Key Takeaways
- Two permits are mandatory: ACAP (NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers) and TIMS (USD 10–20 depending on agency arrangement), plus a small Machhapuchhre Municipal fee at the checkpoint
- As of April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide through a registered agency; solo trekking is illegal and carries fines up to NPR 12,000
- The 2026 TIMS change means no solo/independent TIMS cards are available all TIMS must be obtained through registered agencies
- Permits are checked at three checkpoints: Kande (1,770m), Pothana/Dhampus, and Sidhing gate near High Camp; missing permits result in double fees or removal from the trail
Table of Contents
Most trekkers research the views and the difficulty before the permits. But wrong or missing permits mean being turned back at a checkpoint, paying double fees, or facing fines up to NPR 12,000.
The Mardi Himal Trek lies entirely inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which means conservation permits are law, not optional. And the 2023 mandatory guide regulation changed how permits work; many older articles have outdated information.
This guide covers exact fees, where to get permits, what happens at checkpoints, and how to avoid double-paying or getting turned back on Day 1.
What Permits Do You Need for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Three documents are required for the Mardi Himal Trek in 2026: the ACAP permit (mandatory conservation permit), the TIMS card (trekker registration), and compliance with the mandatory licensed guide regulation effective April 1, 2023.
Master Permit & Fee Table
| Document | Who Needs It | Foreign Fee | SAARC Fee | Children |
| ACAP Permit | All trekkers | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22–25) | NPR 1,000 | Free (under 10) |
| TIMS Card (individual) | All foreign/SAARC trekkers | USD 20 | NPR 600 | N/A |
| TIMS Card (via agency) | All foreign/SAARC trekkers | USD 10 | NPR 300 | N/A |
| Machhapuchhre Municipal Fee | All trekkers | Small fee at checkpoint | Small fee | N/A |
| Licensed guide | All foreign trekkers | Mandatory see Section 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Total (foreign, individual) | N/A | ~USD 50 | N/A | N/A |
| Total (foreign, via agency) | N/A | ~USD 35–40 | N/A | N/A |
Key 2026 Update: As of 2026, the Green TIMS (solo/independent) card is no longer available. All TIMS cards are issued through registered trekking agencies only.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for Mardi Himal Trek
What Is the ACAP and Why Is It Mandatory?
The entire Mardi Himal route lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) Nepal’s first and largest protected area, established in 1986.
The ACAP is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) under the Nepal Tourism Board. The fee funds conservation, trail maintenance, clean water systems for mountain villages, and emergency shelters.
Without ACAP: you’ll be denied entry at checkpoints or fined double (NPR 6,000 instead of NPR 3,000).
Trekkers doing multiple Annapurna routes (such as Mardi Himal + ABC or Annapurna Circuit) benefit from one ACAP permit valid for all.
ACAP Permit Fee Breakdown (2026)
| Nationality | Fee | Note |
| Foreign trekkers | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22–25) | No change from 2024–2025 |
| SAARC nationals | NPR 1,000 | Regional tourism discount |
| Children under 10 | Free | Any nationality, strictly enforced |
| Checkpoint (penalty rate) | NPR 6,000 | Double fee if bought at trail checkpoint |
ACAP Permit Validity
- Valid for the entire duration of the trek no daily limits
- Non-transferable issued in trekker’s name only
- Must carry physical copy at all times checked at Kande, Pothana/Dhampus, High Camp/Sidhing gate
You can see Mardi Himal Trek major attractions within the ACAP.
TIMS Card for Mardi Himal Trek: 2026 Rules & Fees
What Is the TIMS Card?
TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System card. It’s issued jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN).
Purpose: Records trekker identity, route, emergency contacts, and insurance details in a centralized database. This enables rescue coordination if a trekker goes missing on the trail.
Is TIMS Still Required in 2026?
Yes, TIMS remains mandatory for all foreign and SAARC trekkers on the Mardi Himal route. The NTB’s official trekking regulations (last updated January 2025) list Mardi Himal as a TIMS-required zone.
