Almost every trek in Nepal crosses a national park, a conservation area or a local municipality that charges an entry fee. Some remote regions also need a special restricted area permit. It sounds complicated, but once you book, we handle all of it.
The three kinds of permit
- Area entry permits for national parks and conservation areas, such as Sagarmatha National Park or the Annapurna Conservation Area
- The TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System), which records who is on which trail
- Restricted area permits for border regions such as Manaslu and Upper Mustang
Permits by trek
| Trek | Permits usually needed |
|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes | Sagarmatha National Park permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee |
| Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Annapurna Circuit | Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card |
| Langtang Valley | Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card |
| Manaslu Circuit | Manaslu restricted area permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area permit |
| Upper Mustang | Upper Mustang restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area permit |
| Chitwan safari | Chitwan National Park entry, paid for each day in the park |
Restricted areas: Manaslu and Upper Mustang
Some regions near the border with Tibet are open to foreign visitors only with a restricted area permit. These can’t be bought independently: they must be applied for through a government-licensed trekking agency, you must trek with a licensed guide, and there must be at least two trekkers in the group.
The Upper Mustang permit is charged for a minimum period of ten days, with an extra daily charge after that, which is why trips there cost more. The Manaslu permit price depends on the season.
What we need from you
- A clear scan or photo of your passport’s photo page
- Your Nepal visa details once you arrive
- Passport photos, if the permit office asks for them (we can print these in Kathmandu)
- Your travel insurance details and an emergency contact
On the trail
Permits are checked at checkpoints along the route, sometimes several times a day. Your guide carries the group’s permits, but keep a copy of your passport with you. Rules for guides changed in 2023: in most national parks and conservation areas, foreign trekkers must now walk with a licensed guide.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Explore this trip →Permit questions
Can I trek Manaslu or Upper Mustang on my own?+
No. Restricted area permits are only issued through a licensed agency, to groups of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide. If you’re travelling alone, ask us about joining a group departure.
Are permits included in the trip price?+
Yes. Every permit and entry fee your itinerary needs is listed under what’s included on the trip page.
How long do permits take?+
Area permits and TIMS cards are issued in a day. Restricted area permits need your passport details and a few working days, so we start the paperwork as soon as you book.
Do I need a TIMS card for Everest?+
The Everest region uses the local municipality entry fee instead of the TIMS card. We arrange whichever your route needs.
What happens if I lose my permit?+
Tell your guide straight away. Checkpoint staff can usually confirm your details from their records, and we keep copies of every permit in our office.