Ultimate Guide to Trekking Permits in Nepal (2025)

3rd Sep, 2025

- annapurnaencounter

Planning a trek in Nepal? Besides sturdy boots and a sense of adventure, one of the most important things you need is the right trekking permits. Nepal’s trekking regions are divided into conservation areas, national parks, rural municipalities, and restricted zones — each requiring specific permits.

This guide will walk you through all the major permits you’ll need, including ACAP, MCAP, National Park Permits, Rural Municipality Fees, and Restricted Area Permits (RAP).

Why Do You Need Trekking Permits in Nepal?

• To support conservation projects and local communities.

• To regulate trekking in sensitive areas.

• To ensure safety and security in border regions.

• To promote sustainable tourism in Nepal’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Where required: Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal, Khopra Ridge, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Nar Phu Valley (along with RAP).

• Fee: USD 30 per person (NPR 3,000).

• Special Note: Only ACAP is required in the Annapurna region (no local municipality permit).

2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• Where required: Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley.

• Fee: USD 30 per person.

• Usually combined with: Manaslu RAP + ACAP + Local Rural Municipality Permit.

3. National Park Entry Permits

Nepal has several trekking regions inside national parks.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit

  • Required for: Everest Base Camp, Three Passes, Gokyo, Ama Dablam, Island Peak.

  • Fee: USD 30 per person (NPR 3,000).

• Langtang National Park Permit

  • Required for: Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda, Helambu (partly).

  • Fee: USD 30 per person (NPR 3,000).

• Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit

  • Required for: Dolpo Region treks.

  • Fee: USD 30 per person (NPR 3,000).

4. Rural Municipality Fees

Introduced to replace TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), these fees are collected by local municipalities.

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee

  • Required for all Everest treks.

  • Fee: NPR 2,000 (around USD 20) per person.

• Other local permits

  • Manaslu Region: Rural Municipality Entry Permit (NPR 2,000).

  • Some regions like Upper Mustang and Dolpo also have local collection systems alongside RAP.

5. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Certain border or culturally sensitive areas require a special restricted area permit.

• Must be applied through a registered trekking agency.

• Licensed guide is compulsory.

• Minimum of 2 trekkers required.

Popular Restricted Areas & Fees:

• Upper Mustang: USD 500 per person for 10 days; USD 50 each additional day.

• Upper Dolpo: USD 500 per person for 10 days; USD 50 each additional day.

• Lower Dolpo: USD 20 per person per week.

• Manaslu: USD 100 per week (Sep–Nov), USD 75 per week (Dec–Aug); additional USD 15 per day.

• Tsum Valley: USD 40 per week (Sep–Nov), USD 30 per week (Dec–Aug).

• Humla (Simikot–Hilsa border): USD 50 for 7 days; USD 7 per additional day.

📊 Quick Comparison Table of Trekking Permits in Nepal

✅ Important Updates (2025)

• TIMS Card is no longer required for any trekking region.

• Rural Municipality Fees have replaced TIMS in most areas.

• Only ACAP is required in Annapurna (no separate local permit).

Final Thoughts

Navigating Nepal’s trekking permits may sound confusing, but it’s straightforward once you know your region. At Annapurna Encounter, we arrange all necessary permits for you so you can focus on the adventure itself.

Whether you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, or restricted gems like Upper Mustang and Manaslu, we’ve got you covered with professional guidance and hassle-free arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking Permits in Nepal (2025)

1. Where can I get trekking permits in Nepal?

Most permits are issued either in Kathmandu or Pokhara at government offices. Conservation and national park permits are also available at entry checkpoints. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are only issued through registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu.

2. Do I still need a TIMS card in 2025?

No. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) has been discontinued. Instead, local municipalities (such as Khumbu Pasang Lhamu) now collect their own entry fees.

3. Can I trek solo with a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)?

No. Trekking in restricted areas like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, or Manaslu requires:

• A minimum of two trekkers

• A licensed trekking guide

• RAP issued through a registered trekking agency

4. How much time does it take to issue trekking permits?

• ACAP, MCAP, and National Park Permits: Can be issued instantly at offices or checkpoints.

• Rural Municipality Permits: Paid on the spot at checkpoints.

• Restricted Area Permits (RAP): Usually take half a day to process through the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

5. Can I get trekking permits in Pokhara?

Yes. For Annapurna treks (ABC, Circuit, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani), the ACAP permit is available in Pokhara. However, Restricted Area Permits (e.g., Upper Mustang, Manaslu) must be arranged in Kathmandu.

6. How much do permits cost for Everest Base Camp?

For Everest, you need:

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit: USD 30 (NPR 3,000)

• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee: NPR 2,000 (about USD 20)
  👉 Total: Around USD 50 per person.

7. Which treks require Restricted Area Permits (RAP)?

The most popular restricted treks are:

• Upper Mustang

• Upper Dolpo & Lower Dolpo

• Manaslu Circuit

• Tsum Valley

• Humla (Simikot–Hilsa border)

8. Can I get a refund if I cancel my trek?

No. Trekking permits in Nepal are non-refundable and non-transferable once issued.

9. Do Nepali citizens or SAARC nationals need the same permits?

• Nepali citizens: No trekking permits required.

• SAARC nationals: Often get discounted rates for conservation and national park permits (e.g., ACAP, Langtang NP). Restricted Area Permits usually cost the same as for other foreigners.

10. Do children need trekking permits?

Yes. All foreign trekkers, regardless of age, must have the required permits. Children usually pay the same fee as adults.