Several offices may be involved
A drone flight in Nepal is not approved by one office in every case. CAAN handles aviation registration and safety. Protected areas can add drone-only or film plus drone charges, and heritage sites, district offices, and filming authorities can add their own approval layer.
CAAN
Foreign visitors need temporary drone registration. CAAN may also need the drone model, serial number, CE marking, customs declaration, flight purpose, dates, and locations.
Location Authority
National parks, conservation areas, heritage sites, monasteries, municipalities, and private properties can refuse drone flights even after aviation registration.
Filming Route
Commercial, documentary, news, TV, promotional, mapping, and research flights can need project papers, ministry or board approval, local coordinator letters, and higher fees.
When not to carry or launch a drone
If the flight depends on unclear permission, sensitive airspace, or protected wildlife habitat, it is better to resolve paperwork before you pack the drone. Mountain rescue routes and small airstrips make this especially important.
Near aircraft
Do not fly near airports, helipads, rescue corridors, or domestic airstrips unless the relevant aviation authority confirms it in writing.
Near people
Avoid villages, lodges, crowds, trails, temples, ceremonies, and private homes unless people and property owners clearly allow it.
Near wildlife
Protected areas can treat drones as disturbance. Ask the park or conservation office before planning footage of wildlife or valleys inside their boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tourist fly a small drone in Nepal without paperwork?
Do not assume that. CAAN lists temporary drone registration for foreign nationals, and location authorities can add separate restrictions. Small size lowers practical risk but does not remove paperwork by itself.
Are national parks and conservation areas restricted?
Yes for practical planning. Treat them as written-approval zones. Sagarmatha National Park, for example, lists CAAN registration, DNPWC approval, District Administration approval, and park permission before flying.
Is there one fixed Nepal drone permit price?
No. CAAN registration has a listed fee, but protected-area entry, filming permission, aerial filming surcharge, heritage location fees, and coordinator service charges depend on the route and purpose.
Can Joyful Eco Treks arrange the drone permit?
We can help identify the route offices and paperwork path. Final permission depends on CAAN and the relevant location authority, and approval is never guaranteed for sensitive or protected places.
Need to verify a real route?
Send us your drone model, travel dates, planned places, and whether the content is personal or commercial. We will help you decide if the paperwork is realistic before your trek starts.
Ask Joyful Eco Treks