The Basics of Registering a Tours, Travel & Trekking Company in Nepal
Starting a tour, travel, or trekking company in Nepal can be one of the most exciting business ideas. Tourism plays a pivotal role in Nepal’s economy, drawing millions of visitors each year for trekking, adventure, and cultural exploration.
But before you start booking flights and guiding tours, there’s one step that sets everything in motion: registering your company properly.
This guide walks you through everything — from registration, licenses, bank guarantee, to optional memberships like NATTA and TAAN.
What It Really Takes to Start a Tours, Travel & Trekking Business in Nepal?
Step 1: Register Your Company with Minimum 25 Lakhs Capital
To run a travel or trekking business, your company must be formally registered with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR).
The minimum paid-up capital requirement is NPR 25,00,000 (25 lakhs).
You’ll need:
- Company name approval from OCR
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
- Office address proof
- Citizenship copies of shareholders
- Personal PAN and National Identification Number of shareholders
Once registered, you’ll receive a Company Registration Certificate, which serves as your legal identity to start operations.
Step 2: Ward Registration and PAN/VAT Registration
After the company is registered, complete two quick but essential compliance steps:
- Ward Registration: Register your business at the local ward office or municipality.
- PAN/VAT Registration: Apply at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for your tax identification.
These registrations enable you to issue official invoices, collect VAT where required, and operate in full compliance with Nepal’s tax regulations.
Step 3: Open a Bank Account and Deposit Share Capital
After registration, open a company bank account and deposit the paid-up capital of NPR 25 lakhs as mentioned in your registration documents. You’ll also need to arrange a Bank Guarantee of NPR 5,00,000, valid for at least 5 years.
This is a requirement by the Tourism Board and shows your financial credibility — that you’re capable of handling client money responsibly.
Step 4: Apply for a Tourism License
To officially operate tours or trekking services, you must obtain a Tourism License from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or the relevant Provincial Tourism Office, depending on your business location. This license formalizes your role in the tourism sector and is a necessary step for conducting regulated travel activities.
You’ll submit:
- Company registration certificate
- PAN/VAT registration
- Bank guarantee certificate
- Office rent or ownership documents
- Director and shareholder details
- Passport-size photos
Once approved, you’ll get your Tourism License, valid for 5 years. Renewal must be done before expiry to maintain active status.
Step 5: Registration with Gharelu/DOI
Even if your company is already registered at OCR, it also needs to be recognized as an industry.
For this, register at the Department of Industry (DOI) or the Cottage and Small Industry Office (Gharelu Udyog).
Download The Checklist for the Required Documents to Obtain Your License
Important Legal Points to Know
- License validity: 5 years (must be renewed before expiry to maintain compliance)
- Foreign investors: Cannot freely own travel or trekking companies (they’re listed on Nepal’s “negative list”)
- Capital requirement: 25 lakhs minimum, proven through share lagat and bank documents.
Optional but Useful Memberships
NATTA – Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents
While it is not compulsory, being a NATTA member adds credibility to your agency — especially if you plan to handle flight bookings, tours, or international clients.
Benefits:
- Helps in getting IATA affiliation (for ticketing)
- Improves business credibility
- Provides access to B2B travel deals and industry events
TAAN – Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal
If your company offers trekking services, joining TAAN is a smart move.
Benefits:
- Makes it easier to issue TIMS cards and trekking permits
- Builds trust with clients and partners
- Helps in coordination with local authorities
Both memberships are optional, but they can help you build professional credibility and access more opportunities in the tourism network.
Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
Step | Description | Estimated Cost (NPR) |
Company Registration | With 25 lakh capital | Varies (based on share capital) |
Ward + PAN/VAT Reg | Local + Tax registration | 2,000 – 5,000 |
Bank Guarantee | Blocked Capital for 5 years | 5,00,000(Financial Assurance- held by Bank rather than cost) |
Tourism License | From Tourism Office | 25,000 |
Note: These are indicative figures for general guidance. Actual costs may vary slightly.
Renewal and Ongoing Compliance
Once your company is operational, staying compliant means keeping up with these key renewals and filings:
- OCR Renewal: Every year
- Tourism License Renewal: Every 5 years
- VAT Filing: Monthly or Triannual (Four monthly)
- Tax Return: Annually
- Membership Renewal (if any): Annually
Regular compliance helps to maintain your credibility and avoids fines or license suspension.
Start Your Licensing Process Today!
Nepal’s travel and trekking industry is full of opportunity — but it’s also heavily regulated. Getting your paperwork right at the start saves you from legal setbacks and operational troubles later. If you follow these five foundational steps carefully — company registration, tax setup, bank guarantee, tourism license, and industry registration — you’ll have a fully legal and credible foundation to start your Tour, Travel, Ticketing, or Trekking company.
Once your license is ready, you can begin creating packages, building strategic partnerships, and welcoming explorers from all around the world.
Need Help In Setting Up Tours And Travel Company?
If you want to skip the confusion and get everything done correctly, Company Khata can handle it for you.
We help founders register their company, process tourism licenses, handle PAN/VAT registration, and prepare all documentation — all in one place.
👉 Visit www.companykhata.com or call 9801074003 to get started today.
FAQs
You need a minimum NPR 25 lakhs paid-up capital to register a travel, tour, or trekking company.
A bank guarantee of NPR 5 lakhs for at least 5 years is required for the tourism license.
No, foreign nationals cannot freely own or invest in travel or trekking agencies (they’re on Nepal’s “negative list”).
It usually takes around 2–3 weeks if your documents are complete and verified.
No, they’re not mandatory — but they add industry trust, networking benefits, and access to permits and IATA processes.