Every trek in the Annapurna region needs paperwork, and sorting it is the practical first step of your trip. There are two permits to understand.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
This is the core, always-required permit. As of 2026 it costs around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. It is checked at entry posts such as Birethanti and is the one you cannot skip.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
The TIMS card (around NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers, NPR 1,000 in a group) has historically also been required. In practice its enforcement on Annapurna routes has become inconsistent, and checkpoints often verify only ACAP — but the rules have changed repeatedly, so do not assume.
Where to get them
Both are issued at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara, or arranged by any registered trekking agency. Bring your passport and a couple of passport photos. Keep the permits accessible — you will show them at checkpoints along the trail.
Useful caveat
Permit rules, prices, and TIMS enforcement in Nepal change frequently and sometimes at short notice. Always confirm the current requirements with the Nepal Tourism Board or a registered agency just before you trek, rather than relying on older information.
