Nepal Trekking Permits 2026: Costs, Rules and What’s Changed
Nepal trekking permit costs depend on the route. Most national park and conservation area permits cost NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers. Where TIMS applies, it adds NPR 2,000. Restricted area treks such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo need an extra Restricted Area Permit, which costs much more.
For Everest Base Camp you need the Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (NPR 3,000). TIMS is not used in the Khumbu. For Annapurna treks you need ACAP (NPR 3,000) and TIMS (NPR 2,000).
A licensed guide is required on most major trekking routes, and restricted area permits can only be arranged through a registered trekking agency. MountainKick arranges and includes all required permits in its trek packages.
- Everest Base Camp: Sagarmatha National Park permit NPR 3,000 plus Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit NPR 3,000. No separate TIMS card in practice.
- Annapurna (ABC, Circuit, Poon Hill): ACAP NPR 3,000 plus TIMS NPR 2,000
- Langtang: Langtang National Park permit NPR 3,000 plus TIMS NPR 2,000
- TIMS: NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, where it applies
- Licensed guide: Required on most major routes, and always on restricted area treks
- Restricted area permits: Arranged only through a registered agency via the Department of Immigration
- Upper Mustang: USD 50 per person per day since November 2025, no minimum
- Upper Dolpo: USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day
- Manaslu: Solo trekkers can get the permit since March 2026. A licensed guide is still required.
- Online permits: Available for Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area permits through the NTNC e-permit portal
- Children under 10: Generally exempt from national park and conservation area entry fees
Permit rules in Nepal have changed more since 2023 than in the decade before. The licensed guide rule now applies to most major routes. Manaslu no longer requires two trekkers for the permit as of March 2026. Upper Mustang moved to a daily fee in November 2025. And online processing is now available for some conservation areas.
If your permit information comes from a blog written before 2024, parts of it are probably out of date. This guide covers what you actually need for each trek in 2026.
Nepal Trekking Permits Overview 2026 (All Major Routes)
| Trek | Main permits | Approx. permit cost (foreign trekkers) |
|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | Sagarmatha NP permit + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit | NPR 6,000 |
| Annapurna Base Camp / Circuit | ACAP + TIMS | NPR 5,000 |
| Langtang Valley | Langtang NP permit + TIMS | NPR 5,000 |
| Manaslu Circuit | Manaslu RAP + MCAP + ACAP + local fee | USD 75 to 100 for the first week depending on season, then USD 10 to 15/day, plus NPR 6,000 and local fee |
| Tsum Valley | Tsum RAP + MCAP | USD 30 to 40 for the first week depending on season, then USD 7/day, plus NPR 3,000 |
| Nar Phu Valley | Nar Phu RAP + ACAP | USD 75 to 100 for the first week depending on season, plus NPR 3,000 |
| Kanchenjunga Circuit | Kanchenjunga RAP + KCAP | USD 20 per week plus NPR 2,000 |
| Upper Mustang | Upper Mustang RAP + ACAP | USD 50 per day plus NPR 3,000 |
| Rara Lake | Rara NP permit | NPR 3,000 |
All permits for MountainKick treks are arranged and included in the package price. You don’t need to organise anything yourself. The table is here so you can compare total trip costs across operators.
What Changed in Nepal Trekking Permits: 2026 Update
1. The licensed guide rule now applies to most major routes
A licensed guide is required on most major trekking routes covered by Nepal’s current trekking rules, including Annapurna and Langtang. On restricted area treks such as Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang and Dolpo, a licensed guide is a condition of the permit.
In the Khumbu, local authorities have pushed back on the rule and enforcement has been patchy. Our guide on whether you need a guide to trek in Nepal explains where things stand region by region.
2. TIMS and the Khumbu
Where TIMS applies, it costs NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. It’s issued through a registered trekking agency.
The Khumbu is different. The Nepal Tourism Board’s national TIMS page still lists Everest routes under the 2023 TIMS rules. But the Khumbu runs its own local permit system. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality issues its own trek card, and current Khumbu permit information does not require a separate TIMS card. In practice, TIMS isn’t issued or checked on the Everest Base Camp route.
