Permits are the least exciting part of planning the Mardi Himal Trek, but they are also the easiest thing to get wrong. The paperwork itself is simple: two documents, both obtainable in Pokhara or Kathmandu in less than an hour. The complications come from rules that changed recently, fee figures that vary between sources, and the question of whether you can still trek without a guide.
This guide sets out what you need, what it costs, where to get it and what to carry on the trail. If you book with a trekking company, most of this is handled for you, but it is still worth understanding what the permits are and why they exist.
The Two Permits You Need
The Mardi Himal Trek lies entirely inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area. That means every trekker needs:
- An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This is your entry ticket to the conservation area. The fee funds conservation work, trail maintenance and community projects across the region.
- A TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System). This records who you are, where you are going and who to contact in an emergency. It helps authorities locate trekkers after accidents or natural disasters.
There is no separate "Mardi Himal permit". The trek uses the same two documents as the Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill treks, which is handy if you plan to combine routes. You do not need a restricted area permit, as Mardi Himal is not a restricted region.
Why the TIMS System Exists
The TIMS card was introduced in the late 2000s after several high-profile incidents in which rescuers struggled to find out who was on the trails during storms and avalanches. By recording each trekker's route, dates and emergency contacts, the system gives authorities a starting point when someone goes missing or a disaster strikes. It also gives the government a clearer picture of how many people use each trail and when. On a short route like Mardi Himal it can feel like a formality, but it is exactly the kind of record you would want to exist if anything went wrong. Keep your emergency contact details on the application accurate and up to date.
How Much the Permits Cost
Permit fees are set by the government and conservation authorities and are revised from time to time. The figures below are those in use at the time of writing; confirm them before you travel, or ask us for the current rates.
| Permit | Foreign nationals | SAARC nationals | Where it is checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACAP entry permit | NPR 3,000 (about USD 22) | Reduced rate (around NPR 1,000) | Conservation area checkpoint on the lower route |
| TIMS card | Around NPR 2,000 | Reduced rate | Checkpoints and on request |
Children and Nepali citizens are treated differently, and SAARC rates apply to citizens of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, the Maldives and Afghanistan. Indian trekkers should read our guide to permit rules for Nepali and SAARC trekkers. For how permits fit into the overall budget, see our Mardi Himal cost guide.
The Licensed Guide Rule
In April 2023 Nepal introduced a rule requiring foreign trekkers in national parks and conservation areas to trek with a licensed guide arranged through a registered trekking agency. The decision followed a series of incidents involving lost or injured solo trekkers. Since then, TIMS cards for foreign trekkers are generally issued through agencies rather than to individuals walking in off the street.
Enforcement has not been identical across every region and season, and you may hear stories of people trekking without a guide. We do not recommend relying on that. The rule is in force, checkpoint staff can turn you back, and on Mardi Himal in particular a guide adds genuine safety value because the upper ridge is exposed and fog is common. We explain the rule and its practical impact in is a guide mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Where to Get Your Permits
In Pokhara
Most trekkers arrange permits in Pokhara, since the trek starts only an hour away. The Nepal Tourism Board office near Damside issues ACAP permits during office hours on working days. TIMS is processed through your trekking agency. If you arrive in Pokhara late in the day or on a public holiday, check the office hours in advance, because Nepal observes many public holidays. Our step-by-step guide to getting permits in Pokhara covers the process.
In Kathmandu
If you are coming from Kathmandu, you can arrange both permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap before heading to Pokhara. This makes sense if you want to arrive in Pokhara and start walking the next morning without an office visit. See getting Mardi Himal permits in Kathmandu.
Through Your Trekking Agency
If you book an organised trek, the agency applies for your permits using the documents you send in advance, and your guide carries them on the trail. All of our Mardi Himal packages include ACAP and TIMS, including the 5-day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara and the 9-day trek from Kathmandu.
Applying for the ACAP Permit Yourself: Step by Step
If you are arranging your own trek through an agency but want to collect the ACAP permit yourself, the process at the Nepal Tourism Board office is straightforward:
- Arrive early on a working day. Mornings are quieter, and you avoid the rush before closing time. Check that the day is not a public holiday.
- Collect and fill in the application form. You will give your name, nationality, passport number, visa details, planned route, entry and exit dates, and emergency contacts.
- Attach your photos and passport copy. Bring more photos than you think you need in case a second form is required.
- Pay the fee in Nepali rupees. Card payments are not always available, so carry cash.
- Check the permit before you leave. Make sure your name, passport number and route are correct, since mistakes are harder to fix on the trail.
The whole process usually takes well under an hour. Your agency then arranges the TIMS card, which is linked to the licensed guide trekking with you.
