How Much Does the ABC Trek Permit Cost in 2026? Full Guide

Planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and wondering how much you actually need to pay for permits? For most international trekkers, the main permit-related costs are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. The current ACAP fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors, while the current TIMS charge is NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC nationals on applicable routes.

In this blog, we break down the ABC trek permit cost for foreigners, SAARC nationals and Nepali trekkers, including ACAP, TIMS, where to obtain them, required documents, the application process, validity, restricted-area rules and common mistakes. The goal is simple: you should know exactly which permits you need before you start walking toward Annapurna Base Camp.

How Much Does the ABC Trek Permit Cost?

For a foreign visitor, the current ABC permit expense is generally NPR 5,000 when both ACAP and TIMS apply, made up of NPR 3,000 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and NPR 2,000 for TIMS. SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 for ACAP and NPR 1,000 for TIMS. Nepali citizens pay NPR 100 for ACAP, while their current TIMS treatment should be confirmed before departure because the current NTB TIMS page publishes charges for SAARC and other applicants.

The important thing is not to think of the ABC permit as one single document. The Annapurna Base Camp route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the conservation-area entry fee is separate from TIMS. The standard ABC route does not normally require a restricted-area trekking permit.

ABC Trek Permit Cost at a Glance

Permit	Foreigners	SAARC	Nepali
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit	NPR 3,000	NPR 1,000	NPR 100
TIMS	NPR 2,000*	NPR 1,000*	Verify current requirement
Restricted Area Permit	Not normally required	Not normally required	Not normally required

*Current NTB TIMS charges for applicable routes.

The current Nepal Tourism Board lists the Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee at NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens. Children below 10 years are listed as free.

The current NTB TIMS provision lists Poon Hill-ABC Trek among Annapurna routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and an agency-issued TIMS card. The published TIMS charge is NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants.

What Permits Do You Need for the ABC Trek?

For the standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you should think about two separate requirements: ACAP and TIMS. ACAP is the protected-area entry permit, while TIMS is a trekker information and management system used for registration, route information and safety-related monitoring.

This distinction matters because many older articles simply say “ABC permit” without explaining which document they mean. That can leave trekkers with an outdated price or the wrong idea about what they have actually paid for.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is the entry permit for trekking inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Since Annapurna Base Camp is located within this protected region, trekkers need to pay the applicable ACAP entry fee before entering the area.

For the current published fee, foreign visitors pay NPR 3,000, SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 and Nepali citizens pay NPR 100. Children below 10 years are listed as free on the current Nepal Tourism Board protected-area fee table.

The permit fee is an entry charge for the conservation area. It is not a payment for your guide, accommodation, food, transportation or trekking package.

The Nepal Tourism Board states that protected-area entry fees can be paid through the Tourist Service Center at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu or at relevant entry points.

TIMS Card for Annapurna Base Camp

TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It is designed to record trekker information and route details, helping authorities and the tourism system maintain information about people trekking in Nepal.

The current NTB TIMS provision is particularly important for ABC trekkers because Poon Hill-ABC Trek is explicitly included in the Annapurna routes subject to the guide and agency-issued TIMS requirement. Under this provision, trekkers on listed routes need a licensed trekking guide and a TIMS card arranged through a government-registered trekking agency.

The current published charge is NPR 2,000 for applicants from countries outside SAARC and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. The agency enters trekker, guide and route information online, submits the required details and generates an eCard containing a QR code after payment.

This is one area where relying on an old blog can create problems. Older NTB information still available online describes an earlier TIMS system and different charges, so always check the current NTB provision before your trek.

ABC Trek Permit Cost for Foreigners, SAARC and Nepali Trekkers

Nationality makes a noticeable difference to the cost of trekking permits in Nepal. The ACAP fee is different for foreign visitors, SAARC nationals and Nepali citizens, while the current TIMS page publishes separate SAARC and non-SAARC rates.

For this reason, two people trekking the same ABC route can have different permit expenses. Indian trekkers also fall into the SAARC category for the published ACAP and TIMS fee structure, although Indian citizens have separate immigration documentation rules when entering Nepal.

ABC Permit Cost for Foreigners

For a foreign visitor, the current ACAP fee is NPR 3,000. The current NTB TIMS charge for non-SAARC applicants is NPR 2,000 where TIMS applies to the route.