For EBC planning, follow the current Khumbu checkpoint requirements through your registered trekking agency. MountainKick arranges whatever your route actually requires.
On restricted area treks, you need a Restricted Area Permit from the Department of Immigration on top of your park or conservation area permit. TIMS requirements can differ by route, so check the current rule for your itinerary. On the Manaslu Circuit, TIMS is not required.
3. Upper Mustang moved to a daily fee
In November 2025 the government replaced the old Upper Mustang fee of USD 500 for the first 10 days with USD 50 per person per day. You now pay only for the days you actually spend in the restricted area. Upper Dolpo hasn’t changed and is still USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day.
4. Manaslu no longer requires two trekkers for the permit
Since 22 March 2026, a single foreign trekker can get a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit through a registered trekking agency. The licensed guide rule still applies, so this doesn’t mean you can trek without a guide.
5. Online permits are now available
NTNC offers online processing for conservation area permits, including Annapurna and Manaslu. After you pay online, the permit is emailed to you and can be retrieved with your passport details. Permits are non-transferable, and you need to carry them with your passport throughout the trek.
Standard vs Restricted Area Trekking Permit Costs in Nepal
Standard park and conservation area permits are cheap. Restricted area permits can cost hundreds of dollars per person.
| Cost level | Trek | Main permits | Guide required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower cost | Annapurna Base Camp / Circuit | ACAP + TIMS | Yes |
| Lower cost | Langtang Valley | Langtang NP permit + TIMS | Yes |
| Lower cost | Everest Base Camp | Sagarmatha NP permit + Khumbu permit | Yes, though enforcement varies |
| High | Manaslu Circuit | RAP + MCAP + ACAP + local fee | Yes (restricted area) |
| Highest | Upper Mustang | RAP (USD 50/day) + ACAP | Yes (restricted area) |
| Highest | Upper Dolpo | RAP (USD 500 for 10 days) + Shey Phoksundo NP | Yes (restricted area) |
How Much Do Trekking Permits Cost in Nepal in 2026?
- Standard treks (Annapurna, Langtang): NPR 3,000 entry permit plus NPR 2,000 TIMS
- Everest Base Camp: NPR 3,000 park permit plus NPR 3,000 Khumbu permit
- Restricted area treks (Manaslu, Tsum, Nar Phu, Kanchenjunga): roughly USD 20 to 100+ for the restricted area permit, plus park or conservation area fees
- Upper Mustang: USD 50 per person per day, usually several hundred dollars depending on how long you stay
- Upper Dolpo: USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day
These are permit costs only. A licensed guide usually costs USD 30 to 40 per day if you hire one separately. With a MountainKick package, the guide and all permits are already included.
Permit Types Explained
National Park and Conservation Area Permits
Most trekkers entering a national park or conservation area need the relevant entry permit. Children under 10 are generally exempt.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest region): NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Covers Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill and all other Annapurna region routes.
- Langtang National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Needed for the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley.
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP): NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers
- Rara National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers
- Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit (Dolpo region): NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers
ACAP and MCAP can be applied for online through the NTNC e-permit portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np.
Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
Restricted Area Permits are issued by the Department of Immigration. MountainKick arranges them through the required agency process.
Requirements for all restricted area permits:
- Arranged through a registered Nepalese trekking agency
- Licensed guide required
- Valid Nepal tourist visa
- Passport and trekker details
- Permit carried throughout the trek
| Region | RAP cost (foreign trekkers) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manaslu Circuit | USD 100 for the first 7 days (Sep to Nov), USD 75 (Dec to Aug) | Then USD 15/day (Sep to Nov) or USD 10/day (Dec to Aug) |
| Tsum Valley | USD 40 for the first week (Sep to Nov), USD 30 (Dec to Aug) | Then USD 7/day. Paid in addition to the Manaslu RAP if combined |
| Nar Phu Valley | USD 100 for the first 7 days (Sep to Nov), USD 75 (Dec to Aug) | Plus ACAP |
| Kanchenjunga | USD 20 per week for the first 4 weeks, then USD 25 per week | Plus KCAP |
| Upper Mustang | USD 50 per day, no minimum | Since November 2025. Plus ACAP |
| Upper Dolpo | USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day | Plus Shey Phoksundo NP permit |
| Lower Dolpo | USD 25 per week | Plus Shey Phoksundo NP permit |
Local Municipality Permits
Some regions charge local fees that go straight to the municipality:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (Everest region): NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers, NPR 2,000 for SAARC and Chinese nationals. This is the Khumbu’s own trek card, collected at Lukla or Monjo.
