Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits Cost (ACAP + TIMS) | 2026/27

What Permits Do You Need for Annapurna Base Camp?

You need two permits to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Both protect the environment and keep track of trekkers for safety.

ACAP: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

TIMS: the Trekkers' Information Management System card

You must carry both permits at all times. Officials check them at several points on the trail. Trek without one, and you risk a fine or being turned back.

ACAP: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

The National Trust for Nature Conservation issues the ACAP. This permit gives you legal entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area. It stays valid for your entire trek inside the conservation area.

You must carry the physical permit with you. A photo on your phone is not enough.

Children under 10 do not pay the ACAP fee. Trekkers from SAARC countries pay a much lower rate than trekkers from other countries.

TIMS: The Trekkers' Information Management System

The Nepal Tourism Board and the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) run the TIMS system together. It logs your trip details so rescue teams can find you fast if something goes wrong on the trail.

There are two types of TIMS cards.

Blue TIMS

Trekkers who book through a registered trekking agency get the Blue TIMS card. It costs less, since your agency handles the paperwork in bulk.

Green TIMS

Independent trekkers, also called Free Individual Trekkers (FITs), get the Green TIMS card. It costs more, since each application is processed on its own.

Cost of Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits

Permit fees come from government bodies and change from time to time. Here are the current rates for foreign nationals:

Book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with us, and we handle both permits for you. We only need a copy of your passport and a passport-size photo.

Where to Get Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits

You can get both permits in two cities.

Permits in Kathmandu

Visit the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg, near the Tourist Service Centre in Bhrikuti Mandap. Arrive early with your documents, and you can get both permits the same day.

Permits in Pokhara

Most trekkers start their journey from Pokhara. The permit office sits in the Damside area, also called Pardi, near the Annapurna Conservation Area headquarters. Processing takes about the same time as in Kathmandu, though peak season can mean a short wait.

Documents You Need for Your Permits

Gather these before you visit the permit office:

Your photos must be recent. Use the standard passport size: 35mm by 45mm.

Do Solo Trekkers Need Different Permits?

Yes, but only the TIMS card changes. Solo trekkers still need the ACAP permit, plus the Green TIMS card instead of Blue.

The Nepal Tourism Board and experienced guides both advise against solo trekking on this route. Weather shifts fast at altitude, and the terrain can turn dangerous with little warning. A licensed guide can spot and respond to these risks quickly.

Common Mistakes Trekkers Make With ABC Permits

A few small mistakes cause big delays. Watch out for these.

Using old or bad photos. Submit a recent, sharp photo. Print it at the standard 35mm by 45mm size on matte or semi-gloss paper. Skip blurry, oversized, or digitally cropped images.

Applying too late. Apply for your permits a few days before your trek starts. Permit offices get busy, especially in peak season, and last-minute applications can delay your trip.

Carrying only digital copies. Checkpoints do not accept phone photos of your permits. Carry the original paper documents. Keep them in a waterproof zip-lock bag so they survive rain and river crossings.

Overstaying your permit validity. Check your permit's validity dates when you receive it. If illness or delays extend your trek, confirm your permit still covers the extra days.

All permits are included in our guided Annapurna Base Camp Trek package. You never have to arrange them yourself.

Conclusion

Getting your permits is the first real step toward Annapurna Base Camp. The fees are small, the process is simple, and both permits protect the trail and keep you safe. Gather your documents early, and don't let paperwork slow down your trip.

Book the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Overland Trek Nepal, and we'll take care of every permit for you.