To climb a trekking peak in Nepal you need a climbing permit issued through the Nepal Mountaineering Association, normally arranged for you by a registered agency. The royalty varies by peak group and by season, and you will usually also need regional trek permits and a licensed guide. Fees change, so confirm the current figure with us before you book.
What the climbing permit is
The climbing permit is the official permission to attempt a named trekking peak. It is issued through the Nepal Mountaineering Association after an application that lists the peak, your dates, your team members and your passport details.
The permit is separate from the regional trek permits that cover the park or rural area you walk through on the approach. You need both. A permit is tied to a particular peak and a particular season window, so it cannot simply be moved to another mountain after you arrive.
Check that every name matches your passport exactly before it is submitted.
How the royalty is structured
The royalty is a per-person payment linked to the permit. In general terms, peaks are placed into groups, and the royalty differs by group. It also varies by season, with the busy spring and autumn months treated differently from the quieter months.
Because the schedule is revised from time to time, we do not quote a number here. Fees change, so confirm the current figure with us before you book. We include the climbing permit in our peak packages and will list what is covered in writing.
Ask your agency to confirm in writing which royalty category applies to your peak and travel month.
Documents you will normally need
Applications usually ask for a few standard items. Having them ready early avoids delays:
- A passport valid well beyond your return date, with a copy of the photo page
- Passport-size photographs
- Your travel dates and the name of the peak
- Travel insurance details that cover high-altitude climbing and evacuation
- Contact details for a person at home
Indian travellers do not need a visa for Nepal but should carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Agency, liaison and guide requirements
Climbing parties normally work through a registered Nepali agency, which files the application and deals with the association. For many peaks a liaison officer or a licensed climbing guide is expected, and in practice a guide is the right call anyway because someone must manage ropes and weather decisions.
The exact wording of the guide and liaison requirement can change, and it can depend on group size and on the peak. Rules change, so confirm before you travel, and ask your agency to name the guide who will lead your climb.
Timing and processing
Permits are processed in Kathmandu, so it makes sense to apply well before you fly. Peak seasons are busy and offices can have queues, so late applications risk lost days. Send your documents as early as your agency asks.
Also allow for the regional permits for your approach route, since these are issued in Kathmandu or at the trailhead depending on the area. We handle both sets of paperwork for our clients and can add a spare day if your timetable is tight.
Late changes to dates or peaks can mean a fresh application, so settle your plan before paperwork starts.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most permit problems come from small errors. Passport names that do not match the application, expired passports, late payments and mid-trip changes of peak are the usual causes. Check every spelling carefully when you send your details.
Also confirm that your insurance explicitly covers climbing at the height of your chosen peak and covers helicopter evacuation. A permit covers permission only. It is not a safety net, and it does not replace sensible acclimatisation and a good guide.
If anything looks unclear, ask your agency to explain it in plain language before you pay or fly.
Common questions
Who issues a trekking peak permit?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association issues climbing permits for trekking peaks, usually through a registered agency that files the application for you. You also need separate regional trek permits for the approach route.
Does the royalty change by season?
Yes. The royalty generally differs by peak group and by season, with busy spring and autumn periods treated differently from other months. Fees change, so confirm the current figure with us before you book.
Can I get the permit myself on arrival?
Applications are normally handled through a registered agency and take time in Kathmandu, so arriving without arrangements is risky. Rules change, so confirm with your agency well before you travel.
