About Trekking Permit 2018-06-29

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 a 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 a minimum of two persons) accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. Individual trekkers 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. A trekking permit is not issued beyond the visa expiration date. Hence, trekkers must have valid visas for a sufficient number of days covering their trekking schedule.

Conditions to be followed by Trekkers

1. 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.
2. Individual trekking in Restricted Areas is strictly forbidden. There should be minimum two trekkers.
3. 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.
4. Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change routes. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
5. Trekkers should comply with instructions given by authorized Officials in the trekking zone (Restricted Area).
6. Mountaineers with expedition permits should get trekking permits as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for the (Trekking) Permit.

Authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits along with the following documents

1. Online application form (trekkers) https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/trekking/login
2. Copy of Passport
3. Copy of  valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
4. Name lists of trekkers
5. Program Schedule of trekking
6. Guarantee letter of Agency
7. Agreement with Agency
8. Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
9. Documents relating to the insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
10. A license issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
11. A license issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
12. The program schedule of trekking
13. Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
14. Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits

---