There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a trekking permit in Nepal. First, trekkers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Nepal. Second, trekkers must have a valid visa for Nepal. Third, trekkers must provide a photocopy of their passport photo page as well as a passport-sized photo. Finally, trekkers must provide an itinerary detailing their planned route.
In order to trek in Nepal, foreigners must obtain different trekking permits, which can vary depending on the region. Similarly, costs can also vary. One must go through some steps to obtain the trekking permits. Let’s take a closer look at how to get a trekking permit in Nepal!
A TIMS card is mandatory for 44 trekking routes in Nepal. It covers all regions, national parks/ conservation areas, and restricted areas, except the Everest region. When applying for the card, trekkers must provide their personal details, trek itinerary, and emergency contact information. These details allow local authorities to track trekkers’ whereabouts and regulate tourism.
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If the trekking route passes through a national park or a conservation area, trekkers must also obtain the entry permit. These permits help the government to regulate tourism to protect the environment and the wildlife. Similarly, it aids in the conservation efforts.
In addition to a TIMS card, solo trekkers may also need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), a special permit required to access certain areas of Nepal. Certain areas of Nepal are considered restricted areas due to geopolitical reasons, and to conserve the natural environment and cultural heritage.
| S.No. | Regions/VDCs | Permit Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Humla: Simikot Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,6, and 7), Namkha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6), Changkheli Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 to 5) | USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person /Day (beyond 10 days) |
| 2. | Upper Dolpa: Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4 to 6), Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7), Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6) | USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person /Day (beyond 10 days) |
| 3. | Gorkha Manaslu Area: Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,2,3 and 4) | September – NovemberUSD 100 per person / weekUSD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) December – AugustUSD 75 per person / weekUSD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 4. | Taplejung: Phantanglung Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 6 and 7), Mikwakhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5), Sirijunga Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8) | USD 50 per person / week USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 5. | Dolakha: Gaurishankhar Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 9), Bighu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) | USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 6. | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area: Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-ChuleChumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 3,6, and 7) | USD 20 per person/ week USD 5 per person /week ( beyond 1 week) |
| 7. | Manang: Narpa Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5), Nasho Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 6 and 7) | USD 20 per person/ week |
| 8. | Sankhuwasabha: Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5), Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4) | September – NovemberUSD 40 per person / weekUSD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week) December – AugustUSD 30 per person / weekUSD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 9. | Sankhuwasabha: Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4) | USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 10. | Solukhumbu: Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5) | USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 11. | Rasuwa: Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 and some area of ward no. 2) | USD 20 per person /week |
| 12. | Manang: Narpa Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)Nasho Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 6 and 7) | September – November USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)December – August USD 75 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 13. | Bajhang: Saipal Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5) | USD 90 per person / week for the first week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 14. | Mugu: Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9) | USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 15. | Darchula: Vyas Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) | USD 90 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
$1799 $1,520
per person
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$1628 $1,448
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Reach 5,416m/ 17,764ft in 16 Days
Nepal trekking permits can be obtained by either visiting the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or a Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara. The process of applying for the permit is quite simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Take a look at the required documents for obtaining trekking permits in Nepal:
Trekking permits must be applied for several weeks before the planned trek. It is important to note that trekking permits should not be applied for too far in advance as they are only valid for up to 4 weeks from the date of issue. Therefore, it is important to apply for a trekking permit at least 4 weeks in advance, to give plenty of time for the permit to arrive, in case the process gets delayed. Additionally, Restricted Area Permits must be obtained in person, so they must be applied for at least 2 weeks in advance, to ensure that the permit has been approved and issued by the time the trek begins.
The costs of a TIMS card are as follows:
The national park/ conservation area entry permit costs can vary from $8 to $25 per person. Children below the age of ten are usually eligible for free entry. Also, trekkers who are trekking across multiple national parks or conservation areas must obtain entry permits for all of them accordingly.
The costs of RAP can vary depending on the area and the number of days you will be in the area. The cost usually ranges from $20 to $500 per person.
Note: These permits must be obtained in person, and the fee is non-refundable.
Read More about Nepal Visa And Entry Process
The trekking permits are valid for a single entry into Nepal’s protected areas for a period of up to 4 weeks. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are valid for 30 days and a duration of 30 days. All permits must be carried with the trekkers for the duration of the trek and presented when requested.
It is important to note that trekking in protected areas of Nepal without a valid permit is a serious offence. Trekkers who are caught trekking without a valid permit may be subject to a fine or other disciplinary action. Additionally, trekkers who are caught trekking without a valid permit may be prevented from completing the trek if they are unable to obtain a valid permit or purchase insurance cover for their trek.
Read about: Manaslu Trekking Permit In Nepal
As of April 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has made it compulsory for all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide and obtain a TIMS card. Whether you are an individual trekker or in a group, you must hire a government-registered guide. Solo trekking is banned in Nepal. Therefore, solo trekkers cannot obtain trekking permits without the assistance of a registered trekking agency. Up until the date of this article’s publication, only the Everest region is exempt from this rule.
Each year, there are an estimated 10 to 15 trekking fatalities, while 40 to 50 trekkers go missing. Hence, to ensure the safety of trekkers during the journey, the tourism board and the Nepal government made these latest rule changes. The new rule also helps promote sustainable tourism and protect the clean, natural beauty of trekking areas. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice, hiring a guide has become mandatory.
Hiring a guide helps to make the trek journey safer and also more enriching. Hiring a porter is not mandatory, but it is highly advisable. Porters help to reduce physical strain on trekkers and make the trip more comfortable. Usually, the guides and porters are locals to the trekking regions, so they have in-depth knowledge about the region. Thus, they will provide local expertise, which further enriches your trekking experience. Hiring them provides guides and porters with employment. Thus, it uplifts their livelihood and contributes to the local economy. So, trekking with a guide and porter is the best way to enjoy safe and enjoyable trekking in Nepal, regardless of the rules.
Follow these simple tips for a hassle-free trekking experience in Nepal:
Trekking in Nepal requires a trekking permit and possibly a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), depending on the trekkers’ chosen route. All trekkers must obtain their permit several weeks in advance and carry it with them. Trekking without a valid permit is a serious offense and can result in fines or disciplinary action. With the right documents and knowledge, anyone can plan their perfect peak climbing adventure in Nepal. If you need assistance with acquiring trekking permits in Nepal, CoreTreks representatives will help you apply on your behalf.
Reach us at info@coretreks.com for more information.
