How to Get Your TIMS Card and Sagarmatha National Park Permit Easily

If you're heading to Nepal for a trek, especially to places like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna, you’ll need to get a couple of important permits. The TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are the two main things you’ll want to sort out. It might look a bit tricky at first, but getting both is pretty straightforward once you know the steps.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary. You can get the TIMS card at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This card is mainly for keeping track of trekkers for safety reasons. If you're trekking solo or you're not part of a guided group, just bring a copy of your passport, a couple of passport-sized photos, and pay around NPR 2,000 in cash.

If you’re trekking in the Everest region, you’ll also need the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit. You can get this either from the same Nepal Tourism Board office or directly in Monjo at the park entrance. This permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign travelers, and you’ll just need your passport for that—no photos needed.

Make sure to keep both permits safe—they’ll be checked at various spots during your trek. It’s a good idea to store them in a waterproof pouch or a secure spot in your bag so you can access them easily. Knowing what to do ahead of time will save you some hassle. Once you have your TIMS card and Sagarmatha permit, you’ll be all set to take on an amazing trekking experience!

What’s a TIMS Card and Why Should You Get One?

A TIMS card stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It's a trekking registration card from the Nepal Tourism Board that helps keep trekkers safe. It tracks tourists in remote areas and assists with rescues during emergencies. If you’re trekking in popular spots in Nepal like Annapurna, Langtang, or sometimes Everest, you need one unless you’re going with an agency that handles permits. It also helps local officials gather important trekking info. While you don't need a TIMS card for Everest Base Camp anymore, it's still important for other areas. Having a valid TIMS card makes sure you’re trekking legally and following Nepal’s tourism rules. It’s easy to get—just bring your passport, some photos, and a small fee, making it a key part of your trekking prep.

What’s the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?

The Sagarmatha National Park Permit is an entry ticket you need for trekking in the Everest area, including the Base Camp. It’s managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and helps protect the delicate environment while funding local conservation efforts. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. The permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners, and you can get it in Kathmandu or at the Monjo checkpoint on the way to Namche Bazaar. Just bring your passport and the cash—no photos needed. They check for this permit at several spots along the trail, so if you don’t have it, you could face fines or even be turned away. Getting the permit early helps make sure your trekking experience goes smoothly in the Khumbu region.

Where Can You Get a TIMS Card in Nepal?

Getting your TIMS card in Nepal is pretty straightforward. You can apply at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, ot the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). If you’re heading out solo, you need to apply in person with your passport, two passport photos, and the application fee. It costs about NPR 2,000 and should be paid in cash. The offices are open during weekdays, so don’t leave it until the last minute before your trek. If you're with a guided group, your agency will usually take care of it. It's best to apply a day or two ahead of your trek to give yourself enough time to get ready. Once you have your TIMS card, you’re set to enjoy Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, safely and legally.

How to Easily Get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?

Getting the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is simple. You can either apply at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu before heading to Lukla or get it at the Monjo checkpoint, just before entering the park near Namche Bazaar. The permit costs NPR 3,000 (around USD 25) and all you need is a valid passport. You don’t need a photo, and the whole process usually takes less than 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the Monjo option is great because you can start trekking right after landing in Lukla. Just make sure to have enough Nepali cash because cards might not work in remote places. Keep this permit close, because they check it multiple times along the trail. Getting it sorted early lets you trek worry-free and legally.

Do You Still Need a TIMS Card for Everest Base Camp?

As of now, you don’t need a TIMS card for the Everest Base Camp trek if you're entering through Lukla. Instead, you should get a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit from local authorities. This permit takes the place of the TIMS card for the Everest area, though you still need a TIMS card for other treks like Annapurna and Langtang. You can get the Khumbu permit at Lukla or the municipality office in Kathmandu for NPR 2,000, which you’ll pay in cash. Even with this change, some agencies might still ask for a TIMS card for safety reasons or insurance. Always check the latest info before your trek to ensure you have the right documents and avoid any delays or issues at checkpoints in the Everest area.

What Is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit is a must-have for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp and nearby areas. It started in 2018, replacing the TIMS card for the Khumbu region to help fund local development and tourism. The permit costs NPR 2,000 per person, and you can get it at the Lukla checkpoint or the Municipality Office in Kathmandu. Just bring your passport and the cash—no photos needed. Make sure you get this permit since it’s checked in several spots along the trail, including Lukla and Monjo. If you don’t have it, you might get fined or turned away. Some people mix this up with the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, but you'll need both to trek legally. To avoid any last-minute hassles, get both permits sorted out before your trek. This way, you’re also helping support local conservation and trekking infrastructure directly.

