Permits and documents

The ID to carry, how forest and area permits work in the Indian Himalaya, inner-line rules near the borders, and trekking in Nepal.

Plan & prepare2 min read

The short version

  • 1Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies on every trek.
  • 2Forest and sanctuary permits are usually arranged by your operator. Check it's included.
  • 3Areas near the borders need extra permits, and different ones for Indian and foreign citizens.
  • 4Indian citizens can enter Nepal with a passport or voter ID. No visa needed.
  • 5Rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your operator two weeks before you go.
In this guide
  1. 1.What to carry
  2. 2.Permits in the Indian Himalaya
  3. 3.Trekking in Nepal
  4. 4.Drones, photography and courtesy

What to carry

  • Original government photo ID: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa.
  • Photocopies of your ID and a few passport photos; some permit offices still want paper.
  • Medical certificate if your operator asks for one. Many do for high treks.
  • For riders: driving licence, the vehicle's registration, insurance and pollution certificate, and a rental agreement if it isn't your bike.

Permits in the Indian Himalaya

Most treks pass through reserved forests, national parks or wildlife sanctuaries that charge an entry or camping fee and issue a permit. Operators normally arrange these and include them in the price; ask if you're not sure.

  • Uttarakhand: forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks, such as Govind Wildlife Sanctuary for Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha.
  • Sikkim: treks such as Goechala need permits arranged through a registered local agency.
  • Ladakh: visitors pay environment and wildlife fees. Some areas near the borders need a protected-area permit, especially for foreign nationals.
  • Himachal: vehicles crossing the Rohtang Pass need an online permit. The Atal Tunnel route doesn't.

Trekking in Nepal

  • Indian citizens need a valid passport or voter ID card. No visa is required.
  • National park and conservation area permits apply on the main routes: for example Sagarmatha National Park for Everest, and the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) for Annapurna.
  • Guides: Nepal now requires most foreign trekkers to walk with a licensed guide in its main trekking areas. Your operator will arrange this; check how it applies to you.

Drones, photography and courtesy

Flying a drone in India needs registration and, near borders, military areas and airports, permission. Most high Himalayan border zones are no-fly. Ask before photographing military installations, bridges and checkposts, and ask people before taking their photo.

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