Trekking · Kathmandu
Trekking Permits for Nepal
The TIMS card plus park and conservation permits — what you need, where to get them and rough costs.
Before any Himalayan trek you need the right paperwork, and Nepal's system has two layers: a general trekker's card and a permit for whichever protected area you're entering. Here's how it works and where to sort it in Kathmandu.
The short answer
You'll usually need the TIMS card plus the national-park or conservation-area permit for your route — Sagarmatha for Everest, ACAP for Annapurna, or the Langtang National Park permit. Get them at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (the TAAN office also handles trekking paperwork), or let your agency arrange everything. Bring your passport, visa and photos, and confirm current fees before you go, as rates change.
What you need and where
- TIMS card: The Trekkers' Information Management System card registers your trip for safety. Arrange it in Kathmandu through the Nepal Tourism Board or your agency.
- Park or conservation permit: One per protected area. Sagarmatha, ACAP and Langtang are the common ones; some can also be bought at the trailhead.
- Restricted areas: Regions such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu need a special permit, charged per day, and must be arranged through a registered agency — independent trekkers cannot get these.
Costs and paperwork
Permit fees differ by region and are updated periodically, so always confirm the current rates rather than relying on old figures. Carry your passport, Nepal visa and two passport photos, plus a copy of your itinerary. Sort your gear at the same time with our guide to trekking gear in Thamel, and read up on your route in the Everest Base Camp or Langtang Valley guides.
Frequently asked questions
What permits do you need to trek in Nepal?+
Most treks need two things: the TIMS card and the relevant national-park or conservation-area permit — for example the Sagarmatha permit for Everest, ACAP for Annapurna or the Langtang National Park permit. Restricted areas need an extra special permit arranged through an agency.
Where do you get trekking permits in Kathmandu?+
The Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu issues TIMS cards and several park permits, and the TAAN office also handles trekking paperwork. Many trekkers let their agency arrange everything, which saves queuing. Some park permits can also be bought at the trailhead.
How much do Nepal trekking permits cost?+
Costs vary by region and change periodically, so confirm current rates before you travel. Conservation-area and national-park permits and the TIMS card each carry separate fees, and restricted-area permits are far more expensive and charged per day.
What do you need to bring to get a trekking permit?+
Bring your passport, your Nepal visa, and a couple of passport-sized photos for the forms. Have a copy of your itinerary ready too. For restricted areas you must apply through a registered agency rather than as an independent trekker.
