Fees and entry fees in Nepal

Nepal regulates mountaineering permits and entry fees based on peak altitude, season, and regional protection zones.

Mountaineering permits for 6000m, 7000m, 8000m

Peak Climbing Royalty Fees (Per Foreign Climber USD)

 

Protected Area and Restricted Zone Entry Fees

• National Park / Conservation Area Permits:
  • Sagarmatha, Annapurna, Langtang, Makalu-Barun: USD 30 per person (approx. NPR 3,000)
  • Local Rural Municipality / Entrance Fees (e.g., Khumbu Pasang Lhamu): NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000 per person
• Restricted Area Permits (RAP) (Required for peaks in designated zones):
  • Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpo: $ 500 per person (first 10 days), $ 50/day thereafter
  • Manaslu Region: $ 100 per person/week (Autumn); $ 75 per person/week (Spring/Winter)
  • Kanchenjunga / Nar Phu / Humla / Teri La: Range from $ 20 to $ 70 per person/week depending on season and zone

 

Mandatory Logistics & Environmental Fees

• Garbage Deposit Fee (Refundable):
  • Everest: $ 4,000 per team
  • Other 8,000m Peaks: $ 3,000 per team
  • Peaks 6,501m–7,000m (and Ama Dablam): $ 1,000–$ 2,000 per team
  • Peaks Below 6,500m: $ 500 per team
• Liaison Officer (LO) Allowance: Required for peaks above 6,500m; estimated $ 3,000–$5,000 per expedition covering LO salary, equipment allowance, daily allowance, and insurance.
   

Required Document Checklist for Permit Application

Applications must be submitted through a government-registered Nepalese trekking/expedition agency.

• Passport Copy: Clear color scan with a minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Digital copies (minimum 4 physical copies required upon arrival).
• Bio-Data / Resume: Detailed resume of past high-altitude trekking and technical climbing experience.
• Medical Fitness Certificate: Signed by a licensed physician certifying physical suitability for high-altitude expeditions.
• High-Altitude Insurance Policy: Must explicitly state coverage for high-altitude mountaineering, search and rescue, helicopter evacuation, and medical repatriation (death repatriation policy mandatory for Everest).
• Expedition Route & Schedule: Detailed itinerary including entry/exit dates, base camp placement, and high-camp locations.
• Agency-Climber Contract: Agreement copy signed with the local expedition organizer.
• Garbage Deposit & Royalty Bank Vouchers: Proof of full payment of royalties and environmental deposits.

 

Skiing, Skydiving, and Filming permit costs, local/protected area fees, and the required documents in Nepal.

 

1. Filming & Media Permits

Foreign film crews, commercial photographers, and documentary teams must secure permits through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT).

• Government Filming License Fee: NPR 15,000 (approx. USD 115).
• National Parks & Conservation Areas Filming Fee:
  • Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Sagarmatha: USD 1,500 per project (non-SAARC).
  • Aerial/Drone Surcharge: 25% extra on the base filming fee.
• Restricted Area Filming Surcharge:
  • Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpo: USD $ 5,000 per location (requires Ministry of Home Affairs consent).
• Heritage & Cultural Site Fees:
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square / Archaeological Sites: NPR 50,000
  • Pashupatinath Temple / Lumbini: NPR 50,000 to USD $ 1,000 (varies by board approval).
• Liaison Officer (LO): Mandatory for all international film shoots. Covers daily allowance, transport, meals, accommodation, and compulsory insurance (minimum NPR 300,000 coverage).

 

Required Documents for Filming Permits:

• Application form affixed with an NPR 50 Nepali postal stamp.
• Authorisation letter appointing a registered Nepalese film coordinator/agency.
• Complete Synopsis/Script/Storyboard detailing exact shoot locations, dates, and objectives.
• Passport copies, bio-data, and flight itineraries for all foreign crew members.
• Itemized list of filming equipment with declared customs values (for temporary import pass).
• Additional approvals (if applicable):
  • Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) & Ministry of Defence for drone/aerial filming.
  • UAV Operator License and pilot passport details.

 

2. Skiing & Ski Mountaineering Permits

Skiing or snowboarding down a Himalayan peak requires permissions on top of standard climbing permits.

• Skiing Permission Royalty: Managed by the Department of Tourism (DoT) or Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
  • Ski Royalty Fee: Typically USD $ 500–$ 1,000 per person (added directly onto the base peak climbing royalty).
• Peak Royalty: Standard 6,000m–8,000m climbing fee (ranging from $ 250 to $ 15,000 depending on peak/season).
• Garbage Deposit & Entry Fees: Standard peak garbage deposits ($ 500–$ 4,000) and Conservation Area / RAP permits apply.

