In short:
To prepare a trek in Nepal, you must anticipate the thermal equipment for high altitude, obtain the required permits and comply with government regulations.
- Guide regulation: Hiring a government-approved guide via a local agency is legally mandatory in all protected areas, with a strict limit of 7 hikers maximum per guide.
- Permits and cards: The E-Tims card costs NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 15) and national park access permits cost NPR 3,000 per person.
- Equipment for large collars: A sleeping bag and down jacket certified -20°C as well as lightweight or microspike crampons are mandatory to cross icy collars like Thorong La or Larkya La.
- Insurance and luggage: Insurance covering the medical evacuation of up to 6,000 m is required, and the weight of the bags entrusted to the carriers is limited to 25 kg in total.
What are the mandatory formalities and permits in 2026?
Administrative preparation is the first base of your trip to Nepal. According to the Department of Immigration Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board, the regulations require strict supervision to guarantee the safety of hikers on all trails.
The tourist visa is obtained on arrival or online, subject to having a passport valid at least 6 months after the date of entry into the territory. The maximum duration of the tourist visa is set at 150 days per calendar year (January to December). Visa extension costs USD 3 per additional day, with a mandatory minimum purchase of 15 days.
Since the decision of the Nepal Tourism Board in 2023, the use of a state-patented guide via a registered local agency is legally mandatory in protected areas and when crossing high-altitude passes. In addition, according to the directives of the Department of Immigration Nepal for 2026, an approved guide can only accompany a maximum of 7 hikers per license.
| Authorization or document | Official rate (USD/NPR) | Conditions for obtaining |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa 15 days | USD 30 | On arrival or online (valid passport > 6 months) |
| Tourist visa 30 days | USD 50 | On arrival or online (valid passport > 6 months) |
| 90 days tourist visa | USD 125 | On arrival or online (valid passport > 6 months) |
| E-TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) | NPR 2000 (~USD 15) | Obligatory obtaining via an approved agency only |
| Annapurna Zone Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 | Issued by NTNC (free for children under 10) |
| Manaslu Zone License (MCAP) | NPR 3,000 | Issued by the NTNC |
| Langtang National Park License | NPR 3,000 | Issued by the DNPWC |
| Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest) | NPR 3,000 | Issued by the DNPWC |
| Permit Khumbu Pasang Lhamu (Everest) | NPR 3,000 | issued by the local administrative authority |
| Permit Restricted Zone (RAP) Manaslu (September–November) | USD 100 for 7 days (+ USD 15/day extra) | Compulsory local agency (Department of Immigration) |
| Permit Restricted Area (RAP) Manaslu (December–August) | USD 75 for 7 days (+ USD 10/day extra) | Compulsory local agency (Department of Immigration) |
| License Restricted Zone (RAP) Upper Mustang | USD 500 for 10 days (+ USD 50/day above) | Compulsory local agency (Department of Immigration) |
What equipment checklist should be made for high-altitude passes?
On routes crossing steep passages such as the Thorong La Pass, the Larkya or the Three Passes network in the Leverest region, the weather conditions require rigorous technical equipment. The altitude involves brutal temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down.
Thermal equipment and extreme cold protection
To cope with the night temperatures in a refuge or in a tent above 4,000 meters above sea level, you must equip yourself with clothing and equipment approved for the negative cold:
- Insulation jacket: A certified high-density down or synthetic down jacket to withstand temperatures down to -20°C.
- Sleeping bag: A sleeping bag with a displayed comfort temperature up to -20°C, essential in unheated lodges above 4,000 meters.
- Three-layer system: Merino wool thermal underwear (top and bottom), breathable fleece jacket and wind-resistant Gore-Tex type waterproof jacket.
- End protections: Thermal hat stewing ears, light hiking gloves and under-gloves combined with impervious mittens.
Safety equipment for crossing snow passes
According to Nepal High Trek, crossing large passes requires traction accessories to avoid slipping on bright ice or hard snow in the early morning:
- Light crampons or microspikes: Essential to cross the icy sections of the Thorong La, the Larkya or passages of the Khumbu.
- Walking sticks: A pair of telescopic poles with snow washers to stabilize the steep descents on scree or snowfields.
- Category 4 sunglasses: Mandatory eye protection against extreme solar reverb on snow and glaciers to avoid snow ophthalmia.
- Headlamp: Front of at least 300 lumens with spare batteries (which discharge more quickly with the cold) for night departures to the passes (often around 3 a.m.).
How to organize your backpack and manage the weight with a wearer?
Weight management is a determining factor in succeeding in your itinerary. The rules enacted by the Trekking Agencies Association and local operators limit the maximum weight transported by the porters in order to preserve their health on the ground.
The maximum permissible weight for the load of a carrier is 25 kg. As a general rule, a porter takes care of the belongings of two hikers, which assigns a strict limit of 12.5 kg per customer in the main bag (marine bag or resistant trek bag entrusted in the morning).
On your side, you carry a day backpack with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters containing:
- Your identity papers, cash and permit documents.
- your water bottle or water bag of at least 2 liters, accompanied by water purification tablets.
- Your immediate protective clothing (waterproof jacket, compact down jacket for breaks).
- Your personal first aid kit and energy snacks.
What insurance and health guarantees should be checked before departure?
The high-altitude rescue system in Nepal is based almost exclusively on private helicopter evacuations. A simple sprain or acute mountain syndrome (MAM) above 4,000 meters requires costly helicopter management.
According to the requirements set by the Trekking Information Management System and the Nepal Tourism Board, each hiker must take out a travel insurance that explicitly includes an emergency medical evacuation clause by helicopter covering altitudes of up to 6,000 meters. Make sure you have a printed copy of your insurance policy certificate and the company’s emergency number permanently accessible in your day bag.
Finally, plan a complete medical kit including preventive or curative treatment against acute mountain disease (on medical prescription), antidiarrheals, ampoules dressings and hydroalcoholic gel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Preparing a Trek in Nepal
What is the tourist visa price for Nepal in 2026?
Tourist visa issued on arrival costs USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days. Your passport must have a minimum residual validity of 6 months after the date of entry into Nepalese territory.
Is it mandatory to hire a Nepal hiking guide?
Yes, according to the Nepal Tourism Board, hiring a state-certified guide via a registered local agency is legally mandatory in protected areas and on passes. In addition, the regulations limit the frame to 7 hikers per guide.
What maximum weight can you entrust to a carrier during the trek?
The maximum weight allowed by the Trekking Agencies Association is 25 kg per carrier. This bag being generally shared between two hikers, each traveler can entrust up to 12.5 kg of equipment in his main bag.
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