The Complete Nepal Trekking Bureaucracy Checklist (2026-2027)

Every Piece of Paper Between You and the Himalayas

Nepal is not hard to enter. It is hard to enter correctly. The visa takes ten minutes. The permits take days. The insurance takes weeks of research. And one missing document at a checkpoint above 4,000m means you turn around.

This is the definitive bureaucracy checklist for any solo foreign trekker visiting Nepal in 2026-2027. Every claim is sourced. Every cost is current as of April 2026.

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PHASE 1: Before Leaving Home

1. Passport Requirements

Nepal immigration will refuse entry if your passport expires within 6 months of arrival. There are no exceptions and no discretion at the counter.

Source: Nepal Department of Immigration - Tourist Visa

2. Visa Options

Nepal offers visa on arrival to citizens of most countries. If your country does not have a Nepal embassy, visa on arrival is your only option.

Annual limit: 150 days per calendar year (January-December). This is cumulative across all entries. If you do 90 days in spring, you have 60 days remaining for autumn.

Where VOA is available:
- Airports: Tribhuvan (Kathmandu), Pokhara International, Gautam Buddha International (Lumbini)
- Land borders with India: Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Belahiya/Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Gaddachauki, Dhangadhi

All land borders accept USD cash only for visa payment. Airports accept USD cash and sometimes (unreliably) credit cards.

Online pre-application: Fill out the form at nepaliport.immigration.gov.np before arrival. This generates a barcode receipt valid for 15 days that lets you skip the kiosk queue at the airport. You still pay and get stamped at the counter -- it is not an e-visa, just a pre-registration.

Photo requirement: One passport-sized photo, 35x45mm, color, white background, taken within 6 months. Bring two physical copies. The kiosks at Tribhuvan have cameras, but they frequently malfunction.

Excluded nationalities: Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria cannot get VOA and must apply at a Nepal embassy. Check the full list before traveling.

Sources: Immigration Department - VOA | Immigration - Entry Points | Immigration - Visa Fees

3. Consular Considerations by Nationality

Check before you go: Many countries do NOT have an embassy in Nepal. If yours doesn't, know the nearest consular presence and register your trip with your foreign ministry.

Transit visa considerations for common routings to Kathmandu:

Critical warning about India transit: If you need to change from an international to a domestic terminal in India (e.g., separate ticket Delhi-Kathmandu), you must obtain an Indian visa. Check Indian e-Visa eligibility for your nationality. If you stay entirely airside in the international transit zone on a through-ticket, no visa is required for most nationalities.

Sources: Nepal Department of Immigration | US Embassy Nepal | UK FCO Nepal | Indian e-Visa portal

4. Travel Insurance Requirements

Since 2024, travel insurance is mandatory for trekking permits in Nepal. You cannot obtain TIMS or conservation area permits without showing valid insurance. Checkpoints verify it. The post-fraud environment means scrutiny has increased — understand the real cost of trekking Nepal to budget for proper coverage.

Minimum coverage requirements:

What they actually check: At permit offices and trail checkpoints, officials verify your policy number, coverage dates, altitude ceiling, and that helicopter evacuation is explicitly listed. A generic "travel insurance" policy that excludes "adventure activities" or caps altitude at 3,000-4,000m will be rejected.

Penalties for trekking without insurance: NPR 500 fine (approximately $3.40), permit cancellation, and zero coverage for any emergency that occurs.

Providers known to cover Nepal trekking to 6,000m+ in 2026:

Post-fraud reality: The $20M helicopter rescue scam has made insurers more cautious. Key changes:

• Many insurers now require pre-authorization before helicopter evacuation
• Insurance companies typically authorize rescue within 30-60 minutes once medical necessity is confirmed
• Your trekking agency and guide should have your insurance details and know the pre-authorization process
• Some insurers now require the hospital/rescue operator to contact them before the flight, not after

Pre-existing conditions: Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless you pay a supplemental premium. If you take medication for any chronic condition, declare it at purchase. An undeclared condition is grounds for claim denial.

