​Permits for Treks and Expeditions in Nepal

​To trek or climb in Nepal, you will need to obtain various permits, depending on the region and the nature of your trip. The permits are a way for the government to regulate tourism, ensure the safety of trekkers, and protect the natural environment and local cultures. 

Trekking Permits

​1. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card 

​Purpose: The TIMS card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal. It is a system designed to manage and monitor trekkers and is crucial for their safety. The information helps in rescue operations and in tracking trekkers in case of an emergency. 

​Issuing Authority: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). 

​Requirement: Since a rule implemented on April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide and obtain their TIMS card through a registered trekking agency. Solo trekking is no longer permitted. 

​2. National Park / Conservation Area Permits

​Purpose: These permits are required to enter and trek through national parks and conservation areas, such as Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area, and Langtang National Park. The fees contribute to the conservation and maintenance of these protected areas. 

​Issuing Authority: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. These permits can often be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or at checkpoints at the entry of the park/conservation area. 

​Examples of Fees (for foreigners):

• ​Sagarmatha National Park: Approx. $24 USD (Rs 3,000) 
• ​Annapurna Conservation Area: Approx. $24 USD (Rs 3,000) 
• ​Langtang National Park: Approx. $24 USD (Rs 3000)
• ​Manaslu Conservation Area: NPR 3,000 (approx. $24 USD) per person. 

3. Restricted Area Permits

Some remote areas near international borders require a special permit, which can be significantly more expensive and often requires a minimum group size with a licensed guide. 

• ​Upper Mustang: $500 USD for the first 10 days, and an additional $50 USD per day after that. 

​Manaslu Conservation Area: Fees are seasonal.

• ​September – November: $100 USD per person per week, plus $15 per extra day. 
• ​December – August: $75 USD per person per week, plus $10 per extra day.

​Upper Dolpo: $500 USD for the first 10 days, and an additional $50 USD per day after that. 

​Expedition and Peak Climbing Permits

​Expedition permits are much more costly and are regulated by the Department of Tourism or the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) depending on the peak’s classification. The fees for climbing peaks above 8,000 meters are often priced per person and are generally higher in the spring climbing season. 

Mountaineering Royalty

For Foreigners in USD ($) 

​NMA Peak Climbing Permits Fees:

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has revised the official climbing permit fees for all 27 designated trekking peaks across Nepal. These fees apply to both foreign climbers and Nepali climbers, depending on the season and the mountain region.

Below are the updated NMA royalty fees for all 27 peaks, effective for climbers operating through authorized trekking and mountaineering agencies like Brotherhood Adventure.

 Notes:

Spring (March–May) is the main climbing season; hence, permit fees are slightly higher.

Fees include royalty charges only. Other logistics such as guides, porters, equipment, and transportation are managed separately.

All climbing permits must be issued through a registered NMA-associated trekking company like Brotherhood Adventure.

Garbage Fees and Deposits

​In a major effort to combat pollution on the mountains, the Nepali government has implemented a mandatory garbage deposit for all expeditions. This is a refundable deposit that is returned upon the successful retrieval and proper disposal of all waste. 

​How it works: The deposit is paid upfront and is refunded after the expedition, upon verification by the government liaison officer that all waste has been properly managed and the base camp and climbing route are clean. If the team fails to do so, they forfeit the deposit.

​Fee Structure: The amount of the deposit varies based on the height of the mountain. For example: 

1. ​Mount Everest: $4,000 USD (refundable). Climbers are also required to bring down a minimum amount of solid waste (e.g., 8 kilograms) from above base camp. 
2. ​Other peaks above 8,000m: $3,000 USD (refundable).
3. ​Peaks between 7,001m and 8,000m: $2,000 USD (refundable). 
4. ​Peaks between 6,501m and 7,000m: $1,000 USD (refundable). 
5. ​Peaks below 6,500m: $500 USD (refundable).

How to Get Your Permits

​The process for obtaining permits is handled by the Brotherhood Adventure company. The company will apply for the necessary permits on your behalf. You will typically need to provide the following documents: 

1. ​A copy of your valid passport
2. ​Two passport-sized photographs
3. ​A copy of your travel itinerary

​Your visa details (must be valid for the duration of the trek/expedition) 

​Remember to always carry your permits with you during your trek, as they will be checked at various checkpoints along the route.