 

Required Documents for Skiing Permits:

• Climbing Permit Authorization: Standard mountaineering permit docs via a local agency.
• Ski Expedition Application Letter: Detailed route profile mapping the proposed ski descent line.
• Specialized Insurance: High-altitude medical and rescue insurance explicitly endorsing off-piste skiing/ski mountaineering up to the max target altitude.
• Rescue Contingency Plan: Documented evacuation plan including helicopter operator contracts.
• Signed agreement: Signed agreement with a certified Nepalese High Altitude Ski Guide or Sirdar.

 

3. Skydiving Permits

Skydiving operations in Nepal are strictly regulated, non-routine events operating primarily in the Everest Region (Syangboche/Ama Dablam Drop Zones) or Pokhara.

• Everest Skydive Permit Package Fee:
  • Tandem Jump: USD $ 22,000–$ 25,000 (Includes aviation authorization, ground support, trekking logistics, permits, and oxygen).
  • Solo Jump: USD $ 15,000 – $ 18,000.
• Pokhara Skydive Permit Package Fee: USD $ 750–$ 1,200 per person.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Flight Clearance: Handled by the authorized event operator.

 

Required Documents for Skydiving Permits:

• Solo Jumpers:
  • Valid USPA, BPA, or FAI Skydiving License (minimum B-License or higher depending on drop zone altitude).
  • Logbook showing currency (minimum 100 to 200 logged jumps with recent high-altitude exits).
• Tandem & Solo Jumpers:
  • Comprehensive Medical Clearance Certificate signed by a doctor within 30 days of the jump.
  • Signed Liability Waiver & Release of Claims.
  • Specialized extreme-sports insurance policy covering skydiving above 4,000 meters and helicopter emergency evacuation.
  • Clear passport copy with valid Nepal visa.

 

First Ascent Peaks Waiver: 

• First Ascent Peaks Waiver: To promote new exploratory routes and unclimbed Himalayan peaks, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) offers a 100% royalty fee waiver for officially opened Unclimbed / First Ascent Peaks (primarily in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces).
• Nepalese Climber Rates: Local nationals pay discounted royalty fees ranging from NPR 20,000 (peaks ≤6,500m) up to NPR 150,000 (Mt. Everest normal route).

 

2. First Ascent Permit Processing & Rules

Attempting a first ascent or opening a new technical route requires a specialized administrative path through the Department of Tourism (DoT).

• Royalty Cost: $ 0 (Base peak royalty is waived for designated unclimbed peaks), but full environmental, LO, and agency fees still apply.
• Exclusive Window: Granting of a First Ascent Permit guarantees the team exclusive rights to that specific route or unclimbed peak during the approved expedition window.
• Mandatory Technical Report & Documentation:
  • Detailed topographical route mapping and proposed line of ascent.
  • Formal request letter addressed to the Director General, Department of Tourism.
  • Historical confirmation from the Himalayan Database / DoT verifying the peak/route remains unclimbed.
  • Post-climb requirement: Expedition team must submit high-resolution photo/video evidence, GPS logs, and a technical climb report within 30 days of completion to officially claim the first ascent record.

3. Protected Area & Restricted Zone Entry Fees

• National Parks / Conservation Areas: USD $30 per person (Sagarmatha, Annapurna, Langtang, Makalu-Barun).
• Local Municipality Entry Fees: NPR 2,000 to 3,000 per person (e.g., Khumbu Pasang Lhamu).
• Restricted Area Permits (RAP):
  • Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpo: $ 500 per person (first 10 days), $ 50/day thereafter.
  • Manaslu Region: $ 100/week (Autumn); $ 75/week (Spring/Winter).
  • Kanchenjunga / Nar Phu / Humla / Teri La: $ 20  $ 70 per person/week.

4. Filming, Skiing & Skydiving Permits

• Filming & Media:
  • License Fee: NPR 15,000 (Ministry of Communication).
  • National Park Filming Fee: USD $ 1,500 per project + 25% extra for drone usage.
  • Restricted Area Filming: USD $ 5,000 per location (Upper Mustang/Dolpo).
• Ski / Snowboard Permit: Standard Peak Royalty + USD $ 500–$ 1,000 additional ski royalty fee per person.
• Skydiving Permits: USD $ 15,000–$ 25,000 package fee (Everest region); includes CAAN airspace authorization, ground support, and drop zone logistics.

5. Additional Logistics, Environmental & Operational Costs

• Garbage Deposit Fee (Refundable):
  • Everest: USD $ 4,000 | Other 8,000m Peaks: USD $ 3,000
  • 7,001m–8,000m & Ama Dablam: USD $ 2,000 | 6,501m–7,000m: USD $ 1,000 | Below 6,500m: USD $ 500
• Liaison Officer (LO) Allocation: Mandatory for peaks above 6,500m. Budget USD $ 3,000–$ 5,000 per expedition to cover LO salary, gear allowance, transport, and compulsory insurance.
• Satellite Phone / Radio Permit: Telecommunication permits required via the Ministry of Information & Communication (USD $ 100 per device plus refundable security deposit).