Sources: Himalayan Hero - Mandatory Insurance Guide | The Everest Holiday - Insurance 2026 | Backcountry Insurance - Nepal

5. Vaccinations and Health Certificates

Legally required: None -- unless you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (transit >12 hours in a risk country counts). In that case, you need a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Since 2016, the certificate is valid for life (no 10-year renewal needed).

Some countries have yellow fever transmission zones (parts of South America, sub-Saharan Africa). If your international health card shows a yellow fever vaccination, bring it. If you transit through or recently visited an affected country, Nepal immigration may ask for proof of vaccination.

COVID-19 (as of 2026): Nepal has removed all COVID-related entry requirements. No vaccination proof or PCR test is needed.

Recommended vaccinations (not legally required but medically advised):

Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Most major cities have dedicated travel health clinics — your GP can refer you.

Sources: TravelHealthPro UK - Nepal | The Longest Way Home - Nepal Vaccinations 2026 | Passport Health - Nepal

6. Drone Import Regulations

The short answer: probably not worth it.

Bringing a drone to Nepal as a foreign tourist in 2026 requires navigating a multi-ministry bureaucratic maze that frequently breaks down. The process takes 2-8 weeks, costs $150+ in fees, and the online registration portal is chronically unreliable. If you fly without permits, you risk confiscation, fines up to NPR 50,000 ($340), and deportation.

If you still want to try, here is the complete process:

Step 1: Customs Declaration on Arrival
- Use the Red Channel at Tribhuvan Airport customs
- Declare the drone and receive a Customs Clearance Certificate
- Without this certificate, CAAN will refuse to register your device
- Failure to declare: confiscation at minimum; fines and legal action possible

Step 2: CAAN Registration
- Register the drone with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
- The online portal is at drone.caanepal.gov.np but is frequently non-functional (confirmed offline for extended periods as recently as early 2025)
- In-person registration at CAAN offices in Kathmandu is the reliable fallback
- Foreign nationals cannot obtain drone permits independently -- you need a registered trekking agency to apply on your behalf

Step 3: Multi-Ministry Permits (for national parks and restricted areas)

Step 4: Follow the flying rules

Weight categories:
- Under 250g: Minimal regulation but still requires CAAN awareness
- 250g-2kg: Registration required; no CAAN flight permission needed on private property below 200 feet
- 2kg-25kg: Full permit process required
- Over 25kg: Restricted category

Timeline: Start the process 6-8 weeks before your trek if you are serious. Allow for portal downtime, multi-ministry delays, and your agency's processing time.

Penalties:
- Fines: NPR 2,000-50,000 ($14-340)
- Confiscation of the drone
- In severe cases: arrest, legal action, or deportation

Reality check: Most trekkers who bring drones either fly them illegally (and risk confiscation at checkpoints) or spend weeks in Kathmandu waiting for permits that may never come. The Everest region in particular is heavily monitored because of its border proximity to China.

Sources: The Longest Way Home - Drone Permit Guide 2026 | Best Heritage Tour - Drone Permit Process | CommonLaw Nepal - Drone Laws | Nepal Vision Treks - Drone Permit 2026

7. Medication Rules

Nepal does not have a formal controlled substances import list that blocks common trekking medications. However, following best practices prevents problems at customs.

Best practices:
- Keep all medication in original packaging with clear labeling
- Carry a prescription letter or doctor's note (in English) for anything stronger than OTC painkillers
- Pack medication in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage
- Ensure nothing is expired

Buying Diamox in Nepal: You can purchase acetazolamide without prescription at pharmacies in Kathmandu, Lukla, and Namche Bazaar. A strip of 10 tablets (250mg) costs approximately NPR 150-200 ($1-1.50). However, supply at higher elevations is unpredictable. Buy before you start trekking.

