What permits do I need to trek in Nepal?
नेपालमा पदयात्राका लागि कुन अनुमतिपत्र चाहिन्छ?
Park and conservation area fees for Nepalis, SAARC nationals and foreigners, the TIMS card and restricted-area permits, from Nepal Tourism Board figures.
- Cost
- NPR 100 to NPR 3,000
- Per park entry, depending on nationality. Foreigners also pay NPR 2,000 for TIMS on listed routes.
- How long
- Same day
- Where
- Tourist Service Center, Nepal Tourism Board
- Last checked
- 8 Oct 2026
- Against the official source
What it is
Most popular treks in Nepal pass through a national park or conservation area, which charges an entry fee per person per entry. The fee depends on your nationality: Nepalis pay around NPR 100, SAARC nationals a middle rate and other foreigners the most.
Foreign trekkers on the main routes also need a TIMS card and a licensed guide, both arranged through a government-registered trekking agency since 31 March 2023. Treks into restricted areas such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu need a separate permit from the Department of Immigration.
Who needs it
- Anyone trekking in a national park, conservation area or restricted area, including Nepali citizens, who pay a lower entry fee.
What you need
- Official
Park or conservation area entry permit
Paid at the entry point or at the Tourist Service Center in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
- Official
TIMS card, for foreign trekkers on listed routes
Issued only through a government-registered trekking agency. NPR 2,000, or NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
- Official
Restricted-area permit, for routes in restricted zones
Issued by the Department of Immigration. See the restricted-area permit page.
- Official
Passport, or citizenship for Nepali trekkers
How it works
- 1
Check your route
Find out which park or conservation area your trek passes through, and whether it's on the Nepal Tourism Board's list of routes that need a licensed guide and TIMS card.
- 2
Book a registered agency if you're a foreigner on a listed route
The agency arranges your licensed guide and buys the TIMS card online. You can't buy a TIMS card for a listed route yourself.
- 3
Pay the park or conservation area fee
At the entry gate or at the Tourist Service Center in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 enter free.
- 4
Carry your permits
Checkpoints along the trail ask to see them.
Where to go
Tourist Service Center, Nepal Tourism Board
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
ntb.gov.np
Cost and time
- Official fee
- NPR 100 to NPR 3,000
- Per park entry, depending on nationality. Foreigners also pay NPR 2,000 for TIMS on listed routes.
- Processing time
- Same day
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sagarmatha (Everest), Langtang, Makalu-Barun, Rara, Shey-Phoksundo | NPR 3,000 foreigner, NPR 1,500 SAARC, NPR 100 Nepali |
| Annapurna, Manaslu, Gaurishankar conservation areas | NPR 3,000 foreigner, NPR 1,000 SAARC, NPR 100 Nepali |
| Kanchenjunga conservation area | NPR 2,000 foreigner, NPR 500 SAARC, NPR 100 Nepali |
| Chitwan National Park | NPR 2,000 foreigner, NPR 1,000 SAARC, NPR 150 Nepali |
| Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park | NPR 1,000 foreigner, NPR 600 SAARC, NPR 100 Nepali |
| TIMS card, listed routes | NPR 2,000 foreigner, NPR 1,000 SAARC |
Common problems
Do Nepali citizens need a TIMS card?
The TIMS card is charged to foreign and SAARC trekkers. Nepalis pay only the park or conservation area entry fee, usually NPR 100.
Is a TIMS card needed for Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The Nepal Tourism Board lists Everest Base Camp, Gokyo and the Three Passes among the routes that need a licensed guide and TIMS card.
Are there local fees on top?
Some local governments charge their own fee, such as Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality on the way to Everest. Ask your agency for the full list for your route.
Can I pay in dollars?
Park and conservation fees are set in rupees. Carry rupees for the entry points.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
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