Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits (2026 Guide)

Planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2026? Before you pack your boots, down jacket, and camera, make sure your trekking permits are ready.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits are not just paperwork; they are official entry documents required to walk through the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal’s most popular and protected trekking regions.

This guide explains exactly what permits you need for the ABC Trek, how much they cost, where to get them in Kathmandu or Pokhara, how to apply online, what documents are required, and what happens if you trek without a valid permit.

What Permits Do You Need for the ABC Trek?

For the standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the most important permit is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

The ACAP permit is the main permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It allows you to enter and trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The permit system helps manage visitor records, support conservation work, improve local tourism infrastructure, and protect the natural and cultural environment of the Annapurna region.

The revenue from ACAP is invested back into conservation, community development, and local management in the Annapurna region. This means your permit fee contributes to trail management, environmental protection, local conservation programs, and sustainable tourism.

The ACAP permit must be carried during the entire trek. The entry permit should be shown whenever conservation area officials request it, and trekkers are also asked to register at check posts along the route.

A few practical details worth understanding before you apply:

• Single-entry

  If you exit the conservation area boundary partway through your trip and plan to re-enter later, you'll need to purchase a new ACAP. This matters if you're combining ABC with activities outside the protected zone.

• No fixed expiry date

  Once issued, your ACAP remains valid for the entire length of your trek inside the conservation area. There's no daily fee and no need to renew partway through, however long your itinerary runs.

• Exemptions for children

  Trekkers under 10 years old don't pay the ACAP fee, although a permit card may still be issued in their name for record-keeping.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Cost

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek permit cost depends on your nationality. Children below 10 years do not require the ACAP permit.

Permit	Foreigner Cost	SAARC Cost	Nepali Cost
ACAP Permit	NPR 3,000 per person (USD 25)	NPR 1,000 per person	NPR 100 per person

Important note: If you wait until a trail check post to get your ACAP permit, double fees will be charged for permits issued directly at check posts. To avoid extra cost and stress, arrange your Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits before starting the trek.

Do you need a TIMS card?

TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It is a trekker registration card used in Nepal to keep records of trekkers, their routes, emergency contacts, trekking dates, and agency details.

As of 2026, a TIMS card is generally not mandatory for the standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek if you are trekking with a licensed guide or through a registered trekking company. For most ABC trekkers, the main required permit is the ACAP permit.

If issued, the TIMS card usually costs around NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers and around NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Where and How to Get Your Permits?

You can get your ABC Trek permits in four common ways:

1. Applying in Kathmandu

The Nepal Tourism Board office at Bhrikutimandap issues both the ACAP and the TIMS Card.

Typically, you can get permits on Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff typically take a lunch break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Offices are closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

2. Applying in Pokhara

Pokhara is the main gateway city for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, so many trekkers arrange their ACAP permit there. This is a practical option if you arrive in Pokhara before your trek and want to complete all paperwork locally.

The NTB's regional office in the Lakeside/Damside area issues the same ACAP. Same as Kathmandu, you can get permits on Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Staff typically take a lunch break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Offices are closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

Note: You should apply at least one day before your trek starts, especially during busy seasons such as March-May and September-November. Permit offices can be busier during peak trekking months, and last-minute paperwork can delay your departure.

3. Applying Online (epermit.ntnc.org.np)

The easiest option to get the permit is through the official e-permit portal.

Trekkers can apply for ACAP online, pay by Visa or MasterCard, and receive the permit by email after successful payment. You may have to pay an additional 2.9% payment gateway charge.

The online application is useful because you do not need to visit the permit counter if your online payment is successful. You can download, print, and carry your permit before starting the trek.

For online payment, you will need your personal details, nationality, date of birth, contact information, valid ID or passport details, and a recent photo. Permits are processed immediately after successful payment and form submission.

4. Through a Trekking Company

A registered trekking company like Discovery World Trekking can arrange your ACAP permit for you.

This is especially helpful for first-time trekkers, families, groups, and travelers with limited time in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Documents Required for ACAP

To apply for Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits, prepare your documents in advance.

• Valid passport or official identification document
• Nepal visa details for foreign passport holders
• Passport-size photo or digital photo for online application
• Nationality, date of birth, occupation, and contact details
• Trekking route or itinerary information
• Emergency contact information
• Proof of travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, where requested
• Permit fee in Nepali rupees for counter payment
• Card payment option for online application

Note: Keep printed and digital copies of your permit, passport, visa, insurance, and emergency contact details.

Permit Checkpoints Along the Route

Permit checkpoints exist to record trekkers, verify valid permits, support rescue tracking, and protect the conservation area. You should carry your permit where it is easy to access, because you may be asked to show it more than once.

Checkpoint	Location
Birethanti Checkpoint	Near Nayapul/Birethanti entry area
Ghandruk Area Check	Ghandruk route section
Chhomrong Checkpoint	Main gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary
Sinuwa/Bamboo Area Checks	On the trail toward Deurali and MBC
Exit/Return Points	Depending on the route exit

Note: Trekkers should register at check posts along the route because this helps monitor tourist flow and can increase the chance of rescue support in an emergency.

What Happens If You Trek Without a Permit?

Entering the Annapurna Conservation Area without a valid ACAP is simply not allowed. The checkpoint system exists specifically to catch trekkers who try.

If you're trekking without your permits, expect one of a few outcomes:

• You may be fined on the spot,
• denied further entry until the paperwork is sorted,
• or in some cases directed back toward the nearest permit office to purchase

It's also worth knowing that permits genuinely can't be purchased at teahouses, lodges, or informal stalls along the trail itself.

Once you're on route without the right documentation, there's no convenient fallback; you either turn back or wait for the situation to be resolved by rangers.

Do You Need a Guide?

As of 2026, a licensed guide is generally not mandatory for the standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

However, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended. A guide helps with route navigation, lodge booking, local communication, weather updates, altitude safety, and emergency support.

If you are trekking through a registered trekking company, they will usually provide a licensed guide as part of the package. Even if it is not compulsory for the standard ABC route, a guide can make the trek safer, smoother, and more informative.

FAQs

Are permits valid for combined treks?

The ACAP permit is generally valid for a single entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area. If your combined trek stays within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the same ACAP permit may usually cover the conservation area entry. However, if your route enters a restricted area or another protected region, additional permits may be required.

Do children need permits?

Children below 10 years do not require an ACAP permit. Children aged 10 and above should follow the normal permit rules based on nationality. Families should still carry children’s passports or official identification documents in case officials request verification at checkpoints.

How long are permits valid?

The ACAP permit is valid for a single entry into the designated conservation area. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable, so trekkers should enter correct details and plan trekking dates carefully before applying.