Sources: Awesome Holidays Nepal - Altitude Medication Rules | Swacon Hospital - Medical Items for Nepal | US Trade.gov - Nepal Prohibited Imports

8. Currency and Financial Prep

How much cash for trekking: Once you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara, Nepal is cash-only. Tea houses, lodges, local shops, checkpoint fees -- all cash. Budget NPR 3,000-5,000 per day ($20-35) for basic trekking expenses, plus an emergency buffer of $200-300 USD.

Where to exchange: Money changers in Thamel (Kathmandu) offer the best rates. Avoid the airport exchange counter (poor rates). Hotels offer the worst rates.

ATM strategy:
- Withdraw maximum amounts to minimize per-transaction fees
- Use Nabil Bank, NIC Asia, or Himalayan Bank ATMs (generally reliable with international cards)
- Notify your home bank before travel to avoid fraud locks
- Bring two cards from different banks as backup
- No ATMs exist on trekking routes above Namche Bazaar (Everest) or Chame (Annapurna)

Currency tip: Many currencies are not convertible in Nepal (Argentine pesos, most African currencies, many Asian currencies). Bring USD or EUR. If your home bank card has high foreign withdrawal fees, consider a Wise (formerly TransferWise) multi-currency account or similar fintech card before departure.

Sources: The Longest Way Home - Nepal Money Guide 2026 | The Everest Holiday - Currency Guide | Wise - ATMs in Nepal

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PHASE 2: At Arrival in Nepal

9. Tribhuvan International Airport Process

The arrival sequence at Kathmandu:

Step 1: Deplane and follow "Visa On Arrival" signs

Step 2: Kiosk or pre-registration
- If you completed the online pre-registration, go directly to the payment counter with your printed barcode receipt
- If not, use the automated kiosk machines to scan your passport and fill the form (expect 15-30 minutes during peak season)

Step 3: Payment counter
- Pay visa fee in USD cash (bring exact or close to exact amount -- change is unreliable)
- Credit cards accepted in theory but network failures are common. Do not rely on cards
- Receive payment receipt

Step 4: Immigration desk
- Hand over: passport, photo, payment receipt, pre-registration form (if applicable)
- Officer stamps your passport with the visa
- Typical casual questions: purpose of visit, planned duration, where you are staying

Step 5: Baggage claim

Step 6: Customs
- Green Channel: Nothing to declare. Used personal belongings, one camera, one pair of binoculars, one video camera, one radio, one tape recorder, medicines, food worth up to NPR 10,000, fresh fruit up to NPR 1,000
- Red Channel: Required if carrying drones, satellite communicators, more than USD 5,000 cash, gold over 50g (men) or 25g (women), silver over 100g, or professional filming equipment
- Fill out a self-declaration form if carrying dutiable goods

Duty-free allowances:
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- 1.15 liters of distilled liquor
- 15 rolls of film (legacy rule, still on the books)

Processing time:
- Off-peak: 30-60 minutes total
- Peak season (Sep-Nov, Mar-May): 60-120 minutes
- If arriving on a delayed evening flight, the queue may be shorter but some services (SIM card counters) close by 5:30 PM

Sources: Immigration - Arrival/Departure Information | Nepal Tourism Board - Custom Formalities | Pride Nepal Travel - Airport Process 2026

10. SIM Card Registration

Buy a SIM card at the airport or in Thamel on your first day. You will need mobile data for the e-TIMS system, maps, and emergency communication.

Documents needed:
- Valid passport (original, they photocopy it)
- Copy of visa page or entry stamp
- One passport-sized photo (Ncell may waive this)

Process: 10-15 minutes at airport counters or carrier shops in Thamel.

eSIM: Both NTC and Ncell now offer eSIM options in 2026. Check device compatibility before arrival.

Airport counters close around 5:30 PM. If arriving on a late flight, buy the SIM the next morning in Thamel.

Trail coverage: Both carriers have intermittent coverage up to Namche Bazaar on the EBC route and up to Manang on the Annapurna Circuit. Above these elevations, expect spotty-to-zero cellular signal. Wi-Fi at tea houses ($2-5 per session) is available but slow.

