Nepal Trekking Permits Guide 2026: ACAP, TIMS & Everything You Need

Nepal Trekking Permits at a Glance: What You Need and Where

Nepal trekking permits are the first thing you need to sort before you lace up your boots. Which permits you require depends entirely on where you trek — there is no single universal pass. The system changed significantly in recent years: the old TIMS card has been phased out in most regions, national park entry fees have been consolidated, and restricted areas like Upper Mustang now use a per-day pricing model instead of the old flat-rate structure. This guide gives you the current 2026 picture — costs, where to apply, what documents to carry, and the specific rules for Indian nationals travelling on SAARC rates.

Whether you are heading to Everest Base Camp, trekking the Annapurna Circuit, or considering one of the restricted-area routes, bookmark this page — it is the only permit reference you will need for your Nepal trek in 2026.

Quick Reference: Permits by Trekking Region

Region / Trek	Permits Required	Cost (Foreigner)	Cost (SAARC/Indian)
Annapurna (ABC, Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi Himal)	ACAP	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,000
Everest / Khumbu (EBC, Gokyo, Three Passes)	Sagarmatha NP Permit + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit	NPR 3,000 + NPR 2,000	NPR 1,500 + NPR 2,000
Langtang Valley / Gosaikunda	Langtang NP Permit	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,500
Manaslu Circuit	MCAP + Manaslu RAP + Chumnubri local fee	NPR 3,000 + USD 100 (peak) / USD 75 (off-peak) + NPR 2,000	NPR 1,000 + USD rates apply + NPR 2,000
Upper Mustang	ACAP + Upper Mustang RAP + Annapurna NP Permit	NPR 3,000 + USD 50/day	NPR 1,000 + USD 50/day
Upper Dolpo	Shey Phoksundo NP Permit + Upper Dolpo RAP	NPR 3,000 + USD 500 (10 days) then USD 50/day	Reduced NP rate + USD rates apply
Kanchenjunga	Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit + RAP	NPR 2,000 + USD 20/week	Reduced rate + USD rates apply
Most other open trekking areas	TIMS Card (where still applicable)	NPR 2,000	NPR 2,000

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ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the primary Nepal trekking permit for the entire Annapurna region. It covers every major trail in this zone — Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and Mardi Himal. Every trekker entering the Annapurna Conservation Area must carry a valid ACAP regardless of which route they take or how short their visit is.

What the ACAP Covers

• Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek
• Annapurna Circuit (full and partial)
• Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek
• Mardi Himal trek
• Khopra Ridge trek
• Upper Mustang (in conjunction with the Restricted Area Permit)

ACAP Cost (as of March 2026)

• Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals (including Indians): NPR 1,000 per person
• Nepali citizens: NPR 100 per person

Where to Get the ACAP

The ACAP is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). You can obtain it at:

• Kathmandu: NTNC office, Khumaltar (Lalitpur)
• Pokhara: NTNC/ACAP counter at the Nepal Tourism Board office near the Lakeside area
• Online: The NTNC launched an e-permit system in October 2024 — you can apply at the NTNC portal and pick up or download the permit before you trek
• Through your trekking agency: Any registered Nepali agency can arrange this on your behalf

Documents Needed

• Valid passport (original + photocopy)
• One recent passport-sized photograph
• Payment in NPR (cash or card at counters)

The revenue from ACAP funds trail maintenance, teahouse infrastructure, conservation projects, and community development across the Annapurna region — one of the largest protected areas in Asia.

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Sagarmatha National Park Permit — Everest Region

If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, the Three High Passes, or any trail in the Khumbu valley, you need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the permit fee goes directly toward protecting one of the world’s most iconic mountain ecosystems.

Sagarmatha NP Permit Cost (as of March 2026)

• Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person
• Nepali citizens: NPR 100 per person

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

This is an additional local entry permit required for all trekkers entering the Khumbu region — it replaced the TIMS card in this area. As of March 2026, the fee is NPR 2,000 for all foreign and SAARC nationals. It was introduced to fund local infrastructure, schools, and emergency response services in the Solukhumbu district.