Critical 2026 change: The individual Green TIMS card (previously available directly to solo trekkers at NTB offices) is no longer available. All TIMS cards are now issued exclusively through registered trekking agencies.
TIMS Fee Table (2026)
| Trekker Type | TIMS Fee |
| Foreign individual/self-arranged | USD 20 |
| Foreign via registered agency | USD 10 |
| SAARC individual | NPR 600 |
| SAARC via registered agency | NPR 300 |
Checkpoint Reality What Trekkers Actually Experience
The Mardi Himal route has three main checkpoints: Kande, Pothana/Dhampus, Sidhing gate.
Field reports (January–March 2026): two of three checkpoints scanned ACAP only during entry.
Important: The official NTB regulation supersedes field reports that always carry both TIMS and ACAP. Upper route checkpoints (especially Sidhing gate) verify both TIMS and ACAP.
Carrying only ACAP creates a permit gap at upper checkpoints do not rely on field reports to skip TIMS.
Is a Guide Mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek? The 2023 Law Explained
The Regulation Exact Details
Effective: April 1, 2023 officially implemented and fully enforced in 2026.
The mandate: every non-Nepali citizen trekking in any National Park, Conservation Area, or Restricted Area must hire a licensed trekking guide or porter-guide through a government-registered trekking agency.
This rule applies to Mardi Himal which lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The rule was introduced due to increasing incidents of foreign trekkers going missing, injured, or losing their lives.
Who Qualifies as a Licensed Guide?
- Must be NTB-licensed and government-registered
- Must have completed a mountaineering or trekking course approved by the Nepal government
- Must be arranged through a government-registered trekking agency
What Are the Consequences of Trekking Without a Guide?
- Immediate removal from the route at checkpoint
- Monetary fines up to NPR 12,000
- Travel insurance voided if trekking without a licensed guide in conservation areas
- Potential blacklisting from future trekking permits
Does the Solo Ban Mean You Can’t Trek Alone?
Solo travelers can still book independently; they just need to hire a licensed guide through an agency.
Joining a group departure (group join trek) is the most cost-effective option for solo travelers. The guide shares costs across the group, significantly reducing per-person expense.
Book your group trek: Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days
Why the Guide Rule Is Actually a Benefit for Trekkers
- Guides know all three permit checkpoints and ensure compliance
- They handle permit paperwork, reducing your administrative burden
- Local knowledge of weather windows and trail conditions is invaluable for the High Camp to Base Camp ridge section
- Guides carry emergency contact protocols and know evacuation routes
Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Fee What Is It?
A small community development fee separate from ACAP and TIMS.
Collected by the Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality at a checkpoint on the route (typically near Kande or as you head toward High Camp).
Revenue goes directly to: trail signage, emergency shelters, clean water systems for mountain villages.
Amount: small not a significant budget item but must be paid.
How and Where to Get Mardi Himal Trek Permits
Option 1 Nepal Tourism Board Office, Kathmandu (Recommended for Efficiency)
Location: Bhrikutimandap, approximately 2km from Thamel
Hours: Monday–Friday and Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Saturdays and public holidays
What you get here: ACAP + TIMS (through your agency) in one visit.
Pro tip: Get permits in Kathmandu before flying/driving to Pokhara avoids longer queues at Pokhara during peak season (March–April, October–November).
Bring: Original passport, 1 photocopy, 2 passport-sized photos, permit fees in NPR.
Option 2 Tourist Information Center, Pokhara (Most Popular for Trekkers)
Location: Damside, Lakeside area, Pokhara 2km south of Lakeside tourist hub
Hours: Same as Kathmandu 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday–Friday
What you get: ACAP + TIMS + Machhapuchhre Municipal fee all three in a single visit.
Timing tip: Arrive early most trekkers collect permits the morning before driving to Kande.
Note: Longer queues than Kathmandu during peak season.
Option 3 Via a Registered Trekking Agency (Best for First-Timers)
Agency handles all permit logistics as part of your package.
