Planning a trek in the Himalayas is an exciting experience, but there is some important paperwork to sort out before you reach the trailhead. Whether you are starting your trek from Lukla, Besisahar or another mountain gateway, you need to make sure you have the correct Nepal trekking permits before entering the trail.

Understanding the Nepal trekking permits 2025/2026 requirements can be confusing, particularly with changes to trekking regulations, digital permits and guide requirements.

Whether you are planning the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit or a more remote trek such as Upper Mustang or Upper Dolpo, the permits you need depend on the trekking region.

This guide explains the main trekking permits in Nepal, including TIMS, ACAP, MCAP, national park entry fees and Restricted Area Permits. It also covers the current guide requirements and the approximate costs in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and US dollars.

1. The Big Update: The "No Guide, No Trek" Rule and Digital Permits

If you have read older travel blogs or trekking forums, you may find information suggesting that foreign trekkers can independently obtain a permit and trek without a guide. Trekking regulations have changed, and independent trekking is now restricted across major national parks and conservation areas.

Mandatory Guide Requirement

Foreign trekkers must hire a government-licensed guide through a registered Nepalese trekking agency for routes covered by the mandatory guide regulations.

This means you should arrange your guide and required trekking permits before starting your trek rather than relying on older information about independent trekking.

The Shift to Digital Permits

Nepal has also moved toward digital trekking permit management. Instead of relying entirely on physical paperwork and long queues at permit offices in Kathmandu, authorized trekking agencies can process permits through the relevant digital systems.

This has made the permit process more organized and easier to coordinate before your trek begins.

2. Understanding E-TIMS: Trekkers' Information Management System

The traditional TIMS card has evolved into E-TIMS, or the Electronic Trekkers' Information Management System.

E-TIMS is a digital trekker information and safety tracking system. It records important information such as your passport details, trekking itinerary and assigned licensed guide.

Does Everest require E-TIMS?

The Everest or Khumbu region is an important exception.

The Everest region does not use or require E-TIMS in the same way as other trekking regions. Instead, trekkers entering the Khumbu region pay a local municipal entry fee.

E-TIMS remains relevant for many other trekking regions, including Langtang and several trekking routes in western Nepal.

E-TIMS Fee

• Foreign trekkers: NPR 2,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person
• How to get E-TIMS: It is processed digitally through your registered trekking agency.

If you are unsure whether your particular route requires E-TIMS, confirm the requirement with your trekking agency before departure.

3. Conservation Area Permits: ACAP and MCAP

Many of Nepal's most popular trekking routes pass through protected conservation areas. If your route enters one of these areas, you need the relevant conservation area entry permit.

The two most common permits are:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The fees collected through these permits support conservation activities, trail maintenance, infrastructure and protection of the area's natural environment.

Permit TypeForeignersSAARC NationalsMajor Trekking Routes
ACAP | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 | Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Poon Hill
MCAP | NPR 3,000 | NPR 1,000 | Manaslu Circuit Trek

Note: Children under 10 years of age do not require entry permits for these conservation areas.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

The ACAP permit is required for major trekking routes within the Annapurna Conservation Area. This includes popular routes such as the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal and Poon Hill.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Trekkers completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek need an MCAP in addition to other permits that may apply to the route, including the relevant Restricted Area Permit.

4. National Park Entry Fees in Nepal

Some trekking routes pass through national parks rather than conservation areas. In these cases, trekkers need to pay a national park entry fee.

These fees are managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Two major trekking destinations where national park fees apply are the Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee

Sagarmatha National Park covers the Everest region and includes the trail to Everest Base Camp.

The entry fees listed in this guide are:

• Foreigners: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person

In addition to the national park fee, trekkers entering the Everest region also need to pay the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality local entry fee.

The local fee is approximately NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000, depending on the entry point and applicable charges. It is collected at checkpoints such as Lukla or Monjo.

Langtang National Park Entry Fee

Trekkers entering Langtang National Park need a separate national park entry permit.

• Foreigners: NPR 3,000 per person
• SAARC nationals: NPR 1,500 per person

If you are planning the Langtang Valley Trek, make sure the national park entry fee is included in your overall trekking permit budget.