What Documents and Fees Are Required for the Permits?

Getting both the TIMS card (if necessary) and the Sagarmatha National Park permit is easy if you prepare your documents beforehand. You’ll need a valid passport and a copy, two passport-sized photos (only for TIMS), and the permit fees in Nepali rupees. The TIMS card for solo trekkers costs NPR 2,000, while the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is NPR 3,000. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Permit, replacing TIMS in the Everest area, costs NPR 2,000 and doesn’t need photos. It’s best to have exact cash since remote offices usually don’t take cards. Having everything ready will help you move through the process without delays. Don’t forget to organize and make digital copies as backups. These permits are key for legal trekking and your safety during the trip.

Can You Get Trekking Permits Online or in Advance?

Right now, you can’t get trekking permits like the TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park Permit completely online. While some agencies can arrange permits for guided treks, independent trekkers need to apply in person at specific offices. You can go to the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara for both the TIMS and the National Park permits. If you’re headed to the Everest region, you can get the Khumbu permit when you arrive at Lukla or through the local municipality office. Even though there have been ideas for online systems, there’s currently no official digital platform for solo trekkers. If you’re pressed for time, applying a day or two ahead in Kathmandu is the way to go. Always check the requirements and office hours to avoid any surprises before your trek.

What Happens If You Trek Without Proper Permits?

Trekking without the right permits in Nepal can lead to some serious trouble, especially in places like Sagarmatha National Park. There are regular checks at spots like Monjo, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla. If you’re caught without the needed paperwork, you could face hefty fines, be removed from the trail, or even be banned from the area. Not having your permits can also make rescue operations tougher in case of emergencies, and can mess with insurance claims, too. Plus, it shows a lack of respect for Nepal's conservation and tourism rules, which help local communities and protect the environment. For solo trekkers, registering helps authorities find and assist you if things go wrong. Permits are not just red tape—they’re crucial for your safety, sustainability, and respecting the legal guidelines of trekking in the Himalayas. Always make sure you have and carry your permits before you head out.

Tips to Save Time When Getting Your Trekking Permits

To save time while getting your trekking permits, a bit of smart planning goes a long way. First, try to apply early in the day to avoid long waits, especially at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. Bring exact cash in Nepali rupees to make the process quicker and dodge ATM trips. Get two passport photos, multiple photocopies of your passport, and know your trekking plan. If you’re flying to Lukla the next morning, grab your Khumbu and Sagarmatha National Park permits the day before. Keep your permits in a waterproof pouch and back them up with digital copies. If you’re tight on time or not sure about the process, consider using a registered local trekking agency that can manage permits quickly for a small fee. Planning and knowing what documents you need will help you start your trek without stress and with confidence.

How to get a TIMS card in Nepal?

To get a TIMS card in Nepal, head to the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or check out the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) office. Bring your passport, two passport-sized photos, and about NPR 2,000 for the permit fee if you're trekking solo. The process is pretty simple and usually takes just 15 to 30 minutes. If you're trekking with a guide or a group, they can usually handle it for you. The TIMS card is all about keeping trekkers safe and making sure you have the right permissions for different areas.

Where can I buy an Everest permit?

If you’re trekking in the Everest region, you’ll need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You can get both at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at checkpoints like Monjo and Lukla. The Sagarmatha permit costs NPR 3,000, while the Khumbu permit is NPR 2,000. Remember to bring your passport and some cash to pay, and make sure to get your permits before you hit the Everest area.

How to get a trekking permit in Nepal?

To get your trekking permits in Nepal, visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You’ll need your valid passport, some passport photos (mostly for the TIMS card), and pay the fees in Nepali rupees. Some permits can also be bought at entry points along the trail, especially for places like Everest. If you're going with a trekking agency, they can sort out the permits for you. It's best to get your permits sorted out before you start trekking to avoid any fines or issues.

How much is the permit for Sagarmatha National Park?

The Everest Base Camp Trek package Sagarmatha National Park Permit costs NPR 3,000, which is about USD 25 for foreign visitors. This permit is required for anyone trekking in the Everest region, including the popular Everest Base Camp trek. The fees go towards conservation efforts and managing the park. You can buy this permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the Monjo checkpoint at the park’s entrance.