Documents You Need
Whether you apply yourself or through an agency, you will usually need:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity, plus a photocopy or scan
- Your Nepal visa (or, for Indian citizens, a valid passport or voter ID)
- Passport-sized photos, commonly two for the permit applications; some offices now accept digital photos
- Details of your travel insurance, ideally including helicopter evacuation cover
- Your itinerary with start and end dates
- An emergency contact in Nepal and at home
Requirements shift occasionally, so bring a few spare photos and keep digital copies of everything on your phone. Our checklist of documents for Mardi Himal permits explains each item.
Where Permits Are Checked
Your ACAP permit is checked and stamped at the conservation area checkpoint on the lower part of the route, in the Pothana and Deurali area, which you pass on the first day. Officials may also ask to see permits elsewhere. Keep them in a waterproof pouch at the top of your daypack on the first day, because you will be asked for them early. If your guide carries them, make sure you know where they are. See Mardi Himal checkpoints for more detail.
Buying a Permit at the Checkpoint
It is possible to buy an ACAP permit at a checkpoint if you arrive without one, but it costs significantly more than buying it in advance, often double the normal fee. Without a TIMS card and a guide, you may also be refused entry. There is no reason to take the risk when the office in Pokhara is so close to the trailhead.
Common Permit Mistakes
- Arriving on a holiday. Government offices close on public holidays and Saturdays. If you plan to get permits yourself, check the calendar, especially around Dashain and Tihar in autumn.
- Losing the permit. Keep a photo of your permits on your phone. If you lose the originals, your guide can help you deal with the checkpoint, as explained in what to do if you lose your permit.
- Assuming Mardi Himal needs a special permit. It does not. The ACAP permit covers the whole Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Forgetting insurance details. You may be asked for your policy number when the TIMS card is issued, and you will need it anyway if anything goes wrong.
Rules Inside the Conservation Area
Your ACAP permit comes with responsibilities. Inside the conservation area you are expected to carry out non-biodegradable rubbish, avoid buying or collecting wildlife products, respect local customs, stay on the trail and avoid lighting fires. Drones need separate permission, which we cover in drone rules on the Mardi Himal Trek. For the full list, read Annapurna Conservation Area rules for trekkers.
What Your Permit Fee Pays For
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project was set up in 1986 as a new kind of protected area, in which local communities live inside the conservation area and help manage it. Permit fees help fund forest management, trail upkeep, alternative energy for lodges, community health and education projects, and waste management. When you pay for your ACAP permit you are contributing to the upkeep of the trail you walk on and the communities who run its tea houses. Read more in the Annapurna Conservation Area guide.
Permits for Nepali and SAARC Trekkers
Nepali citizens do not pay the foreigner ACAP fee, though they should carry identification. Citizens of SAARC countries pay reduced rates for both documents. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal but still need an ACAP permit and TIMS card. If you are traveling from India, our guide to the Mardi Himal Trek from India covers the full process.
Visas and Other Paperwork
Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and at land borders, with fees depending on the length of stay. Some nationalities must apply in advance. Check the current rules for your passport before booking flights. Our Nepal visa guide for Mardi Himal trekkers covers the options. For a wider look at permits across Nepal, see our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Special Situations
Combining Mardi Himal with Another Annapurna Trek
If you plan to add Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp or Khopra Danda to your trip, one ACAP permit and one TIMS card can cover the whole route, provided your application lists all the areas and dates. Tell your agency your full plan before permits are issued, so the paperwork matches where you will actually walk. See our Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp itinerary for an example.
Changing Your Dates
Weather, illness or delayed flights sometimes push a trek back by a day or two. Small date changes are rarely a problem at checkpoints, but if your plans change significantly, let your agency know so they can update your records. This is another reason to keep your agency's phone number saved offline.
Trekking Twice in One Trip
If you leave the conservation area, spend time elsewhere in Nepal and then return for a different trek, you will generally need a new ACAP permit, because each permit is intended for a single entry. Ask your agency how to plan permits if you are building a longer multi-trek itinerary.
How Permits Work When You Trek with Us
When you book a Mardi Himal trek with us, we ask for a scan of your passport, your visa details or planned visa, a photo and your insurance information a few weeks before you travel. We apply for the ACAP permit and TIMS card on your behalf, and your guide carries them throughout the trek. At the checkpoint your guide handles the stamps and conversations while you rest. If rules or fees change before your trek, we let you know. The cost of both permits is already included in the price of every package.
Checklist Before You Start Walking
- ACAP permit arranged and in your guide's or your own daypack
- TIMS card issued through your agency
- Passport and a photocopy with you on the trail
- Insurance policy number and emergency number saved on your phone
- Photos of all documents saved offline
With that done, the paperwork is finished and you can concentrate on the trail. If you would rather not deal with any of it, our packages include permits, a licensed guide and transport from Pokhara. See the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara for dates and prices, or get in touch with any questions about the current rules.