Trekking in Nepal: the permits

Last verified: June 2026 (ntb.gov.np source)

Which permits to trek in Nepal?

The tourist visa does not cover trekking. On top of the visa (see the Tourism tab), you need a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System) and a national-park or conservation-area permit depending on the region (Everest/Sagarmatha, Annapurna/ACAP, Langtang…). These are obtained in Nepal (Nepal Tourism Board / entry points). Some restricted areas require a special permit and a licensed guide.

Official source: nepaliport.immigration.gov.np

At a glance

Note: The visa does NOT cover trekking
Permit 1: TIMS (trekker card)
Permit 2: National park / conservation area
Examples: Everest (Sagarmatha), Annapurna (ACAP), Langtang
Restricted areas: Special permit + licensed guide
Where: Nepal Tourism Board / entry points
Relation to visa: Separate — see the Tourism tab
Pre-travel biometrics: None

Required documents

Valid Nepali tourist visa (see the Tourism tab)
Passport
Passport photos (for the permits)
TIMS card
National-park / conservation-area permit
Licensed guide for restricted areas

How it works, step by step

1
Get the tourist visa first
Online pre-registration + visa on arrival (see the Tourism tab).
2
Choose your trek region
Everest, Annapurna, Langtang… each has its permits.
3
Get the TIMS card
Trekker card, at the Nepal Tourism Board or via a local agency.
4
Get the park / conservation permit
Per the area (ACAP, Sagarmatha National Park, etc.).
5
Restricted areas: guide + special permit
Mandatory for Upper Mustang, Manaslu, etc.

Fees

Tourist visa	see the Tourism tab
TIMS card	per the official rate in force
Park / conservation permit	per the area

Trekking requires, ON TOP of the visa, a TIMS card and a park/conservation-area permit, obtained in Nepal (rates set by the Nepal Tourism Board, varying by region and season). Restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo…) require a special permit and a licensed guide. This complements the visa (Tourism tab). Confirm on ntb.gov.np.

Frequently asked questions

Is the visa enough to trek?

No. You also need a TIMS card and a national-park / conservation-area permit.

Where do I get the permits?

In Nepal, via the Nepal Tourism Board or a licensed local trekking agency.

Do I need a guide?

Yes for restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo…); recommended everywhere else.

Is approval guaranteed?

No. The decision is at the Nepali authorities' discretion; OuiVisa checks eligibility before departure.

Need the visa first?

OuiVisa prepares your pre-registration and the visa on arrival — see the Tourism tab.

See the tourist visa

Pre-registration handled online by OuiVisa — the Nepal visa is issued on arrival in Kathmandu (no embassy or pre-travel biometrics). For visas requiring biometrics and physical presence, OuiVisa refers you to a partner agency. Visa issuance is at the Nepali authorities' discretion; approval is not guaranteed.

Other options — Nepal

Tourism Business ↗ All Nepal visa info