Trek Guide

Nepal Trekking Permits Explained 2026: Every Permit You Need

TIMS, ACAP, Sagarmatha, Khumbu, restricted-area permits — Nepal's trekking permit system explained simply. Which permits each region needs, what they…

By Travel Himalaya Nepal · May 11, 2026

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Every Nepal trek needs permits; the combination depends on the region — your agency normally arranges them all. The TIMS card (~$15) is the baseline; conservation/national-park permits add ~$22 each . Budget roughly $35–45 for a standard Annapurna or Everest…

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Nepal's permit system, simplified

Every trek in Nepal requires permits, and the combination depends on where you go. Here is the complete, plain-English breakdown for 2026. Your agency normally arranges all of these — but it helps to understand what you are paying for.

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The TIMS card

The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is the baseline permit for most trekking areas, costing around NPR 2,000 (~$15). It registers your trek for safety and is checked at trail checkpoints.

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Conservation Area & National Park permits

ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Area ): ~NPR 3,000 ($22) — covers all Annapurna treks (ABC, Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi). Sagarmatha National Park (Everest): ~NPR 3,000 ($22). Khumbu Rural Municipality fee (Everest): ~NPR 3,000 ($23) — replaced the old TIMS in…

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Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Some regions require special, costlier permits and a registered guide plus a minimum group of two: Upper Mustang: $50 per person per day (about $500 for a 10-day trek). Manaslu: from $100/week (Sep–Nov), less off-season. Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo…

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How to get them

Most permits are issued in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board) or Pokhara. Restricted-area permits can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency — you cannot get them as a solo independent trekker. You'll need passport copies and passport photos…

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What your trek actually needs — by region

Permits are easier to understand per trek than per permit, because the combinations differ and one region does not use TIMS at all. The Everest exception is the one people get wrong. TIMS was withdrawn in the Khumbu and replaced by the local municipality…

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The guide rule, and what it means for permits

Since April 2023 foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, and this is now enforced rather than advisory. In practice that means your permits come through a registered agency whichever region…

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The bottom line

Budget about US$38 for an Annapurna trek, US$46 for Everest, and US$250 or more for a restricted area like Manaslu or Upper Mustang. Confirm which permits your specific route needs before you pay for anything, and let a registered agency file them — which…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

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