6. Complete Document Checklist for Permit Processing

All permit applications must be submitted through a government-registered Nepalese agency.

• Identity & Background:
  • Color passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
  • Passport-sized photos (4 digital, 4 physical upon arrival).
  • Bio-data / Climbing Resume highlighting technical experience and high-altitude history.
• Medical & Insurance Coverage:
  • Physician-signed Medical Fitness Certificate.
  • High-Altitude Insurance explicitly covering mountaineering, search and rescue, helicopter evacuation, and medical/death repatriation up to the target altitude.
• Operations & Authorizations:
  • Comprehensive Expedition Itinerary, route profile, and base camp coordinates.
  • Signed Agency-Climber Service Contract.
  • Custom Equipment Clearance List (for filming, drone, or specialized communication gear).
  • Bank Vouchers verifying full payment of royalties, LO fees, and garbage deposits.

 

Mountaineering Permit Fees and Royalty Rates for Nepalese Climbers

Applicable to 6,000m, 7,000m and 8,000m+ Himalayan Peaks

 

The Government of Nepal, through the Department of Tourism, regulates mountaineering expeditions in Nepal and requires an expedition team to obtain a mountaineering permit before attempting an approved Himalayan peak. Nepalese mountaineering teams and the Nepalese side of joint expeditions may pay the prescribed royalty in Nepalese Rupees.

 

1. Mountaineering Royalty for Nepalese Climbers

Current royalty provisions effective from 1 September 2025

 

 

Note: The royalty is charged per Nepalese climber. The exact applicable rate depends on the mountain’s official elevation and the climbing season.

 

Everest Royalty

For Mount Everest, separate rates apply:

 

2. Expedition Garbage-Management Deposit

In addition to the mountaineering royalty, an expedition team is required to deposit an amount for garbage management.

 

For the Khumbu and Annapurna Himalayan ranges, the applicable deposits include:

 

 

For other Himalayan ranges, the Department specifies USD 3,000 for peaks above 8,000m and USD 500 for peaks below 8,000m, subject to the applicable regulations.

 

3. Required Documents for a Mountaineering Permit

 

Applicants should prepare the documents prescribed by the Department of Tourism and the applicable Mountaineering Regulations before submitting the expedition application.

 

The permit application package should generally include:

• Completed Mountaineering Expedition Permit Application.
• Details of the expedition team and individual climbers.
• Valid identification documents/passports as applicable.
• Climbing itinerary and expedition schedule.
• Proposed mountaineering route and relevant expedition details.
• Details of the expedition organizer/agency, where applicable.
• Required insurance and emergency/rescue arrangements, as prescribed.
• Required photographs and personal details of expedition members.
• Evidence of payment/deposit of the applicable mountaineering royalty.
• Evidence of the required garbage-management deposit.
• Any additional documents, declarations, undertakings, or approvals required by the Department for the particular peak, route, expedition or activity.

 

Applicants should use the Department's current official checklist because documentation requirements can vary according to the type of expedition and applicable regulations. The Department currently publishes a dedicated checklist for documents required for adventure and recreational activities and maintains a specific section for mountaineering-related procedures.

 

4. Permit Application Process

 

Step 01: Select the Mountain and Route

Confirm that the desired Himalayan peak and proposed route are open and available for mountaineering under the prevailing Government of Nepal regulations.

 

Step 02: Prepare the Expedition Documents

Prepare the application form, team-member information, itinerary, route information, insurance/rescue documentation, and other documents required by the Department.

 

Step 03: Submit the Application

Submit the expedition application through the Department of Tourism's Mountain Climbing Permit System and provide the required supporting documents.

 

Step 04: Pay Royalty and Deposits

Pay the applicable mountaineering royalty and the required garbage-management deposit in accordance with the current government rates.

 

Step 05: Permit Issuance

Following verification and approval of the application and payment of the prescribed fees, the Department issues the mountaineering permit subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

 

Step 06: Comply With Permit Conditions

The expedition team must follow the approved route and comply with all conditions attached to the mountaineering permit and applicable Nepalese mountaineering laws and regulations. Nepal's Mountaineering legislation requires a team to obtain permission before climbing a permitted Himalayan peak and requires payment of the prescribed royalty.

 

5. Important Information

Royalty rates, insurance provisions, documentation requirements, permitted peaks, environmental deposits and other expedition conditions may be amended by the Government of Nepal. Applicants should therefore verify the latest information with the Department of Tourism before making payment or commencing an expedition.

 

Official Authority:
Department of Tourism, Government of Nepal
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal

 

Official Mountain Climbing Permit System: Available through the Department of Tourism's official website.

Department of Tourism – Official Website

Current Mountaineering Royalty Rates

Department of Tourism – Mountaineering Resources