That gives a permit-related subtotal of approximately NPR 5,000 per foreign trekker when both charges apply.

This NPR 5,000 does not mean the whole ABC trek costs NPR 5,000. It only covers the published ACAP and TIMS charges. You still need to budget separately for accommodation, meals, transportation, guide services, porter services, insurance and personal expenses.

ABC Permit Cost for SAARC Nationals

SAARC nationals currently pay NPR 1,000 for ACAP and NPR 1,000 for TIMS where the current TIMS requirement applies.

That makes the published permit subtotal NPR 2,000 for a SAARC trekker when both fees apply.

For Indian trekkers, it is worth checking the current documentation requirements before travelling. Nepal Tourism Board information states that Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal but must carry an accepted identity document.

ABC Permit Cost for Nepali Citizens

Nepali citizens currently pay NPR 100 for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, according to the Nepal Tourism Board’s current protected-area fee table. Children below 10 are listed as free.

The current NTB TIMS page publishes NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants, but it does not publish a separate Nepali citizen TIMS rate on that page. Therefore, Nepali trekkers should verify whether TIMS applies to their specific arrangement before assuming an additional fee.

Carry appropriate identification and any trekking documentation issued for your route. A quick check before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara can save a surprisingly annoying conversation at a checkpoint.

What Is Included in the ABC Trek Permit Cost?

Permit fees are mainly payments connected with entering and managing a protected trekking area and recording trekker information. They should not be confused with the operational costs of running your trek.

If you are comparing different ABC packages, look carefully at the inclusions. A package may advertise “permits included,” but that does not mean your guide, accommodation or insurance is included in the permit fee itself.

What ACAP Covers

The ACAP fee is connected with entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The protected area includes important Himalayan landscapes, villages, forests and mountain ecosystems around the Annapurna region.

In practical terms, your ACAP payment is a protected-area entry charge. It contributes to the administration and management of the conservation area rather than paying directly for your trekking services.

Think of it as permission to enter the protected area, not as a hotel booking or guide payment.

What TIMS Covers

TIMS is focused on trekker registration and information management. The system records information about trekkers, guides and routes, providing a management and safety function.

The current NTB system requires registered agencies to enter trekker, guide and route information before generating the TIMS eCard with its QR code.

This is particularly relevant for ABC because the current NTB list includes Poon Hill-ABC Trek among the routes subject to the revised TIMS and guide provision.

What Your Permit Fees Do Not Include

Your ACAP and TIMS payments normally do not represent payment for:

• Accommodation in teahouses
• Food and drinks
• Licensed trekking guide
• Porter
• Kathmandu or Pokhara transportation
• Travel insurance
• Helicopter evacuation
• Personal trekking equipment
• Wi-Fi and charging
• Tips
• Personal shopping and snacks

This is why the ABC trek permit cost is only one small part of your overall ABC trek budget.

Where Can You Get the ABC Trek Permit?

You can arrange the protected-area entry requirement through the official channels specified by the Nepal Tourism Board. The exact process can differ depending on whether you are arranging the trek independently or through a registered trekking agency.

For TIMS on the current applicable routes, however, the agency-based process is especially important. The current NTB system requires agencies to submit trekker, guide and route information and generate the eCard online.

Where to Obtain the ACAP

The Nepal Tourism Board states that protected-area entry fees can be paid at the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the relevant entry points.

Pokhara is also an important starting point for trekking in the Annapurna region. The Annapurna region is accessed from Pokhara, and the Nepal Tourism Board identifies Pokhara as a major departure point for Annapurna treks.

Because procedures can change, do not assume that a fee counter or entry-point process works exactly as an older travel blog describes it. Check the current NTB information shortly before departure.

Where to Get the TIMS Card

For the current routes covered by the revised TIMS provision, TIMS is arranged through a government-registered trekking agency.

The agency submits the trekker and guide information online, completes payment through the available system and generates the TIMS eCard with a QR code for each trekker.

This agency process is important for ABC trekkers because Poon Hill-ABC Trek is specifically listed under the current Annapurna routes requiring guide and agency-issued TIMS.

Documents Required for an ABC Trek Permit

Your exact document requirements can vary depending on which permit or registration process you are completing. For most international trekkers, having your passport information readily available is the sensible starting point.

