The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal's most rewarding short Himalayan adventures. Starting within easy reach of Pokhara, the trail climbs through traditional settlements and dense rhododendron forests before reaching exposed mountain ridges with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Annapurna range. However, before heading towards Forest Camp, High Camp and the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, trekkers need to understand the permits required for the route.
So, do you need a permit for the Mardi Himal Trek? Yes. Mardi Himal lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, and trekkers entering the area need the appropriate Annapurna Conservation Area documentation. NTNC's current online permit system specifically includes Mardi Himal Trek among the trekking routes covered by ACAP.
For international visitors, another important consideration is the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS). Under the current Nepal Tourism Board provisions, Mardi Himal is one of the Annapurna-region routes listed where international trekkers are required to travel with a licensed trekking guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS Card. This guide explains the Mardi Himal Trek permit cost in 2026, including separate information for foreign, Indian, SAARC and Nepali trekkers.
Quick Answer: How Much Do Mardi Himal Trek Permits Cost?
The basic Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) entry fee is:
- Non-SAARC foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person + TIMS NPR 2,000
- Indian nationals: NPR 1,000 per person + TIMS NPR 1,000
- Other SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person + TIMS NPR 1,000
- Nepali citizens: NPR 100 per person
India is a SAARC member country, so Indian travellers qualify for the SAARC ACAP rate rather than the standard foreigner rate. These rates are currently published by the Nepal Tourism Board for the Annapurna Conservation Area. Children below 10 years are exempt from the conservation-area permit fee.
What Permits Are Required for the Mardi Himal Trek?
There are two main documents international trekkers should understand before starting the trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS Card.
For Nepali citizens, the main applicable entry fee is the conservation-area fee.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The ACAP permit is the primary permit for Mardi Himal trekking because the entire route falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal’s largest conservation area and includes several of the country’s best-known trekking regions. Income generated from conservation-area entry fees contributes towards conservation and community development activities within the region.
You should carry your permit throughout the trek because it may be checked along the route. NTNC states that conservation-area entry permits must be carried during the trip and presented when requested by authorised personnel.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost for Foreigners
For travellers from countries outside the SAARC region, the Mardi Himal ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 per person.
This includes visitors from countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, China, Japan and most other international markets.
If TIMS applies, a non-SAARC international trekker should therefore budget an additional NPR 2,000, bringing the main trekking-document cost to approximately NPR 5,000 per person.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost for Indian Citizens
Indian travellers receive the SAARC rate for the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Mardi Himal permit cost for an Indian citizen is NPR 1,000 per person for ACAP. Under Nepal Tourism Board's current TIMS provision, SAARC trekkers pay another NPR 1,000 for TIMS, making the combined ACAP and TIMS amount approximately NPR 2,000 per Indian trekker where both are required.
This makes Mardi Himal comparatively affordable for Indian travellers seeking a short Himalayan trek near Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Permit Cost for SAARC Citizens
Citizens of other SAARC countries also pay NPR 1,000 per person for the ACAP entry permit. The same current TIMS rate of NPR 1,000 per person applies to SAARC trekkers.
Therefore, international SAARC travellers should generally budget around NPR 2,000 per person for ACAP and TIMS combined.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost for Nepali Citizens
For Nepali trekkers, the Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee is NPR 100 per person according to Nepal Tourism Board's current protected-area fee schedule.
This makes Mardi Himal one of the more accessible multi-day Himalayan trekking options for domestic travellers, particularly since the trail is easily reached from Pokhara.
TIMS Card for Mardi Himal Trek
TIMS stands for the Trekkers' Information Management System. It is designed to maintain trekking records and improve the ability of authorities and relevant organisations to identify and assist trekkers during emergencies.
Under the current Nepal Tourism Board guidance, Mardi Himal Trek is specifically named under the Annapurna-region routes covered by the revised TIMS provision. NTB states that trekkers on these routes should contact a government-registered trekking agency to arrange a licensed trekking guide and TIMS Card.
The current charge is NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC international trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC trekkers.
Note: This is separate from the ACAP fee.
Do You Need a Special Restricted Area Permit for Mardi Himal?
No special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for the standard Mardi Himal trekking route.
Restricted-area permits apply to specifically regulated areas of Nepal, such as certain parts of Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo and other controlled regions. Mardi Himal is instead a regular trekking route within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
This makes the paperwork significantly simpler than treks that require restricted-area permits, minimum group sizes and additional immigration procedures.
Where Can You Get a Mardi Himal Trek Permit?
The ACAP process has become easier because the National Trust for Nature Conservation operates an online conservation-area permit system.
Mardi Himal is available directly as a trekking region option when applying for an ACAP permit online. Applicants can choose online payment or counter payment. After successful online payment, the permit can be sent electronically and printed before the trek.
One useful planning tip is to arrange your permit before reaching the trekking checkpoint. NTNC currently states that permits issued at checkposts can be charged at double the normal fee.
If you book the trek through Hop Nepal, the permit and trekking documentation can be organised before departure, reducing the paperwork you need to manage personally.
What Documents Are Required for a Mardi Himal Permit?
For an online ACAP application, travellers should be prepared with valid identification and personal information.
NTNC currently asks international visitors for a valid passport, while Indian citizens may use an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID when accepted by the permit system. A recent photograph is required for online applications, together with information such as nationality, date of birth, contact details, trekking dates and emergency contact information.
For foreign visitors travelling through a registered trekking agency, passport details will also normally be required to process TIMS. It is sensible to keep both digital and printed copies of your trekking documentation during the journey, particularly if mobile connectivity is poor higher up the trail.
