Nepal Trekking Permits

You need a permit to trek in most areas in Nepal. You usually need a trekking permit if you plan to go more than a day trip from the main roads.
You get the permit at the Central Immigration offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. In Pokhara the office only issues permits for the Annapurna and Rara areas. You need two photos, and these can be gotten from the fast-photo places nearby. The application forms are color coded by region, so you have to make sure you get the correct one. The cost for most treks is $5 per week for the first four weeks and $10 per week after this. To trek in some region you have to pay a much higher fee, up to $100 per day for some areas. Even with the permit, many areas are restricted. Permits can be gotten in the same day, if you start the process early in the morning. Prices are quoted in US dollar, but you have to pay for the permits in rupees. Children under ten do not have to pay for trekking permits and park entry.

Trekking permits in Kathmandu can be obtained at the immigration office. You deposit the application from between 10 am and 1pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10 am to noon on Friday. You then come back later in the day to get your permit (stamped on your passport).

Usually it is easier to deal with the Pokhara office instead of the Kathmandu office, but the Pokhara office only issues permits for the Annapurna region and western Nepal. The office can be really crowded in October, especially before and after the week-long Dasain festival.

Trekking permits are color coded and you should make sure you get the correct form.
Along the trekking route, there are regular inspection points for permits. If you do not have a permit they will not allow you to proceed. Not only do they inspect for permits, but they often inspect that you got your permit stamped at the previous inspection points.

If you are going on a trek organized by a trekking agency, they will usually arrange for the permit.
If you trek through a national park or conservation area there is an Rs1000 national park entry. This includes the Annapurna Conservation Area. Most treks in Nepal go through a national park. This fee can be paid at the National Parks office in Kathmandu at the basement of the Sanchaya Kosh shopping center in Thamel, at the immigration office in Pokhara, or at the entrance of a park.
Depending on where you plan to visit, trekking fee vary.

Area Fees
Annapurna, Everest $5 per week for first
Gokha, Langtang four weeks, $10 per week
Jumla (some others) for more weeks

Manaslu* / $90 per weeks during main
season, $75 per week during
off season

Kanchenjunga & * $10 per week for first four
Lower Dolpo * weeks, $20 per week for
extra weeks

Humla * $90 for first seven days
$15 per day after that

Upper Mustang* / $700 for 10 days
& Upper Dolpo*/
(groups only)

* Treks must be arranged by a trekking agency

/ A government liaison officer must while doing the trek in this area

Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides