Permit And Cost Info
Nepal’s well-being areas and national parks provide access to some remarkably beautiful trekking routes in the world. A few important national parks and their main features are mentioned below:
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Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)
- Area: Khumbu Himal, Solukhumbu District
- Main Highlights: Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) is the icon of the park, which has several high-altitude trails such as the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek, Gokyo Lakes and Three Passes. Alpine meadows, Sherpa villages, and monasteries like Tengboche are among the things you can expect.
- Permit Fees: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (~ USD 22) for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals.TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): USD 20 (for individual trekkers) or USD 10 (for group trekkers).Local Entry Fee (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality): NPR 2,000 (~USD 15).
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to see the clear sky and get stable weather.
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Annapurna Conservation Area
- Area: Annapurna Region, Central Nepal
- Main Highlights: There are multiple routes like Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Poon Hill and Mardi . The area is home to dense forests, terraced fields, and the towering peak of Annapurna I (8,091m). Muktinath Temple, an ancient site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village.
- Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.TIMS Card: USD 20 (solo) or USD 10 (group).
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times for great weather and beautiful views.
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Langtang National Park
- Area: Langtang National Park, Northern Nepal
- Main Highlights: Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Lake, and Tamang Heritage Trail. It is famous for its flora and fauna, red pandas, Tamangs cultural, Gosaikunda, a holy lake for Hindus, and Kyanjin Gompa.
- Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals. TIMS Card: USD 20 (solo) or USD 10 (group).
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for great weather and beautiful views. Winter trekking is possible but the weather is cold.
4. Manaslu Conservation Area
- Area: Manaslu Himal, Western Nepal
- Highlights: Manaslu Circuit Trek is a less-crowded alternative to Annapurna Circuit with the magnificent view of Manaslu (8,163m) mountain, Lho and Samagaon are the ancient monasteries.
- Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: USD 100 (September-November) or USD 75 (December-August) applies for the first 7 days, after that USD 15/day. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 (~USD 22).Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (for Tsum Valley): NPR 3,000.TIMS Card: USD 10 (group only; solo trekking not allowed).
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for great weather and beautiful views. Winter trekking is possible but the weather is cold.
- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
- Area: Kanchenjunga Himal, Eastern Nepal
- Main Highlights: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, a secluded trail with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Rai and Limbu villages.
- Permits: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit: USD 20/week. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit: NPR 2,000 (~USD 15).TIMS Card: USD 10 (group only).
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for great views.
- Makalu Barun National Park
- Location: Mahalangur Himal, Eastern Nepal
- Main Highlights: Makalu Base Camp Trek, a tough trail with the giant Makalu (8,485m) as the extraordinary companion, Sherpa and Rai cultural sites.
- Permits: Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (~USD 22).TIMS Card: USD 20 (solo) or USD 10 (group).
- Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times for great views.
Climbing in Nepal: NMA Peaks
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) permits 27 trekking peaks of 5,800m to 6,584m altitudes that are appropriate for climbers seeking technical challenges without the complexity of expedition peaks like Mt. Everest. The table below shows NMA peaks’ permit prices depending on the season.
NMA Peak and Permit Cost
| S.N. | Mountain/Peak | Height (m.) | Himalayan Range | Spring (Mar-Apr-May) | Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) | Winter (Dec-Jan-Feb) | Summer (Jun-Jul-Aug) |
| 1 | Chulu East | 6584 | Damodar | USD 500 | USD 250 | USD 200 | USD 200 |
| 2 | Chulu West | 6419 | Damodar | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 3 | Ghanja-la Chuli (Naya Kanga) | 5863 | Langtang Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 4 | Hiun Chuli | 6434 | Annapurna | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 5 | Imja Tse (Island Peak) | 6165 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 6 | Khongma Tse (Mehra Peak) | 5849 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 7 | Kusum Kanguru | 6360 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 8 | Kwangde | 6086 | Rolwaling Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 9 | Lobuje East | 6119 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 10 | Mera Peak | 6470 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 11 | Mt. ABI | 6043 | Mahalangur | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 12 | Mt. Bokta | 6114 | Kanchenjunga | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 13 | Mt. Chekigo | 6121 | Gaurishankar | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 14 | Mt. Chola Tse | 6440 | Khumbu | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 15 | Mt. Kyazo Ri | 6186 | Mahalangur | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 16 | Mt. Langsisa Ri | 6412 | Jugal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 17 | Mt. Larkya Peak | 6416 | Manaslu | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 18 | Mt. Lobuje West | 6135 | Khumbu Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 19 | Mt. Nirekha | 6159 | Mahalangur | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 20 | Mt. Ombigaichen | 6340 | Mahalangur | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 21 | Mt. Phari Lapcha | 6017 | Mahalangur | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 22 | Mt. Yubra Himal | 6048 | Langtang Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 23 | Paldor Peak | 5903 | Ganesh Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 24 | Pharchamo | 6279 | Rolwaling Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 25 | Pisang Peak | 6091 | Damodar | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 26 | Ramdong Go | 5900 | Rolwaling Himal | USD 350 | USD 175 | USD 175 | USD 175 |
| 27 | Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak) | 6501 | Annapurna Himal | USD 500 | USD 250 | USD 200 | USD 200 |
Process of Climbing Permit
- Issuing Authority: The permit for climbing is issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
- Requirements: One can only get a permit through a registered trekking agency. Climbers must have a passport, visa, and a climbing itinerary. If you are planning to climb certain peaks, you might need a liaison officer.
