Planning a trek in Nepal in 2025? Whether you\u2019re aiming for Everest Base Camp, circling the Annapurna Circuit or venturing through the Manaslu region, securing the right permits is your first essential step. This guide explains what permits you need, how much they cost, where to apply, and everything in between\u2014so you can focus on the mountains, not the paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Permits are much more than bureaucratic hurdles. The fees you pay fund conservation efforts, trail maintenance and local community projects, ensuring that Nepal\u2019s fragile ecosystems remain protected. When you obtain official permits, you also gain access to up-to-date safety information and maps, and you travel legally\u2014avoiding fines or having to turn back at checkpoints. By purchasing the correct permits, you directly support village economies and fair porter wages, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every independent trekker in Nepal must carry a TIMS card. In 2025, an individual (green card) costs USD 20, while groups of two or more travel on the blue group card at USD 10 per person. This permit allows unlimited entry and exit across all trekking regions. You can obtain your TIMS online through the Nepal Tourism Board\u2019s e-permit portal or in person at their Thamel office in Kathmandu. Most cards are issued within 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your itinerary includes Annapurna Base Camp, the full circuit or any trails inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must have an ACAP. The National Trust for Nature Conservation<\/a> issues this permit for NPR 3,000 (about USD 25), valid for up to one month. Should your trek extend beyond that, you can renew the permit at an ACAP office along the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Manaslu Circuit<\/a>, the Tsum Valley<\/a> or any routes within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a separate MCAP is mandatory. Standard fees are USD 70 per person for stays up to 15 days, but from December through February rates drop to USD 50. If you need extra days, local offices can extend the permit on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain regions\u2014such as the inner Manaslu region, Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kanchenjunga\u2014require additional Restricted Area Permits. These fees are strictly non-refundable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, gather a copy of your passport\u2019s bio page, a valid Nepal visa and two passport-size photographs (or digital uploads if you apply online). You may then choose between two methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always print a hard copy of each permit; digital versions alone are rarely accepted on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During peak trekking seasons (March\u2013May and September\u2013November), it\u2019s wise to apply 4\u20136 weeks in advance. In the off-season (December\u2013February, June\u2013August), one to two weeks\u2019 notice is usually sufficient. If you\u2019re traveling with a group of six or more, allow at least two months to process all applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you overstay your permit, visit the nearest Conservation Area office at least 48 hours before expiry to extend on a pro-rata fee basis. Note that no permit fees are refundable<\/strong>, regardless of cancellations or abbreviated treks. If paperwork isn\u2019t your priority, your trekking operator can handle all applications and extensions on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above 4,000 meters, refuse bins are rare\u2014carry out any non-biodegradable waste to leave no trace. Porter rates and insurance standards have been set by the NTNC; always respect these guidelines and insure yourself separately for high-altitude helicopter evacuation, as permits do not cover rescue costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nManaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Restricted Area Permits (RAP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Apply for Your Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Visit the Nepal Tourism Board\u2019s e-permit portal, upload your documents, pay by credit card or bank transfer, and download the approved permits\u2014usually within 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Go to the NTNC (for ACAP\/MCAP\/RAP) or NTB (for TIMS) office in Thamel, Kathmandu. You can pay by cash (NPR or USD) or card. Express processing is available at most offices for an extra NPR 1,000.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nBest Time to Secure Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Extensions & Refunds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Environmental & Safety Guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Download Your Free Permit Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n