{"url":"https://www.ecotournepal.com/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026","representations":{"html":"https://www.ecotournepal.com/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026","markdown":"https://www.ecotournepal.com/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026.md","json":"https://www.ecotournepal.com/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026.json"},"page":{"kind":"post","path":"/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026","title":"Nepal Trekking Permits Explained (2026): ACAP, Sagarmatha, RAP & More","description":"One clear breakdown of every Nepal trekking permit by region — ACAP, Sagarmatha NP, Manaslu & Upper Mustang RAP — with 2026 costs and where to buy each one.","hero":{"eyebrow":"Visas & Permits","image":"https://amplify-ecotournepal-saru-ecotournepalmediabucketf-2rwlchiydjqx.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/media/national-park-permit.avif","imageAlt":"A Nepal national park entry permit document","tagline":"One clear breakdown of every Nepal trekking permit by region — ACAP, Sagarmatha NP, Manaslu & Upper Mustang RAP — with 2026 costs and where to buy each one."},"sections":[{"id":"article-body","richText":{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Planning a Nepal trek involves more paperwork than most people expect — and the requirements differ significantly by region. One valley needs an ACAP; the next needs a national park permit and a local municipality fee; a restricted area needs something else entirely. This guide cuts through the confusion with one clear table per region."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Quick summary"}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area):"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 for foreigners — required for Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and surrounding routes."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sagarmatha NP (Everest):"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 (+13% VAT) plus a separate Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local municipality permit of NPR 3,000."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Manaslu RAP:"},{"type":"text","text":" US$100/week in peak season (Sep–Nov), US$75/week off-peak — plus ACAP and MCAP on top."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Upper Mustang RAP:"},{"type":"text","text":" US$50/person/day — one of the most expensive per-day permits in the world, and worth it."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Restricted areas require a licensed agency:"},{"type":"text","text":" RAPs cannot be purchased independently — a registered Nepali agency must apply on your behalf."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"When you book through EcoTourNepal, all permits are included"},{"type":"text","text":" — you don't chase them separately."}]}]}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Why Nepal has so many permits"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Nepal's permit system exists for three overlapping reasons: "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"conservation funding"},{"type":"text","text":" (fees go directly to the NTNC, NTB, and local governments managing the areas), "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"trekker safety"},{"type":"text","text":" (checkpoints log movement for search-and-rescue), and "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"controlled access"},{"type":"text","text":" (restricted areas limit footfall to protect culture and environment). The system is genuinely functional — the Annapurna and Sagarmatha regions have benefited from permit revenue — even if the paperwork feels excessive when you're on the ground."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Key rule from the "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Immigration Act 2049 §3(3)"},{"type":"text","text":": \"A foreigner intending to trek in the prescribed area … has to obtain, in addition to a visa, the permit as prescribed.\" Carrying the right permits is a legal requirement, not a courtesy."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Permit breakdown by region"}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Annapurna region — ACAP"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"The "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)"},{"type":"text","text":" covers all trekking within the Annapurna Conservation Area, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)."}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Treks covered:"},{"type":"text","text":" "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/mountain-treks/annapurna-base-camp-trek"}}],"text":"Annapurna Circuit"},{"type":"text","text":", Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani–Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge, Nar-Phu (which also needs a RAP), and connecting routes."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cost (2026):"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals / NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Children under 10 are free."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Where to buy:"},{"type":"text","text":" NTB counters in Kathmandu (Bhrikuti Mandap) or Pokhara (Damside). Your agency can also arrange it."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Validity:"},{"type":"text","text":" Single entry; covers the duration of your trek."}]}]}]},{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://amplify-ecotournepal-saru-ecotournepalmediabucketf-2rwlchiydjqx.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/media/annapurna-base-camp-board-with-snowy-background.avif","alt":"Annapurna Base Camp sign with snowy mountain backdrop"}},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Everest / Khumbu region — Sagarmatha NP + local permit"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"The "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/mountain-treks/everest-base-camp-trek"}}],"text":"Everest Base Camp"},{"type":"text","text":" region uses a "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"two-permit system"},{"type":"text","text":" unique to this area:"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"1. Sagarmatha National Park entry permit:"}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cost:"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 for foreigners (+13% VAT) / NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals / NPR 100 for Nepali citizens."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Where to buy:"},{"type":"text","text":" NTB Bhrikuti Mandap counter in Kathmandu, or at the Monjo checkpoint gate on the trail."}]}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality local permit:"}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cost:"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 per person."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Where to buy:"},{"type":"text","text":" Issued by the municipality; your agency or the checkpoint at Lukla handles this."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Important:"},{"type":"text","text":" This local permit "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"replaced the TIMS card"},{"type":"text","text":" in the Khumbu region. If you're trekking to EBC, you do "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"not"},{"type":"text","text":" need a TIMS card — but you do need both of the above."}]}]}]},{"type":"blockquote","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tip:"},{"type":"text","text":" Buy the Sagarmatha NP permit in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla — the Bhrikuti Mandap counter is straightforward and saves time at Monjo."}]}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Langtang region — LNP permit + TIMS"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"The "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/mountain-treks/langtang-valley-trek"}}],"text":"Langtang Valley"},{"type":"text","text":" requires:"}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Langtang National Park entry permit:"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 for foreigners."