- Chumnubri Rural Municipality (Manaslu Circuit): a local fee applies, used for trail maintenance in the lower Manaslu corridor.
Permit Requirements by Trek: Full Breakdown
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Sagarmatha National Park permit: NPR 3,000
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit: NPR 3,000
- TIMS: not used in practice in the Khumbu (see the TIMS section above)
- Licensed guide: required under national rules, though local enforcement varies
Total permit cost: about NPR 6,000 for most foreign trekkers. The same permits cover Gokyo and the Three Passes. See our EBC trek cost breakdown, Gokyo trek cost guide and Everest Three Passes guide, or the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary.
Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek
- ACAP: NPR 3,000
- TIMS: NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers
- Licensed guide: required
Total permit cost: about NPR 5,000 for most foreign trekkers. See the full cost breakdowns for Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.
Langtang Valley Trek
- Langtang National Park permit: NPR 3,000
- TIMS: NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals
- Licensed guide: required
Total permit cost: about NPR 5,000 for most foreign trekkers. See our Langtang Valley trek cost guide.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit needs more permits than almost any other trek in Nepal.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November, then USD 15 a day. From December to August, USD 75 for the first 7 days, then USD 10 a day.
- MCAP: NPR 3,000
- ACAP: NPR 3,000, needed because the route exits into the Annapurna region at Dharapani
- Chumnubri Rural Municipality local fee
- TIMS: not required
- Licensed guide: mandatory
- Solo trekkers: a single trekker can get the permit since 22 March 2026, through a registered agency and with a licensed guide
The total depends on the season and how many days you spend in the restricted area. See our Manaslu Circuit trek cost guide and our Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit comparison.
Tsum Valley Monastery Trek
- Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit: USD 40 for the first week from September to November, USD 30 from December to August, then USD 7 a day
- MCAP: NPR 3,000
- Licensed guide: mandatory
If you combine Tsum with the Manaslu Circuit, you pay both restricted area permits. See our Tsum Valley trek cost guide.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit: USD 100 for the first 7 days from September to November, USD 75 from December to August
- ACAP: NPR 3,000
- Licensed guide: mandatory
Nar Phu is usually combined with the Annapurna Circuit. See our Nar Phu Valley trek cost guide and the Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- KCAP: NPR 2,000
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: USD 20 per week for the first 4 weeks, then USD 25 per week
- Licensed guide: mandatory
See our Kanchenjunga Circuit trek guide and the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek itinerary.
Upper Mustang Trek
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 50 per person per day, no minimum
- ACAP: NPR 3,000
- Licensed guide: mandatory
The restricted area permit is still the biggest single cost on this trek, but it now matches how long you actually stay instead of charging a flat 10 days. See our Upper Mustang trek cost guide.
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake is one of Nepal’s most remote treks but has some of the lowest permit costs, with no restricted area permit.
- Rara National Park permit: NPR 3,000
- TIMS and guide rules depend on the route. Confirm before you go.
See the Rara Lake Trek for full package details.
How to Get Your Nepal Trekking Permits
Through your trekking agency (recommended)
If you trek with a registered agency like MountainKick, permits are handled before the trek starts. You send a passport copy, your visa details and anything else the issuing office needs. We process the park, conservation area, restricted area and municipality permits and include them in your package. You arrive in Kathmandu with nothing to sort out at permit offices.
