Overview
Essential guide to all trekking permits required in Nepal: TIMS cards, National Park entrance permits (Sagarmatha, Langtang, Chitwan), ACAP (Annapurna), and Special Restricted Area Permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Upper Dolpo).
Planning Guide
Nepal's protected mountains and cultural heritage sanctuaries require specific government permits before entry. The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for mountain safety and search-and-rescue registration. Popular regions such as Annapurna, Sagarmatha (Everest), and Langtang require Conservation Area or National Park Entry Permits. Sensitive frontier regions bordering Tibet—such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, and Upper Dolpo—require Special Restricted Area Permits issued only through licensed trekking agencies with mandatory certified guides.
Key Points
Planning Details
Duration
Permit validity spans 1 to 30+ days depending on the trekking region
Difficulty
Very Easy - administrative paperwork
Best Season
Year-round
Estimated Cost
USD 20 - 500+ depending on whether open park or restricted border zone
Accessibility
Counters fully wheelchair accessible in Kathmandu & Pokhara
📅Best Time
Permits are issued year-round; government counters in Kathmandu and Pokhara open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except major public holidays).
📋Logistics
Permits can be obtained in person at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara (Damside), through registered trekking agencies, or at park entrance checkpoints (where permitted with cash surcharge).
💡Important Tips
- •Carry at least 4-6 passport-sized photographs and multiple photocopies of your passport and Nepal visa
- •Restricted area permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo) MUST be applied through a government-registered trekking agency
- •Always keep physical permit originals in a waterproof zip-lock pouch in your daypack; digital photos on phones are often rejected at remote military checkpoints
- •Never trek without the required permits—checkpoints impose a 100% fine plus retroactive permit fees or deportation from the conservation area
- •Confirm whether your trekking guide has up-to-date insurance and credentials before departing Kathmandu or Pokhara
- •Pay permit fees in cash (Nepalese Rupees or USD depending on counter); credit card terminals at checkpoints frequently lose cellular connection