Practical ABC Permit Document Checklist

Prepare the following before arranging your trek:

• Valid passport
• Passport details or a scanned passport copy
• Passport-size photograph if requested by the application system
• Trekking itinerary or route information
• Trekking agency details where applicable
• Licensed guide details where applicable
• Emergency contact information
• Travel insurance information for your own safety planning

The current NTB TIMS system specifically requires agencies to submit trekker, guide and route details, with a scanned photo uploaded during the online process.

Do not assume every item above is a mandatory document for every individual permit. Some information is part of the agency registration process rather than something you personally hand over at a counter.

How to Get the ABC Trek Permit Step by Step

The easiest way to avoid permit problems is to deal with the requirements before you reach the trail. Confirm your route first, then check which permits apply to that exact itinerary.

Step 1: Confirm the Current ABC Permit Requirements

Start by confirming four things:

• Your exact trekking route
• Your nationality
• Whether TIMS applies to your route
• The current ACAP entry fee

This is particularly important if your itinerary is not a straightforward ABC route. Adding Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Khopra, Tilicho or another route can change the permit or TIMS requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Have your passport information, photograph and itinerary ready before starting the permit process.

For a foreign trekker, it is useful to keep both a digital copy and a physical copy of your passport details. It sounds boring, but when you are standing at a counter trying to find a passport number in your email, you will understand why this small bit of preparation helps.

Step 3: Arrange TIMS Through the Required Channel

If your route falls under the current TIMS provision, contact a government-registered trekking agency.

The agency enters your trekker and route details, submits the application and completes online payment. Once the payment is successful, the system generates an eCard with a QR code.

Step 4: Obtain the ACAP Entry Permit

Pay the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee through the official channel.

For the current published rate, that means NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens.

Check the spelling of your name and passport information before leaving the counter or accepting the digital documentation. Small errors are easier to correct before you start trekking.

Step 5: Carry the Permit Documentation During the Trek

Keep your permit information accessible throughout the trek.

It is better to carry a physical copy where possible and keep a digital backup on your phone or cloud storage. Nepal Tourism Board also advises trekkers to obtain TIMS before trekking and to carry certified copies of important documents.

Do You Need a Restricted Area Permit for ABC Trek?

No, the standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek does not normally require a Restricted Area Trekking Permit. ABC is different from restricted routes such as Upper Mustang, where the Department of Immigration requires a separate restricted-area permit.

The confusion usually comes from the fact that Nepal has several different trekking-document categories. ACAP is a protected-area entry fee. TIMS is the trekker information system. A Restricted Area Trekking Permit is a separate requirement for government-designated restricted regions.

For example, Upper Mustang has a special trekking permit because it is classified as a restricted area. The Annapurna Base Camp route itself is not treated in the same way.

So if you are doing a normal ABC itinerary, do not add a restricted-area permit to your budget simply because you saw one mentioned in a general Nepal trekking article.

ABC Trek Permit Cost vs Total ABC Trek Cost

The permit cost is only a small part of the money you will spend on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. A trekker can pay the correct permit fee and still underestimate the trip because transportation, food, accommodation and guide services make up much of the actual budget.

This is why it helps to separate permit cost from total trek cost. Your permit is a fixed regulatory expense, while daily trekking expenses depend heavily on your travel style.

Permit Costs

For current published figures:

Trekker	ACAP	TIMS*	Permit Subtotal*
Foreign visitor	NPR 3,000	NPR 2,000	NPR 5,000
SAARC national	NPR 1,000	NPR 1,000	NPR 2,000
Nepali citizen	NPR 100	Verify	Verify

*TIMS figures are the current NTB charges for applicable routes.

The most important point is that these are permit-related charges only. They should not be mistaken for the price of an organized ABC trekking package.

Major Costs Beyond Permits

Your wider ABC budget can include:

• Kathmandu to Pokhara transportation
• Pokhara to the trekking starting point
• Teahouse accommodation
• Meals and drinks
• Licensed guide
• Porter
• Travel insurance
• Trekking boots and clothing
• Sleeping bag or down jacket rental
• Charging and internet
• Water purification
• Snacks
• Tips
• Emergency or unexpected transportation

Some trekkers spend very little on permits but much more on food, accommodation and transportation. Others choose a full-service package where many of these expenses are bundled together.

