Permits & Logistics for Nepal
Nepal Visa
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or at land border crossings.
Visa fees:
- 15 days: $30 USD
- 30 days: $50 USD
- 90 days: $125 USD
Bring a passport photo and cash (USD recommended). You can also apply for an e-Visa online before arrival.
Trekking Permits
Nepal requires two main permits for most treks:
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Required for all trekking areas
- Cost: ~$20 (individual) or ~$10 (group through agency)
- Available in Kathmandu at the Tourism Board office or through agencies
National Park / Conservation Area Permit
Each trekking area has its own entry fee:
| Area | Cost (Foreigners) |
|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) | $30 |
| Sagarmatha National Park (Everest region) | $30 |
| Langtang National Park | $30 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area | $30 |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area | $500 for 10 days |
Where to get permits:
- In person at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Through a licensed trekking agency (recommended — they handle paperwork)
Restricted Area Permits
Some regions require special restricted area permits with additional rules:
Upper Mustang
- Permit cost: $500 for the first 10 days, $50 per additional day
- Minimum group size: 2 trekkers
- Guide mandatory: Yes
- Non-refundable: Yes — you pay even if you don’t complete the trek
Manaslu Circuit
- Permit cost: $100/week (peak season: Sep-Nov), $75/week (off-season)
- Minimum group size: 2 trekkers
- Guide mandatory: Yes
- Seasonal restrictions: No entry during monsoon (June-August)
Getting to Trailheads
From Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit (Besisahar):
- Tourist bus: 6-7 hours, ~$10
- Private jeep: 4-5 hours, ~$80-100
Langtang (Syabrubesi):
- Local bus: 7-8 hours, ~$8
- Private jeep: 5-6 hours, ~$80-100
Manaslu (Soti Khola):
- Public bus to Gorkha, then jeep to Soti Khola: 8-9 hours total
From Pokhara
Annapurna Circuit (Besisahar):
- Tourist bus: 5-6 hours, ~$8
Upper Mustang (Jomsom):
- Flight: 20 minutes, ~$100-120 (weather-dependent)
Flights to Lukla (Everest region)
- From Kathmandu: 30 minutes, ~$180-220
- Book early — flights sell out months ahead in peak season
- Build in buffer days — weather delays are common (sometimes 3-5 days)
Guide Requirements
Since 2023, Nepal has made guides mandatory for certain treks:
Guide mandatory:
- All restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu, etc.)
- All treks in Sagarmatha National Park (Everest region)
Guide recommended but not required:
- Annapurna Circuit
- Langtang Valley
- Poon Hill
Guide cost: $25-40/day depending on the region and experience level
Accommodation
Nepal’s tea house system is one of the trekking world’s greatest luxuries:
- Tea houses line most popular trekking routes
- Cost: $3-8 per night for a room (dorm or basic private)
- Meals: Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the standard — $3-6 per meal
- Hot showers: $2-5 (solar-heated, available at most stops)
- Charging: $2-5 for phone/device charging
Upper Mustang exception: Tea houses are more basic and expensive due to remoteness.
Budget Planning
Daily budget per person:
- Budget: $25-35/day (basic tea house, simple meals)
- Mid-range: $40-60/day (better rooms, more snacks/drinks)
- Comfort: $70-100/day (best available rooms, full meals, extras)
Additional costs:
- Permits: $50-600 depending on trek
- Guide: $25-40/day if required/recommended
- Flights to Lukla: $180-220 round trip
- Gear rental in Kathmandu/Pokhara: varies
Tips
- Carry cash — ATMs are rare beyond major towns and often don’t work
- Get permits in Kathmandu — it’s faster and cheaper than at trailheads
- Budget for delays — especially for Lukla flights
- Travel insurance is essential — make sure it covers trekking at your planned altitude and helicopter evacuation
- Respect the culture — remove shoes before entering monasteries, walk clockwise around chortens