Essentials Permit for Makalu Base Camp Trek in 2025

Permit for Makalu Base Camp Trek | Complete information

4 Nov 2023 Last updated on 30 Jun 2025

You’ll need to get two special trekking permits for the Makalu Base Camp. They are: the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit and the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit. Without them, you can’t go to this relatively challenging and difficult-to-access trek, often overlooked by trekkers.

The permits are implemented to protect the fragile ecosystem in the remote glacial Barun Valley. For those few who choose this trek, it’s a rare chance to witness the endangered red panda and snow leopard. The fees support conservation efforts and also help local communities residing in the area. And they ensure it remains unspoiled so that these endangered species can have a lovely habitat.

Learn more about the Makalu Base Camp Trek permit costs and details below.

Table of Contents

Required Permit for Makalu Base Camp Trek in 2025

Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit

One of the main permits required for the Makalu Base Camp Trek is the Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit. The cost of the Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit varies based on your nationality, as per the trekking permit fees in Nepal, published by the Nepal Tourism Board:

Nepali citizens – 100 NPR (USD 1) per person per entry
SAARC citizens – 1,500 NPR (USD 15) per person per entry
Foreigners – 3000 NPR (USD 25) per person per entry
Children under 10 years are exempt from fees.

Where to get: You can apply for a Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit online at the DNPWC e-ticket portal. Collect it from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu or the park entry points at the Num and Seduwa by showing your online application.

Tip: It’s better to get this permit in Kathmandu. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in queues at the park entry point and checkpoint.

Makalu Rural Municipality Permit

Another permit you will require for the Makalu Base Camp trek is the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit. You need this permit to enter the Makalu region, as it is a protected national park and the home to Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak. It helps manage access, enable sustainable tourism, and support local communities.

Its cost is the same for all trekkers.

USD 20 per person per week for the first 4 weeks.
USD 25 per person per week for each additional week beyond the first 4 weeks.

Where to get: Makalu Rural Municipality Office in Num, and checkpoints along the trail.

Required Documents for Makalu Base Camp Trek Permits

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Among the two mandatory permits for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, the Makalu Barun National Park Permit is easier to get by yourself from the NTB office. However, they’ll check your original passport and a Nepal entry visa. For the other compulsory Makalu Rural Municipality Permit, you’ll need the following documents:

Original passport with a valid Nepal entry visa
Two Passport-size photos/ Digital copy

Additionally, the clerk will ask to see your licensed guide or his ID card. If you can’t show, the permit won’t be provided to you. Therefore, it’s best to let the trekking agency arrange permits to avoid any confusion and delays in receiving permits. Make their copies and also keep their colour scans on your device, as afternoon showers can dampen and even ruin regular printouts. And obviously, leading to soggy documents that can stall you at police or park posts.

How to Apply for Permits in 2025?

To obtain the required permits for the Makalu Base Camp Trek, first contact a local trekking agency. Reason: From April 2023, every foreign trekker inside national park areas in Nepal must hire a licensed guide. So, choose a reputable and trusted agency to avoid any delays, fraud, or other complications.

At Himalayan 360, we provide high-quality trekking services at the best prices. We assist you throughout your trip to Nepal, from arrival to departure. We handle all the paperwork and keep you informed about the progress. Fun fact: We hold a 100% permit success record, so you can rest assured. Plus, our guides and porters are all well-experienced to help you have an incredible journey to Makalu Base Camp.

Check our Makalu Base Camp trek package for a detailed itinerary, pricing, or any other curiosities you may have regarding the trek.

Can I apply for the Trekking Permits myself?

Yes, you can also apply for the trekking permits on your own. Both the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit and the Makalu Rural Municipality Permit are available at the checkpoint office in Num or Seduwa. You can also get the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit in Kathmandu. However, you’re going to queue for the other permit anyway, so it’s better to get both together in Num or Seduwa. Just make sure you carry enough cash, as card readers are often offline here. You won’t find ATMs beyond Tumlingtar, which is a half-day’s drive from Num.

That said, the 2023 national park law still requires every foreigner to trek with a licensed guide. Since you must hire a guide anyway, it’s better to let a registered trekking agency handle everything, from guide contract to porter hire, transport tickets, and both permits. You won’t have to deal with a language barrier at rural offices. Agencies also keep digital copies of each permit and provide you with emergency contacts.

In short, you are legally free to collect the permits yourself, but many trekkers still see value in letting professionals handle the formalities so they can focus on the mountain experience.

Still confused? Please send us a message. We will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Getting Permit via Registered Agency, & Permit Check Point

Once the permits are processed and approved, you will get the physical or online permits. You need to show them at the Makalu Base Camp Trek checkpoints along the route. So, you should carry them safely throughout the trek.

Registering with Local Authorities

Ensure that you register with the local authorities, such as police posts and local government offices along the trek route. They’ll ask for your trekking permits, passport, and personal details. This step is for your safety. It enables the authorities to track your movements in the region, promoting sustainable tourism. And if there’s a natural disaster or any complications, they can easily send out a rescue team to help you.

Permits Checkpoints

During the trek, expect to encounter checkpoints where your permits will be checked. Keep your permits and identification readily accessible to ensure a hassle-free journey. These checkpoints are established to enforce trekking regulations and preserve the environment. On our trek, we’ll have to stop at these checkpoints:

Num
Seduwa
Tashigaon
Khongma Danda
Dobate
Makalu Base Camp

On your way back from Makalu Base Camp, you need to pass through these same checkpoints again, especially at Dobate, Tashigaon, Seduwa, and Num. This confirms your exit and ensures proper trekking records.

Can I trek alone in the Makalu region?

Is a TIMS card required for trekking to Makalu Base Camp?

Do I need a Restricted Area Permit for the Makalu Base Camp Trek?

What will happen if I lose my permits during the trek?

Is it possible to extend my permits if I choose to remain in the Makalu region for a longer period?

You can extend your stay in the Makalu region at the Rural Municipality Office in Num. However, you need to give valid reasons, such as acclimatization, weather delays, health issues, natural disasters, etc. The extension has additional fees: USD 25 for each additional week. And more importantly, apply before your current permit expires to avoid penalties.

Can I pay by card in Num?

Is satellite phone rental mandatory?

No, you do not necessarily need to rent a satellite phone. However, most reputable trekking agencies insist that you carry one, as mobile coverage becomes unreliable once you pass beyond Tasigaon. Tip: Rent a satellite phone in Kathmandu for USD 12–25 per day (plus call charges). Carrying the phone helps you get weather updates, manage logistics, and make emergency evacuation calls.

Mr. Raj’s main goal is to provide great services that give good value for money to his clients. He wants to create travel experiences that suit different preferences and ages, whether people are looking for moderate adventures or thrill-seeking activities. He knows that travel is not just about seeing new places but about making unforgettable memories. In addition to helping travelers, Mr. Raj is committed to giving back to the community. He makes sure that part of his company’s profits goes to support struggling rural farming villages. This support goes beyond just money; he also works to improve the lives of people in these communities. Mr. Raj is especially passionate about education. He believes that education can help break the cycle of poverty, so he invests in the needs of underprivileged children. This includes providing school supplies and supporting health and hygiene initiatives in schools. By doing this, Mr. Raj aims to empower current and future generations, helping to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone.