To trek the Annapurna Circuit in 2026, you need one mandatory permit — the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 (roughly USD 23–30) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. The TIMS card has been discontinued and is no longer checked at trail checkpoints, though some agencies still issue it as a backup safety record. A licensed trekking guide is mandatory for all foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, following the government directive in effect since April 2023.
Hand-picked itineraries
Recommended Trips
Related journeys you may want to explore after reading this article.
-1.jpg)
If you're short on time, skip to the 12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, which already bundles your permit, guide, and checkpoints into one package — no separate applications needed.
Which Permits Do You Actually Need for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
Search "annapurna circuit trek permit" and you'll find dozens of blogs listing two or even three separate permits. Most of that information is outdated. Here's what's actually enforced on the trail in 2026.
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — Mandatory
The ACAP is the single permit every trekker must carry to legally enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which covers the entire Annapurna Circuit route from Besisahar or Chame through to Jomsom and Nayapul. It's issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) on behalf of the Nepal government, and it does more than grant trail access — the fee directly funds trail maintenance, wildlife protection, and community development projects in the villages you'll pass through, including Manang, Pisang, and Kagbeni.
Trekkers without a valid ACAP are turned back at checkpoints, fined, or charged double the standard fee on the spot.
2. TIMS Card — Discontinued, No Longer Checked
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card was once required alongside ACAP, but it was phased out for the Annapurna region starting in 2023. Many older articles still list it as mandatory, which is the single biggest source of confusion trekkers run into when researching their Annapurna circuit permit online. In practice, checkpoints along the route — Besisahar, Chame, Manang, and the exit points near Jomsom and Tatopani — verify ACAP only. Some agencies continue to process TIMS paperwork as an added safety record, but it carries no cost or consequence if skipped.
3. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) — Only for Side Extensions
The standard Annapurna Circuit route, including the popular Tilicho Lake side trip, sits entirely within the Annapurna Conservation Area and needs no additional permit beyond ACAP. An RAP only comes into play if you extend your trip into a genuinely restricted zone, such as Nar Phu Valley or Upper Mustang — both of which carry separate, considerably higher permit fees and are issued only through a registered trekking agency.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost 2026
| Permit | Who Needs It | Cost (Foreign Nationals) | Cost (SAARC Nationals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | All trekkers — mandatory | NPR 3,000 (~USD 23–30) | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) |
| TIMS Card | Optional, not enforced | NPR 2,000 if issued | NPR 1,000 if issued |
| RAP – Nar Phu Valley | Only if extending route | USD 90–150/week (season-dependent) | Same |
| RAP – Upper Mustang | Only if extending route | USD 50/day | Same |
Children under 10 do not require an ACAP permit. If you arrive at a checkpoint without your ACAP already issued, expect to pay the on-the-spot rate of roughly NPR 6,000 — double the standard fee — so it's worth sorting the permit before you reach the trailhead.
Where to Get Your Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit
You have three practical options:
- Nepal Tourism Board office, Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap): walk-in applications with same-day issue.
- Nepal Tourism Board office, Pokhara (Damside): the more convenient option if you're already heading toward Besisahar or Chame.
- Through a registered trekking agency: the agency handles the ACAP application, guide licensing, and checkpoint paperwork on your behalf — this is how most trekkers on organized itineraries like the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days get their permit sorted before they even leave Kathmandu.
Online applications are technically available through NTNC's permit portal, but foreign card payments aren't always accepted, and in-person or agency-processed applications remain far more reliable during peak Spring and Autumn seasons.
Documents Required for the ACAP Permit
- Original passport plus a photocopy
- A copy of your Nepal visa
- Two passport-size photographs
- Your licensed guide's details (name and license number), since proof of a hired guide is now part of the application
Carrying a couple of spare passport photos is worth it — offices occasionally ask for more than the standard two.