Sources: BitJoy Global - Nepal SIM Card 2026 | Himalayan360 - Getting a SIM Card | NTC eSIM Guide 2026

11. Permits to Obtain in Kathmandu

This is where it gets complex. Every trek requires a different combination of permits. Your trekking agency handles most of this, but you need to understand what you are paying for and verify you have everything before leaving Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Total EBC permits: approximately $65-70

Annapurna Region (Circuit, ABC, Mardi Himal)

Total Annapurna permits: approximately $37-40

Langtang Valley

Total Langtang permits: approximately $37-40

Manaslu Circuit (Restricted Area)

Total Manaslu permits: approximately $140-160 (peak season, 7 days)

Upper Mustang (Restricted Area)

Total Upper Mustang permits (10 days): approximately $540-560

Other Restricted Areas

Critical rule for ALL restricted areas: Permits must be processed through a registered and licensed trekking agency. Individual trekkers cannot apply directly at the Department of Immigration.

Documents needed for permits:
- Valid passport + photocopy
- 2-4 passport-sized photos
- Nepal visa copy
- Proof of travel insurance (with altitude and helicopter coverage)
- Detailed trek itinerary
- Cash in NPR for permit fees (restricted area fees quoted in USD but paid in NPR equivalent)

Sources: Nepal Department of Immigration - Trekking Permits | NTNC Online Permit System | Nepal Tourism Board - TIMS | Follow Alice - Permits & Fees 2026 | The Longest Way Home - Trekking Permits 2026 | Rugged Trails Nepal - Upper Mustang Fee Update

NMA Climbing Permits (Trekking Peaks)

If you plan to add a peak climb to your trek — Island Peak after EBC, Mera Peak as a standalone, or any of the 27 NMA-managed "trekking peaks" — you need a separate climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). This is in addition to your trekking permits above.

The NMA manages 27 peaks with royalty fees that vary by peak height and season:

Additional NMA requirements:
- Must be organized through a registered trekking agency
- Climbing guide (government-licensed) is mandatory
- Garbage deposit: $500 refundable (returned when you bring trash back)
- Liaison officer fee: covered by the agency in most packages

Popular additions to EBC: Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,165m) is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. It adds 3-4 days to an EBC itinerary. Spring season permit: $350 per person. Your agency handles the application through NMA.

Popular standalone: Mera Peak (6,470m) is the highest trekking peak. Often done as a standalone 18-day expedition from Lukla. Spring permit: $350.

Source: Nepal Mountaineering Association — Royalty Fee Schedule (official NMA fee table, as photographed from the current rate card)

12. The e-TIMS System

As of January 2026, Nepal has rolled out the electronic Trekkers' Information Management System (e-TIMS) across the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions.

How it works:
1. Your trekking agency registers you in the system and pays the fee
2. A digital TIMS card is generated with a QR code
3. At checkpoints, officers scan the QR code to log your location in real time
4. The system tracks which trekkers are on which routes and at what elevation

QR checkpoint scanners are located at: Besisahar, Birethanti, Ghandruk, Tatopani (Annapurna region), Monjo, Lukla (Everest region), and Dhunche (Langtang region).

What happens if the digital system fails (it does):
- Carry a printed copy of your e-TIMS card with the QR code
- Some checkpoints still maintain paper logbooks as backup
- If the scanner cannot read your QR code, the officer will manually record your details

The e-TIMS does not replace conservation area permits or national park entry fees. Those are separate documents.

Sources: Himalayan Hero - Trekking Permit Guide 2026 | Shikhar Adventure - ACAP & TIMS Updates 2026

13. Mandatory Guide Registration

Since April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency. This is not optional. It is not loosely enforced.

What "licensed" means in 2026:

If you plan to trek without other clients, see finding a group for ways to share guide costs. Nepal now uses a three-tier guide certification system:

Your guide must hold a license matching or exceeding the altitude of your trek. Verify this before departure — see our guide to vetting agencies and guides for how.

