Nepal Trekking Permits 2026: TIMS, ACAP, Sagarmatha and Restricted Area Permits

Nepal Trekking Permits 2026: Complete Guide to TIMS, ACAP, Sagarmatha and Restricted Area Permits

By Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday

Every trekker in Nepal needs permits. No exceptions. But which permits you need depends entirely on where you are going — and the system changed recently with the introduction of e-TIMS. Here is the complete guide from someone who processes these permits every week.

The Two Permits Every Trekker Needs

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Required for all trekking regions in Nepal. Since 2023, Nepal has been transitioning to the e-TIMS (electronic) system.

• Cost: NPR 2,000 ($15) for group trekkers (with a registered company) | NPR 3,000 ($23) for individual trekkers (FIT)
• Where to get: Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through your trekking company (we handle this for you)
• Required documents: Passport copy, 2 passport photos, trek itinerary
• Processing time: Same day if applied through a company

Important: Since 2023, all foreign trekkers MUST have a registered guide from a licensed company. Individual TIMS cards without a company affiliation are no longer issued for most regions.

2. National Park or Conservation Area Entry Permit

Depends on which region you trek in:

Restricted Area Permits — What You Need to Know

Some regions in Nepal require special restricted area permits on top of the standard permits. These exist to protect sensitive border areas and limit environmental impact.

• Upper Mustang: $500 for the first 10 days, $50 per additional day. Minimum 2 trekkers required. Must be arranged through a registered agency
• Manaslu: $100/week in peak season (Sep-Nov), $75/week off-season. Minimum 2 trekkers. Agency required
• Lower Dolpo: $500 for first 10 days. Agency required
• Upper Dolpo: $500 for first 10 days. Very restricted access
• Nar Phu Valley: $100/week peak, $75/week off-season. Minimum 2 trekkers

Shreejan says: "The restricted area permits sound expensive but they are worth every dollar. These regions have almost no other trekkers. You experience Nepal the way it was 30 years ago. We handle all the paperwork — you just need your passport."

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Permit (New for Everest)

Since 2023, Everest region trekkers also need a local municipality permit:

• Cost: NPR 2,000 ($15)
• Where: Checkpoint at Monjo, just before Namche Bazaar
• Important: This is in ADDITION to Sagarmatha National Park and TIMS

Total Permit Costs by Trek

When you book with The Everest Holiday, ALL permit costs are included in your package price. You do not pay separately. We process everything before your trek starts.

How We Handle Your Permits

1. You send us a scan of your passport and 2 photos by email
2. We process TIMS and park permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu
3. For restricted areas, we submit applications 2-4 weeks before your trek date
4. All permits are ready before you arrive in Kathmandu
5. Your guide carries the permits and presents them at checkpoints on the trail

You do not need to visit any government offices. We do it all.

Common Permit Questions

Can I get permits myself? Technically for TIMS and park permits, yes — at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. But since 2023, you need to be affiliated with a registered trekking company anyway. For restricted areas, you MUST go through a company.

Can I get permits in Pokhara? Yes — ACAP and TIMS are available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara for Annapurna region treks.

What happens if I do not have permits? You will be turned back at checkpoints. Guards check permits at national park entrances and at multiple points along the trail. No permit, no trekking.

Do children need permits? Children under 10 are exempt from TIMS fees. National park fees still apply.

All permits are included when you book with The Everest Holiday. Chat with Shreejan on WhatsApp: +977 9810351300

Browse our treks: www.theeverestholiday.com

A portion of every booking supports the Nagarjun Learning Center — free education for 70 children in rural Nepal. Trek With a Purpose.