- Additional Costs: Garbage deposit (USD 250-500, refundable), guide fees, and equipment costs.
- Group Discounts: Group permit costs are lower than individual ones (e.g., USD 350 for 1-4 climbers; more than 4-member group will be charged extra).
Restricted Areas and Permits
Nepal has quite a few restricted areas for trekking and climbing that are only accessible with a special permit. These areas are mostly restricted due to either their closeness to borders or their ecological sensitivity. For example:
- Upper Mustang: USD 500 for the first 10 days, USD 50 per day thereafter.
- Upper Dolpo: USD 500 for the first 10 days, USD 50 per day thereafter.
- Nar Phu Valley: USD 100 (September-November), USD 75 (December-August) for 7 days.
- Tsum Valley: USD 40 (September-November), USD 30 (December-August) for 7 days.
- Permit Process: Approach a registered trekking agency and be accompanied by at least two trekkers as well as a licensed guide. Solo trekking is not permitted in the restricted areas.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal
Nepal’s Heritage sites are dotted with cultural and natural heritage sites. These are not only special because of their heritage value but also they are often used as the starting points for trekking.
- Kathmandu Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Besides housing the famous Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, valley is a very popular trek starting point.
- Lumbini (UNESCO World Heritage Site): The birth place of Buddha, is on the trekking route towards the western part of the country.
- Chitwan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site): If you are into mountains but would also want to have some animal interaction, Chitwan is the place. It is a lowland area adjacent to the mountains and is famous for its wildlife. Chitwan is lowland complement to mountain adventures, known for wildlife.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal – Entry Fees (2026)
| Site Name | Foreign Nationals (NPR | SAARC Nationals (NPR) | Chinese Nationals (NPR) |
| Kathmandu Durbar Square | 1000 | 500 | 1000 |
| Patan Durbar Square | 1000 | 250 | 1000 |
| Bhaktapur Durbar Square | 1500 | 500 | 500 |
| Swayambhunath Stupa | 200 | 50 | 200 |
| Boudhanath Stupa | 400 | 100 | 400 |
| Pashupatinath Temple | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Changu Narayan Temple | 300 | 100 | 300 |
| Lumbini | 700 | 400 | 700 |
| Chitwan National Park | 2000 per day | 1000 per day | 2000 per day |
| Sagarmatha National Park | 3500 | 1750 | 1750 |
Helpful Ideas for Trekking, Mountaineering and Climbing
Guides and Porters: They are a must for restricted areas and NMA mounts for your safety. Get one through a registered agency.
Acclimatization: Be sure to take it seriously if you go high for both treks and climbs in order to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Gear: Don’t forget to pack proper clothing (with layers for changing weather), walking sticks, and peak climbing gear.
Insurance: One must be covered for high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and for medical evacuation in case of emergency.
Weather: In Spring and Autumn, visibility is highest and you can expect stable conditions; During Winter, it is cold but there are fewer people; Summer (monsoon) is wet and dangerous.
Nepal’s mountain national parks and restricted areas are a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you go for a walk at Everest Base Camp, climb a Mera Peak, or visit the holy places of Mustang, it is necessary to do the right planning and have the required permits. This guide will help you to find your way through Nepal’s trekking and climbing activities, so you can have a safe and memorable experience.
If you want more details, you can get in touch with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency.
Helpful Ideas for Trekking, Mountaineering and Climbing
- Guides and Porters: They are a must for restricted areas and NMA mounts for your safety. Get one through a registered agency.
- Acclimatization: Be sure to take it seriously if you go high for both treks and climbs in order to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Gear: Don’t forget to pack proper clothing (with layers for changing weather), walking sticks, and peak climbing gear.
- Insurance: One must be covered for high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and for medical evacuation in case of emergency.
- Weather: In Spring and Autumn, visibility is highest and you can expect stable conditions; During Winter, it is cold but there are fewer people; Summer (monsoon) is wet and dangerous.
Nepal’s mountain national parks and restricted areas are a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you go for a walk at Everest Base Camp, climb a Mera Peak, or visit the holy places of Mustang, it is necessary to do the right planning and have the required permits, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday will help you to find your way through Nepal’s trekking and climbing activities, so you can have a safe and memorable experience.
If you want more details, you can get in touch with the Nepal Tourism Board or a Nepal Royal Tourism .