Significant cost savings: TIMS via agency = USD 10 (vs USD 20 individual).
Eliminates all paperwork and provides permits before trek departure.
Required for TIMS in 2026 (no solo TIMS option exists).
Book with permits included: Mardi Himal Trekking (classic)
Option 4 Online (ACAP Only)
ACAP available online at: epermit.ntnc.org.np
Surcharge applies for online ACAP more expensive than in-person.
TIMS: no public online portal must go through a registered agency.
Always print a hard copy for checkpoint verification.
Summary Table
| Option | ACAP | TIMS | Best For |
| NTB Kathmandu | Yes | Yes (via agency) | Those departing from KTM |
| NTB Pokhara | Yes | Yes (via agency) | Most trekkers |
| Trekking agency | Yes | Yes | First-timers, group treks |
| Online (epermit.ntnc.org.np) | Yes (surcharge) | No | Advance planners |
| At checkpoint | Yes (double fee) | No | Last resort only avoid |
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Checkpoints Where Your Permits Will Be Checked
Checkpoint 1 Kande (1,770m)
Main trailhead checkpoint most common starting point.
ACAP verified; Municipal fee may be collected here.
Tip: Have both ACAP and TIMS ready, don’t pack them deep in your bag.
Checkpoint 2 Pothana / Dhampus
Mid-route checkpoint on the lower trail.
Primarily scans ACAP during most of the year.
Field reports (2026): only ACAP checked here in low-season still carry TIMS.
Checkpoint 3 High Camp Area / Sidhing Gate
Upper route checkpoint verifies both TIMS and ACAP.
The checkpoint where missing TIMS causes problems don’t rely on lower checkpoint leniency.
Practical Checkpoint Tips
- Keep permits in a waterproof sleeve or ziplock mountain weather can soak documents
- Carry both original permits and photocopies
- Your guide will know all checkpoint locations and protocols
- Permits are non-transferable every trekker must carry their own personal permit
- Route restriction: permits are valid for the Mardi Himal route only deviating to another trail requires separate permits
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Regulations Rules Every Trekker Must Follow
Validity
- ACAP and TIMS: valid for entire trek duration no daily fee limits
- If your trek extends beyond the planned duration: permits may need renewal
- Permits valid for the specifically stated route Mardi Himal route only
Non-Transferability
- Permits are issued in the trekker’s name and are strictly non-transferable
- Cannot be sold, lent, or used by another person
What Happens If You Don’t Have Permits
- At checkpoint: stopped, fined NPR 2,000–5,000
- ACAP at checkpoint: double fee (NPR 6,000 instead of NPR 3,000)
- No guide: fine up to NPR 12,000, removal from trail, travel insurance voided
- Route deviation without correct permits: additional fines
Do Permits Benefit the Trail?