How to verify legitimacy:
- The agency must be registered with TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal)
- Ask for the agency's TAAN registration number
- Ask for your guide's license number and certification level
- Your guide should carry their license card on the trek

What this means for "solo" trekkers: You can trek as the only client, but you must have a licensed guide with you. "Solo" in Nepal means "without other clients in your group," not "without a guide." You book through an agency, the agency assigns a guide, and that guide accompanies you.

Scope of the rule: Applies in all areas where TIMS is required, which includes all national parks and conservation areas in the mountains. Does not apply to hiking around Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara outskirts, or day hikes near major cities.

Sources: The Everest Holiday - Mandatory Guide Rule 2026 | Best Heritage Tour - Solo Trekking Banned | Explore All About Nepal - Mandatory Guide Policy 2026

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PHASE 3: On the Trail

14. Checkpoint Procedures

Checkpoints are manned stations along trekking routes where officials verify your documents. Their purpose is safety tracking, permit enforcement, and revenue collection.

What they check:
1. Passport (original -- carry it on you at all times)
2. TIMS/e-TIMS card (QR code scan or paper check)
3. National park or conservation area entry permit
4. Travel insurance documentation
5. Guide credentials (licensed, matching your registered party)
6. Restricted area permit (if applicable)

What happens if your papers are not in order:
- Missing TIMS: You will be turned back or asked to pay on the spot (if the checkpoint can process it)
- Missing national park permit: You will be turned back to the nearest permit office (which may be a day's walk back)
- Missing insurance: Fine of up to NPR 500 and potential permit cancellation
- No guide: Turned back. Period.

Major checkpoints by route:

Everest (EBC): Lukla (TIMS check), Monjo (Sagarmatha NP gate -- primary document check), Namche Bazaar (police check), and additional checkpoints at Tengboche and above.

Annapurna Circuit: Besisahar/Bulbule (ACAP + TIMS), Dharapani, Chame, and Manang have checkpoint stations. Birethanti for treks starting from the south.

Langtang: Dhunche (National Park gate + TIMS), Syabrubesi.

Pro tip: Keep all documents in a waterproof pouch accessible without unpacking. Checkpoints happen multiple times per trek, and fumbling through your pack in rain or wind is miserable.

Sources: Himalayan Hero - Trekking Permit Guide 2026 | Nepal Hiking Team - Annapurna Permits

15. Drone Flying on Trek

Assuming you obtained all the permits from Phase 1 (Section 6), the actual rules on the trail:

• Maximum altitude: 120m AGL. This is measured from the ground directly below you, not from sea level.
• Maximum horizontal range: 500m from operator
• National parks: Flying inside Sagarmatha, Langtang, or any national park requires the specific DNPWC permit obtained in Kathmandu. Your general CAAN registration is not sufficient.
• Border zones: No flying within 5km of the Nepal-Tibet/China border. This affects upper portions of the EBC route and Gokyo.
• Military zones: No flying near any military installation. These are not always marked.
• Heritage sites: No flying over monasteries, stupas, or cultural heritage sites without additional permits.
• Line of sight: Visual line of sight required at all times. No flying beyond visual range.

Practical enforcement: Checkpoint officers, park wardens, and even other trekkers may report unauthorized drone use. Confiscation happens on the trail, not just at airports.

Sources: Pristine Nepal - Drone Permit Everest | Awesome Holidays Nepal - Drone on EBC Trek | Adventure Bound Nepal - Drone Laws 2025

16. Emergency Procedures

Key Emergency Numbers

Satellite Communicators (Garmin inReach)

Nepal allows satellite communication devices including Garmin inReach. This is one of the few South Asian countries where they are legal. You can bring your inReach, register it, and use it on trek.