5. Restricted Area Permits in Nepal

Nepal has several trekking regions classified as Restricted Areas. These areas are subject to additional controls because of their sensitive border locations, fragile environments and unique cultural heritage.

Trekkers entering these regions require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

A significant change in the rules allows solo travelers to apply for Restricted Area Permits. The previous requirement for a minimum group of two foreign trekkers has been removed in the relevant cases.

However, this does not mean that you can trek independently. You still need a licensed guide and must arrange the permit through a registered local trekking agency.

Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo

• First 10 days: USD 500 per person
• Each additional day: USD 50 per person per day

Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo are among Nepal's most restricted and expensive trekking destinations because of their special permit requirements.

Manaslu Circuit Restricted Area Permit

For the restricted section of the Manaslu trekking route:

• September to November: USD 100 per person per week
• Rest of the year: USD 75 per person per week

The Manaslu Circuit therefore requires several permits, depending on the exact section and itinerary, so it is best to have your trekking agency arrange the complete permit package.

6. What Documents Do You Need for Nepal Trekking Permits?

Once you have chosen your trekking route, your trekking agency will normally handle the permit application and processing.

You should have the following information and documents ready:

1. A scanned copy of your passport, with at least six months of validity remaining.
2. Recent digital passport-sized photographs.
3. Travel insurance documentation that covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters, where required for high-altitude permit processing.
4. Your flight dates and trekking itinerary.
5. Your planned trekking route and itinerary.

Providing these documents to your agency in advance can help avoid delays with permit processing.

7. Which Permits Do You Need for Popular Nepal Treks?

The exact permits depend on your trekking route. Here is a quick overview of some of Nepal's best-known trekking regions:

Permit requirements can vary depending on the exact route and current regulations, so confirm the applicable permits before your trek.

8. Can You Trek in Nepal Without a Guide?

For foreign trekkers, independent trekking is restricted on routes covered by Nepal's mandatory guide regulations.

If your trek requires a licensed guide, you need to arrange one through a registered Nepalese trekking agency.

This requirement is particularly important when planning treks through national parks, conservation areas and restricted regions.

A licensed guide also helps with permit processing, route planning, accommodation coordination and emergency procedures, which can be particularly useful on high-altitude and remote trekking routes.

9. How to Arrange Nepal Trekking Permits

The easiest way to arrange your trekking permits is through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

The general process is:

1. Choose your trekking route.
2. Confirm which permits apply to your itinerary.
3. Provide your passport and required documents to the agency.
4. Arrange a licensed trekking guide.
5. The agency processes the applicable digital and physical permits.
6. Check that your permit details match your passport and trekking itinerary.
7. Carry the required permit information during the trek.

For restricted areas, the process can involve additional documentation and specific permit arrangements, so advance planning is recommended.

Final Checklist for Nepal Trekking Permits 2025/2026

Before flying to Kathmandu for your trek, make sure you have the necessary documents and information ready.

Nepal Trekking Permit Checklist

• Passport with at least six months of validity
• Recent passport-sized digital photographs
• Travel insurance
• Emergency helicopter evacuation coverage where required
• Flight dates
• Trekking itinerary
• Planned route
• Licensed trekking guide
• Registered trekking agency
• Required conservation area or national park permits
• E-TIMS, where applicable
• Restricted Area Permit, where applicable

The exact permits and fees depend on your trekking region. The Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley Trek, Manaslu Circuit and Upper Mustang all have different permit requirements.

Getting the paperwork organized before you leave Kathmandu means less time dealing with logistics and more time on the trail.

Plan Your Nepal Trek with Himalaya Vibes Holidays

Arranging trekking permits, guides, transportation and itineraries can be complicated, particularly if you are visiting Nepal for the first time.

Himalaya Vibes Holidays can help organize the required permits, licensed guides, transportation and trekking arrangements for your Himalayan adventure.

Whether you are planning Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Upper Mustang or another trek in Nepal, our team can help you understand the permit requirements and build an itinerary around your travel dates.

Get in touch with Himalaya Vibes Holidays to plan your Nepal trekking adventure.