Together, the two Everest-region permits cost foreign nationals NPR 5,000 in total (approximately USD 37).

Where to Get the Sagarmatha Permit

• Nepal Tourism Board office, Exhibition Road (Pardarshani Marg), Kathmandu
• Sagarmatha National Park entry gate in Monjo (for trekkers flying directly to Lukla)
• Through your trekking agency — most organized packages include this

If you fly to Lukla and head straight up the trail, you can pick up both permits at the park gate in Monjo. However, getting them in Kathmandu beforehand saves time at the gate, especially during peak season (March–May and October–November).

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TIMS Card — Current Status in 2026

The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card has been a source of confusion since 2023. Here is the clear picture as of March 2026:

Where TIMS Is No Longer Required

• Annapurna region: TIMS was discontinued here. The ACAP alone suffices.
• Everest/Khumbu region: Replaced by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit since 2017 (fee increased to NPR 2,000 in 2024).
• All restricted areas: Restricted Area Permits replace TIMS requirements in Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga.

Where TIMS Is Still Required

TIMS cards remain applicable for open trekking areas not covered by a national park or conservation area permit — for example, certain routes in the Dhaulagiri, Rolwaling, or Tamang Heritage Trail regions. The Nepal Tourism Board has indicated a gradual phase-out of TIMS in favour of area-specific permits, but check current requirements for your specific route if you are trekking off the main circuits.

TIMS Card Cost (where still applicable)

• Through a registered trekking agency: NPR 2,000 per person
• Individual trekkers (without an agency): NPR 2,000 per person

TIMS cards are issued at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap), the TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) office in Pokhara, and through registered trekking agencies.

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Restricted Area Permits — Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo & Kanchenjunga

Certain regions of Nepal are classified as restricted areas — they require a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to any national park or conservation area permit. These areas border Tibet or contain sensitive ecosystems and communities. RAPs must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency; individual trekkers cannot apply directly to the Department of Immigration.

Upper Mustang — The Forbidden Kingdom

Upper Mustang is the most visited restricted area in Nepal. A major policy shift happened in November 2025: the old USD 500 flat-rate permit for 10 days was replaced with a USD 50 per day model. This change was announced alongside the opening of the Korala Border crossing between Upper Mustang and Tibet.

What this means for trekkers:

• A 5-day restricted-area visit now costs USD 250 (previously USD 500 for the same trip)
• A 10-day visit costs USD 500 — the same as before
• Visits longer than 10 days are more expensive than the old per-day rate of USD 50

Full permit stack for Upper Mustang (as of March 2026):

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 50 per person per day
• ACAP: NPR 3,000 (foreigner) / NPR 1,000 (SAARC)
• Annapurna National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (foreigner)

Other requirements: Minimum group of 2 non-Nepali trekkers, licensed Nepali guide mandatory. Solo trekking is not permitted.

Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s most rewarding treks — a full circuit around the world’s eighth-highest mountain through remote Tibetan-influenced villages. It requires multiple permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):
  • Peak season (September–November): USD 100 per person for the first week, USD 15 per day after
  • Off-peak (December–August): USD 75 per person for the first week, USD 10 per day after
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 (foreigner) / NPR 1,000 (SAARC)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality local fee: NPR 2,000 per person

The Manaslu RAP requires a minimum group of 2 people and a licensed guide. The permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo

Upper Dolpo is one of Nepal’s most remote and least-visited regions — a high-altitude plateau with ancient Bon monasteries and the famous Shey Gompa. It demands serious logistics and higher permit costs:

• Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day
• Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (foreigner)
• Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (if entering through Lower Dolpo): USD 20 per week, USD 5 per additional day

Minimum group size: 2 people. Licensed guide mandatory. This is a permit-intensive, high-cost destination best suited to experienced trekkers and expedition groups.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Kanchenjunga treks — both north and south base camp routes — require:

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit: NPR 2,000 per person
• Restricted Area Permit: USD 20 per person per week

As with other restricted areas, a licensed guide and group of at least 2 are mandatory.

