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Trekking Permits & Time/Business Hour


Nepal Trekking Permits and Cost

Trekking Permits are mandatory in Nepal for all kinds of trekkers whether he/she is traveling in a group or solo.  Each permit fee is different from others depending on the specific trekking regions. So, make sure that you have your permits before embarking on your treks in the mountain regions of Nepal.

Nepal Trekking Permits are issued by different government bodies and associated authorized bodies such as the Department of Immigration office, Nepal Tourism Board, Trekking Agencies of Association of Nepal (TAAN), and National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) to regulate and monitor all trekking destinations.

Is it mandatory to get a permit for trekking in Nepal?

Almost all mountain regions of Nepal require trekking permits. If the checkpoints find trekkers visiting without a permit may lead to big trouble by paying penalties for violation of tourism rules and regulations. So, it is better to have your permit before starting your trek.

Let us demystify the confusion about Nepal trekking permits by going through the details given below. Please read thoroughly all the different topics below.

Different categories of trekking permits in Nepal

In general, there are four different trekking permits in Nepal. Each trekking region requires different trekking permits to visit. We explained all the permits including their cost and also stated which permits are needed for each trekking region.

TIMs E-Card Permit

Trekking Permit TIMS

E-TIMS Card is the short form of Trekkers’ Information Management System which has been implemented jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety and security of trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations in Nepal. Since the first January of 2008 TIMs card permit issuing to trekkers was effectively implemented.

This Card is the latest trekking permit which came into effective from 1st April 2023 where  E-TIMs permit is not available for Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) but for group trekkers taking the service of government-authorized trekking agencies.

Old TIMS Card

In the past Tims Permit is issued by Nepal Tourist Board to Free Individual Trekkers directly by filling up the form available in Tourism office at Brikutimandap. Since 1st of April E-TIMs Card is mandatory for all trekking areas of Nepal except restricted area where trekkers received special permits form Department of Immigaration Offfice.

As per Revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, specific Protected Areas of Nepal need trekker to be accompanied by licensed trekking guide and carry a trekking agency issued TIMS Card.

Below are the trekking regions and routes falling under this rule.

Trekking Region Name of the Trek
Kanchenjunga Region 1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek
2. Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek
3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek
4. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Makalu Barun Area 1. Makalu Basecamp Trek
2. Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek
Everest Region 1. Everest Basecamp Trek
2. Gokyo Trek
3. Chho La Pass Trek
4. Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
5. Three Passes Trek
6. Everest View trek
7. Mera Peak Trek
8. Amphu Labtsha Pass
Rolwaling Region 1. Rolwaling Trek
2. Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek
Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area Panchpokhari Trek
Helambu Region 1. Helambu Trek
2. Goshaikunda Trek
Langtang Region 1. Langtang Trek
2. Langtang Gosaikund Trek
3. Tamang Heritage Trek
4. Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek
5. Ganja La pass Trek
6. Till Man Pass
Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area Ganesh Himal – Ruby Valley Trek
Manaslu Region 1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
2. Manaslu – Tsum Valley Trek
3. Tsum Valley Trek
Annapurna Region 1. Annapurna Circuit Trek
2. Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek
3. Mesokanto / Tilicho Pass Trek
4. Poon Hill-ABC Trek
5. Khopra Trek
6. Mardi Himal Trek
7. Sikleh Tara Hill Trek
Mustang Region 1. Upper Mustang Trek
2. Sarebung Pass Trek
Dhaulagiri Region Round Dhaulagiri
Dolpo Region 1. Upper Dolpo – Jomsom Trek
2. Upper Dolpo Trek
3. Lower Dolpo Trek
4. Kagmara Pass Trek
Humla Region Humla Limi Valley Trek

Therefore, the first thing an aspiring trekker must do is find out if the route they are interested to trek requires trekking guide and TIMS Card. If yes, please get in touch with a Government registered trekking agency to arrange for the trekking guide and TIMS Card.

For Trekking Agencies Only

In order to buy TIMS Card, agencies shall have to complete a registration form with details of trekkers, guides and trekking routes.

Procedure to submit the form:

  1. Please click here and register to fill the form.
  2. Submit the form with all the mandatory fields.
  3. Check out for payment through provided payment services (e.g. ConnectIPS, nepalpay etc.)
  4. Once the payment is successful, eCard for TIMS will be generated for each trekker with QR in it.

TIMs Card cost NPR 2000 per person for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).

If any of the trekkers found travelling on designated trekking trails without a guide or TIMS card faces a Rs12,000 fine.

Restricted areas which have been opened for Group Trekking

To visit Restricted Areas in Nepal. a Trekking Permit must be obtained from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

A restricted trekking permit is also often known as a special permit. Even though trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. However, there are certain trekking regions known as ‘Restricted Areas’ or ‘Controlled Areas’ that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal, and hence FITs are strictly forbidden.

