The short version
TIMS, ACAP, Sagarmatha, Khumbu, restricted-area permits — Nepal's trekking permit system explained simply. Which permits each region needs, what they cost, and how to get them in 2026.
- Every Nepal trek needs permits; the combination depends on the region — your agency normally arranges them all.
- The TIMS card (~$15) is the baseline; conservation/national-park permits add ~$22 each.
- Budget roughly $35–45 for a standard Annapurna or Everest trek (plus the Khumbu fee).
- Restricted areas (Upper Mustang $500, Manaslu from $100/week) require a registered guide and a minimum group of two.
Nepal's permit system, simplified
Every trek in Nepal requires permits, and the combination depends on where you go. Here is the complete, plain-English breakdown for 2026. Your agency normally arranges all of these — but it helps to understand what you are paying for.
The TIMS card
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is the baseline permit for most trekking areas, costing around NPR 2,000 (~$15). It registers your trek for safety and is checked at trail checkpoints.
Conservation Area & National Park permits
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area): ~NPR 3,000 ($22) — covers all Annapurna treks (ABC, Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi).
Sagarmatha National Park (Everest): ~NPR 3,000 ($22).
Khumbu Rural Municipality fee (Everest): ~NPR 2,000 ($15) — replaced the old TIMS in Khumbu.
Langtang National Park: ~NPR 3,000 ($22).
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) / Shey Phoksundo NP: ~NPR 3,000 ($22).
| Permit | Approx. cost | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| TIMS card | ~$15 | Most trekking areas (safety registration) |
| ACAP | ~$22 | ABC, Circuit, Poon Hill, Mardi |
| Sagarmatha NP | ~$22 | Everest region |
| Khumbu Rural Municipality | ~$15 | Everest (replaced old TIMS) |
| Langtang NP | ~$22 | Langtang region |
| Upper Mustang RAP | $500 / 10 days | Restricted region |
| Manaslu RAP | from $100 / week | Restricted region |
Restricted Area Permits (RAP)
Some regions require special, costlier permits and a registered guide plus a minimum group of two:
Upper Mustang: $500 for 10 days.
Manaslu: from $100/week (Sep–Nov), less off-season.
Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga: each has its own RAP fee.
Restricted-area permits can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency — you cannot get them as a solo independent trekker, and a minimum group of two is required.
How to get them
Most permits are issued in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board) or Pokhara. Restricted-area permits can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency — you cannot get them as a solo independent trekker. You'll need passport copies and passport photos.
You'll need passport copies and passport photos for every permit, so carry a few spare photos from home to save time in Kathmandu.
The bottom line
For a standard Annapurna or Everest trek, budget roughly $35–45 in permits plus the TIMS/Khumbu fee. Restricted areas cost much more. Always confirm exactly which permits your trek needs — and let a registered agency handle the paperwork.
For a deeper region-by-region breakdown, see our full Nepal trekking permits hub, and plan your overall budget with the Nepal trekking cost guide. Not sure which trek to choose? Browse the best treks in Nepal or contact us to have every permit arranged for you.
Can I get trekking permits as a solo independent trekker?
For standard areas like Annapurna and Everest you can arrange the TIMS card and park permits yourself, but restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Dolpo, Kanchenjunga) require a registered agency and a minimum group of two.
How much should I budget for permits on a standard trek?
Roughly $35–45 for a standard Annapurna or Everest trek, including the TIMS card and the relevant conservation-area or Khumbu fee. Restricted areas cost significantly more — Upper Mustang alone is $500 for 10 days.
Use our free Nepal permit cost calculator to price every region in NPR and USD, or browse all Nepal trekking permits and costs.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
Share this article
Ready to Trek?
From reading about it to standing on it
Our Pokhara-based guides have been doing this since 1998. Tell us your dates and fitness level — we'll build your perfect itinerary. Free, no obligation.
Popular treks to consider
View all 79 toursFree Trekker's Insider Guide
Permits, packing lists, cost breakdowns — no fluff.
We send one useful email. You can unsubscribe anytime.