Why the Cheapest ABC Trek Is Not Always the Lowest Total Cost

A low advertised trek price can leave several expenses outside the package. Once you add transportation, guide services, accommodation upgrades, insurance and personal spending, the final number can look very different.

A better way to compare ABC trekking options is to ask what is actually included. Check permits, guide, transportation, accommodation, meals, insurance arrangements and emergency support separately.

The cheapest number on a website is not always the most useful number for planning your actual trip.

ABC Trek Permit Cost by Nationality: Quick Comparison

Here is the simplest way to understand the current published fees:

Trekker Type	ACAP	TIMS*	Permit Total*
Foreign visitor	NPR 3,000	NPR 2,000	NPR 5,000
SAARC national	NPR 1,000	NPR 1,000	NPR 2,000
Nepali citizen	NPR 100	Verify current requirement	Not fixed here

*TIMS figures are current NTB charges for applicable routes. The current NTB TIMS page publishes NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for other applicants. It does not publish a separate Nepali citizen rate on that page.

The ACAP figures are from the current Nepal Tourism Board protected-area fee table.

This is one of those situations where copying a table from a two-year-old blog can cause trouble. Permit systems change, and Nepal’s online information contains some older pages with different figures. For publication, use the current official fee table and TIMS provision rather than relying on old travel articles.

Common Mistakes Trekkers Make With ABC Permits

Permit problems are usually not complicated. They happen because trekkers assume that an old article, package page or forum comment is still accurate.

1. Assuming only one permit is required
   ACAP and TIMS are separate requirements.
2. Using outdated TIMS prices
   Older online pages show different TIMS fees and procedures.
3. Confusing ACAP with a Restricted Area Permit
   Standard ABC does not normally need a restricted-area permit.
4. Waiting until the last minute
   Give yourself enough time to arrange documentation before departure.
5. Forgetting passport details
   Keep your passport information accessible.
6. Not checking nationality-specific fees
   Foreign, SAARC and Nepali rates are different.
7. Assuming permit fees include trekking services
   They do not automatically include accommodation, food or guides.
8. Using unofficial or outdated online information
   Trekking regulations can change.
9. Not carrying permit documentation
   Keep physical or digital copies accessible.
10. Failing to verify current rules before departure
    A quick check with NTB or your registered trekking agency can prevent unnecessary problems.

ABC Trek Permit Checklist Before You Leave

Before travelling to the trail, run through this quick checklist:

• Passport ready
• Passport details available digitally
• Current ACAP fee confirmed
• TIMS requirement confirmed
• TIMS arranged through the appropriate channel
• Licensed guide confirmed where required
• Permit details checked for spelling and passport accuracy
• Physical or digital copies saved
• Travel insurance confirmed
• Emergency contacts saved
• Current trail conditions checked
• Route confirmed with your trekking agency or local authority

It takes only a few minutes to check these things, but it can make the first day of your trek much smoother.

Plan Your Annapurna Base Camp Trek With a Local Trekking Company

Planning ABC is about more than obtaining a permit. The route involves changing elevations, mountain weather, teahouse availability, transportation connections and several days of walking, so having the logistics organized before you leave Kathmandu can make the experience much easier.

A government-registered local trekking company can help with the current permit process, agency-issued TIMS, licensed guide arrangements, route planning, accommodation coordination and emergency support. A local team can also adjust the itinerary around your available time, walking pace and trekking experience instead of forcing every traveler into exactly the same schedule.

If you are planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and want help understanding the current permit requirements, route, itinerary and logistics, a local trekking company can arrange the required documentation and help you prepare before departure.

You can also review the ABC Trek package and your broader Nepal trekking permits information before booking, so you know exactly what is included and what you may need to arrange separately.

Final Thoughts

The ABC trek permit cost is straightforward once you separate ACAP from TIMS. For current published rates, a foreign visitor should budget NPR 3,000 for ACAP and NPR 2,000 for TIMS where applicable, while SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 for each. Nepali citizens currently pay NPR 100 for ACAP, with TIMS applicability requiring confirmation.

The bigger lesson is to avoid using old permit information just because it appears on several websites. Nepal’s trekking regulations and TIMS procedures can change. Check the current Nepal Tourism Board information shortly before your departure, keep your documents organized and make sure your exact ABC itinerary matches the permit and guide requirements that apply at the time of travel.

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