Trekking Permits in Nepal 2026: TIMS Card, ACAP, MCAP and Other Fees Explained

Direct answer: Most Nepal treks require a TIMS card plus a conservation-area permit — ACAP for the Annapurna region and MCAP for Manaslu — obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or immigration offices before you start. Fees are set in NPR/USD by government notice; carry cash and your passport.

TIMS card

The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is the baseline requirement for most treks. It is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and, for some routes, the tourism police. Independent trekkers and guided trekkers have separate counters and fees. Trekkers must carry it throughout the route and show it at checkposts.

Conservation-area permits

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) — required for the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani–Poon Hill treks. Issued by NTB and the ACAP office in Pokhara/BCM.
• MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit) — required for the Manaslu Circuit; this region is also restricted, so a Restricted Area Permit is needed in addition, typically arranged through a licensed agency with a guide.
• Other regions have their own permits (e.g. Gaurishankar, Langtang/LMMA, Khumbu/Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee for the Everest side).

Where to get them

• Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board, Pradarshani Marga (near Bhrikuti Mandapa).
• Pokhara: NTB Pokhara office and the ACAP counter at the bagar (BCM) entrance.
• Restricted-area permits (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo) are issued by the Department of Immigration and require a licensed agency.

Practical tips

• Carry passport-sized photos and your original passport.
• Fees are commonly paid in cash (NPR); confirm current amounts on the NTB site before travel.
• Some checkposts only accept the physical card — keep it on you, not in luggage.
• Treks in restricted areas require a guide and a minimum group size — plan through a licensed operator.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need TIMS for Everest Base Camp?
The Everest region uses a local rural-municipality fee (Khumbu Pasang Lhamu) rather than TIMS in many cases; confirm the current rule with your operator, as arrangements have changed over time.

Can I get permits on the trail?
Some permits are available at entry checkposts, but it is safer to obtain them in Kathmandu or Pokhara beforehand.

Are permits per person?
Yes — every trekker, including children, needs their own permit.

Key takeaways

• TIMS card + regional conservation permit (ACAP/MCAP) are the standard combo for most treks.
• Get them at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start.
• Restricted areas (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo) need extra permits via a licensed agency.
• Confirm current fees and rules on the NTB/Immigration sites before travel — they change by government notice.

Published by the TravellingNepal Editorial Desk. Permit names and issuing offices summarized from the Nepal Tourism Board and Department of Immigration; verify current fees and procedures on the official sites before travel.

FAQ

Do I need a TIMS card for every trek?

Yes — TIMS is required for all treks in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Organized groups use the blue card; independent trekkers use the green card.

How long does permit approval take?

ACAP, MCAP and TIMS are issued same-day at the relevant office or Kathmandu. Restricted-area permits need 2-3 working days via a registered agency.

Can I buy permits on the trail?

Checkposts exist, but buying in advance avoids fines. Carry your permit at all times.