Nepal's permit system exists for good reasons: it funds trail maintenance, conservation, and emergency infrastructure in some of the world's most remote mountain environments. Understanding exactly which permits you need, where to obtain them, and what they cost will save you money, time, and the embarrassment of being turned back at a checkpoint. This guide covers every permit relevant to Nepal's major trekking routes in 2025.

The TIMS Card

The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for virtually every trekking route in Nepal outside restricted areas. It functions as a registration system that allows authorities to track trekker movements for safety purposes — if you go missing in the mountains, the TIMS database is the first resource search-and-rescue teams consult.

TIMS Card Cost 2025

The current fees are NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) for group trekkers booking through a registered Nepal trekking agency, and NPR 4,000 (approximately USD 30) for independent trekkers. Free Independent Trekkers (FITs) pay the higher rate. The card is available at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap, Pradarshani Marg) and Pokhara, and at certain trekking association offices. Most reputable agencies include the TIMS fee in their package price.

Where TIMS Is Checked

TIMS checkpoints are positioned at the entry points of all major trekking regions. On the EBC route, the card is checked at Lukla, Monjo, and several points further up the valley. On the Annapurna region routes, it is checked at Birethanti for Poon Hill and ABC routes, and at Besisahar for the Circuit. Carry your TIMS card accessible — fumbling through your pack at every checkpoint becomes tedious quickly.

National Park and Conservation Area Permits

Most of Nepal's iconic trekking routes pass through either a national park or a conservation area, each requiring its own entry permit separate from the TIMS card.

Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)

The EBC trek, Gokyo Lakes trek, and Three High Passes trek all pass through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entry permit costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately USD 23). It is available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the park entrance checkpoint in Monjo. Your agency will typically arrange this in advance. You will be asked to show it at the Monjo checkpoint — not having it at this point means you cannot proceed.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill treks all require the ACAP permit, which funds conservation work in the Annapurna region — one of Nepal's most biodiverse areas. The current fee is NPR 3,000 per person. It is obtainable at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the ACAP office in Birethanti at the trek's starting point.

Langtang National Park

The Langtang Valley trek enters Langtang National Park, which also requires a separate permit at NPR 3,000 per person. Available at the park entrance near Syabrubesi or at the NTB office in Kathmandu.

Manaslu Conservation Area

The Manaslu Circuit passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, requiring a permit at NPR 3,000. However, because the route also enters a restricted zone (see below), the restricted area permit carries far higher costs and replaces much of this fee's logistical significance.

Restricted Area Permits

Several of Nepal's most rewarding trekking regions carry restricted area status, requiring special permits issued through the Department of Immigration. These regions typically border Tibet or contain particularly sensitive cultural and ecological environments. A licensed guide is mandatory for all restricted area treks — independent trekking is not permitted.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

Upper Mustang is the most expensive restricted area permit in Nepal: USD 500 for the first ten days, and USD 50 for each additional day. This fee is deliberately high to limit visitor numbers and protect the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Lo Manthang kingdom. The permit is worth every dollar — fewer than 5,000 trekkers per year enter Upper Mustang, compared to 30,000+ on the EBC trail.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

The Manaslu Circuit's restricted section requires a permit costing USD 100 for the first week and USD 15 per additional day. In combination with the Manaslu Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000) and TIMS card, the total permit cost for a fourteen-day circuit runs approximately USD 130-150 plus the ACAP fee for the Dharapani section at the end.

Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit

Kanchenjunga's restricted area permit costs USD 10 per day per person, with a minimum group requirement of two trekkers. A twenty-day Kanchenjunga trek therefore incurs USD 200 in restricted area permits per person. Despite the cost, visitor numbers remain very low — the sheer remoteness of the region limits demand more effectively than the permit price.

Dolpo, Humla, and Other Restricted Areas

Additional restricted areas include Dolpo (USD 500 for ten days in Lower Dolpo, USD 500 for ten days in Upper Dolpo), Humla (USD 90 per week), and Api-Nampa. These regions are for experienced high-altitude trekkers and require fully supported expeditions with registered agencies.

The Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee

Introduced in 2021, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entrance fee of NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) applies to all trekkers entering the Khumbu region. It is collected at checkpoints in Lukla or Monjo. This fee is separate from the Sagarmatha National Park permit and supports local infrastructure and community development in the Khumbu valley. Trekkers who already have the national park permit must still pay this additional fee.

Peak Climbing Permits

For trekking peaks — Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche East, and similar — a separate peak climbing permit is required from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Island Peak costs USD 250 in spring (March-May) and USD 125 in autumn. Mera Peak costs the same. These fees cover the NMA's search-and-rescue infrastructure and mountain environment management. A climbing guide and proper technical gear are mandatory alongside the permit.

Obtaining Permits Through an Agency

The simplest approach — and the one that virtually eliminates permit-related headaches — is to book through a registered Nepal trekking agency. A reputable agency handles all permit applications before you depart Kathmandu, presents them at every checkpoint, and resolves any issues that arise. The permit costs are typically included transparently in the package price. When evaluating agency quotations, confirm exactly which permits are included and request an itemised breakdown.

What Happens Without the Right Permits

Checkpoints on Nepal's major trekking routes are staffed and enforced. Trekkers found without the required permits are turned back — sometimes after already completing several days of walking. Some checkpoints have the ability to sell on-the-spot permits for standard routes (national park, ACAP) but not for restricted area or TIMS. There is no grace period or fine-and-continue system. The checkpoint staff are polite, firm, and consistent. Save yourself the frustration: sort your permits before you start walking.