Planning Guide
Nepal Trekking Permits & TIMS Card - Complete 2026 Guide
Nepal requires specific permits for every trekking zone. The permit you need depends entirely on where you are going - this guide covers every document, the 2025 fees, and exactly where to obtain them before you hit the trail.
Which permits do I need to trek in Nepal?
Nepal requires trekking permits for all national park and conservation area routes. The two most common are the TIMS card (NPR 2,000) and regional entry permits like ACAP (NPR 3,000). Your guide can handle all applications in Pokhara before the trek.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
The TIMS card is required for most trekking routes in Nepal and functions as a trekker registration and safety record. In an emergency, authorities use TIMS records to locate trekkers on the trail. There are two types:
Green TIMS (Guided)
NPR 2,000
For trekkers with a licensed guide. Rohit arranges this for all his trekkers.
Blue TIMS (FIT / Unguided)
NPR 2,000
For independent trekkers. Same fee, but you obtain it yourself at NTB or TAAN.
Note: Some routes have suspended TIMS in favour of national park entry permits only. Check the current requirement for your specific route before departure.
ACAP - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Required for all treks within the Annapurna Conservation Area - including Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge, and the Annapurna Circuit. See the full ACAP permit details for exact costs, office hours, and required documents.
ACAP Entry Fee (Foreigners)
Nepal Tourism Board / Pokhara ACAP office (Damside)
NPR 3,000
The ACAP can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu (Tourist Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap) or at the ACAP office in Pokhara at Damside (near the Phewa Lake south end). Processing takes 30–60 minutes with a passport photo and a copy of your passport biodata page.
Sagarmatha National Park - Everest Base Camp Entry
Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires entry into Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The permit is checked at Monjo checkpoint before Namche Bazaar.
Sagarmatha NP Entry (Foreigners)
Kathmandu NTB or at park entrance in Monjo
NPR 3,000
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
The Manaslu Circuit passes through a restricted area and requires a special permit. This must be arranged through a registered agency - it cannot be obtained independently at an office. A minimum group size of 2 trekkers is required.
Peak Season (Sep–Nov)
$100 / week
Per person. Minimum 2 trekkers required.
Off-Season (Dec–Aug)
$75 / week
Per person. Minimum 2 trekkers required.
Manaslu also requires a Manaslu Conservation Area permit (NPR 3,000) and a Manaslu restricted area entry permit from the Department of Immigration. Rohit handles the entire permit process for Manaslu trekkers.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Upper Mustang is one of the most tightly controlled trekking zones in Nepal, preserving its Tibetan Buddhist culture and fragile ecosystem. The permit is the most expensive in Nepal and covers 10 days in the restricted zone. Extensions cost $50 per extra day.
Upper Mustang RAP
Minimum 10 days. Must be arranged through a registered agency.
$500 / 10 days
Also required for Upper Mustang: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card. The Mustang permit is only issued through a registered trekking agency - Rohit processes these for all Upper Mustang tour participants.
Where to Get Permits and What to Bring
Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board - Tourist Service Centre, Bhrikutimandap
- TAAN office - TIMS, Annapurna permits
- Department of Immigration - restricted area permits
Pokhara
- ACAP Office, Damside (south Phewa Lake) - ACAP, TIMS
- TAAN Pokhara chapter - TIMS cards
- Open: Sun–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM (closed Sat & public holidays)
Documents Required at Any Office
- Original passport (shown at counter)
- 2 passport-sized photos (4×3 cm, white background preferred)
- Photocopy of passport biodata page
- Nepal visa copy (if obtained on arrival)
- Trekking agency letter (required for restricted areas)
Rohit handles all permits for his trekkers
When you trek with Rohit, every permit - TIMS, ACAP, national park entry, and restricted area permits - is arranged before you arrive at the trailhead. You provide your passport copy and two photos; Rohit handles the rest. No standing in queues, no navigating government offices in a second language.
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I handle all permits for you
When you trek with me, I take care of every permit application, payment, and paperwork. You don't need to visit any office — just show up in Pokhara and I'll have everything ready.
Permit costs last verified: April 2026. Fees set by Nepal Tourism Board and may change annually.
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