Critical transit warning: If you are routing through India, do NOT carry a satellite communicator through Indian customs. India's Wireless Telegraphy Act bans satellite phones and communicators. Penalties include confiscation and fines of $700+. If your flight routes through India, either:
- Ship the device to your hotel in Nepal ahead of time
- Buy/rent in Kathmandu
- Choose a routing that avoids India (Doha, Dubai, Istanbul)

Sources: Garmin Support - Regulated Countries | ExplorersWeb - Do NOT Bring inReach to India | Great Himalaya Trail - Security & Communication

Helicopter Evacuation: The Post-Fraud Process

The $20M helicopter rescue scam has fundamentally changed how evacuations work. Here is the 2026 process:

1. Your guide calls your insurance company's emergency hotline with your policy number, GPS coordinates, and medical details
2. Insurance company evaluates medical necessity and pre-authorizes the rescue (30-60 minutes typical)
3. Insurance assigns an approved rescue operator (not one of the blacklisted companies)
4. Helicopter dispatched -- weather and daylight permitting
5. You are evacuated to a hospital in Kathmandu (usually CIWEC, Norvic, or Grande International)

What can go wrong:
- No phone signal at altitude to call insurance (this is where a satellite communicator becomes critical)
- Pre-authorization takes too long in a genuine emergency
- Weather grounds all helicopters (common above 4,000m)
- No helicopter available (limited fleet, especially during peak season)

Helicopter rescue is not guaranteed. It depends on weather, daylight (no night flying), and helicopter availability. Your guide and your insurance company are the two critical links in this chain. Make sure both have your details before you leave Kathmandu.

Sources: Himalayan Recreation - High Altitude Rescue Nepal | Mount Everest Go - Emergency Contacts

17. Restricted Area Additional Requirements

Since March 22, 2026, solo foreign trekkers can now obtain restricted area permits individually. Previously, a minimum of two foreign trekkers was required per permit. This is the biggest regulatory change in years.

What changed:
- The Department of Immigration removed the two-person minimum for all 15 restricted zones across 13 districts
- Solo trekkers can now book Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Tsum Valley, Nar-Phu, and other restricted areas through an agency with just one client

What did NOT change:
- A licensed guide is still mandatory (through a registered agency)
- Permits must still be processed by the agency, not the individual
- Maximum of 7 trekkers per permit
- All restricted area fees remain the same
- You still cannot walk into the Department of Immigration and get a restricted area permit on your own

Restricted areas and their specific requirements:

Sources: Nepal Gateway Trekking - Solo Restricted Area Rules 2026 | Nepal Hiking Adventure - Solo Trekkers Restricted Areas | Best Heritage Tour - Restricted Areas Full Guide

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PHASE 4: Leaving Nepal

18. Exit Procedures

Airport departure tax: No departure tax is currently levied on passengers at Nepali airports. This was eliminated years ago and folded into ticket prices.

Customs exit restrictions -- what you CANNOT take out of Nepal:

What you CAN take out: Legitimate souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, tea, spices, singing bowls, prayer flags, and new religious art (not antique). If purchasing a thangka painting or bronze statue that looks old, get a receipt from the shop and consider getting a clearance certificate from the Department of Archaeology to avoid problems at the airport X-ray.

Duty-free purchases at departure: Available at Tribhuvan Airport after immigration. Standard duty-free selection.

Sources: Nepal Tourism Board - Custom Formalities | Nepal Airlines - Customs at Departure | IATA - Nepal Customs Regulations

19. Extending Your Visa

You can extend your tourist visa while in Nepal without leaving the country.

Process:
1. Fill out the online application at online.nepalimmigration.gov.np
2. Print the barcode receipt
3. Photocopy your current visa page
4. Bring passport, receipt, photocopy, and cash to:
- Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (Kalikasthan) -- primary office
- Immigration Office, Pokhara -- secondary office

Cost:
- $3 USD/day for the first 30 days of extension
- $5 USD/day for additional days beyond that
- Approximately $10 processing fee

Maximum: 150 days total per calendar year (January-December). This is cumulative. If you entered on a 90-day visa, you can extend for up to 60 more days.

