Permits & Rules

Nepal 2026 trekking rules: a licensed guide is mandatory

Since April 2023, and enforced for 2026, foreign trekkers must trek with a guide from a registered agency on national-park and conservation-area…

By Laxman Rawal · Jun 14, 2026

Read the full story

Key facts From the trail · Annapurna Foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide (through a registered agency) on national-park & conservation-area trails — in force since 1 April 2023 . The TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 (~$15) for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Where the rules differ

Everest (Khumbu): uses the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local permit plus Sagarmatha National Park entry — not TIMS. Restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo): have always required a guide, a minimum of two trekkers, and a pricier special permit.

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What this means for trekkers

Treat a guide as a feature, not a tax. A licensed guide handles navigation, altitude calls, teahouse bookings and emergencies — and the rule channels work to local, insured professionals rather than unregistered freelancers. We are a TAAN-registered agency…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Plan your trek

Upper Mustang Trek — 12 Days

NMA-certified guides · permits sorted · 5,000+ treks since 1998.

From $2400

Plan this trek

Free guide

Get the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide

Permits, costs, seasons and routes — the essentials we send every traveller, plus a free, no-obligation trip quote.

↑ Swipe up

Your free Nepal trek kit

Read the full report and grab the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide — or ask our Pokhara team for a tailored, no-obligation quote.

Read more & get the free guide Plan my trip — free quote Browse Upper Mustang Trek — 12 Days