Do You Need a Guide? Solo Trekking Rules 2026
Since April 2023, independent solo trekking without a licensed guide has been prohibited inside Nepal's conservation areas, including Annapurna. This single rule change is what actually replaced the old TIMS system as the government's primary safety-tracking mechanism — your guide's details are now logged against your permit instead of a separate card.
As of the March 2026 update, the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) also removed the old requirement of a minimum two-person group for restricted-area treks, meaning solo travelers can now book independently — provided they're accompanied by a licensed guide and hold the correct permits through a registered agency. For the standard Annapurna Circuit, this means: no agency-organized group is required, but a guide is.
Annapurna Circuit Permit Checkpoints
Your ACAP permit gets scanned or stamped at several points along the route, typically including:
- Besisahar or Chame (entry, depending on your starting itinerary)
- Manang
- Checkpoints near the Jomsom and Tatopani exit route
- Additional mobile patrol checks during peak season
Keep your permit accessible in a day pack rather than buried in your main duffel — checkpoints move faster when you're not digging for paperwork.
Permit Validity, Re-Entry & What Happens Without One
An ACAP permit is generally valid for the duration of your trek and does not carry a fixed expiry date, but it is single-entry: if you exit the conservation area and want to return, you'll need a new permit. Most itineraries, including the standard 12-day circuit, comfortably fall within this window without any renewal hassle.
Trekking without a valid permit isn't just a paperwork issue — it's a legal one. You risk fines, being turned back at a checkpoint, and losing the safety net a registered permit provides. In the event of an accident, altitude sickness, or a natural disaster like a landslide or early snowstorm, your permit is part of how rescue teams and local authorities track where trekkers are on the trail.
Annapurna Circuit Permit for Side Trips
Tilicho Lake: No separate permit needed — it falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area and is covered by your standard ACAP.
Poon Hill / Ghorepani (if combined with your circuit): Also covered under ACAP, no extra fee.
Nar Phu Valley or Upper Mustang: Requires a separate Restricted Area Permit, arranged only through a licensed agency, with higher per-day fees reflecting the more remote, less-trafficked terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek permit cost in 2026? The mandatory ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 23–30) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. No other permit is required for the standard route.
Do I still need a TIMS card for the Annapurna Circuit? No. The TIMS card was discontinued for the Annapurna region in 2023 and is not checked at any trail checkpoint in 2026, though a small number of agencies still issue it as an internal safety record.
Can I apply for the permit myself, or do I need a trekking agency? You can apply in person at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, since a licensed guide is now mandatory, most independent trekkers find it faster and cheaper overall to book through a registered agency that bundles the guide and permit together.
Is a guide really mandatory now for the Annapurna Circuit? Yes. Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area — this applies whether you're trekking solo or in a group.
What happens if I lose my permit on the trail? Report it to your guide or the nearest checkpoint office immediately. A replacement can usually be issued on the spot with your passport, though it's best avoided by keeping your permit in a dedicated, waterproof pouch.
Do I need an extra permit for Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill? No — both are within the Annapurna Conservation Area and are fully covered by your standard ACAP permit.
Final Thoughts
Permit rules for the Annapurna Circuit have genuinely simplified since 2023 — one core permit (ACAP), one mandatory guide, and no more TIMS confusion — but outdated information online means many trekkers still over-prepare or arrive with the wrong paperwork. Booking through a licensed local operator removes this guesswork entirely: your ACAP permit, guide license, and checkpoint documentation are handled before you leave Kathmandu.
Annapurna Encounter is a Kathmandu-based, government-licensed trekking operator (Tourism License No. 2019/072) that processes ACAP permits and guide arrangements for every Annapurna Circuit departure. If you're planning your trip, the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days itinerary covers the full classic route — Besisahar to Chame, over Thorong La Pass, and down through Muktinath to Pokhara — with permits, licensed guide, and teahouse logistics included from day one.
Permit fees and enforcement policies can be revised by the Nepal government or NTNC without notice. Always confirm current rates and requirements with your trekking agency before departure.