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"TIMS card:"},{"type":"text","text":" Required and actively checked at Dhunche and Syabrubesi. (See our "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/blog"}}],"text":"TIMS guide"},{"type":"text","text":" for current details.)"}]}]}]},{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://amplify-ecotournepal-saru-ecotournepalmediabucketf-2rwlchiydjqx.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/media/man-wearing-yelllow-puffer-jacket-on-the-top-of-rock-written-everest-base-camp.avif","alt":"Trekker at Everest Base Camp sign"}},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Manaslu Circuit — RAP + MCAP + ACAP"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Manaslu is a "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"restricted area"},{"type":"text","text":", which means extra permits and a licensed agency are non-negotiable. The "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/mountain-treks/manaslu-circuit-trek"}}],"text":"Manaslu Circuit"},{"type":"text","text":" requires "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"three permits stacked together"},{"type":"text","text":":"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP):"}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Peak season (Sep 1 – Nov 30):"},{"type":"text","text":" US$100/person for the first week, then US$15/person/day thereafter."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Off-peak (Dec 1 – Aug 31):"},{"type":"text","text":" US$75/person for the first week, then US$10/person/day thereafter."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Issued by:"},{"type":"text","text":" "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https://www.immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee"}}],"text":"Department of Immigration"},{"type":"text","text":" — through a registered agency only."}]}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):"},{"type":"text","text":" NPR 3,000 (the route crosses into the ACAP on the Larkya La pass section)."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Minimum group size:"},{"type":"text","text":" 2 trekkers. You cannot obtain a Manaslu RAP as a solo trekker — you must either be in a group of at least two or join one through your agency."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Upper Mustang — RAP"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Upper Mustang is one of Nepal's most prized — and most expensive — restricted areas. The ancient Lo Kingdom, Tibetan-influenced culture, and lunar landscapes are protected by a strict entry cap and high permit fee."}]},{"type":"bulletList","content":[{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit:"},{"type":"text","text":" US$50/person/day (official rate)."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Plus:"},{"type":"text","text":" ACAP permit (NPR 3,000)."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Issued by:"},{"type":"text","text":" Department of Immigration through a registered agency. Minimum 2 trekkers."}]}]},{"type":"listItem","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"A 10-day Upper Mustang trip, for example, runs US$500 per person in permit fees alone before accommodation, food, or guide costs."}]}]}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Other restricted areas"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Nepal has a number of other restricted regions with their own RAP requirements and fee structures, including "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Upper Dolpo, Nar-Phu Valley, Tsum Valley, and Humla"},{"type":"text","text":". All follow the same rule: registered agency mandatory, minimum 2 trekkers, permit fee per person per week/day on top of conservation area permits."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Full current fee schedule: "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"https://www.immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee"}}],"text":"immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee"}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"What happens if you're missing a permit"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Checkpoints are staffed and consistent on major routes. Missing or incorrect permits can result in fines, forced exit from the area, or being asked to backtrack and obtain the permit at the point of issue. On Manaslu and Upper Mustang, there is no workaround at the gate — the RAP must be in hand before you enter the restricted zone."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":2},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"How EcoTourNepal handles permits"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"When a client books any pre-made package or custom itinerary through EcoTourNepal, all permits are included and arranged — TIMS (where applicable), national park/conservation area entries, and RAPs for restricted routes. You show up; we've handled it. For restricted areas, we sort the agency-only paperwork on your behalf so you meet the two-trekker minimum requirement and carry valid documentation from day one."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"If you want to discuss a specific route — including which permits apply and what the realistic total cost looks like — "},{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"link","attrs":{"href":"/contact"}}],"text":"get in touch"},{"type":"text","text":" and we'll break it down for your dates and group size."}]}]}}],"faqs":[{"question":"How much is the ACAP permit for Annapurna in 2026?","answer":"NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Children under 10 are free. Buy it at NTB counters in Kathmandu (Bhrikuti Mandap) or Pokhara before you start trekking."},{"question":"Do I need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp?","answer":"No. The Khumbu/Everest region replaced TIMS with the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality local permit (NPR 3,000). You need this plus the Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000 + VAT) — but not a TIMS card."},{"question":"Can I get a Manaslu or Upper Mustang permit as a solo traveller?","answer":"No. Restricted Area Permits require a minimum of 2 trekkers and must be issued through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Solo travellers need to either form a pair or join a group through an agency."},{"question":"How much is the Upper Mustang permit?","answer":"US$50 per person per day — one of the highest per-day permit fees in the world. A 10-day trek costs US$500 per person in permit fees alone. Add the ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) on top."},{"question":"Where do I buy Nepal trekking permits?","answer":"ACAP and national park permits are available at NTB counters (Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu, Damside in Pokhara) or at some trail entry gates. Restricted Area Permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency — they cannot be purchased by individuals."},{"question":"Are Nepal trekking permit fees included when booking with a tour company?","answer":"Usually yes when booking a full package. Always confirm at the time of booking what is and isn't included. With EcoTourNepal, all applicable permits are covered in the package cost — no surprises at the checkpoint."}],"cta":{"primary":{"label":"Plan a Custom Nepal Trip","href":"/contact"},"secondary":{"label":"Talk to a Nepal Travel Expert","href":"/contact"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","path":"/"},{"name":"Journal","path":"/blog"},{"name":"Nepal Trekking Permits Explained (2026): ACAP, Sagarmatha, RAP & More","path":"/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-explained-2026"}],"updatedAt":"2026-06-19"}}