These are figures reported by operators and travel sources in 2026, last checked in November 2026. We weren't able to confirm them against current official fee tables, and some sources conflict. Check with the Nepal Tourism Board or the Department of Immigration before relying on any figure.
The main types of permit
- National park or conservation area permit: pays for entry to a protected area, such as Sagarmatha National Park or the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- TIMS card: the Trekkers' Information Management System registration card.
- Local authority fee: most notably the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee in the Everest region.
- Restricted Area Permit: issued for sensitive border regions, and arranged through a registered agency.
Standard area permits (foreign visitors)
| Region | Permits | Reported fee |
|---|---|---|
| Everest | Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality | NPR 3,000, plus NPR 2,000 to 3,000 |
| Annapurna, including Poon Hill and Mardi Himal | ACAP and possibly TIMS | NPR 3,000, plus NPR 2,000 for an independent TIMS or NPR 1,000 in a group |
| Langtang, Gosaikunda and Helambu | Langtang National Park and possibly TIMS | NPR 3,000, plus TIMS if required |
| Makalu | Makalu Barun National Park and a local fee | About US$25, plus about US$17 |
Some sources add 13% VAT to park fees, giving NPR 3,390, while others say VAT is already included. Citizens of South Asian (SAARC) countries are generally reported to pay less.
Restricted Area Permits
| Area | Reported fee per person |
|---|---|
| Upper Mustang | US$500 for the first 10 days, then US$50 per day. Several sources report a change to US$50 per day (see below). |
| Upper Dolpo | US$500 for the first 10 days, then US$50 per day |
| Lower Dolpo | US$20 per week for the first four weeks, then US$5 per week |
| Manaslu | September to November: US$100 for the first week, then US$15 per day. Other months: US$75 for the first week, then a lower daily rate. |
| Tsum Valley | September to November: US$40 for the first week, then US$7 per day. Other months: US$30 for the first week, then US$7 per day. |
| Nar Phu | September to November: US$100 for the first week, then US$15 per day. Other months: US$75 for the first week, then US$15 per day. |
| Kanchenjunga | US$20 per week for the first four weeks, then US$25 per week |
Restricted area trips also need the regional conservation or national park permit. For example, Upper Mustang also needs ACAP, and the Manaslu Circuit needs a Manaslu Conservation Area permit, plus ACAP where the route enters the Annapurna area.
Points where sources conflict
- Upper Mustang: several 2026 sources say the old flat US$500 for 10 days was replaced in late 2025 by a charge of US$50 per day. Others still list the old rate. Ask your agency for the current figure, because this has a real effect on your budget.
- TIMS: the UK government says you need a permit and TIMS card for the main trekking regions. Some operators say TIMS isn't needed in Khumbu or is optional on Annapurna routes.
- Khumbu municipality fee: reported as NPR 2,000 by some and NPR 3,000 by others. One source says the higher rate applies to most foreign nationals, with NPR 2,000 for SAARC and Chinese nationals.
How to get your permits
- Park and conservation permits: reported to be available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. Sagarmatha's can also be bought at the Monjo entrance gate.
- Khumbu municipality fee: usually paid in Lukla or Monjo.
- Restricted Area Permits: applied for by a registered agency. Individuals can't reportedly apply directly.
Bring your passport, visa details and passport-size photos. One 2026 source says permits are checked by QR code at checkpoints and advises carrying printed copies. Keep them somewhere you can reach easily.
Do you need a guide for these permits?
For Restricted Area Permits, yes. For other routes, read our guide to the rules.
Sample permit totals
One operator gives these approximate totals per person: about US$42 for Annapurna and Langtang treks, and about US$63 for Everest Base Camp. Those figures assume TIMS is charged, which may not apply everywhere.
What you'd typically need for popular treks
- Everest Base Camp: Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu municipality fee.
- Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill: ACAP, and TIMS if required.
- Annapurna Circuit: ACAP, and TIMS if required.
- Langtang Valley: Langtang National Park permit, and TIMS if required.
- Manaslu Circuit: Manaslu restricted permit, Manaslu Conservation Area permit and ACAP, because the route ends in the Annapurna area.
- Upper Mustang: Upper Mustang restricted permit and ACAP.
- Upper Dolpo: restricted permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park permit.
Common mistakes
- Using old prices: older blogs and guidebooks often list out-of-date fees.
- Forgetting a second permit: restricted permits usually don't replace the conservation area or national park permit.
- Going past the permit dates: a time-based permit can cost extra if you're delayed, so ask how delays are handled.
- Not carrying originals: checkpoints may ask to see them, so keep them handy and dry.
- Assuming a permit means you can go alone: permits and guide rules are separate questions.
Common questions
Can I buy permits online?
Some sources describe online applications, particularly for restricted area permits submitted through an agency. Check the current process with your agency or the Nepal Tourism Board.
Do children need permits?
Rules can differ by permit and age. Ask for the current rule when you book.
Are permits refundable?
Don't assume so. Ask before paying, particularly for high-value restricted area permits.
Do I pay in dollars or rupees?
Restricted area permits are generally quoted in US dollars, and park and conservation permits in rupees. If an agency is arranging them, the fees will usually be in your trip price.
Check before you pay
- Is each permit included in your trip price?
- Do the fees include VAT?
- Which days of the permit period does the fee cover?
- Who's holding your permits while you trek?
See related routes such as Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang and Everest Base Camp, or ask us what your trip requires.
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