under Nepal's restricted trekking regulations. The current official schedule lists the Upper Dolpo restricted-area permit at USD 50 per person per day.
Depending on the itinerary, trekkers may also need the appropriate protected-area entry permit and TIMS documentation.
Peak Climbing and Mountain Expedition Permits
Travelers planning a Nepal peak climbing or Himalayan expedition need additional documentation beyond ordinary trekking permits.
Depending on the mountain and expedition, requirements can include:
Peak climbing permit
Mountaineering royalty
National park or conservation-area entry permit
TIMS or applicable trekking documentation
Restricted-area permit where applicable
Expedition liaison and administrative requirements
Climbing route and camp documentation
Insurance and emergency-support arrangements
The exact permit and royalty depend on the mountain, elevation, climbing route, season, nationality, and expedition category. Nepal Tourism Board confirms that mountaineering royalties must be paid through the applicable government or authorized mountaineering channels before an expedition.
Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition provides permit and logistical assistance for climbing destinations such as Mera Peak, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, Chulu West, Naya Khang, Pisang Peak, Singa Chuli, Ama Dablam, and other Himalayan climbing objectives.
What Documents Should Trekkers Prepare?
Before traveling to Nepal, international trekkers should normally prepare:
Valid passport
Nepal tourist visa or visa-on-arrival documentation
Passport-size photograph where required
Trekking itinerary
TIMS card where applicable
National park entry permit
Conservation area permit
Restricted-area trekking permit where applicable
Peak climbing or expedition permit where applicable
Travel and rescue insurance appropriate for the itinerary
The exact documents depend on the route.
How Unique Sherpa Trek Helps With Nepal Trekking Permits
At Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., we believe that good preparation begins before you enter the mountains. Our team helps travelers understand the documentation required for their particular itinerary and coordinates the necessary trekking logistics.
Our permit-support services can include:
Nepal tourist visa information
Trekking permit arrangements
TIMS card assistance
National park entry permits
Conservation-area permits
Restricted-area trekking permits
Peak climbing permit coordination
Expedition documentation support
Licensed Sherpa trekking guides
Porter arrangements
Domestic flight and transportation coordination
Accommodation and trekking logistics
Trekking itinerary planning
Emergency and rescue-support coordination
With extensive Himalayan experience, our team helps make the administrative side of your Nepal adventure clearer and more organized.
Why Trek With Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition?
Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is a Nepal-based trekking and mountaineering company providing trekking, peak climbing, expedition, tour, and customized Himalayan adventure services.
Our experienced local Sherpa team combines mountain knowledge with practical knowledge of Nepal's trekking routes, permits, local communities, accommodation, transportation, and Himalayan conditions.
Whether you are planning an Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Mera Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing, or a major Himalayan expedition, we can help you prepare the appropriate documentation and trekking logistics.
Latest Nepal Trekking Permit Information
Nepal's immigration, trekking, protected-area, and mountaineering regulations can be updated by the relevant authorities. Therefore, permit fees should not be treated as permanently fixed prices. Unique Sherpa Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. checks the applicable requirements for the selected itinerary and provides travelers with the relevant permit information before their trek.
For official updates, travelers should verify information with the Department of Immigration Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board before departure.
