Permits
Mardi Himal Trek Permits & Fees (2026)
Mardi Himal sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the permit situation is refreshingly simple compared with restricted-area treks. There is no special restricted permit and no separate national park fee.
Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what 6K handles for you.
Key takeaways
- You need two documents: the ACAP and a TIMS card.
- The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
- The ACAP is checked at Pothana, above Dhampus.
- Since 2023 the Annapurna region requires a licensed guide, which is included in our trips.
The two permits you need
Both are arranged before the trek starts. You will need passport copies and passport-sized photos, which we collect at your pre-trip briefing.
| Permit | Foreign nationals | SAARC nationals |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) | NPR 1,000 |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 (~USD 17) | NPR 1,000 |
Mardi Himal permit costs, 2026.
Where permits are checked
The ACAP is checked at the entry post in Pothana, above Dhampus, early on the trail. Keep it accessible on day one. Your guide carries the paperwork and handles the checkpoints, so there is nothing for you to organise on the trail.
Do you need a guide for Mardi Himal?
Since April 2023 Nepal requires trekkers to use a licensed guide rather than walking independently, and the Annapurna region applies this rule. Beyond the regulation, a guide adds real safety on the exposed upper ridge and removes the hassle of permits, teahouse bookings, and route-finding. A guide is included in every 6K Mardi Himal package.
