Nepal Trekking Permits Explained: TIMS, Sagarmatha, and Annapurna
Confused by the paperwork? Here is your straightforward guide to the permits required for trekking in Nepal in 2026.
Trekking in Nepal requires specific permits depending on the region you visit. While navigating the bureaucracy can feel confusing at first, these fees are essential—they fund local trail maintenance, conservation efforts, and the high-altitude rescue databases that keep you safe.
Here is the straightforward breakdown for the major trekking routes in 2026.
1. The TIMS Card
Trekkers' Information Management System
The TIMS card is a basic registration card required for most treks in Nepal. It acts as a database to help authorities track trekkers for safety and rescue purposes in case of an emergency (like an earthquake or severe storm).
2026 Update: Currently, a local guide is mandatory for most regions in Nepal. If you book through a verified platform or agency, your guide will arrange and fill out the TIMS card paperwork for you!
2. Everest Region Permits
If you are heading to Everest Base Camp or the Gokyo Lakes, the rules are slightly different. You do not need a TIMS card for the Everest Region. Instead, you need two specific local permits:
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Ticket
This is a local municipality tax that directly funds the Sherpa communities of the Khumbu region. It cannot be bought in Kathmandu.
- Where: Purchased in Lukla
- Cost: Approx. 2,000 NPR
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Required to enter the protected national park area. The checkpoint for this is located just past the village of Monjo.
- Where: Monjo Checkpoint
- Cost: Approx. 3,000 NPR
3. Annapurna Region Permits
For the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), or Mardi Himal, you will need the standard TIMS card, plus one specific conservation permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
The ACAP permit is required to enter the massive Annapurna protected zone. This permit helps fund local sustainable tourism and wildlife protection initiatives (like protecting the elusive Snow Leopard).
Cost: Approx. 3,000 NPRCrucial Pro-Tips for Checkpoints
- Bring Passport Photos!
You cannot get these permits without a photo. Bring at least 4 to 6 physical passport-sized photos with you from home. You will need them for your Visa on Arrival, your TIMS card, and your National Park permits.
- Carry Local Currency (NPR)
Do not expect the mountain checkpoints in Monjo or Lukla to have credit card machines. You must pay for your regional permits in cash using Nepalese Rupees (NPR). Exchange your money in Kathmandu (Thamel) before your flight.
"Permit checkpoints are also safety checkpoints. Make sure you smile, have your paperwork ready, and let the officers know your intended route!"