Processing time: 1-2 business days standard. Same-day express service available in Kathmandu for an additional $25 fee.

Overstay penalties: $5/day for the first 30 days. $8/day after that. Overstaying more than 150 days can result in a ban.

Sources: Nepal Immigration - Visa Extension | The Longest Way Home - Nepal Visa Guide 2026 | Sun Shine Law Firm - Tourist Visa Extension Nepal

20. Insurance Claims Process

If something goes wrong on trek, your documentation determines whether your claim gets paid.

Documentation to collect WHILE the incident is happening:

Filing timeline: Most insurers require claims submitted within 30-90 days of the incident. Check your specific policy. Start the process before leaving Nepal.

Key advice:
- Call your insurance company from Nepal before you fly home
- Get the formal hospital medical report before discharge (hospitals charge for this -- do not leave without it)
- If you were evacuated, ensure your insurance company has the evacuation authorization on file
- If you visited an HRA aid post, ask for a written medical assessment

Sources: Himalayan Trekkers - Travel Insurance Nepal | Law Neeti - Insurance Claim in Nepal

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PHASE 5: Safety-Specific Bureaucracy

21. Embassy Registration

Before departure: Register your trip with your foreign ministry (see Section 3 for links by nationality). Save your embassy's 24h emergency number.

If your country has no embassy in Nepal (Canada, Argentina, most of South America, Africa, and many smaller nations), your nearest consular coverage is typically in New Delhi. Know the number before you leave.

EU consular cooperation: EU citizens can seek help at any EU member state embassy in Nepal. Non-EU nationals cannot — your consular lifeline is your own country's nearest embassy.

Alternative contacts in extremis:
- The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu (+977-1-4234000) can provide emergency assistance to any nationality in life-threatening situations
- The Tourist Police (1144) can coordinate with your embassy on your behalf

Sources: US Embassy Nepal | UK FCO Nepal | EEAS - Consular Protection

22. Emergency Contacts -- Complete List

Print this page. Laminate it. Keep it in your document pouch.

Sources: Mount Everest Go - Emergency Contacts | Sewa Point - Emergency Numbers Nepal | HRA Nepal

23. Helicopter Evacuation Authorization (Post-Fraud)

The 2026 process, shaped by the $20M fraud scandal:

Before the trek:
1. Provide your insurance policy details (company, policy number, emergency hotline) to your trekking agency
2. Confirm your policy covers helicopter evacuation to your trek's maximum altitude
3. Ask your insurance company whether they require pre-authorization before any helicopter dispatch
4. Save your insurance company's emergency number in your phone AND on a laminated card

During an emergency:
1. Your guide (or you) contacts your insurance emergency hotline via phone or satellite communicator
2. Provide: policy number, GPS coordinates, medical condition description
3. Insurance authorizes the rescue (30-60 minutes typical)
4. Insurance contacts an approved helicopter operator (avoiding blacklisted companies from the fraud investigation)
5. Helicopter dispatches if weather permits

Post-fraud changes affecting trekkers:
- Insurers are now more likely to deny claims where pre-authorization was not obtained
- Some insurers maintain a whitelist of approved Nepal helicopter operators
- Hospital bills are scrutinized more carefully -- if your insurer suspects fraud, they may delay or deny payment
- The CIB has charged 32 people including guides, hospital executives, and helicopter operators. Some companies are still operating; others have been shut down

If rescue happens without pre-authorization (genuine emergency, no signal):
- Document everything: photos, GPS coordinates, timestamps
- Get the treating physician's signed medical assessment immediately
- Have your guide write a signed statement of events
- Contact your insurer within 24 hours of reaching civilization

Sources: Kathmandu Post - Inside Nepal's Fake Rescue Racket | AirMed&Rescue - Helicopter Medevac Fraud | Himalayan Recreation - High Altitude Rescue

24. Medical Facilities Along Routes

Kathmandu

On the Everest Route

On the Annapurna Route

HRA Aid Post Details

• Staffed by volunteer doctors during spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) trekking seasons
• Services: AMS assessment, HAPE/HACE treatment, oxygen therapy, common illness treatment (flu, diarrhea, infections), acclimatization guidance
• Cost: Nominal consultation fee. The HRA is a nonprofit -- donations are welcomed and critical to their continued operation
• Daily altitude lecture: Free. Attendance recommended for all trekkers. Covers symptoms, prevention, and when to descend.
• Limitations: Not full hospitals. Cannot perform surgery. Cannot handle major trauma. For serious conditions, the recommendation is evacuation to Kathmandu.

