Nepal Trekking Permits 2026/27: What You Need, by Route

The permit system in Nepal has changed more between 2023 and 2026 than in the previous decade. The Khumbu local fee increased in September 2024. Solo trekkers can now obtain restricted area permits as of March 2026. And the mandatory guide rule is being enforced without exception at every major checkpoint.

If you are working from an article written before 2024, several things it tells you are now wrong. This guide covers the current state of every permit by route, with fees confirmed as of mid-2026.

What Changed in 2026/27

• Khumbu local fee increase: Rose from NPR 2,000 to NPR 3,000 in September 2024. Many articles still show the old figure.
• Insurance proof now required: Some permit offices are now asking for proof of travel insurance covering helicopter rescue before issuing permits. Carry your insurance certificate.
• Fine for no permit: USD 120 on-site fine at any checkpoint. Trekking in a restricted area without documentation can result in immediate removal, permit revocation, and potential deportation.

Nepal Trekking Permits by Route — 2026/27

All permits are included in Trekking Guide Team Adventure packages. For a full permit and fee breakdown, see the Nepal trekking permit guide at nepalguidetrekking.com.

At Trekking Guide Team Adventure, we handle every permit application before your departure — no queuing at government offices, no risk of missing a document at a checkpoint. You show up in Kathmandu, we have everything ready.

Everest Region Permits in Detail

The Everest region has operated on its own permit system since 2018, separate from the rest of Nepal. Two permits are required:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Required for all trekkers entering the national park at Monjo, approximately two hours from Lukla. Available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or at the park entry gate at Monjo.

• Fee: NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT = NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 25 to 28)
• Where to get it: NTB Kathmandu, or Monjo checkpoint on the day of entry
• Documents needed: Passport, Nepal visa, 2 passport photos, completed application form, cash in NPR

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee

This is the local municipality permit for the Khumbu region. The fee increased to NPR 3,000 in September 2024 — many sources still show the old figure.

• Fee: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22 to 23) for the first 4 weeks
• Where to get it: Lukla airport checkpoint or Monjo entry gate. Cash only — no card payments accepted.

For everything about trekking EBC with a registered guide, see the Everest Base Camp Trek — 15 Days at nepalguidetrekking.com. For why solo trekking EBC is no longer possible, see the EBC without guide 2026/27 guide on the blog.

Annapurna Region Permits in Detail

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The only permit actively checked at Annapurna region checkpoints in 2026/27. Covers the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Mohare Danda, and all sub-routes within the conservation area.

• Fee: NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT = NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 22 to 25)
• Where to get it: NTB Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap), NTB Pokhara (Lakeside Road), NTNC e-permit portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np, or through your registered trekking agency

See the full itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek — 16 Days and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 10 Days at nepalguidetrekking.com.

Manaslu Region Permits in Detail

Manaslu is a restricted area route requiring multiple permits and remains one of the more complex permit sets in Nepal.

• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000 + 13% VAT = NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 25)
• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 100 per person per week during peak season (September to November). USD 75 per week in off-peak months. Issued by the Department of Immigration — must be arranged through a registered trekking agency. Cannot be self-applied.
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Fee: NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15). Covers trail maintenance in the lower Manaslu corridor.
• Permit processing time: 1 to 2 working days standard. Allow at least one week during peak season (September to November).

See the Manaslu Circuit Trek — 12 Days itinerary at nepalguidetrekking.com.

Upper Mustang Permit

Upper Mustang is one of Nepal's most regulated trekking areas due to its location near the Tibetan border. The restricted area permit is the highest-cost standard trekking permit in Nepal.

• Restricted Area Permit: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days. USD 50 per additional day beyond 10.
• Solo trekkers: Now permitted as of March 22, 2026. The previous two-person minimum has been removed. Licensed guide still mandatory.
• Where to get it: Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Must be arranged through a registered trekking agency — cannot be self-applied.

See the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour at nepalguidetrekking.com for the most accessible way to experience Upper Mustang within the permit framework.

The on-site fine for trekking without the required permits is USD 120 at any checkpoint. In restricted areas, trekking without documentation can result in immediate removal from the trail and permit cancellation. Missing permits can also void your travel insurance for helicopter evacuation costs.

Where to Get Nepal Trekking Permits

In Kathmandu

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB): Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu — Sunday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Issues ACAP, Sagarmatha NP permit, Langtang NP permit.
• Department of Immigration: Kalikasthan, Kathmandu — for restricted area permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu RAP, Nar Phu, Tsum Valley)
• Online: NTNC e-permit portal (epermit.ntnc.org.np) — ACAP and MCAP can now be applied for online

In Pokhara

• NTB Pokhara office: Lakeside Road — issues ACAP for Annapurna region treks

At park entry gates

• Sagarmatha NP permit: available at Monjo entry gate on the day of entry
• Khumbu local fee: paid at Lukla or Monjo
• ACAP: available at entry checkpoints at Besisahar (Circuit) and Phedi (ABC route)
• Note: bring cash in NPR — most permit offices and all entry gates are cash only

At Trekking Guide Team Adventure, we handle every permit application before your departure — Sagarmatha, ACAP, Khumbu local fee, restricted area permits, and everything in between. You do not visit a single office. You do not carry incomplete documentation to a checkpoint. Every document is confirmed and in hand before you board your Lukla flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for the Everest Base Camp trek in 2026/27?

Two permits are required: the Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,390, approximately USD 25 to 28) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality local fee (NPR 3,000, approximately USD 22). Both are included in the Trekking Guide Team Adventure EBC package.

Can I trek in Nepal solo without a guide in 2026/27?

Solo trekkers can now obtain restricted area permits as of March 22, 2026. The previous two-person minimum has been removed. Contact Trekking Guide Team Adventure for current restricted area permit arrangements.

How much do Nepal trekking permits cost in total for EBC?

The Sagarmatha National Park permit costs NPR 3,390 (approximately USD 28) and the Khumbu local fee is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22). Total permit cost is approximately USD 50 per person. Both are included in the Trekking Guide Team Adventure EBC package.

Can I now trek to Upper Mustang as a solo traveller?

Yes, as of March 22, 2026. The previous requirement for a minimum of two foreign trekkers per group has been removed. Solo trekkers can now obtain the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. The permit costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days.

• Where to get it: NTB Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap), NTB Pokhara (Lakeside Road), NTNC e-permit portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np, or through your registered trekking agency