  1. Trekking in any area or along any route except the specified area of route shall be deemed to be violation of law.
  2. The Trekking permit should be kept along with the trekker while trekking.
  3. The Trekking permit has to be shown to immigration employees or police on request.

A restricted trekking permit is issued from the Department of Nepal Immigration only through a registered trekking office like Friendship World Trek.

Please find the restricted area permit (RAP) fees in the below table:

S.No. Regions/VDCs Permit Fee
1.

Upper Mustang

  1. Lomanthang Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
  2. Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
  3. Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 and Satang Village of ward no.5)
USD500 per person  (for the first 10 days)

USD 50 per person /Day  ( beyond 10 days)

2.

Upper Dolpa

  1. Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4 to 6)
  2. Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7)
  3. Charka Tangsong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
USD500 per person  (for the first 10 days)

USD 50 per person /Day  ( beyond 10 days)

3.

Kanchenjunga Region

a) Areas of Olangchunggola, Lelep, Papung, and Yamphudin Village Development Committee)

Per week per person US$ 10 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
4.

Gorkha Manaslu Area

Chumnubri Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,2,3 and 4)

Chhekampar & Chumchet VDC(Sirdibas-Lokpa-Cumling-Chhekampar-Nile-Chhule Area)

From September – November USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) and From December – August USD 75 per person / week and USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

 

From September to November per week per person US$ 70 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 10. and From December to August per week per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7 /Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

5.

Humla

  1. Simikot Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 1,6 and 7)
  2. Namkha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
  3. Changkheli Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 3 to 5)
USD 50 per person / week

USD 10 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

6.

Taplejung

  1. Phantanglung Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 6 and 7)
  2. Mikwakhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5)
  3. Sirijunga Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8)
USD 20 per person/ week  (for the first 4 weeks)

USD 25 per person /week  ( beyond 4 weeks)

7.

Lower Dolpa Area

  1. Thulibheri municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)
  2. Tripurasundari municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 11)
  3. Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 3)
  4. Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 8 and 9)
  5. Jagdulla Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 6)
  6. Mudkechula Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9)
  7. Kaike Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 7)
USD 20 per person/ week

USD 5 per person /day  ( beyond 1 week)

8.

Dolakha

  1. Gaurishankhar Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 9)
  2. Bighu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1)
  3. Areas of Limi and Muchu village Development Committee, and area way to Tibet via Tangekhola of Darma Village Development committee.
USD 20 per person/ week

For the first 7 days per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person USD $ 7 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

9.

Gorkha Tsum Valley Area

a.       Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chekampar-Nile-Chule

b.      Chumnubri   Rural Municipality (All areas of ward nos. 3,6 and 7)

From September – November USD 40 per person / week and USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

From December – August USD 30 per person / week and USD 7 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

10.

Sankhuwasabha

  1. Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
  2. Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4)
USD 20 per person/ week  (for the first 4 weeks)

USD 25 per person /week  ( beyond 4 weeks)

11.

Solukhumbu

Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 5)

Makalu Region):-Areas of Kimathanka, Chepuwa,Hatiya and Pawakhola Village Development Committee.

USD 20 per person/ week  (for the first 4 weeks) and USD 25 per person /week  ( beyond 4 weeks)

For the first 4 weeks per week per person US$ 10 and After 4 weeks per week per person US$ 20, Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

12.

Rasuwa

Gosaikunda Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 and some area of ward no. 2)

Thuman and Timure

USD 20 per person /week

Per week per person USD $ 10, Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

13.

Manang

  1. Narpa Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
  2. Nasho Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 6 and 7)
  3. Areas of Nar, Phu, and Northern area of Tilche Village of Thochhe Village Development Committee
From September – November USD 100 per person per week and USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week) and From December – August USD 75 per person / week and USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

From September to November per week per person US$ 90 and December to   August per week per person US$ 75 Or equivalent convertible foreign   currency.

14.

Bajhang

  1. Saipal Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5)
  2. All Areas of Kanda, Dhuli
USD 90 per person / week for the first week and USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

For the first 7 days per person US $90 and After 7 days per day per person USD $15 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

15.

Mugu

Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 9)

Areas of Mugu, Dolpu, Pulu and Bhangri.

USD 100 per person / week

USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

For the first 7 days per person USD $90 and After 7 days per day per person USD $15 Or equivalent convertible foreign currency.

16.

Darchula

Vyas Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1)

USD 90 per person / week

USD 15 per person / day (beyond 1 week)

Note:- In the case of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa Region if the royalty paid for mountain expedition is less than the fee for trekking permit then the difference amount should be paid.

