Planning a trek to Annapurna Base Camp? Before starting the trek, every trekker needs an Annapurna Base Camp trek permit, officially called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The process is simpler than most treks in Nepal — you need just one permit, but knowing exactly where to get it, what it costs, and what the current rules say will save you time and stress before you hit the trail.
To trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you need only one permit:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Note: The TIMS Card is no longer required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was officially discontinued in 2023.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The ACAP is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and is required for anyone entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, which covers the entire Annapurna Base Camp trail. The fee goes directly toward conservation projects, trail upkeep, and supporting local communities throughout the region.
The permit was first introduced through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in 1986 — the first conservation area established in Nepal. Today, hundreds of lodges and teahouses operate within the area, and thousands of trekkers pass through every year. The permit system helps manage that footprint responsibly.
Key Information
- Required for: All foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna region
- Issued by: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
- Valid for: The full duration of your trek
- Verified at: Multiple checkpoints along the route
- Conditions: Non-refundable and non-transferable; valid for single entry only
Where to Get the ACAP Permit
| Permit | Kathmandu | Pokhara | Online | On-Trail |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
You have three options for obtaining the ACAP permit:
Online — Apply directly through the NTNC official portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np. Pay by Visa or Mastercard and receive your permit by email — no office visit required. Note that an additional 2.9% payment gateway charge applies for online transactions.
Kathmandu — Visit the NTNC office in person at Bhrikutimandap, at the Nepal Tourism Board. Pay in cash at the counter.
Pokhara — Visit the NTNC office at Lakeside, near the Tourist Police Station. Pay in cash at the counter.
Do not wait until you reach the trail. Permits issued at checkpoints along the route are charged at double the standard fee.
Office Hours: Sunday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Closed on Saturdays and public holidays. If you have spare days before your trek starts, use that time to get your permit sorted. Head to the office in the morning with all your documents ready — the whole process usually takes under 30 minutes.
Is the TIMS Card Still Required for the ABC Trek?
No. The TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) has been officially discontinued since 2023. You do not need one for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The 2023 regulatory update also introduced new guidance recommending that foreign trekkers use licensed guides on many trekking routes across Nepal, including the Annapurna region. That said, enforcement in the Annapurna region has been inconsistent in practice — independent trekkers with a valid ACAP permit are still regularly seen on the ABC trail. Rules and enforcement can change, so it's worth checking with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered trekking agency for the latest on-the-ground situation before your trip.
If you do choose to go with a guide, it adds real value on the ABC route — particularly for navigation, handling logistics, and dealing with emergencies.
Also Read: What accommodation looks like during the Annapurna Base Camp trek
Cost of Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
Permit fees are set by the NTNC and the Nepal government. They are fixed rates — no agency should charge you more.
| Permit | Foreign Nationals | SAARC Nationals | Nepali Citizens |
| ACAP | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | NPR 1,000 (~$8) | Free |
| Total Cost | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | NPR 1,000 (~$8) | Free |
Children under 10: Exempt from permit fees, though official documents and photos are still required.
Note: If your trip combines ABC with Mardi Himal or any other route within the Annapurna Conservation Area, one ACAP permit covers your entire stay — right up until you exit the conservation area. Just make sure your application lists all the routes you plan to trek, your start date, and your expected exit date.
Documents Required for the ABC Trek Permit
The application process is straightforward. Bring the following:
- Valid passport (original) — valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Nepal
- Photocopy of passport (clear copy of the photo page)
- 2 recent passport-sized photographs
- Valid Nepal Tourist Visa
- Sufficient Nepali Rupees for payment (if paying at the counter)
At the counter, you'll fill out a short application form with your trekking route, estimated entry and exit dates, and emergency contact details. You don't need a rigid day-by-day itinerary — a general route outline is enough.
Permit Checkpoints Along the ABC Trek
You'll be asked to show your ACAP permit at several points along the trail. Keep it in your daypack — accessible. Take a photo of your permit on your phone as a backup — permits can get wet, torn, or misplaced on longer treks.
| Checkpoint | Purpose |
| Birethanti | Entry registration into the conservation area |
| Ghorepani | Mid-route permit and safety check |
| Chhomrong | Upper trail access |
Note: Exact checkpoint locations can vary depending on your starting point. Always register at each checkpoint along your route — this keeps you on the official record and significantly improves rescue coordination in case of emergency.
Additional Rules to Know
- Drones are strictly prohibited within the Annapurna Conservation Area unless prior approval has been granted by the concerned authorities.
- Restricted zones within the ACA (such as certain high-altitude areas) require special permits available from the Department of Immigration — the ACAP alone is not sufficient for these areas.
- Mountaineering permits are separate and available through the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
- Documentary filming requires a special permit from the Ministry of Information and Communication, plus approval from NTNC.
- Fishing is permitted only with a local permit issued by the Conservation Area Management Committee — ask at your lodge.
- Hunting is strictly prohibited throughout the conservation area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Nepal tourism authorities announced new trekking regulations in 2023, recommending or requiring licensed guides on many routes, including Annapurna. In practice, enforcement in the ABC area has been inconsistent, and independent trekkers with a valid ACAP permit continue to trek the route. Regulations can change, so check with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered agency for the current situation before your departure.
Can I get the Annapurna Base Camp trek permit online before arriving in Nepal?
Yes. The NTNC now offers an official online permit portal at epermit.ntnc.org.np, where you can apply and pay by Visa or Mastercard from anywhere. Your permit is sent directly to your email after successful payment — no office visit required. Note that a 2.9% payment gateway charge applies to online transactions. Alternatively, you can pay in cash at the NTNC office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
How much does the ACAP permit cost in 2026?
NPR 3,000 (approximately $22 USD) for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000, and Nepali citizens trek for free. Children under 10 are exempt. If you obtain your permit at a checkpoint on the trail, double fees will be charged.
I am an Indian citizen — do I need a permit?
Yes. Indian and other SAARC nationals need the ACAP permit, but at a reduced rate of NPR 1,000 (approximately $8 USD).
Is one ACAP permit valid for both ABC and the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes. If you're combining both routes on the same trip, one ACAP covers you for the full duration. Just declare your total trekking days and full route when applying — no extra fee is charged.
Can I pay by card at the permit office?
Card payments are not available at the physical counter — cash only. However, if you apply online through epermit.ntnc.org.np, Visa and Mastercard are accepted with a 2.9% surcharge.
What happens if you trek to Annapurna Base Camp without a Permit?
There are permit checkpoints throughout the ABC trail, and officials check permits routinely. If you are caught without one, you will be charged double the standard fee on the spot — NPR 6,000 instead of NPR 3,000. If you refuse to pay, you will be sent back to the trailhead. No exceptions.
Can I get the permit on the same day I leave for the trek?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. Offices open at 9:00 AM and close at 3:00 PM, Sunday to Friday. During peak seasons, queues form early. Getting it the day before gives you time to sort out any issues without delaying your trek start. Better still, apply online in advance and skip the office entirely.
Final Thoughts
Compared to many treks in Nepal, the ABC permit process is fairly straightforward — one permit, clear costs, and now the option to sort it online before you even land in Kathmandu. Get your ACAP through epermit.ntnc.org.np or from the NTNC office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, carry the original throughout the trail, and keep a digital copy as backup. Once your paperwork is sorted, you're ready to focus on what matters — the mountains ahead.
