In short
- ACAP costs NPR 3,000 per person.
- TIMS card, if required, costs about NPR 2,000 per person.
- Since 2023 Nepal has required licensed guides on many routes; check the current Annapurna rule before you go.
In this article
Before you pack your four-season sleeping bag, you must organize your paperwork. The Nepalese government strictly requires permits and guides for all foreign trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
What is the Annapurna Circuit permit cost in 2026?
The total cost for permits is NPR 5,000 for most foreign nationals.
This total breaks down into NPR 3,000 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You will also pay NPR 2,000 for the TIMS card.
| Permit Type | Cost (NPR) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP | 3,000 | Conservation area entry |
| TIMS Card | 2,000 | Trekker tracking and safety |
How do I get the ACAP and TIMS card?
You must obtain both permits through a registered trekking agency.
Rules for solo trekkers changed in 2023; confirm current enforcement before you go. Your hired guide or trekking agency will process the paperwork for you before you start the trek in Besisahar.
Is a guide mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
Officially yes since 2023, though enforcement on the Annapurna Circuit has varied; confirm the current rule with the Nepal Tourism Board.
You cannot trek the circuit independently. Your guide must be affiliated with a registered trekking agency. This rule applies to the entire route, including the detour to Tilicho Lake.
Will my permits be checked on the trail?
Yes, you must present your ACAP and TIMS card at multiple check-posts.
Officials will stamp your paperwork as you progress along the route. Keep these documents dry and easily accessible in your daypack.
Are permits included in guided tour packages?
Most guided trekking packages include the cost of both the ACAP and TIMS card.
When booking a package, check the inclusions list. Organized tours handle the logistics, so you do not have to pay the NPR 5,000 separately.
Do I need a special permit for Tilicho Lake?
No, Tilicho Lake does not require an extra permit.
The standard ACAP and TIMS card cover the side trip to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters. You will use the same permits for the entire 128 to 145-kilometer journey.
Questions travellers ask
What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card. Both are strictly required for entry.
Is a guide mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
Yes. Nepal introduced a licensed-guide rule for foreign trekkers in 2023; enforcement on the Annapurna Circuit varies, so confirm it with the Nepal Tourism Board.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?
Guided packages vary by agency. A 12-day tour starts from $590, while a 16-day premium trek costs from $1,800. Prices change over time.
