Nepal is a trekking paradise, offering everything from serene trails through the foothills of the Himalayas to epic climbs around Mount Everest and Annapurna. Whether planning a short trek or a multi-week adventure, understanding Nepal’s visa and trekking permit requirements is crucial for a smooth journey.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the essential information about visas and permits you need to know before starting your Nepal trek.
1. Understanding Nepal’s Visa Requirements
Before starting your trekking adventure, you must secure a visa to enter Nepal. The process is straightforward, but it is important to ensure you have the correct documentation to avoid any hiccups at the border.
Tourist Visa for Nepal
The most common visa for foreign nationals visiting Nepal is the tourist visa, which allows you to stay for a specified period (usually 15, 30, or 90 days) and is available for most travelers. Here’s what you need to know:
How to Apply for a Nepal Tourist Visa:
- On Arrival: Nepal offers visa-on-arrival facilities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and land border entry points. You must fill out an application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee.
- Visa Fees: The cost of a tourist visa depends on the duration of your stay:
- 15 days: USD 30
- 30 days: USD 50
- 90 days: USD 125
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity from the entry date.
- Passport-sized photo (for visa application).
- Visa fee (cash or credit card).
Visa Extension:
- You can extend your tourist visa for an additional 30 days, up to 150 days per year, at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Multiple Entry Visas:
- A multiple-entry visa is available if you plan to travel to neighboring countries like India or Tibet during your trip.
Trekking Permits: What You Need for the Trails
Once you’ve sorted out your visa, the next step is to ensure you have the correct trekking permits for the region(s) you plan to visit. Nepal requires trekkers to obtain permits for most trekking routes, which help protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to the local economy. The types of permits depend on the region you’re trekking in.
2. The Most Common Trekking Permits in Nepal
Here’s a breakdown of the main trekking permits and what you need to know about them:
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
The TIMS card is required for most trekking routes in Nepal to help the authorities track trekkers for safety purposes. It is managed by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- TIMS Fee:
- Individual Trekker (Non-SAARC nationals): NPR 2,000 (USD 20)
- SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,000 (USD 10)
- Where to Get It: You can obtain a TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or through a registered trekking agency Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
- When is TIMS Required?:
- Required for most popular trekking routes in Nepal, like Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, and Everest regions.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
To trek in the Annapurna region, you need an ACAP permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected zone that conserves the region’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
- ACAP Fee:
- NPR 2,000 (USD 20) for foreign trekkers.
- Where to Get It: The ACAP permit can be obtained in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or at the Trekking Information Centers in the Annapurna region.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
If you plan to trek in the Everest region (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes), you will need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit. This permit is issued to protect the unique ecosystem of the Everest region.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee:
- NPR 3,000 (USD 30) for foreign trekkers.
- Where to Get It: The permit can be obtained in Kathmandu or Lukla (before starting the trek). Alternatively, your trekking agency can arrange it for you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
The Manaslu Circuit trek offers an adventurous route around Mount Manaslu and is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and least crowded trekking circuits. You need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and a Special Trekking Permit to trek here.
| Regions/VDCs | Permit Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Chumnubri Rural Municipality, Ward 1-4 (Manaslu Area) | September – November $100 per person/week $15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) December – August $75 per person/week $10 per person/day (beyond 1 week) |
- MCAP Fee:
- NPR 2,000 (USD 20)
- Special Permit Fee:
- The special permit for Manaslu costs around NPR 6,000-10,000 (USD 60-100), depending on the season and route. You can only trek in groups (minimum of two people) with a guide.
- Where to Get It: Special permits and MCAP are issued by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project in Kathmandu or through our company, Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Restricted Area Permits
Some remote regions of Nepal are designated as restricted areas due to their sensitive cultural, environmental, or political significance. Trekking in these areas requires additional permits, and you must trek with a licensed guide and in a group.
- Examples of Restricted Areas:
- Upper Mustang: This region is a former kingdom and remains restricted. A special permit costing USD 500 for 10 days is required.
- Upper Dolpo: Another remote trekking destination that requires a special permit costing USD 500 for 10 days.
- Where to Get It: Restricted area permits must be obtained in Kathmandu and arranged through Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
3. Other Fees and Information for Trekkers
While the aforementioned permits are the most common, additional fees may apply depending on the specific trek you are taking.
Also Read: The Best Trekking Routes in Nepal: An Overview
TIMS and National Park Fees
- Rural Municipality Fees: Some areas, like Tamang Heritage Trail and Gosaikunda Lake, charge additional local fees for entering rural municipalities. These fees vary by region but typically cost around NPR 100-500 (USD 1-5).
- Local Taxes: Some trekking areas, especially in regions with local conservation or cultural protection initiatives, may require trekkers to pay additional taxes.
Guide and Porter Fees
While not a permit, hiring a licensed guide and porter is mandatory for some treks, particularly in remote and restricted areas like Manaslu and Upper Mustang. Hiring a guide or porter in other trekking regions is optional but highly recommended for safety and convenience.
- Guide Fees: Guides typically charge between USD 20-30 per day, including food and accommodation.
- Porter Fees: Porters usually charge USD 15-20 per day to carry your gear.
4. Conclusion: Planning Your Trekking Permits
Planning your permits well in advance is crucial to make the most of your trekking adventure in Nepal. Most permits can be obtained at the start of your trek in Kathmandu or Pokhara or through our trekking agency, Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. It’s important to note that group treks are required in some regions (like Manaslu). Permits for restricted areas can only be obtained through an authorized agency like Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Understanding the visa and trekking permit requirements and making the necessary preparations before your trip will ensure a smooth and hassle-free trekking experience in Nepal’s stunning Himalayas.
