Permit Fees for Trekking in Nepal

Trekkers are required to have a valid permit for the region they want to trek. These permits may differ from one region to another. Trekkers must have a special permit issued by the Department of Immigration for trekking in restricted areas and other trekking permits for the rest of the regions from authorized associations controlled and supervised by the government.

1. 1. SPECIAL PERMIT FOR RESTRICTED AREAS

Trekkers in Nepal are permitted to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. Some of the trekking regions are categorized as restricted areas that are regulated by the Government of Nepal and FITs are strictly prohibited. Restricted areas are the areas that are highly regulated by the government of Nepal due to close international borders in proximity. Trekkers are required to have a special permit issued by the Department of Immigration. Trekking regions like Mustang, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu are among the restricted areas of Nepal. To obtain the permit, you will need to have at least 2 participants, accompanied by a licensed trekking guide, and need to go through a registered trekking company in Nepal.

Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers should be trekking in a group (minimum of two persons) accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. There are different rates (trekking Permit fees) applicable for different routes to acquire the Permits in restricted areas. Permit fees are quoted in US dollars but payable in Nepali Rupees. A trekking permit is not issued beyond the visa expiration date. Hence, trekkers must have a valid visa for a sufficient number of days covering their trekking schedule.

Trekkers are required to trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change routes or the concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route. Mountaineers with expedition permits should get trekking permits as well if they have to pass through restricted areas to climb peaks.

Note: In the case of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa Region if the royalty paid for mountain expedition is less than the fee for the trekking permit then the difference amount should be paid.

2. 2. NATIONAL PARK / CONSERVATION AREAS PROJECT PERMITS

Most of the trekking regions in Nepal are located either inside national parks or conservation areas. Trekkers are required to obtain these permits for most of the trekking trails in Nepal. FITs are allowed to trek inside the national parks or conservation areas. To obtain a trekking permit for these regions you need to fill up a form and submit it with a copy of your passport and passport size photo attached at the Nepal Tourism Board Office. This permit is issued by Nepal Tourism Board for trekking in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, and Rolwaling regions are some of the notable regions where you will need this permit.

Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu

Permit Cost:

• NPR 3,390 for National Park Permit

• NPR 3,000 for Conservation Area Permit per Trekker

3. TREKKING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TIMS)

Trekkers Information Management System or in short TIMS is a permit implemented jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). TIMS is implemented to ensure trekkers’ safety and security and control illegal trekking. This permit is required in all trekking regions of Nepal apart from the controlled area, where you will need a special permit. Group trekkers will have to obtain Blue TIMS cards by paying a fee of Rs 1,000 per person, while Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) have to get Green TIMS cards by paying a fee of Rs 2,000. Similarly, group trekkers from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 300 for TIMS cards, while FITs from the SAARC region have to pay Rs 600 each.

Although the majority of the trekking regions in Nepal require a TIMS permit, the permit is only valid for the trekking area/route as mentioned in the permit.

Where to get it: Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu

Permit Cost: NPR 2,000 per Trekker

4. RURAL MUNICIPALITY FEES

A few rural municipalities have implemented that trekkers who are trekking inside these areas need a permit. These permits are issued at the starting point of the trek.

Where to get it: You can obtain this permit at the check post of the rural municipalities, such as Lukla, in the Everest region.

Permit Cost:

• NPR 2,000 per trekker for Everest Region

• NPR 2,000 per trekkerfor Makalu Region