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Langtang National Park Permit

The Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda Lake, and Helambu treks all fall within Langtang National Park. This is one of the more accessible and affordable trekking regions — a solid choice for trekkers with limited time who want genuine Himalayan scenery within a few hours of Kathmandu.

Langtang NP Permit Cost (as of March 2026)

• Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person (inclusive of VAT)
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person
• Nepali citizens: NPR 100 per person

Permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and at the park entry checkpost at Dhunche (Syabru Besi area). No TIMS card is required for Langtang.

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How to Get Your Nepal Trekking Permits

There are three practical ways to obtain Nepal trekking permits, each with trade-offs in time, convenience, and cost.

Option 1: Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu (Most Comprehensive)

The NTB office at Bhrikutimandap, near Thamel, is the one-stop location where you can get TIMS cards, Sagarmatha NP permits, and general trekking permits. It is open Sunday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and cash (NPR preferred, though cards are accepted at some counters). Processing typically takes 30–60 minutes if you arrive with all documents ready. During peak season (October–November, April–May), budget for a longer queue.

Option 2: Pokhara Permit Counters

For Annapurna-region treks, Pokhara is the logical base. The NTNC/ACAP counter near the Lakeside area issues ACAP permits directly. The NTB Pokhara office also handles TIMS cards. This is the best option for trekkers flying direct to Pokhara without stopping in Kathmandu.

Option 3: Through a Registered Trekking Agency (Easiest)

The vast majority of trekkers use a registered agency to handle all permits. This is the only legal route for restricted area permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga) — the Department of Immigration will not process these directly for individuals. For standard permits, agencies charge a small service fee (typically NPR 500–1,000) on top of the official permit cost, but save you the time and hassle of queuing at government offices. Our Nepal trekking packages include all necessary permits in the stated price — nothing is left for you to arrange on arrival.

Option 4: Online / E-Permit (Limited Availability)

Since October 2024, the NTNC operates an online e-permit system for ACAP and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit). Check the NTNC portal for current availability. Most other permits still require in-person collection or agency processing.

Processing Time

• Standard permits (ACAP, Sagarmatha, Langtang): Same day
• Restricted Area Permits: 2–5 working days through an agency; the Department of Immigration processes these in batches
• Online ACAP/MCAP: Instant confirmation; pick up at checkpoint or print

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Nepal Trekking Permits for Indian Nationals

Indian trekkers benefit from SAARC-rate pricing, which is significantly cheaper than the standard foreign national rate for national park and conservation area permits. Here is what you need to know if you are planning a Nepal trip from India.

SAARC Rates vs Foreign Rates

• ACAP: NPR 1,000 (vs NPR 3,000 for other foreigners)
• Sagarmatha NP: NPR 1,500 (vs NPR 3,000)
• Langtang NP: NPR 1,500 (vs NPR 3,000)
• Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP): NPR 1,000 (vs NPR 3,000)

Note: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) fees for Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, and Kanchenjunga are quoted in USD and apply equally to all foreign nationals including SAARC — there is no SAARC discount on RAPs.

Documents for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. For trekking permits, you can use either:

• Valid Indian passport (most convenient — accepted everywhere)
• Voter ID card (accepted at most permit counters, though a passport is strongly recommended for restricted area permits)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs

If you are trekking a restricted area, carry your passport — voter ID may not be accepted at the Department of Immigration for RAP processing.

Best Time to Visit and Trekking Season

The permit system operates year-round, but the best trekking seasons in Nepal are October–November and March–May. Note that the Manaslu RAP fee structure has a peak-season premium (September–November). If cost is a factor for restricted-area treks, the off-peak rate (December–August) saves you USD 25 on the first week.

