Trekking Permit

Everything about trekking Permits in Nepal

Nepal has many adventurous places and exotic places that amuse the travelers, hikers from all over the world. In general, Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FITs (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes, but not everywhere in Nepal. Some areas in Nepal are strictly controlled in order to protect the natural beauty, culture and surroundings to visit such places. You must take special precautions and receive a permit to visit these restricted areas. Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies who then can apply for permits (on behalf of trekkers) at the Department of Immigration fulfilling all the necessary formalities.

Trekkers should be trekking in a group (of minimum two persons) accompanied by licensed trekking guide. Individual trekker cannot apply for the permit. There are different rates (trekking Permit fees) applicable for different routes to acquire the Permits. Visit the link for detail. Permit fees are quoted in US dollars but payable in Nepali Rupees. Trekking permit is not issued beyond visa expiration date. Hence, trekkers must have valid visa for sufficient number of days covering their trekking schedule.

When you travel to Nepal there is a big chance that you will do some trekking. However, before going into the mountains, you need to make sure you are properly prepared.

 

What is TIMS card?

The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) was jointly introduced by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Association of Trekking Agencies in Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety of trekkers and to control illegal trekking processes.

Trekking companies are asked to provide personal information about trekkers such as passport number, nationality, contact address and travel route. The data is uploaded to the visitor database, which can be accessed in the event of accidents and / or natural disasters in order to inform the institutions concerned about the number of trekkers in a particular trekking area. The TIMS cards should be collected by both Free Individual trekkers (FITs) and trekkers who enter the service of state-approved trekking agencies. Past experience has shown that difficulties in rescue operations during accidents and natural disasters have occurred. Due to the lack of a suitable record system for trekkers, rescue and search missions had difficulty recognizing the missing trekkers.

However, based on the data recorded with the TIM maps, it is possible to know the position of a trekker if a rescue operation is required. The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) came into effect on January 1, 2008. Since then, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started collecting the trekking information and started issuing the TIMS card to all trekkers in Nepal.

 

How to get TIMS card and ACAP Permit?

The most convenient place to apply for a TIMS card and ACAP permit in Kathmandu is through the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu. You can not only apply for a TIMS card here, but also apply for other area permits, e.g. B. Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek or Annapurna Sanctuary. Here you will find the forms you have to fill out.

When you have completed the TIMS and approved forms, hand them in together with your passport photos and fees at the relevant counter. TIMS cards are 2,000 rupees per applicant if you are doing an independent trek, or 1,000 rupees per applicant if you are part of a group. The Annapurna area permit is 2,000 rupees per applicant if they work independently.

You must pay in Nepalese rupees, not in foreign currency. If you need a top-up, there is an ATM in front of the tourist office building. Once you have applied, you will receive your permit approximately five minutes later.

 

Conditions to be followed by Trekkers in Nepal

➢ Trekkers should respect local customs and traditions and must not indulge in any activity that goes against the established norms and culture of the society.

➢ Individual trekking in Restricted Areas is strictly forbidden. There should be minimum two trekkers.

➢ Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizen accompanying travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.

➢ Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change route. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.

➢ Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in trekking zone (Restricted Area).

➢ Mountaineers with expedition permit should get trekking permit as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.

 

Government policy in Nepal requires that some of the trekking areas have a special permit, especially if the trekking area is an open border or has a connection to another country. Some of the mountainous areas in Nepal are considered restricted areas, not only because of security at the open border, but also to affect the quality of tourist and archaeological sites such as Upper Mustang.

These trekking regions known as ‘Restricted Areas’ that are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these areas is allowed only upon acquiring permit from the Department of Immigration.

Here’s an overview of these trekking routes and permit fees:

 

How do I apply for the special trekking permit?

Special area permits are required for most areas except Everest, Langtang, Helambu and Annapurna. This must be obtained before the start of the hike and can be obtained from the Immigration Department. It is only available through an authorized trekking agency. Trekkers are not allowed to hike in restricted areas without a guide. Special trekking permit fees vary by region.

 

Conclusion:

In general, the Trekkers’ Information Management System Card (TIMS Card) is the most important permit you need to hike anywhere in Nepal. For trekking in different regions there are also some other permits you need, such as: The entry permits for each national park you cross. We are happy to help you organize a really stress-free trip in this fantastic hiking paradise.

 

Note:
1. Most of our itineraries already have trekking permits and other fees included in the price, except some special permits. We will give you the full details upon our meeting in Kathmandu.

2. In the case of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpa Region if the royalty paid for mountain expedition is less than the fee for trekking permit then the difference amount should be paid.