Contacts:
- HRA main office: +977-1-4440292
- Pheriche Aid Post: +977-9848744149
- Manang Aid Post: +977-9840096133

Beyond Kathmandu for serious injuries: If you need surgery or specialist care beyond what Kathmandu can provide, the standard evacuation destinations are Bangkok, New Delhi, or Singapore.

Sources: Himalayan Rescue Association | HRA Pheriche Aid Post | HRA Manang Aid Post | CIWEC Hospital | U.S. Embassy Nepal - Medical Assistance

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The Master Checklist

Print this. Check it off as you go.

8-6 Weeks Before Departure - [ ] Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages - [ ] Travel insurance purchased with 6,000m+ altitude coverage, helicopter evacuation, AMS/HAPE/HACE explicitly covered - [ ] Insurance emergency hotline number saved and printed - [ ] Vaccinations up to date (Hep A, Typhoid minimum) - [ ] Trip registered with your foreign ministry (see Section 3) - [ ] If bringing a drone: agency has started the CAAN/multi-ministry permit application - [ ] Nearest embassy emergency number saved (see Section 3) - [ ] Bank notified of travel to Nepal - [ ] Two debit/credit cards from different banks packed - [ ] USD cash obtained: $500-800 in clean, undamaged bills (Series 2013+)

1-2 Weeks Before Departure - ] Online visa pre-registration completed at [nepaliport.immigration.gov.np - [ ] Barcode receipt printed - [ ] 4 passport photos printed (35x45mm, white background) - [ ] If transiting India with satellite communicator: alternative routing confirmed or device shipped ahead - [ ] All medications in original packaging with prescription letters - [ ] Insurance policy printout in document pouch - [ ] Passport photocopies (4 copies) - [ ] Visa fee in USD cash separated from other money

Day of Arrival in Kathmandu - [ ] Visa on arrival obtained (Red Channel if carrying drone/sat phone/excess cash) - [ ] Customs clearance certificate obtained (if drone) - [ ] SIM card purchased (Ncell or NTC) with data plan - [ ] Cash exchanged at Thamel money changer - [ ] ATM withdrawal at Nabil/NIC Asia/Himalayan Bank

1-3 Days Before Trek Departure - [ ] All permits obtained through agency: - [ ] e-TIMS card with QR code - [ ] National park or conservation area entry permit - [ ] Restricted area permit (if applicable) - [ ] Municipality permits (if applicable, e.g., Khumbu Pasang Lhamu) - [ ] Insurance details provided to trekking agency - [ ] Guide credentials verified (license number, certification level matches trek altitude) - [ ] Printed copies of ALL permits in waterproof pouch - [ ] Sufficient NPR cash for the trek ($20-35/day + emergency buffer) - [ ] Emergency contact card laminated with all numbers from Section 22

On the Trek - [ ] Documents in waterproof pouch, accessible without unpacking - [ ] Passport carried at all times (not left at lodge) - [ ] QR code functional at checkpoints - [ ] Insurance emergency number accessible - [ ] Satellite communicator operational (if carrying)

Before Leaving Nepal - [ ] If extending visa: online application + immigration office visit - [ ] If filing insurance claim: all medical records, receipts, and police reports collected - [ ] No antiquities, wildlife products, or prohibited items in luggage - [ ] Cash under USD 5,000 (or declared if over) - [ ] Drone customs clearance resolved (if applicable)