Trekking permits are compulsory for all international travelers, whether he/she is in a group or solo. Trekking permit costs vary depending on the trekking areas and permit types. One should obtain several permits, depending on their trekking destinations.
TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
National Park permit
Conservation area permit
Restricted area permit
These permits are issued by different Government bodies and associations such as the Nepal Tourism Board(NTB), Trekking Agencies of Association of Nepal (TAAN), the Department of Immigration Office, and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Nepal Trekking Permit Fees for 2024
TIMS Card Cost
A TIMS card is mandatory for all foreigners trekking in Nepal. But its cost varies based on whether you are solo or in a group as well as nationality.
For Foreigner
Group trekker: NRP 1000 (About USD 8)
Individual Trekker: NRP 2000 (About USD 15)
For SAARC Countries
Group trekker: NRP 300
Individual Trekker: NRP 600
Require documents to get TIMS Card: Passport Details, trip itinerary, and 2 passport-size photo
National Park Permit Fees in Nepal
National Park Permit fees in Nepal vary according to the specific National Park regions. There are 12 National Parks, one hunting reserve, and one wildlife reserve. region, with its own set of permit fees. Here, these National Parks are breakdown along with permit fees:
National Park/ Wildlife reserves | For foreigners | For SAARC countries |
Chitwan National Park | NRP 2000 | NRP 1000 |
Sagarmatha National Park | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Langtang National Park | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Bardiya National Park | NRP 1500 | NRP 750 |
Banke National Park | NRP 1500 | NRP 750 |
Khaptad National Park | NRP 1500 | NRP 500 |
Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park | NRP 1000 | NRP 600 |
Rara National Park | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Parsa National Park | NRP 1500 | NRP 750 |
Makalu-Barun National Park | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Shey-Phoksundo National Park | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Shuklaphanta National Park | NRP 1500 | NRP 750 |
Dhorpatan hunting reserves | NRP 3000 | NRP 1500 |
Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserves | NRP 1500 | NRP 750 |
Conservation Area Permit Fees in Nepal
Similar to National Park permit fees, Conservation area permit fees are also designated on respective to six conservation areas in Nepal. These 6 Conservation areas of Nepal are breakdown along with their permit cost:
Conservation Areas of Nepal | For foreigners | For SAARC countries |
Annapurna Conservation Area | NRP 3000 | NRP 1000 |
Gaurishankar Conservation Area | NRP 2000 | NRP 1000 |
Manaslu Conservation Area | NRP 3000 | NRP 1000 |
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area | NRP 3000 | NRP 500 |
Blackbuck Conservation Area | NRP 2000 | NRP 500 |
Api Nampa Conservation Area | NRP 2000 | NRP 500 |
Restricted Area Permit ( Special Permits)
A restricted area permit (RAP), also known as a special permit applies to both FIT (Free Individual Trekkers) and group trekkers. These 'Restricted Areas' or ‘Controlled Areas’ are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal, and Solo travelers are strictly prohibited from entering these areas.
Restricted Areas and Permit Fees in Nepal
Restricted Areas in Nepal | Permit Fees |
Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa | USD500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person/Day ( beyond 10 days) |
Manaslu Area | September – November USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 75 per person/week USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Tsum Valley Area | September – November USD 40 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 30 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Narphu Valley | 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) |
Humla | USD 50 per person/week USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Taplejung | USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
Lower Dolpa Area | USD 20 per person/week USD 5 per person /day ( beyond 1 week) |
Lapche Valley and Tashi Lapcha Pass (Dolakha) | USD 20 per person/week |
Makalu Area (Sankhuwasabha) | USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
Thame and Tashi Lapcha Area ( Solukhumbu) | USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks) |
Saipal Himal Area (Bajhang) | USD 90 per person/week for the first week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Rasuwaghat and Thuman Area (Rasuwa) | USD 20 per person/week |
Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality(Mugu) | USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Api and Nampa Himal Area( Darchula) | USD 90 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
FAQs
Are trekking permits mandatory in Nepal?
Yes, trekking permits and guides are mandatory for all international travelers in Nepal
What if someone goes on a trek without a TIMS card or guide?
If any of the trekkers are found trekking without a guide or TIMS card is fined Rs12,000.
Who are SAARC Countries?
8 South Asian Countries are SAARC countries. They are Nepal, India, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Is a trekking permit required for children?
No permits are required for children below 10 years old.
What are the documents required for a Restricted Area Permit in Nepal?
The required documents for a Restricted Area Permit in Nepal are:
Original passport or identity card
Two passport-size photo
Travel itinerary
National Park/ Conservation Area permit