- ACAP funds: trail infrastructure, signage, emergency shelters, clean water systems
- Municipality fee funds: local community development, teahouse infrastructure
- TIMS funds: trekker safety database, search-and-rescue coordination
The permit system is how Nepal maintains the Annapurna Conservation Area for future trekkers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Mardi Himal Trek Permits
Option A: Getting Permits Independently (In Pokhara)
- Arrive in Pokhara stay at Lakeside area the night before
- Morning of departure: go to Tourist Information Center, Damside (open from 9:00 AM)
- Bring: original passport, 1 photocopy, 2 passport-sized photos, NPR cash
- At the NTB counter: fill in ACAP application form pay NPR 3,000 (foreign)
- At the TAAN counter (same building): apply for TIMS through your registered agency pay USD 20 (individual) or USD 10 (via agency)
- Pay Machhapuchhre Municipal fee at the checkpoint on Day 1
- Keep all permits in waterproof sleeve carry throughout the entire trek
Option B: Via a Registered Trekking Agency (Recommended)
- Contact HimalayaHub or another registered agency ahead of your arrival
- Agency collects your passport details + photo for permit application
- Agency applies for ACAP + TIMS simultaneously you receive both on arrival or before departure
- Cost savings: TIMS via agency = USD 10 (vs USD 20 individual)
- Zero paperwork for the trekker focus on preparation, not permits
Permit Timeline Recommendation
| When | Action |
| 1–2 months before | Book trekking agency they begin permit prep |
| 2–3 days before trek | Arrive in Kathmandu or Pokhara |
| Day before trek | Collect permits at NTB Pokhara (or agency delivers) |
| Day 1 of trek | Pay Municipal fee at Kande checkpoint |
| Throughout trek | Carry all permits at all times |
Special Permit Situations Kids, SAARC Nationals, Multi-Trek Visitors
Children Under 10
- Fully exempt from ACAP fees regardless of nationality
- No TIMS required for children under 10 (verify with NTB at time of visit)
- Parent/guardian must carry their own valid ACAP + TIMS
SAARC Nationals (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan)
- ACAP: NPR 1,000 (vs NPR 3,000 for other foreign trekkers)
- TIMS individual: NPR 600; TIMS via agency: NPR 300
- Must still comply with mandatory guide rule
- Same checkpoint requirements as other foreign trekkers
Trekkers Combining Mardi Himal + ABC or Annapurna Circuit
- One ACAP permit covers all routes within the Annapurna Conservation Area
- If extending to Manaslu or other regions: separate permits required
- TIMS covers one route at a time check with NTB if combining routes
Combine both treks: Mardi Himal + ABC Trek 11 Days
Conclusion Don’t Let Permit Confusion Slow Down Your Mardi Himal Trek
Three documents (ACAP + TIMS + Municipal fee), one regulation (mandatory licensed guide), four ways to get permits none of it is complicated when you understand the system.
The easiest path: book with a registered agency who handles everything. You save time, avoid queues, pay less for TIMS, and comply with the mandatory guide rule automatically.
The permits fund what makes this trek possible: the trails, teahouses, and natural beauty that trekkers rave about in every review.
HimalayaHub handles all your Mardi Himal permits as part of every package no paperwork, no queues, no double fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Two permits are mandatory: the ACAP (NPR 3,000 for foreign trekkers) and a TIMS card (USD 20 individual or USD 10 via agency). A Machhapuchhre Municipal fee is also collected at a checkpoint. All foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide as of April 2023.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek permit cost in 2026?
Total permit costs for foreign trekkers are approximately USD 50 for individual trekkers (USD 20 TIMS + USD 30 ACAP) or USD 35–40 when booking through a registered agency (USD 10 TIMS + USD 25 ACAP).
Can I do the Mardi Himal Trek without a guide?
No. As of April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers in Nepal’s conservation areas must hire a licensed, NTB-registered guide. Trekking without a guide can result in fines up to NPR 12,000 and voiding of travel insurance.
Where do I get an ACAP permit for the Mardi Himal Trek?
The ACAP permit can be obtained at the NTB office in Kathmandu, the Tourist Information Center in Pokhara, through a registered trekking agency, or online via epermit.ntnc.org.np (surcharge applies).
Is TIMS still required for the Mardi Himal Trek in 2026?
Yes. TIMS remains mandatory for all trekkers. The key 2026 change: the independent (Green) TIMS card is no longer available. All TIMS cards are now issued exclusively through registered trekking agencies.
Can I buy Mardi Himal Trek permits online?
The ACAP permit can be purchased online at epermit.ntnc.org.np, but a surcharge applies. TIMS cards have no public online portal and must be obtained through a registered trekking agency.
What happens if I trek without permits on the Mardi Himal route?
Checkpoints verify permits at Kande, Pothana/Dhampus, and near High Camp. Without an ACAP permit, you’re fined double (NPR 6,000). Without a licensed guide, fines reach up to NPR 12,000, and you can be removed from the route.
Do children need permits for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Children under 10 are fully exempt from ACAP permit fees, regardless of nationality. Parents and guardians must carry their own valid permits.