Planning to trek in the Annapurna region? Whether you’re eyeing the classic Annapurna Circuit, the stunning Annapurna Base Camp, the quieter Mardi Himal trail, or the sunrise views from Ghorepani Poon Hill, you’ll need the same permit. This guide covers everything you need to know about trekking permits for all major routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Understanding Annapurna Region Permits
The good news is that all major treks in the Annapurna region require just one permit. Whether you’re planning a single route or combining multiple trails, the permit system is straightforward.
Which Treks Does This Guide Cover?
This permit information applies to:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek (the full circuit via Thorong La Pass)
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC, also called Annapurna Sanctuary)
- Mardi Himal Trek (the quieter route with spectacular views)
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (the short classic sunrise trek)
- Combined routes (Circuit to ABC, Poon Hill to ABC, etc.)
All these trails lie within the Annapurna Conservation Area and share the same permit requirements.
The Only Permit You Need: ACAP
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This single permit grants you legal access to trek anywhere within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing the 15-day Circuit, the 7-day Base Camp trek, the 5-day Mardi Himal route, or the 4-day Ghorepani loop. One permit covers them all.
The ACAP is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and your permit fee directly supports conservation work, trail maintenance, community development, and wildlife protection throughout the region.
Permit Costs:
- NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals
- NPR 1,000 for SAARC country citizens (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.)
- Free for children under 10 years old
Important Update: The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card was discontinued in 2023. You no longer need it for any Annapurna trek.
Why These Permits Matter
Your ACAP permit fee isn’t just an entry ticket. Here’s what it actually supports:
Trail Infrastructure: The revenue maintains hundreds of kilometers of footpaths across all routes, repairs bridges, installs directional signs, and keeps teahouses and shelters operational on the Circuit, ABC, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill trails.
Environmental Conservation: Funds go toward waste management systems, reforestation projects, and protection of endangered species like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan tahrs that live throughout the conservation area.
Community Support: Your permit helps build schools, health posts, and clean water systems in mountain villages along all trekking routes, from Ghorepani to Manang to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Trekker Safety: When you register with a permit, authorities maintain records that help search and rescue teams respond quickly during emergencies, regardless of which trail you’re on.
Permit Coverage for Different Routes
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The classic circuit that crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is fully covered by the ACAP. Your permit gets checked at multiple points including Besisahar, Dharapani, Chame, Manang, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom.
Side trips covered: Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, Gangapurna Lake
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The popular route through Ghandruk, Chomrong, and up to ABC (4,130m) requires only the ACAP. Checkpoints are at Birethanti, Ghandruk, Chomrong, and occasionally at Sinuwa or Deurali.
Variations covered: Routes via Ghorepani, routes via Jhinu Danda
Mardi Himal Trek
This quieter alternative to ABC is fully covered by the ACAP. The main checkpoint is at Kande or Dhampus at the start, with occasional checks at Forest Camp or High Camp.
Standard route: Kande to Low Camp to High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The short classic trek to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise views also needs just the ACAP. The checkpoint is typically at Birethanti or Nayapul when entering the conservation area.
Popular routes: Nayapul to Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani to Poon Hill, with return via Ghandruk
Combining Multiple Treks
Many trekkers combine routes, and one ACAP permit covers everything:
- Annapurna Circuit ending at ABC instead of Nayapul
- Ghorepani Poon Hill extending to Annapurna Base Camp
- Mardi Himal combined with Ghorepani
- Short Circuit (Besi Sahar to Jomsom) with ABC extension
When applying for your permit, simply state your total trekking days and mention if you’re combining routes. No additional ACAP permits needed.
Who Needs the ACAP Permit?
All foreign nationals trekking any route in the Annapurna Conservation Area need the ACAP, including:
- Independent trekkers on any route
- Guided trekkers and organized groups
- Porters accompanying foreign trekkers
- Indian and other SAARC country citizens (at reduced rates)
Nepali citizens do not need permits for trekking anywhere in Nepal.
