ACAP Permit - Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Guide 2025
Every trekker entering the Annapurna Conservation Area needs an ACAP permit. It costs NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) for foreign nationals and can be obtained in Pokhara in under 30 minutes - or Rohit can arrange it for you before your ABC trek starts.
What Is the ACAP Permit?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is a mandatory entry permit required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area - Nepal's largest protected zone covering 7,629 sq km of western Nepal. It was introduced to fund conservation efforts and sustainable tourism development inside the ACA, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Without a valid ACAP permit, you will be turned back at checkpoint gates along every major Annapurna trail. Checkpoints at Birethanti (ABC/Poon Hill route), Bhulbhule (Circuit), and Phedi (Mardi Himal) verify permits before allowing entry.
How Much Does the ACAP Permit Cost in 2025?
Permit fees are set by the NTNC and have remained stable since 2017. The cost is significantly lower for nationals from SAARC countries (South Asian regional bloc).
| Nationality | Cost (NPR) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigners | NPR 3,000 | ~$23 USD |
| SAARC nationals | NPR 200 | ~$1.50 USD |
SAARC countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan.
Where to Get the ACAP Permit
The ACAP permit is issued in person at two main offices. Most trekkers get it in Pokhara the day before their trek starts, which is the most convenient option since Pokhara is the gateway to all Annapurna trails.
ACAP Office, Pokhara (Damside)
Located in the Damside area near Fewa Lake - a 5-minute walk from most Lakeside guesthouses. This is the most popular option for trekkers starting from Pokhara.
Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu
Located in the Pradarshani Marg area near Bhrikutimandap. Useful if you are starting your trip in Kathmandu and want to collect all permits before flying to Pokhara.
What Documents Do You Need for the ACAP Permit?
Bring these to the ACAP office. Preparation takes about 5 minutes and the permit is issued within 15–30 minutes once you arrive.
- Passport (original - staff will verify your nationality and validity)
- 2 passport-size photos (35mm × 45mm, recent, white background)
- Trek itinerary or route name (e.g. Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani)
Processing time: 15–30 minutes during normal hours. Arrive before 3pm to allow enough time.
You Also Need a TIMS Card
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is a separate permit required in addition to the ACAP. It costs NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers (NPR 1,000 if trekking with a licensed agency). The TIMS card is obtained from the same office and serves as a safety register - it records your emergency contact and itinerary so rescue teams can find you if needed.
See the complete Nepal trekking permits guide for a full breakdown of TIMS, restricted area permits, and national park fees across all trekking regions.
Rohit's Note on Permits
“I handle all permits for my trekkers - you don't need to visit any office. I collect your passport photo, fill out the forms, and have your ACAP and TIMS ready before we leave Pokhara. It saves you a morning and removes one more thing to think about.”
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