ACAP
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Annapurna region · 95% of independent treks in Nepal
About this permit
What it covers and what it doesn't.
Required for any trek into the Annapurna Conservation Area — Nepal's most popular trekking region. Covers everything from the iconic Annapurna Base Camp trek to short hikes around Pokhara, plus the full Annapurna Circuit. No guide required for independent trekkers.
Treks covered
The trails this permit unlocks.
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Moderate7–12 days · classic teahouse trek to the foot of Annapurna
Annapurna Circuit
Hard12–18 days · over the Thorong La pass, through Manang
Mardi Himal
Moderate4–6 days · quieter alternative to ABC, ridgeline views
Poon Hill / Ghorepani
Easy3–5 days · the classic short trek, perfect first Himalayan trip
Khopra Ridge
Moderate5–8 days · uncrowded ridge above Ghorepani
Mohare Danda
Easy4–6 days · community-run lodges, off the beaten track
Tilicho Lake
HardSide trip on the Annapurna Circuit · highest big lake in the world
Nar Phu Valley
HardRestricted side-valley off the circuit · requires extra RAP + guide
What's included
- Official NTNC entry permit (single-entry, valid for the dates you specify)
- 13% Nepali VAT
- NTNC payment gateway fee (2.9%)
- Form-filling and submission by us
- PDF permit with QR code, emailed to you
- Email support if anything goes wrong
Not included
- TIMS card (only required for guided treks — not needed for independent trekkers)
- Guide or porter (you don't need one for ACAP)
- Restricted Area Permit for Nar Phu Valley (we don't sell RAPs)
- Travel insurance (get this separately, mandatory for trekking)
FAQ
Questions about ACAP.
Can I really do ABC without a guide?
Yes. ACAP has no guide requirement for independent trekkers. The route to ABC is well-marked, the lodges are everywhere, and thousands of solo trekkers do it every year. The 'guides are mandatory' headlines you see online refer to specific restricted regions, not ACAP.
How long is the ACAP permit valid?
It's valid for the entry-to-exit window you set on the application — typically 30 days from your start date. Single entry only, so once you exit the conservation area, it's done.
What if my dates change after I apply?
Email us before we submit and we'll update the dates for free. Once NTNC has issued the permit, dates can only be changed by a fresh application — the original is non-refundable.
Is the ACAP permit checked on the trek?
Yes — there are entry checkposts at Birethanti (for Poon Hill / ABC), Dhampus, and elsewhere. They scan the QR code on your permit PDF, no printing needed.
Ready for your ACAP?
PDF in your inbox within 24 hours.