What are documents require for trekking company to obtain a Restricted Area Permit ?

Only authorized trekking agencies can apply for restricted area trekking permits along with the following documents from the department of the immigration office.

  • Copy of Passport
  • Copy of  valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
  • Name lists of trekkers
  • Program Schedule of trekking
  • Guarantee letter of Agency
  • Agreement with Agency
  • Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
  • Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
  • License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
  • License  issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
  • The program schedule for trekking (Day wise itinerary)
  • Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
  • Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits

National park permit

National Park Trekking Permits

A national park permit is another permit that is required for trekking in Nepal. There are 12 National Parks, one hunting reserve, and one wildlife reserve. All these are monitored by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). DNPWC was established in 2037 BS (1980 AD) to manage and conserve the wildlife and biodiversity of Nepal. These protected areas cover the ecosystems and landscapes of the high mountain region, hilly region, and plain region of the country.

National park permits are issued at Bhrikuti Mandap by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) located within the Nepal Tourism Board building.

Below are the required permits obtained from different National Parks Located in Nepal

National Parks that are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Natural)

SN. National Parks/ Wildlife Reserve/ Conservation Areas Nepali SAARC Foreigners Child discount
National Parks that are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Natural)
1 Chitwan National Park NRs. 150 per person per entry NRs. 1,000 per person per entry NRs. 2,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
2 Sagarmatha National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free

Other National Parks

3 Banke National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 750 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
4 Bardia National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 750 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
5 Khaptad National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 500 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
6 Langtang National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
7 Makalu-Barun National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
8 Parsa National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 750 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
9 Rara National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
10 Shey-Phoksundo National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
11 Shivapuri- Nagarjun National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 600 per person per entry NRs. 1,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
12 Shuklaphanta National Park NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 750 per person per entry NRs. 1,500 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free

National Parks and Permit Fee for Trekking in Nepal

Conservation area permit

Conservation Area Trekking Permits

A conservation permit is similar to a national park permit which is issued and managed by The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). NTNC was established in 1982 AD under a Legislative Act to work in the field of nature conservation in Nepal and is a not-for-profit organization. There are 6 conservation areas in Nepal which are listed below with their respective fee for trekking. All the visitors who are entering these conservation areas require purchasing a Conservation permit before starting their treks or tours.

Conservation permits are issued at Bhrikuti Mandap by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) permit counter located within the Nepal Tourism Board building.

Below are the required permits obtained from different National Parks Located in Nepal

Conservation Areas

1 Api Nampa Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 500 per person per entry NRs. 2,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
2 Annapurna Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,000 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
3 Blackbuck Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 500 per person per entry NRs. 2,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
4 Gaurishanker Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,000 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
5 Kanchenjunga Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 500 per person per entry NRs. 2,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free
6 Manaslu Conservation Area NRs. 100 per person per entry NRs. 1,000 per person per entry NRs. 3,000 per person per entry Below 10 yrs free

Conservation Area and Permit Fee for Trekking in Nepal

Rural municipality trekking permit

Rural Municipality (RM) administrative division was established in 2017 and replaced the existing village development committees. There are currently 460 rural municipalities. Since 2018 Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is the only local level government among all the rural municipalities that implemented the trekking permit rule for trekkers in the Khumbu region. Before TIMS Card permit was used carried by all trekkers in the Everest region.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality cost NPR 2000 for every individual.

Personal documents that are required to obtain Trekking Permits in Nepal

When booking a trek or tour with us (Friendship World Trek), we kindly request you to provide the following documents:

  1. Passport or Travel Documents
  2. A valid passport copy
  3. A recent passport size photo
  4. Your contact details
  5. Complete documents of travel and health insurance
  6. Your Arrival Details and Departure flight Details

Time and Business Hours

Fourth General Information for Traveller in Nepal is Time and Business Hours. Nepal is five hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT.

Business hours within the Valley: Government offices are open from 10 am to 5 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and close at 3pm on Friday in the Kathmandu Valley. During the winter, they close at 4 pm. Most Business offices are open from 10 am to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Embassies and international organizations are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Most shops open after 10 am and close at about 8 pm and are usually closed on Saturdays.

Business hours outside the Valley: Government offices outside Kathmandu valley open from 10 am to 5 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays they remain open until 3 pm. Banks are open from Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. On Fridays, banks remain open until 12 pm only. Business offices are open from 10 am to 5 pm Sunday through Friday. Recently many private banks have re-organized to have different branches open at various different times making banking hours longer. If one branch is closed another will be open.

Holidays: Nepal observes numerous holidays, at the least a couple in a month. So please check the holiday calendar. The longest holiday in Nepal is during the Dashain festival in late September or October. Government offices observe all the national holidays and banks observe most of them. Businesses observe major holidays only.

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