Trekking in Nepal requires permits for most trekking regions, including the popular trekking circuits like Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and many others. To stay updated on the latest permit requirements, always check official sources like www.timsnepal.com as regulations can change. In this article, we’ll cover the essential trekking permits, the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) cards, and the costs for climbing permits.
Types of Trekking Permits in Nepal
When planning a trek in Nepal, trekkers need to obtain various permits, depending on the region and whether the trek is in a restricted area. The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is a mandatory permit for most trekkers.
- Blue TIMS Card: Issued to trekkers who are going with a licensed Nepalese trekking agency. The fee for the Blue TIMS card is USD $10.
- Green TIMS Card: Issued to independent trekkers who do not hire a trekking agency. The Green TIMS card costs USD $30 per person.
Restricted Area Permits
Some remote and restricted trekking areas in Nepal require special permits that must be obtained through a registered trekking agency. These include regions like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Nar-Phu Valley, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Rara Lake, and others. Always check with Bhrikuti Mandap or online to ensure the latest permit requirements as they can change.
Here’s the information in a chart format for easier comparison:
| S.No. | Region/VDCs | Permit Fee |
| 1. | Upper Mustang | USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person/day (beyond 10 days) |
| 2. | Upper Dolpa | USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days) USD 50 per person/day (beyond 10 days) |
| 3. | Gorkha Manaslu Area | Sept–Nov: USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) Dec–Aug: USD 75 per person/week USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 4. | Humla | USD 50 per person/week USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 5. | Taplejung | USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks) |
| 6. | Lower Dolpa Area | USD 20 per person/week USD 5 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 7. | Dolakha | USD 20 per person/week |
| 8. | Gorkha Tsum Valley Area | Sept–Nov: USD 40 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week) Dec–Aug: USD 30 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 9. | Sankhuwasabha | USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks) |
| 10. | Solukhumbu | USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks) USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks) |
| 11. | Rasuwa | USD 20 per person/week |
| 12. | Manang | Sept–Nov: USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) Dec–Aug: USD 75 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 13. | Bajhang | USD 90 per person/week (for the first week) USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 14. | Mugu | USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
| 15. | Darchula | USD 90 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
Notes:
Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa have additional rules regarding the payment difference if the royalty for a mountain expedition is lower than the trekking permit fee.
Climbing Permits for Expedition Peaks
If you’re planning to climb one of Nepal’s famous peaks, you will need to obtain a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). There are two categories of climbing peaks: Group A and Group B. Here are the details:
Group A: Major Expedition Peaks
These peaks are higher and generally require more technical climbing skills.
| Peak | Region | Height | March-May | Sept-Nov | Dec-Feb | June-Aug |
| Cholatse | Khumbu | 6,440m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Kyazo Ri | Mahalangur | 6,186m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Phari Lapcha | Mahalangur | 6,017m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Langsisa Ri | Jugal | 6,427m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Lobuje West | Khumbu | 6,145m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
For Group A peaks, the fee is USD $500 for the first 1-7 climbers, with an additional USD $100 for each climber over 7 (up to a maximum of 12 climbers).
Group B: Less Technical Peaks
These peaks are generally easier to climb and are more suited for intermediate climbers.
| Peak | Region | Height | March-May | Sept-Nov | Dec-Feb | June-Aug |
| Mera Peak | Khumbu | 6,470m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Island Peak | Khumbu | 6,160m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Pisang Peak | Manang | 6,091m | $250 | $125 | $70 | $70 |
| Singu Chuli | Annapurna | 6,501m | $400 | $200 | $100 | $100 |
For Group B peaks, the permit costs USD $350 for the first 1-4 climbers, with USD $40 per person for 5-8 climbers, and USD $25 for 9-12 climbers. There’s also a garbage deposit fee of USD $250, refundable when you deposit the waste at the designated area.
National Park Entry Fees in Nepal
Many trekking regions in Nepal fall within national parks or conservation areas, which require entry permits. These permits are essential for accessing famous trekking routes like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang.
- Entry Fee: The current national park entry fee ranges from NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,400.
- Where to Obtain: You can obtain the permits at the Bhrikuti Mandap Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu or directly at the entry gates of most parks.
If you’re unsure of your trekking route, it’s possible to pay the fee at the park entrance, but it’s recommended to obtain your permits in advance to avoid delays.
Important Notes on Trekking and Climbing Permits:
- Climbing Teams: The maximum number of members in a climbing team is 15.
- Permit Variations: Fees for some climbing peaks, especially newly opened peaks, may change, so always check the latest information.
- Garbage Management: For all expedition peaks, a garbage deposit is mandatory, which will be refunded once you return with the garbage to the designated depot.
Conclusion
Whether you are trekking to the base camp of Everest, climbing the popular peaks like Mera or Island Peak, or exploring the remote regions of Nepal, obtaining the correct trekking and climbing permits is crucial. Always ensure you check the latest permit requirements and fees before your trip. For a smoother trekking experience, consider obtaining permits in Kathmandu or through your trekking agency to avoid delays at entry points.