Checkpoint Locations by Trek Route
Here’s where you’ll show your permit on different routes:
Annapurna Circuit Checkpoints
- Besisahar (entry registration)
- Dharapani (upper circuit entry)
- Chame (mid-circuit)
- Manang (pre-high altitude check)
- Thorong Phedi (before the pass)
- Muktinath (post-pass)
- Jomsom (exit point)
Annapurna Base Camp Checkpoints
- Birethanti (main entry point from Nayapul)
- Ghandruk (village checkpoint)
- Chomrong (before entering the sanctuary)
- Occasional checks at Bamboo, Deurali, or MBC
Mardi Himal Checkpoints
- Kande or Dhampus (trailhead entry)
- Forest Camp or Low Camp (occasional checks)
- High Camp (random verification)
Ghorepani Poon Hill Checkpoints
- Birethanti or Nayapul (conservation area entry)
- Ghorepani (village checkpoint)
- Ghandruk if descending that route
Keep your permit handy in your daypack. Checks are quick and staff are professional.
How to Get Your ACAP Permit
You have two straightforward options:
Option 1: Apply in Person
Visit the NTNC permit office at these locations:
Kathmandu: Pradarshani Marg, Bhrikutimandap (near Nepal Tourism Board in Thamel area)
Pokhara: Near Tourist Police Station, Lakeside (convenient if starting ABC, Mardi Himal, or Poon Hill treks from Pokhara)
Office Hours: Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Closed Saturdays and public holidays
Documents Required:
- Original passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- One passport photocopy
- Two passport-sized photos
- Cash in Nepali Rupees
Application Process:
- Fill out the simple form at the counter (name, passport details, route, dates)
- Submit documents and photos
- Pay the permit fee
- Receive your permit and verify all details are correct
- Keep it safe throughout your trek
Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes unless you’re visiting during peak season when queues may be longer.
Option 2: Book Through a Trekking Agency
When you book any Annapurna trek with a registered Nepali trekking company, they handle permits as part of their service:
- Send passport copies and photos before arrival
- Agency processes your ACAP permit
- Permit ready when you arrive in Nepal
- No office visits or waiting needed
This option saves time and eliminates hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Current Trekking Regulations
Guide Requirements: Since April 2023, Nepal officially requires foreign trekkers to hire licensed guides for most high-altitude routes. Enforcement varies by region:
- Annapurna Circuit: Guide requirement exists but enforcement is inconsistent. Many independent trekkers still complete the circuit, though hiring a guide ensures full compliance and adds safety and cultural value.
- Annapurna Base Camp: Similar situation. Independent trekking happens but a licensed guide is officially recommended.
- Mardi Himal: Less strictly enforced due to established teahouse infrastructure, but guides add significant value for navigation and safety.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill: The least enforced route due to well-marked trails and frequent trekker traffic, though guides enhance the experience.
Our recommendation: Even where not strictly enforced, hiring a licensed guide provides safety, local knowledge, language support, and ensures you’re fully compliant with evolving regulations.
Important Permit Rules
Single Entry Validity: Your ACAP allows one entry into the conservation area. If you exit and want to re-enter later, you may need a new permit.
Non-Transferable: Permits cannot be shared, transferred to another person, or refunded once issued.
Carry Original Always: You must have the physical permit with you on the trail. Digital copies are helpful backups but checkpoints need to see the original document.
Route Flexibility: You can adjust your route and itinerary after getting your permit. The general area is what matters, not precise daily schedules.
Duration: ACAP permits don’t have strict expiry dates. State your estimated trekking days when applying, but if you take longer due to weather or accliimization, it’s generally fine.
What Happens If You Trek Without a Permit?
Attempting any Annapurna trek without the required ACAP creates serious problems:
- Heavy fines at checkpoints, often exceeding the original permit cost
- Trail access denied and you’ll be turned back to obtain permits
- Legal complications including possible blacklisting from future trekking permits
- No emergency support since you’re not officially registered in the system
- Undermining conservation that protects these trails for future generations
The permit system exists for environmental protection and trekker safety. Respect it.
Practical Tips for Getting Your Permit
Timing Matters: Apply at least one day before your trek starts. Peak seasons (March to May and October to November) bring crowds to permit offices.
Bring Exact Documents: Having everything ready (passport copy, photos, cash) speeds up the process significantly.
Cash is King: Some offices accept cards but Nepali Rupees in cash is always reliable.
Verify Everything: Check your name, passport number, nationality, route, and dates on the permit before leaving the office. Errors cause checkpoint delays.
Make Backups: Photograph your permit with your phone and carry one printed photocopy separate from the original.
State Your Full Plan: If combining treks (like Circuit plus ABC), mention both routes when applying so your permit notes reflect the complete itinerary.