Can You Get a Mardi Himal Permit in Pokhara?
Yes. Pokhara is the main gateway to Mardi Himal and a convenient place to finalise trekking arrangements before heading to the trailhead. However, travellers should avoid leaving permits until the last possible moment. Completing your ACAP and TIMS arrangements before departing Pokhara reduces the risk of delays at checkpoints and gives you more time to focus on the trek itself.
For travellers joining an organised Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, Hop Nepal can coordinate permits, guide arrangements, transportation and other trekking logistics in advance.
Is the Mardi Himal Permit Valid for the Entire Trek?
The ACAP entry permit is issued for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area. NTNC describes conservation-area permits as single-entry permits, meaning you should not assume that the same permit can be reused after exiting and then re-entering the conservation area on a separate trip.
Your permit is also non-transferable and non-refundable. For a standard Mardi Himal itinerary, however, you remain within the relevant trekking area until you complete the route, so a standard permit is sufficient for the journey.
Why Are Permits Required on Mardi Himal?
A Mardi Himal permit is more than an administrative charge.
The route passes through environmentally sensitive areas of the Annapurna region, including forests, alpine landscapes and mountain habitats. ACAP revenue supports conservation programmes and community development in the protected area.
TIMS serves a different purpose. It records information about trekkers, guides and trekking itineraries, helping authorities identify people who may be in a particular trekking area at a given time. This information can be particularly valuable if authorities need to act swiftly after an accident, an extreme weather event, or another emergency.
For travellers, proper documentation supports both responsible tourism and trekking safety.
What Happens If You Trek Without a Permit?
Trying to trek Mardi Himal without the required documentation is not worth the risk. Permits can be checked along trekking routes, and NTNC explicitly requires conservation-area permits to be carried during the trip and presented when requested.
Apart from possible additional fees or disruption to your itinerary, arriving at a checkpoint without the correct documentation may mean spending valuable trekking time resolving paperwork that could have been completed before departure. Arrange everything in Pokhara or through your trekking agency before starting the trail.
ACAP vs TIMS: What Is the Difference?
One of the most common points of confusion when researching Mardi Himal Trek permits is the difference between ACAP and TIMS.
- ACAP gives you permission to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- TIMS records the international trekker, trekking route and guide information for trekking management and safety purposes.
They are therefore two different documents, and their fees should not be combined and described simply as the “ACAP fee”.
For example, a non-SAARC foreign traveller pays NPR 3,000 for ACAP, while the current TIMS charge is an additional NPR 2,000.
Final Thoughts: Get Your Mardi Himal Permits Sorted Before You Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek permit process is relatively straightforward, but understanding which fee applies to you can prevent confusion before your trip.
For 2026, the key figures to remember are that the ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 for non-SAARC foreigners, NPR 1,000 for Indians and other SAARC citizens, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens. International trekkers should also account for the current TIMS requirement, which adds NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC nationals or NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
Once the paperwork is arranged, the administrative side of the journey is simple. What follows is the part that makes Mardi Himal special: quiet forest trails, changing Himalayan landscapes and increasingly dramatic views of Machhapuchhre as you climb towards High Camp and the upper viewpoints.
For travellers who prefer to avoid handling permit applications, transportation, and guide arrangements separately, Hop Nepal can organise the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, with the required trekking documentation and on-the-ground support arranged before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes. Mardi Himal lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers must pay the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) entry fee before starting the trek.
Is TIMS required for the Mardi Himal Trek?
International trekkers should obtain the applicable TIMS Card in accordance with Nepal's current trekking regulations. TIMS is separate from the ACAP permit and is used to register trekker, route and guide information.
Is ACAP the same as TIMS?
No. ACAP and TIMS are different documents. ACAP is the entry permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area, while TIMS is Nepal's trekking registration system for international trekkers.
Do I need a restricted area permit for Mardi Himal?
No. The standard Mardi Himal trekking route is not classified as a restricted area, so a separate Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is not required.
Can I get a Mardi Himal Trek permit in Pokhara?
Yes. Pokhara is the main gateway to the Mardi Himal Trek, and permit arrangements can be completed before travelling towards the trailhead. Trekkers can also arrange their documentation through a registered trekking agency.
Can I get the Mardi Himal permit online?
The Annapurna Conservation Area permit can be arranged through the official conservation-area permit system. Travellers should complete the process before starting the trek rather than waiting until they reach a trekking checkpoint.
Do I need to carry a printed copy of my permit?
It is recommended to carry a printed copy of your trekking permit along with a digital backup. Permits may be checked at different points along the Mardi Himal route.
Can I use the same ACAP permit for another Annapurna trek?
No, you cannot. An ACAP permit provides access to the Annapurna Conservation Area for the trip for which it is issued. If you leave the conservation area and plan a separate trek later, you should check whether a new permit is required.
Do children need a Mardi Himal Trek permit?
Children under 10 are exempt from the Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee. Families should still carry identification showing the child's age while trekking.
Is a guide compulsory for the Mardi Himal Trek?
International trekkers should follow Nepal's current guide and TIMS requirements for designated trekking routes. Using a licensed guide also provides additional support with navigation, safety, accommodation and local conditions.
Where are permits checked on the Mardi Himal Trek?
Permit checks may take place at official checkpoints along routes entering or travelling through the Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers should keep their permit and identification with them throughout the trek.
Can Hop Nepal arrange my Mardi Himal Trek permit?
Yes. Travellers booking the Mardi Himal Trek with Hop Nepal can receive assistance with permit documentation, guide arrangements, transportation and other trekking logistics before departure.