For restricted area permits, going through an agency is the only legal option.
Trekking with MountainKick? You don’t need to visit any permit office. We handle everything for you.
Arranging permits for non restricted treks yourself
Some park and conservation area permits can be bought in Kathmandu, Pokhara, online or at entry points. TIMS, where it applies, is arranged through a registered trekking agency.
- National park and conservation area permits: from NTB or NTNC offices, entry points, or online for some areas
- NTNC e-permit portal: online permits for Annapurna and Manaslu conservation areas
- Khumbu municipality permit: collected at Lukla or Monjo
- TIMS: through a registered trekking agency
- Restricted area permits: through a registered agency via the Department of Immigration
You need a valid passport, a Nepal tourist visa and payment in NPR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TIMS card for trekking in Nepal in 2026?
On some routes. TIMS applies on Annapurna and Langtang treks, at NPR 2,000 for most foreign trekkers. In the Khumbu, the local municipality runs its own permit system and a separate TIMS card isn’t required in practice, even though the national TIMS page still lists Everest routes. On restricted area treks, requirements differ by route. On the Manaslu Circuit, TIMS isn’t required.
Is a licensed guide mandatory for trekking in Nepal in 2026?
Yes, on most major routes, including Annapurna and Langtang, and always on restricted area treks. In the Khumbu the rule is officially in place, but local authorities have pushed back and enforcement varies. See our guide on whether you need a guide to trek in Nepal.
How much does the Everest Base Camp trekking permit cost in 2026?
About NPR 6,000 for foreign trekkers. That’s NPR 3,000 for the Sagarmatha National Park permit and NPR 3,000 for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. A separate TIMS card isn’t needed in practice.
How much is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit in 2026?
NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR 2,000 for SAARC and Chinese nationals. It’s the Khumbu’s own trek card, collected at Lukla or Monjo, and it’s needed for Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and other Khumbu treks.
How much does an Annapurna trekking permit cost in 2026?
ACAP costs NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers. TIMS adds NPR 2,000, so the total is about NPR 5,000.
What is the most expensive trekking permit in Nepal?
Upper Dolpo, at USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per day. Upper Mustang used to cost the same but moved to USD 50 per person per day in November 2025, charged only for the days you’re there.
Can I get permits on arrival in Nepal?
Restricted area permits must be arranged in advance through a registered agency, so send your passport and trip details before you arrive. Standard permits can usually be bought in Kathmandu, Pokhara, online or at some park entry points.
Are permits included in MountainKick trek packages?
Yes. All required permits are included: park permits, conservation area permits, restricted area permits, TIMS where it applies and local municipality fees.
What happens if I trek without the correct permits?
You can be stopped at a checkpoint, refused entry or made to buy the permit before continuing. Carry your permits and passport and show them when asked.
What is the difference between a restricted area permit and a national park permit?
A national park permit is a standard entry fee anyone can buy. A Restricted Area Permit is issued only by the Department of Immigration, must be booked through a registered agency and requires a licensed guide. Most restricted area treks need both.
Do children need trekking permits in Nepal?
Children under 10 are generally exempt from national park and conservation area fees. Restricted area rules are different, so check the requirements for your route.
Can I trek Nepal independently without a guide in 2026?
Not on most major routes. Annapurna, Langtang and all restricted area treks require a licensed guide. The Khumbu is officially covered too, though enforcement there varies.
A Note on Accuracy
Nepal’s trekking rules can be confusing because national regulations and local checkpoint practice don’t always line up. This is especially true in the Khumbu, where the local municipality runs its own permit system. Permit rules also change more often than most trekking websites update. This guide reflects requirements as of October 2026. Before you trek, check the current rules with your trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board.
Further Reading
- Everest Base Camp Trek Cost 2026
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost 2026
- Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 2026
- Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026
- Upper Mustang Trek Cost
- Do You Need a Guide to Trek in Nepal?
- Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit
- Travel Insurance for Trekking in Nepal
- Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks
- Trekking in Nepal: The Complete Guide
