In Nepal, trekkers are free to go trekking alone or in groups of any size. However, the government of Nepal has tight regulations over some trekking areas referred to as “Restricted Areas,” wherein FITs are outright prohibited. Only those who have a permit from the Department of Immigration are permitted to trek in these areas.
Interested trekkers ought to get in touch with the accredited trekking organizations, which may then apply for permits at the Department of Immigration on their behalf after completing all the required paperwork. Trekkers must go on their treks with a certified trekking guide in a group of at least two people.An individual trekker is not eligible to apply for a permit.
The costs for obtaining a trekking permit vary depending on the route taken.
There are several charges (trekking permit fees) associated with various routes for obtaining the permits. Although the permit charge is indicated in US dollars but is payable in Nepali Rupees. After the visa’s expiration date, no trekking permit is granted. For this reason, trekkers need to have a valid visa that extends beyond the number of days required for their planned trip.
Conditions to be followed by Trekkers as per Department of immigration of Nepal
- Trekkers should respect local customs and traditions and must not indulge in any activity that goes against the established norms and culture of the society.
- Individual trekking in Restricted Areas is strictly forbidden. There should be minimum two trekkers.
- Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizen accompanying travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.
- Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change route. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
- Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in trekking zone (Restricted Area).
- Mountaineers with expedition permit should get trekking permit as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.
Authorised agencies can apply for trekking permits along with following documents
- Online application form (trekkers)
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
- Name lists of trekkers
- Program Schedule of trekking
- Guarantee letter of Agency
- Agreement with Agency
- Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
- Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
- License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
- License issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
- Program schedule of trekking
- Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
- Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits
TREEKING PERMIT FEE AS PER DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION
| S.No. | Regions | Permit Fee |
| 1. | Upper Mustang
|
USD500 per person (for the first 10 days)
USd 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| 2. | Upper Dolpa
|
USD500 per person (for the first 10 days)
USD 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| 3. | Gorkha Manaslu Area
Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,2,3 and 4) |
September – November
USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
December – August 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
Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule
|
September – November
USD 40 per person / week USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
December – August 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
Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5)
|
USD 20 per person/ week (for the first 4 weeks)
USD 25 per person /week ( beyond 4 weeks) |
| 11. | Rasuwa
Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 and some area of ward no. 2) |
USD 20 per person /week |
| 12. | Manang
|
September – November
USD 100 per person / week USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)
December – August 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
Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9) |
USD 100 per person / week
USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
| 15. | Darchula
Vyas Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1) |
USD 90 per person / week
USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) |
Note: In the case of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa Region if the royalty paid for mountain expedition is less than the fee for trekking permit then the difference amount should be paid.
- NATIONAL PARK / CONSERVATION AREAS PROJECT PERMITS
When trekking in Nepal, it’s important to be aware of the National Park and Conservation Area fees. These fees are mandatory for entry into various protected areas, including popular trekking regions such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region), and Langtang National Park. The fees contribute to the preservation of Nepal’s natural heritage, support local communities, and help maintain the trekking infrastructure. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits before starting your trek, as they are required at various checkpoints along the trails.
- TIMS PERMIT
The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is a permit required for trekkers in Nepal to ensure safety and manage the flow of trekkers in various trekking regions. It helps authorities keep track of trekkers in case of emergencies. Here’s what you need to know about TIMS:
| Trekker | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Non-SAARC trekker | NPR 2,000 / US$17 |
| SAARC trekker | NPR 1,000 / US$7.50 |
One can obtain this permit from Nepal Tourism Board office or TAAN office located at Kathmandu.
- RURAL MUNICIPALITY FEES
Certain rurual municipalities have enforced the requirement for trekkers to obtain a permit in order to trek inside their boundaries. These permits are provided at the trek’s beginning.
Where to get it: In the Everest region, you can pick up this permit at the checkpoints of the rural
municipalities like Lukla.
Cost of Permit:
For the Everest Region, NPR 2,000 per trekker
For the Makalu Region, NPR 2,000 per trekker