🏔️ Permits for Treks and Expeditions in Nepal

To trek or climb in Nepal, travelers are required to obtain various government-issued permits depending on the destination, altitude, and type of activity. These permits help regulate tourism, protect the natural environment, and ensure the safety of trekkers across the Himalayas.

Solo Alpine Treks manages all required permits on behalf of our clients to make the process simple and hassle-free.

1️⃣ Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Purpose:
The TIMS Card is mandatory for all foreign trekkers in Nepal. It helps authorities monitor trekking routes, ensure safety, and facilitate rescue operations in case of emergencies.

Issuing Authority:
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Requirement:
As per the new rule effective April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers must hire a licensed trekking guide and obtain their TIMS card through a registered trekking agency.
Solo trekking without a guide is no longer allowed in most trekking areas.

2️⃣ National Park and Conservation Area Permits

Purpose:
Most trekking trails pass through national parks or conservation areas such as Sagarmatha (Everest), Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu. The entry fees contribute to the preservation of wildlife, forests, and local communities.

Issuing Authority:
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).
Permits can be issued at the Nepal Tourism Board offices (Kathmandu/Pokhara) or at park entry checkpoints.

Example of Permit Fees (for Foreign Nationals):

Sagarmatha National Park – USD 24 (NPR 3,000)
Annapurna Conservation Area – USD 24 (NPR 3,000)
Langtang National Park – USD 24 (NPR 3,000)
Manaslu Conservation Area – USD 24 (NPR 3,000)

All trekkers must carry their permits at all times during the journey.

3️⃣ Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Certain remote or border regions of Nepal require special restricted area permits, which are more expensive and require a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide.

Common Restricted Areas and Fees:

Upper Mustang: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, plus USD 50 per day after that.
Upper Dolpo: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, plus USD 50 per day after that.
Manaslu Region (Seasonal):
- September–November: USD 100 per person per week, plus USD 15 per extra day.
- December–August: USD 75 per person per week, plus USD 10 per extra day.

Restricted area permits must be applied for through a registered trekking company like Solo Alpine Treks.

4️⃣ Expedition and Peak Climbing Permits

If you plan to climb a mountain in Nepal, an expedition or peak climbing permit is required. The cost depends on the height, location, and climbing season.

Issuing Authority:

Department of Tourism (for major expeditions above 7,000m)
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) (for trekking peaks below 7,000m)

Climbing Seasons:
Permit fees are generally higher during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons.

Mount Everest

Spring Season: USD 11,000 per person
Autumn Season: USD 5,500 per person
Summer/Winter: USD 2,750 per person

Note: The Everest permit fee is expected to increase to USD 15,000 per person effective September 1, 2025.

Other 8,000+ Meter Peaks

Spring: USD 1,800 per person
Autumn: USD 900 per person
Summer/Winter: USD 450 per person

NMA “Trekking Peaks” (Below 7,000m)

For popular peaks like Island Peak, Mera Peak, and Lobuche East, the NMA regulates the permit process. Fees are significantly lower compared to major expeditions.

5️⃣ Garbage Deposit and Environmental Regulations

To maintain the pristine beauty of Nepal’s Himalayas, all climbing expeditions must submit a refundable garbage deposit. This system ensures that climbers collect and return all waste generated during their expedition.

Deposit Refund:
The deposit is refunded after the successful verification of proper waste management by the government liaison officer.

Garbage Deposit Fee Structure:

Mount Everest: USD 4,000 (refundable)
Peaks above 8,000m: USD 3,000 (refundable)
Peaks 7,001m – 8,000m: USD 2,000 (refundable)
Peaks 6,501m – 7,000m: USD 1,000 (refundable)
Peaks below 6,500m: USD 500 (refundable)

Note: Climbers on Everest are also required to bring down at least 8 kg of solid waste from above Base Camp.

6️⃣ How to Obtain Your Permits

Solo Alpine Treks handles all the necessary permits for you before your trek or expedition begins.
To process your permits, we will require the following documents:

A copy of your valid passport
Two recent passport-size photographs
A copy of your detailed itinerary
Valid Nepal tourist visa (must cover the full trip duration)

Important:
Always carry your permits during your journey. Officials at checkpoints along the trail may ask to verify them. Failing to show a valid permit may result in fines or restricted entry.