Trekking Permits and Fees for Popular Trekking Route in Nepal

Wondering how much trekking permits and fees will cost in Nepal? The answer entirely depends on the trek you have chosen for your adventure. While the Nepal trekking permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek are limited to a conservation area permit. The restricted area treks, such as the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Nar Phu Valley Trek, require trekkers to obtain an additional restricted area permit.

 Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned trekker who is trying different trails in Nepal, understanding trekking entry fees in Nepal can be quite confusing. And to be honest, it is very much normal. Some trekking routes ask for one national park permit, while some ask for two or three. Not only this, but the restricted area trekking permit price varies according to the seasons. If you’re trekking in winter to the Manaslu Circuit, the same restricted trekking permit will cost you about 10 dollars less than you would pay during autumn. 

So, trying to figure out the entry fees for various routes and different seasons is just like solving a riddle. And we don't want you to be stuck in confusion and give up on trekking in Nepal. So, here’s a complete guide on trekking permits in Nepal.

Trekking Permit and Entry Fees for Different Routes in Nepal

Nepal is heaven for trekkers with many trekking trails open for adventure. Whether you’re searching for easy treks like the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek or want to embark on the strenuous Kanchenjunga Trek, Nepal truly has it all. So, let’s figure out the permits and their fees for different trails.

 1. Trekking to Everest Base Camp 

The first trekking trail on our list is the epic Everest Base Camp Trek. To reach the foot of the mighty Everest, you’ll need two different Everest Base Camp Trek permits​.

Since there are different routes for the EBC trek, the Everest Base Camp Trek Permit​ can vary according to the trail you have chosen. The classic EBC trek or Gokyo Everest Trek only requires the above two permits. However, if you are trekking EBC via Jiri, you need to obtain one additional permit. When you’re trekking EBC from the Jiri route, you’re not directly entering the Sagarmatha National Park area. Before that, you’ll be entering the parts of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, which is a separate protected area. Hence, you have to obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit in addition to the other two permits.

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The ABC Trekking is another mainstream route that takes trekkers inside the Annapurna sanctuary while promising the sheer beauty of the Himalayas. To be able to complete this trek, you’ll need two trekking permits. One is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP), while the other is the TIMS Card.

If you’re planning any other Annapurna region trekking, such as the Mardi Himal Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, or Khopra Ridge Trek, you’ll need a TIMS card and an ACAP Permit Nepal​ just like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. 

3. Annapurna Circuit Trek 

Another famous trekking route that welcomes hundreds of trekkers every year is the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With its diverse landscapes, mesmerizing mountain views, and interesting cultural encounters, this trek has been one of the ultimate Himalayan adventures. For this journey, you’ll also need two Annapurna Circuit Trek permits.

Many trekkers who want to explore more of Nepal generally include the Nar Phu Valley Trek with the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. In this trek, you will first explore the scenic and serene view of Nar and Phu Valley. Then, you will join the circuit trek from Manang. Since Nar Phu Valley is one of the restricted areas with the border proximity to Tibet, you have to obtain an additional restricted area permit(RAP) to complete this entire trek.

4. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most famous short-to-moderate treks in Nepal that will provide excellent mountain views, traditional Tamang villages, and a great cultural experience near Kathmandu. Being a less remote and more accessible trekking trail, trekkers need to obtain a Langtang National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS card.

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek are a blend of two of the most remote and culturally diverse trekking experiences in Nepal, with stunning mountain views, traditional Tibetan-shaped villages, and fewer trekking crowds than the main Everest and Annapurna trails. The two areas are both restricted areas, so trekkers require a restricted area permit in addition to a conservation area permit as a Manaslu Circuit Trek permit.

6. Upper Mustang Trek 

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most peculiar and culturally intriguing expeditions in Nepal. In this journey, trekkers visit the former Kingdom of Lo, where the ancient customs of Tibetan Buddhism, the scenery of the deserts, and the old monasteries form a unique experience one will never forget. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area, trekkers require special permissions prior to entering the area, apart from the ACAP permit.

7. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek 

One of the most isolated and adventurous trekking trails in Nepal is the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. This hidden gem in Nepal is the best place that a trekker can visit to explore untouched nature with fewer people, and the spectacular scenery of the third-highest mountain in the world. With area access inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, you’ll need a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit. Moreover, the fragile ecosystem, remoteness, and border proximity have made this region a secure area, requiring you to obtain a restricted area permit.

8. Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a trekking adventure that is among the most remote and culturally diverse in Nepal, with its dramatic scenery, Tibetan-inspired villages, and the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Trekkers must have several permits to enter the area due to the fact that it is located in a restricted area. You will need an Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Shey Phoksando National Park Entry Permit.

Where to Get Trekking Permits in Nepal

After you have learned about all the trekking permits and entry fees, now it's time to know where you can obtain these documents. For the national park and conservation area permits, you can apply for them at the Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu or the National Tourism Board in Pokhara, wherever it is convenient for you. You can apply for the Nepal trekking permit online now. 

In case of a restricted area permit, you can obtain it through the Department of Immigration. As a solo trekker, you cannot apply for RAP on your own. You have to apply through a licensed and registered trekking agency in Nepal. You can give your documents to them, and they will apply for this permit on your behalf. 

Are Trekking Entry Fees Included in Trek Packages?

Whether trekking permits are included in Nepal trek packages depends on the operator and the trekking agencies you choose. However, Many guided trekking in Nepal packages, including ours, are inclusive of the essential entry fees such as national park permits in Nepal​, Nepal climbing permit, conservation area permits, and local municipality fees as part of the overall cost.

Planning a trek in Nepal is not only about the trail that you decide to walk on. knowing what permits and entry fees that accompany the trek also plays a bigger role. Each trail has its own permit that you must acquire. Moreover, these permits are checked at various checkpoints, so you must carry them throughout the trek.

When you opt for a guided trek, always ensure that you verify whether permit fees are covered in your package to ensure an easier and hassle-free journey. We, Mountain Adventure Pvt Ltd, offer all-inclusive trekking packages inclusive of permits and entrance fees. Book your next adventure and be one step closer to the Himalayas.