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Full Cost Summary — Nepal Trekking Permits 2026

Region / Permit	Foreigner Cost	SAARC / Indian Cost	Notes
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area)	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,000	Required for all Annapurna treks
Sagarmatha NP (Everest region)	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,500	UNESCO World Heritage Site
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit (Everest)	NPR 2,000	NPR 2,000	Local municipality fee; replaced TIMS in this region
Langtang National Park	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,500	Covers Langtang, Gosaikunda, Helambu
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP)	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,000	Required alongside RAP
Manaslu RAP — Peak Season (Sep–Nov)	USD 100 (first week) + USD 15/day	Same USD rates apply	Min. 2 people + licensed guide
Manaslu RAP — Off-Peak (Dec–Aug)	USD 75 (first week) + USD 10/day	Same USD rates apply	Min. 2 people + licensed guide
Chumnubri Local Fee (Manaslu)	NPR 2,000	NPR 2,000	Paid at entry to region
Upper Mustang RAP	USD 50/day	USD 50/day	Changed from USD 500/10 days in Nov 2025
Upper Dolpo RAP	USD 500 (10 days) + USD 50/day after	Same USD rates apply	Most expensive permit in Nepal
Shey Phoksundo NP (Dolpo)	NPR 3,000	Reduced rate	Required for Upper Dolpo
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area	NPR 2,000	Reduced rate	Required alongside RAP
Kanchenjunga RAP	USD 20/week	Same USD rate applies	Min. 2 people + licensed guide
TIMS Card (open areas, where applicable)	NPR 2,000	NPR 2,000	Being phased out; check for your specific route

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Nepal Visa: What Indian Nationals Should Know

A quick note worth including here: Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens of all other SAARC countries and most other nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at land border crossings. For a detailed breakdown, see our Nepal visa guide for Indian visitors.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal Trekking Permits

Do I need a licensed guide to trek in Nepal?

For open trekking areas (Annapurna, Everest, Langtang), hiring a guide is not legally mandatory — you can trek independently. However, for all restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga), a licensed Nepali guide is a legal requirement. The government enforces this at permit checkpoints. Beyond the legal requirement, guides add real value: they handle permit paperwork, navigate route changes, communicate with local teahouses, and provide safety support in an emergency.

Can I get trekking permits at the trailhead?

For some permits — notably the Sagarmatha National Park permit (available at the Monjo gate) and Langtang NP permit (available at the Dhunche checkpost) — yes, you can get the permit at the entry gate. However, this is not recommended during peak season, when queues can be long and delays set you back half a day. For ACAP, get it in Pokhara before you start. For all restricted area permits, you must obtain them in Kathmandu before you reach the trailhead — no trailhead issuance exists for RAPs.

What happens if I lose my permit on the trail?

Nepal has permit checkpoints throughout major trekking routes — losing your permit can result in fines or being turned back at a checkpoint. Keep a digital photograph of every permit on your phone. If you lose a permit, head to the nearest park office or checkpoint and explain the situation; replacement procedures exist but vary by permit type. Your trekking agency can provide copies of permit records for restricted area permits.

Are permits included in organized trekking packages?

Standard permits (ACAP, Sagarmatha, Langtang, MCAP) are almost always included in organized trek packages. Restricted Area Permits are also typically included for specific tours like Upper Mustang treks, since RAPs must be processed through a registered agency anyway. Always confirm the exact inclusions before booking — ask for a permit cost breakdown in writing.

Can I get permits if I trek solo without an agency?

For open trekking areas (Annapurna, Everest, Langtang), yes — individual trekkers can get their own ACAP, Sagarmatha, or Langtang permits directly from NTB offices or NTNC counters without booking through an agency. For restricted areas, you cannot. The Department of Immigration only issues RAPs through registered trekking agencies. You will need to at minimum book a guide through an agency, even if you do not want a full package.

Do children need permits?

Yes — all trekkers entering national parks or conservation areas, regardless of age, require a permit. The standard rates apply for foreign nationals. Some national parks have reduced rates for children; check at the NTB office when applying. For restricted areas, all group members including children require a RAP.