Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. One of the finest and most popular treks in Nepal takes you directly into the build-up zone of Annapurna, which is one of the most famous mountain ranges. This incredible area draws thousands of trekkers from all over the world annually to witness its impressive Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and vibrant culture of the Gurung people. 

But, before you tie your boots and venture onto this storied trail, there are a few things you need to know about the permit situation. Yes, if you aren't an illegal immigrant, permits are the law, and traveling here without the correct type can garner a fine/kicked out. And since the number of trekkers heading to ABC is on the rise and permits (or changes) at the last minute are being more restricted than ever, certainly more restrictive than when I began guiding over a few years back.

What are Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits?

For trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, two kinds of permits are needed. The first is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for entry into a sanctuary-protected area known as the Annapurna Conservation Area. Second is the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, which is also designed to track trekkers in case of an emergency. 

Both permits are needed by anyone 16 and older. These licenses are not just a mechanism to regulate tourism, but also stress wildlife conservation and the welfare of the community. You can save yourself both frustration and time on the trail by making sure you obtain these permits before hitting the trail.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit is essential because the Annapurna Region is a conservation area and its entry needs to be regulated to protect the environment. The ACAP fee varies depending on how many days you plan to stay and what country you’re from –non-Nepali trekkers pay a higher rate. It’s a short-duration permit, so you need to work out your trekking timelines accordingly. Post legality, an ACAP permit ensures your trekking expenditure is fed back in the form of local conservation, waste management, forest protection, and local communities.

TIMS Card: All you need to know

The TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card was established to ensure that trekkers in Nepal were safe and secure. It is an online record for all trekkers, which authorities can refer to in case of any contingency. The TIMS card comes in two varieties: individual and group. Single cards are issued to hikers hiking on an individual basis, while group cards apply to anyone who hikes with a guide tour operator or in large groups. Like with the ACAP card, the TIMS card is priced according to your nationality. Your TIMS card is a must since you can’t really trek in the Annapurna region without it.

How to Apply to College Online: Application 2026 Walkthrough

Starting from 2026, the Nepal Tourism Board has introduced an online application for the issuance of trekker’s entry permits. This is awesome as the trekkers now won’t have to go to Kathmandu or Pokhara anymore for collecting the ACAP & TIMS permit and can trek in a relaxed state of mind. 

Get started: Go to the NTNC website or the Nepal Tourism Board site. The online application will request personal information, passport details, and trekking route. You may pay by international credit or debit card. Everest tribes. Once you submit, soft copies of the permits are emailed to you for printing , which are then taken along during trekking. This online system has reduced waiting times and increased ease of access for international tourists to trek here.

Required Documents for Online Application

Documents Needed to Apply for Annapurna Base Camp Permits Online. Basically, you will  need a passport and six months remaining from the day of your arrival. And a latest passport-size photo is also required for the TIMS card. Some online portals may ask for your hiking schedule to make sure you have a reference for walking in the Annapurna region. 

Get All Documents Ready First, and then they're Super Easy To Upload. I suggest that you get all the documents ready first, and then it's easy to upload. And you have to verify that every single detail in the form matches what is on your passport; minor errors and discrepancies will bring about years of delay if not outright rejection. If you set up the work on these documents in advance, it can only be a plus.

Fees and Payment Options

The cost of the permits will depend on nationality and length of stay in Portugal. International hikers are charged more than locals for the ACAP visitation fee to reflect higher administrative costs. Moreover, the TIMS card is also an extra cost. 

The good news is that the online system does offer various payment options, including at least international credit and debit cards, as well as some digital wallets. After you have finalized your payment, you will receive a receipt, and the official permit is a PDF document. Make sure to print and take a digital copy with you on your journey. Being able to know in advance the details of the cost also helps you to plan your trekking adventure with no surprises.

Challenges And Solutions

As much facilitation as the online issuance of a permit is, a visitor deciding to trek can face a challenge or two. Technical glitches such as web downtime or payment failure can also be a problem -especially in peak trekking season. That will definitely be to your advantage, as then there won't be any last-minute surprises or issues. 

A common barrier is also the proper entry of your name and the date of travel. And their errors could put issuance of a permit behind schedule. If you really face any troubles, then send an email to NTNC or Nepal Tourism Board. They will resolve the problem through their help and support. To do so effectively, you need to be assertive and patient.

How to Get Your Permits Without a Hitch

Which is the best way to go about permitting? Prep for it. Make sure your passport is in order, and photos adhere to the size and format requirements (which you can do from home), and an accurate itinerary. Keep a few (4) of the permits with empty pages in case you need to continue showing them at checkpoints. 

Keep some digital copies stored on your phone or in the cloud as a good insurance policy in case the physical ones go missing. And, in fact, by understanding the trekking route and where to present your permits, you also save time and aggravation. Following these tips will make your Annapurna Base Camp trek easier.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC) permit process is simplified with this new online application system, like never before. By doing so, not only are you making your hike legal, but you’re also contributing to the preservation of Nepal’s natural and cultural world. With some research about the ACAP permit and TIMS card requirements, preparing the documents, and carefully walking through the online application, you are sure to get your permits! Annapurna Region Trek is a trek of a lifetime, and with all the permit formats cleared, you can surely focus on what lies ahead, captivating view points, ancient tradition, and adventure never before.