Insurance Required: While not needed for permits, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is essential for all Annapurna routes.
Special Situations and Common Questions
Can I use one permit for multiple treks? Yes. If you’re doing Ghorepani Poon Hill followed immediately by Annapurna Base Camp, one ACAP covers both. Just indicate your total days and both destinations when applying.
What about Indian citizens? Indian nationals need the ACAP at the reduced SAARC rate of NPR 1,000. You cannot trek without a permit even though you don’t need a visa for Nepal.
Can someone else get my permit? No. Independent trekkers must appear in person at permit offices. Only registered trekking agencies can process permits on behalf of their clients.
Are online permits available? Not currently. ACAP permits must be collected in person at NTNC offices or processed through a registered trekking agency. There’s no self-service online portal.
Can I get permits before arriving in Nepal? No. All permits must be processed after arrival in Nepal, even through agencies.
What if I only trek part of my stated route? No problem. Your permit covers the conservation area. If you cut your Circuit short or decide not to summit Poon Hill due to weather, your permit remains valid for what you do complete.
Do children need permits? Children under 10 trek for free but still need permit documentation with passport copies and photos submitted.
Restricted Areas Requiring Additional Permits
The ACAP covers all standard Annapurna region routes, but two special areas require additional Restricted Area Permits:
Upper Mustang: Beyond Kagbeni requires a special RAP (approximately USD 500 for 10 days) plus mandatory guide and registered agency.
Nar-Phu Valley: This restricted side valley off the Annapurna Circuit requires a special RAP (approximately USD 75-100) plus mandatory guide.
If your trek includes these areas, your agency handles the additional permits. You cannot obtain restricted area permits independently.
How Booking With a Trekking Agency Helps
Professional trekking companies in Nepal make permits effortless:
- No office visits or waiting in queues during your precious vacation days
- Permits ready on arrival based on passport copies you send beforehand
- Expert route advice ensuring your permit covers your exact plans
- Checkpoint support if any questions arise during the trek
- Full regulatory compliance with current guide requirements and documentation
- Focus on preparation while paperwork gets handled by experienced staff
Whether you’re trekking the Circuit, ABC, Mardi Himal, Poon Hill, or combining routes, agencies eliminate permit stress.
Route-Specific Permit Considerations
For Annapurna Circuit Trekkers
Your ACAP gets checked frequently due to the length of this trek. Keep it accessible and protected from weather damage. If adding Tilicho Lake, verify coverage when applying.
For Annapurna Base Camp Trekkers
Fewer checkpoints than the Circuit but still several inspections. The Ghandruk checkpoint is the main one most trekkers encounter.
For Mardi Himal Trekkers
The quietest route with the fewest checkpoints, but you still need the ACAP. Initial entry at Kande or Dhampus is the primary check.
For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekkers
Despite being a short trek, the ACAP is mandatory. The Birethanti checkpoint catches everyone entering from Nayapul, the most common starting point.
Permit Costs in Perspective
At NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22-25), the ACAP is one of the most affordable permits in Nepal considering what it covers:
- Access to four major trekking routes
- Hundreds of kilometers of maintained trails
- Conservation of one of the world’s richest biodiversity zones
- Support for remote mountain communities
- Emergency rescue coordination systems
Compare this to restricted area permits (USD 500 for Upper Mustang) or permits in other countries, and the Annapurna region offers exceptional value.
Environmental Responsibility
Your permit supports conservation, but trekkers also have responsibilities:
- Pack out all non-biodegradable waste
- Use designated toilet facilities
- Avoid single-use plastics where possible
- Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion
- Respect wildlife and maintain distance
- Support local businesses using ACAP facilities
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
These practices ensure the Annapurna region remains pristine for future trekkers.
Final Thoughts
Getting your ACAP permit for Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, or Ghorepani Poon Hill treks is straightforward when you know the process. One permit opens access to some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery and diverse trekking experiences.
Whether you tackle the challenging Circuit, the stunning Sanctuary, the peaceful Mardi Himal, or the sunrise views from Poon Hill, your permit contribution helps preserve these incredible trails and support the communities who maintain them.
Apply in person if you enjoy handling logistics yourself, or book through a reputable trekking agency to have everything arranged before you arrive. Either way, make sure you have your ACAP before starting any trek in the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna mountains are calling. Get your permit sorted and start your Himalayan adventure with confidence and peace of mind.
