Trekking permits in Nepal are governed by the Department of Immigration (DoI), the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), and local government bodies.

Permit Requirements by Nationality

• Foreigners (Non-SAARC): Require all applicable permits, including Restricted Area Permits (RAP), TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) cards, Conservation Area Permits (CAP), and National Park Permits (NPP). RAPs require a minimum group of 2 trekkers and a licensed guide.
• Indian Nationals (SAARC): Require RAPs for restricted zones under the same rules as non-SAARC foreigners. For non-restricted areas, TIMS cards and entrance permits (CAP/NPP) are required at discounted SAARC rates.
• Nepali Citizens: Exempt from RAPs, TIMS cards, and standard park entrance fees. Trekkers must carry a valid National ID or Citizenship Card for security checkpoints, especially in border areas.

1. Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

RAPs are mandatory for environmentally fragile or border-adjacent regions. They must be processed through a government-authorized trekking agency in Nepal and cannot be issued to solo trekkers.

2. Non-Restricted Area Permits

Trekkers in non-restricted regions (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, etc.) require standard environmental and trekking permits:

• TIMS Card (e-TIMS): NPR 2,000 ( USD 15 ) for Foreigners; NPR 1,000 for SAARC/Indian nationals. Mandatory for all open trekking regions.
• Conservation Area Permits (CAP): NPR 3,000 ( USD 23 ) for Foreigners; NPR 1,000 for SAARC/Indian nationals (e.g., Annapurna ACAP, Manaslu MCAP, Gaurishankar GCAP).
• National Park Entrance Permits (NPP): NPR 3,000 ( USD 23 ) for Foreigners; NPR 1,500 for SAARC/Indian nationals (e.g., Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park).
• Local Rural Municipality Fees: Certain local bodies collect direct entry fees (e.g., Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality charges NPR 2,000 per person in place of or alongside standard permits).

Required Documentation Checklist

Individual Trekkers (Foreigners & Indian Nationals)

• Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months (Indians may present a valid Voter ID Card if travelling under SAARC entry provisions; original passport required for RAP).
• Valid Nepal Tourist Visa: Stamp/copy (except Nepalis and Indians).
• Passport-Size Photographs: 2 to 4 physical photos (or high-res digital scans for e-TIMS).
• Travel & Medical Insurance: Proof of insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
• Day-by-Day Trekking Itinerary: Route details and entry/exit dates.

Agency Submission Documents (Required for RAPs)

• Company Registration & Operating License: Issued by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
• Tax Clearance Certificate: Current fiscal year clearance of the trekking agency.
• Nepal Rastra Bank License: Authorization for foreign currency exchanges.
• Guide & Staff Insurance Policy: Emergency/accident insurance cover for accompanying Nepali guides and porters.
• Voucher of Bank Payment: Proof of permit fee deposit to the Department of Immigration.