CoreTreks 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 a trekking permit, which costs $30 USD for solo trekkers and $56 USD for groups of 2 or more trekkers. The cost of the permit includes a $2 conservation fee and a $2 TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card fee. The trekking permit is valid for a single entry into Nepal’s protected areas for a period of up to 4 weeks.
What are the types of travel permits you need in Nepal?
In order to trek in Nepal, foreigners must obtain a trekking permit from either the Nepalese Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or from a Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara. These permits cost $30USD for solo trekkers and $56USD for groups of two or more. Along with the costs of the permit, $2USD will be added for a conservation fee and $20USD for a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
In addition to a trekking permit, solo trekkers may also need to apply for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is a special permit that is required to access certain areas of Nepal. This permit must be approved and obtained in person at either the Department of Immigration or a Nepal Tourism Board office. The RAP is valid for 30 days and a duration of 30 days and costs $20USD per person.
Trekking Permit Fee Details
| S.No. | Regions/VDCs | Permit Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Upper Mustang: Lomanthang Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no.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. | 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 50 per person / week USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 5. | 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 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 6. | Lower Dolpa Area: Thulibheri municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)Tripurasundari municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 3)Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8 and 9)Jagdulla Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)Mudkechula Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9)Kaike Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7) | USD 20 per person/ week USD 5 per person /week ( beyond 1 week) |
| 7. | Dolakha: Gaurishankhar Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 9)Bighu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) | USD 20 per person/ week |
| 8. | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area: Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-ChuleChumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 3,6 and 7) | 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) |
How do you get a trekking permit in Nepal?
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 relatively straightforward. All trekkers are required to provide a photocopy of their passport photo page and passport-sized photo along with the application. Additionally, trekkers must provide an itinerary that details their planned route for the trek. Upon successful application and payment of the fee, the permit will be issued electronically.
When should you apply for a permit 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.
What are the costs associated with permits?
Trekking permits cost $30USD for solo trekkers and $56USD for groups of two or more. This fee includes a $2USD conservation fee and a $2USD Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card fee. For trekkers who are planning to visit areas of Nepal that require the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the cost is $20USD per person. These permits must be obtained in person and the fee is non-refundable.
How long are the permits valid for?
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.
What are the consequences for not having a permit in Nepal?
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 the trekkers are unable to obtain a valid permit or purchase insurance cover for their trek.
Read about: Manaslu Trekking Permit In Nepal
To Wrap Up
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 all trekkers must carry the permit with them while trekking. Trekking without a valid permit is a serious offense and can result in fines or other 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.
