In short
- ACAP costs NPR 3,000 (approx. $23 USD) for foreign nationals.
- Rules from 2023 call for a licensed guide through a registered agency; check current enforcement.
- Failure to carry permits results in fines or a forced return to Pokhara.
In this article
Before starting your hike to the 4,130-meter base camp, you must secure the correct paperwork. Check-posts along the route strictly enforce these entry requirements. Here is exactly what you need to legally enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
What is the ACAP and how much does it cost?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is your mandatory entry ticket, costing NPR 3,000 (about $23 USD).
The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) issues this permit. You must carry this document at all times. Officials verify it at multiple check-posts along the trail, starting at Birethanti.
| Traveler Type | ACAP Fee | Licensed Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Nationals | NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) | Mandatory |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 | Mandatory |
Do I need to hire a guide for the Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Yes. Nepal Tourism Board rules from 2023 call for foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide; enforcement has varied, so check before you go.
Your guide must be affiliated with a government-registered trekking agency. Solo trekking is no longer permitted. Booking a guided package ensures your guide meets these legal requirements. Most guided tours include the cost of your permits.
Where do authorities check Annapurna Base Camp permits?
Officials check permits at several stations along the trail, starting near Nayapul and Birethanti.
Keep your ACAP and passport easily accessible in your daypack. This initial check-post takes about an hour to pass through on busy days. Have your documents ready to speed up the process.
What happens if I trek without a permit?
Trekking without the ACAP and a registered guide is illegal.
If caught without the required documents, you face strict penalties. Authorities will issue fines or force you to return to Pokhara immediately. This will end your trek entirely. Do not risk skipping the registration process.
How do I get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?
Most trekkers get their ACAP through their registered trekking agency.
If you hike with a licensed guide, the agency providing your guide typically handles the permit paperwork. Tours usually list the ACAP and national park fees in their inclusions.
What conservation rules apply to the ACAP?
The permit requires you to respect the 7,629-square-kilometer Annapurna Conservation Area.
A strict ban on plastic water bottles exists inside the Annapurna Sanctuary to reduce waste. You must bring reusable bottles. Use water purification tablets or a UV pen for safe drinking water.
Questions travellers ask
Do SAARC nationals pay the same ACAP fee?
No. SAARC nationals pay a reduced fee of NPR 1,000 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Can I trek solo if I pay the permit fee?
No. Besides the ACAP, Nepal's 2023 rule calls for foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide; enforcement on this route has varied.
Does the ACAP cover my accommodation?
No. The ACAP is strictly an entry fee for the conservation area. You must pay separately for teahouse beds and meals.
