Nepal Trekking Permits: The Complete Guide

Every trekking region in Nepal requires at least one permit. The exact combination depends on the national park or conservation area you enter, and whether any part of the route is a restricted area. Fees and rules change periodically, so always confirm with your operator before travel.

The main permit types

Most treks use a combination of the following:

• National Park permits — e.g. Sagarmatha (Everest), Langtang, Chitwan.
• Conservation Area permits — e.g. Annapurna (ACAP), Manaslu (MCAP).
• Local municipality permits — e.g. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in the Everest region.
• TIMS card — required in some regions such as Annapurna and Langtang.
• Restricted Area Permits (RAP) — Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Tsum Valley, Dolpo and others.

Licensed guide requirement

Since April 2023, foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide arranged through a registered trekking agency in most trekking areas. Restricted areas additionally require a minimum of two trekkers.

How Ascend DMC handles permits

Send us a passport copy and photos and we process every permit for your route before you arrive — or on the day you land in Kathmandu. Partner agencies can book permit processing as a standalone service.