Trekking in Nepal
Trekkers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group of various sizes. However, there are certain 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.
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.
Conditions to be followed by Trekkers
- 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.
Authorised agencies can apply for trekking permits along with following documents
- Online application form (trekkers) Link to Trekking Permit Application
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
- Name lists of trekkers
- Program Schedule of trekking
- Guarantee letter of Agency
- Agreement with Agency
- Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
- Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
- License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
- License issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
- Program schedule of trekking
- Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
- Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits
Source : Department of Immigration
| District | Regions/VDCs | Permit Fee (USD) / Equivalent |
| Taplejung District
|
Kanchanjunga Region
(Olangchung Gola, Lelep, Papung and Yamphudin VDCs) |
US$ 10 per person/Week (for the first 4 weeks) US$ 20 per person/Week (beyond 4 weeks)
|
| Sankhuwasabha
|
Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola VDCs | US$ 10 per person / Week ( for the first 4 weeks)
US$ 20 per person / Week ( Beyond 4 weeks)
|
| Solukhumbu | All the North West Regions of Chame (Namche VDC ) to Nangpala | US$ 10 per person/Week (for the first 4 weeks)
US$ 20 per person/Week (beyond 4 weeks)
|
| Dolakha | Lamabagar Ward No.1 (Lepche)
Gaurishanker Ward No. 1 (Beding 9 and Chhorolpa lake) area |
US$ 10 per person /Week
|
| Rasuwa District | Thuman and Timure Region | US$ 10 per person /Week
|
| Gorkha District | Manaslu Region (Lho, Samagaun, Prok, Bihi) | September – November
US$70/per person/Week (for a week or 7 days) US$10/per person/Day (Beyond a week or 7 days)
December – August US$50 per person/Week (for a week) US$ 7 per person/Day (Beyond a week or 7days)
|
| Gorkha District | Tsum Valley of Gorkha District
Areas of Chhekampar and Chunchet VDCs (Sirdibas-Lokpa-Chumling-Chhhekampar- Nile-Chhule Area) |
September – November
US$ 35 per person / 8 days
December – August US$25 per person / 8 days
|
| Manang | Thoche (North of Tilche village), Na, Phu VDCs | September – November
US$90 per person /Week December – August US$ 75 per person /Week
|
| Mustang | Lhomanthang, Charang, Chhondup,Chhotsher, Surkhang, Ghami, Chhusang, Sangdagaun of Kagbeni VDC and way to Tilicho lake (Jomsom VDC) | US$500 per person (for the first 10 days)
US$ 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| Dolpa | Upper Dolpa
Bhijer, Saldang, Tinze, Chharka and Mukot |
US$500 per person (for the first 10 days)
US$ 50 per person /Day ( beyond 10 days) |
| Dolpa | Lower Dolpa
All other 18 VDCs (out of 23) of Dolpa District |
US$ 10 per person /Week |
| Mugu | Mugu , Dolpu, Pulu, Bhangri | US$90 per person (for the first 7 days or a week)
US$15 per person /Day ( beyond 7 days)
|
| Humla | Simikot , Yari ,Limi and Muchu VDCs ,
Regions of Dharma VDC ( way to Tibet via Tangekhola) |
US$50 per person (for the first 7 days or a week)
US$ 7 per person/Day (( beyond a week or 7 days) |
| Bajhang
|
Areas of Kanda, Saipal and Dhuli VDCs | US$ 90 per person ( For a week or seven days)
US$ 15 per person/Day ( Beyond a week or seven days)
|
| Darchula
|
Areas of Byas VDC | US$ 90 per person ( For a week or seven days)
US$ 15 per person/Day ( Beyond a week or seven days) |
Source : Department of Immigration
