Indians and other SAARC citizens pay lower rates for most of Nepal's trekking permits — but not all of them, and many pages still quote rules that changed in the last year. The biggest: Upper Mustang no longer costs USD 500 for 10 days, and solo trekkers can now get restricted-area permits. Here is what you actually pay in 2026, route by route.
The short version
The rules that catch Indian trekkers out.
- SAARC rates apply to conservation area, national park and TIMS fees — roughly a third to a half of the foreigner price.
- Restricted-area permits (Upper Mustang, Manaslu) have no SAARC discount: Indians pay the same US-dollar rate as everyone else.
- Upper Mustang is now USD 50 per person per day, with no 10-day minimum.
- A licensed guide is required on Nepal's popular trekking routes, and the rule makes no exception for Indians.
- Enter Nepal with your passport or an original Election Commission voter ID — Aadhaar and PAN are not accepted. Carry your passport for restricted areas.
Permit fees: SAARC vs other foreigners
Nepali rupee prices convert to Indian rupees at the fixed rate of 1 INR = 1.6 NPR, so NPR 1,000 is about ₹625.
| Permit | SAARC / Indian | Other foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| TIMS card | NPR 1,000 (≈ ₹625) | NPR 2,000 |
| Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) | NPR 1,000 (≈ ₹625) | NPR 3,000 |
| Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) | NPR 1,000 | NPR 3,000 |
| Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park | NPR 1,500 (≈ ₹940) | NPR 3,000 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality card (Lukla) | NPR 2,000 (≈ ₹1,250) | NPR 3,000 |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 1,500 | NPR 3,000 |
| Upper Mustang restricted area | USD 50 per day | USD 50 per day |
| Manaslu restricted area, Sep–Nov | USD 100 first week, then USD 15/day | Same |
| Manaslu restricted area, Dec–Aug | USD 75 first week, then USD 10/day | Same |
What each trek costs in permits
Permit totals for one SAARC trekker, before guide, lodging and transport.
- Annapurna Base Camp or Circuit: ACAP NPR 1,000 + TIMS NPR 1,000 = NPR 2,000 (≈ ₹1,250).
- Everest Base Camp: Sagarmatha National Park NPR 1,500 + Khumbu municipality card NPR 2,000 = NPR 3,500 (≈ ₹2,190). Whether a TIMS card is also checked in Khumbu is disputed — ask your agency.
- Langtang Valley: Langtang National Park NPR 1,500 + TIMS NPR 1,000 = NPR 2,500 (≈ ₹1,560).
- Upper Mustang, 7 days in the restricted area: USD 350 + ACAP NPR 1,000.
- Manaslu Circuit in October, 8 days in the restricted area: USD 115 (USD 100 + one extra day at USD 15) + MCAP NPR 1,000 + ACAP NPR 1,000 for the exit via Dharapani.
Upper Mustang: the new USD 50-a-day rule
In November 2025 the Government of Nepal replaced Upper Mustang's old fee of USD 500 for the first 10 days with a flat USD 50 per person per day, charged for the days you actually spend in the restricted area. Many trekking pages still show the old rule. There is no separate SAARC rate for this permit.
In March 2026 immigration also dropped the two-trekker minimum for restricted areas, so one person can now get a permit — but it must still be arranged through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide.
The guide rule and the documents you need
Since 31 March 2023, trekkers on Nepal's popular routes must hire a licensed guide, with the TIMS card issued through a registered agency. The Nepal Tourism Board's rule makes no exception by nationality, so it applies to Indian trekkers too.
Indians don't need a visa. You can enter Nepal by air with a valid passport or an original Election Commission photo voter ID; Aadhaar, PAN, driving licences and downloaded voter IDs are not accepted. Park and conservation fees accept valid ID, but for restricted-area permits carry your passport and confirm with your agency.
ACAP can be bought online through NTNC's e-permit site (card, plus a 2.9% fee) or in cash at Nepal Tourism Board counters.