Every permit and what it costs
| Permit | Cost (foreigners) | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | NPR 3,000 (SAARC NPR 1,000) | All Annapurna-region treks, plus Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and the Manaslu exit |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000, via a registered agency | Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang (not Khumbu) |
| Sagarmatha National Park | NPR 3,000 | Everest region |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality | NPR 2,000 | Everest region (replaces TIMS there) |
| Langtang National Park | NPR 3,000 | Langtang Valley |
| MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 | Manaslu Circuit, Tsum |
| Manaslu RAP | Sep–Nov USD 100 for 7 days then USD 15/day; Dec–Aug USD 75 for 7 days then USD 10/day | Manaslu Circuit |
| Tsum Valley RAP | Sep–Nov USD 40/week; Dec–Aug USD 30/week | Tsum Valley |
| Upper Mustang RAP | USD 500 for 10 days, then USD 50/extra day | North of Kagbeni |
| Nar Phu RAP | Sep–Nov USD 100/week; Dec–Aug USD 75/week | Nar and Phu villages |
Pokhara Valley day hikes need no permit
Sarangkot, the World Peace Pagoda and the lakeside trails are outside any conservation area, so you can walk them freely without a guide.
Permit cost by trek
| Trek | Permits needed | Total per person |
|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Mardi, ABC, Khopra, Mohare, Panchase, Australian Camp | ACAP + TIMS | NPR 5,000 |
| Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake, Jomsom–Muktinath | ACAP + TIMS | NPR 5,000 |
| Everest Base Camp, Gokyo | Sagarmatha NP + Khumbu municipality | NPR 5,000 |
| Langtang Valley | Langtang NP + TIMS | NPR 5,000 |
| Manaslu Circuit (autumn, 7 days in RAP) | RAP USD 100 + MCAP + ACAP + TIMS | USD 100 + NPR 8,000 |
| Upper Mustang (10 days in RAP) | RAP USD 500 + ACAP + TIMS | USD 500 + NPR 5,000 |
| Nar Phu (autumn, 1 week) | RAP USD 100 + ACAP + TIMS | USD 100 + NPR 5,000 |
Restricted-area days are counted from the day you enter the restricted zone, not from the start of your trek. On the Manaslu Circuit, most itineraries spend 7–8 days between Jagat and Dharapani. Your agency calculates the exact fee when it applies.
Where to get permits
- Pokhara: the Nepal Tourism Board office at Pardi, Damside, has the ACAP counter. It is a short taxi ride from Lakeside and is normally open Sunday to Friday, about 9:00–17:00.
- Kathmandu: the Nepal Tourism Board Tourist Service Centre at Bhrikuti Mandap, near Ratna Park, issues ACAP and national park permits.
- Through your agency: TIMS is issued only through registered agencies, and restricted area permits can only be applied for by an agency. Most trekkers have the agency handle everything.
- Everest: the Sagarmatha National Park fee is paid at the Monjo entrance gate or in Kathmandu. The Khumbu municipality fee is collected in Lukla.
ACAP bought on the trail costs double
If you reach an ACAP checkpoint without a permit, you'll be charged double the fee or turned back. Buy it in Pokhara or Kathmandu before you leave.
What you need to bring
- Your passport, with a valid Nepal visa. Restricted area permits need the original.
- Two passport-size photos per permit. The office can sometimes take a digital photo, but carrying printed ones avoids delays.
- Travel insurance details and an emergency contact number, both of which go on the form.
- Your trek route, start date and exit date.
- Cash in Nepali rupees. Cards are not reliably accepted at permit counters.
Checkpoints on the trail
Keep your permits in a zip bag in an outer pocket, because you'll show them several times. Checkpoint staff stamp your permit and record your entry. This record is also how rescuers work out where a missing trekker was last seen.
| Region | Main checkpoints |
|---|---|
| Poon Hill / ABC / Ghandruk | Birethanti (near Nayapul), Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Ulleri or Ghorepani |
| Mardi Himal | Kande or Dhampus, Forest Camp area |
| Annapurna Circuit / Tilicho | Besisahar, Chame, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom |
| Upper Mustang | Kagbeni (RAP checked here) |
| Everest | Lukla (municipality), Monjo (national park), Namche |
Keep your permits after the trek
Some checkpoints stamp you on the way out as well. Keep your permit until you are back in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ACAP permit in 2026?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. It is valid for a single entry, for the length of your trek. Confirm the fee before travel.
Do I still need a TIMS card?
Yes, in the Annapurna, Manaslu and Langtang regions. It costs NPR 2,000 and is issued through a registered trekking agency. In the Everest region, the Khumbu municipality fee (NPR 2,000) replaces TIMS.
Can I get my Annapurna permit in Pokhara?
Yes. The ACAP counter is at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pardi, Damside, a short taxi ride from Lakeside. Bring your passport, two photos and cash. Your agency can also get it for you along with your TIMS.
How much does the Upper Mustang permit cost?
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each extra day. You also need ACAP. You must go with a licensed guide and at least two trekkers, and the permit has to be applied for through an agency.
What permits do I need for Everest Base Camp?
You need the Sagarmatha National Park permit (NPR 3,000) and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee (NPR 2,000). No TIMS card is required in the Khumbu region. If you trek in from Jiri or Salleri, a Gaurishankar or Makalu-Barun permit may also apply.
Can I buy a trekking permit online?
Not reliably for independent trekkers. ACAP and the national park permits are issued at the Nepal Tourism Board offices or at entry points, and TIMS and restricted area permits go through registered agencies. Most people let their agency handle them.
Treks to read next
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
6–12 days · Moderate · max 4,130 m
Mustang · from Pokhara
Upper Mustang Trek
9–16 days · Challenging · max 4,230 m
Manaslu · from Pokhara
Manaslu Circuit Trek
12–18 days · Challenging · max 5,106 m
Everest
Everest Base Camp Trek
11–16 days · Challenging · max 5,545 m
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