Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Permit: Cost, Requirements & How to Get One

Before you start the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, make sure you have the correct permits for your route and nationality.

The main permit for this Poon Hill trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Depending on current trekking regulations and how you travel, a TIMS registration may also apply. Permit rules in Nepal change from time to time, so confirm the current requirement before you fly.

Here is the quick answer before we go deeper:

*Only if currently applicable. Verify TIMS status before departure.

What Permits Do You Need for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for every trekker, plus a TIMS card where enforced. The entire route from Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so there is no way around the ACAP. Both permits are checked at trail counters by authorized representatives.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

ACAP is the entry permit for Nepal's largest protected area, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Because the Ghorepani Poonhill trek route passes entirely through this zone, the permit is mandatory for all nationalities, including Nepali as well. Remember, this is a single-entry permit valid for the duration of your stay inside the conservation area. You need to take another for your next visit.

The fee for foreigners is NPR 3,000 (roughly USD 23), while SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000 and Nepali citizens pay NPR 100. The permit covers the whole Annapurna region, so the same ACAP works if you extend toward Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal on the same trip.

Like said earlier, it is single-entry; if you exit the conservation area and re-enter later, you technically need a new permit. For a standard 4-day, 5-day, or 8-day Poon Hill loop, one ACAP covers the entire walk since you stay continuously inside the boundary.

Is a TIMS Card Required for Poon Hill?

The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card records trekker details for safety and monitoring. TIMS rules have changed more than once in recent years, and enforcement on the Ghorepani poon hill route has been inconsistent. This is exactly why you see conflicting information across older blogs.

The practical reality on the ground: most trekkers still obtain both ACAP and TIMS to avoid any dispute at a checkpoint. The current cost, where applied, is NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Nepal has also strengthened its stance on licensed guides for most trekking areas, and organized trekking often bundles TIMS automatically.

Our team's advice is simple: confirm the live TIMS requirement with the Nepal Tourism Board or your registered agency in the week before you travel. Rules can shift between seasons, and it is far cheaper to carry a valid card than to argue at a counter in Tikhedhunga.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Permit Cost

The total permit cost for a foreigner on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is around NPR 5,000 (~USD 38) when both ACAP and TIMS apply, or NPR 3,000 if only ACAP is required. SAARC nationals and Nepali citizens pay significantly less. Here are the verified current rates.

*Only where currently enforced. Permit prices are subject to change, so use the figures above as the latest verified rates and confirm before departure. For a full trip budget beyond permits, see our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek cost breakdown.

Who Needs a Poon Hill Trek Permit?

Every person walking the Ghorepani Poon Hill route needs an ACAP permit, but the fee depends on your nationality. Foreigners pay full rate, SAARC citizens pay a reduced rate, and Nepali citizens pay a nominal fee. Children under a certain age are usually exempt from ACAP.

Foreign Travelers

Non-SAARC foreign trekkers pay the full NPR 3,000 ACAP fee and, where applicable, NPR 2,000 for TIMS. This applies to travelers from Europe, North America, Australia, East Asia, and most other countries. Your passport is the reference document, so its details must match the permit exactly.

SAARC Travelers

Trekkers from SAARC member states (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan) pay NPR 1,000 for ACAP and NPR 1,000 for TIMS. Carry proof of nationality to qualify for this reduced rate.

Nepali Citizens

Nepali citizens pay only NPR 100 for ACAP and generally do not need a TIMS card. Carry a citizenship certificate or national ID card, as staff may ask for it at counters.

Children

Children below 10 years are typically exempt from the ACAP fee. Even when exempt, it is wise to keep their passport or ID handy for checkpoint records. Confirm the exact age threshold when you apply, since it can be adjusted.

Where Can You Get the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Permit?

You can obtain your permits at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through a registered trekking agency. Both ACAP and TIMS are issued from the same counters. You can choose Kathmandu if you are arranging things early, or Pokhara if you are heading straight to the trailhead.

Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, permits are issued at the Nepal Tourism Board complex at Bhrikutimandap. Bring your passport, photos, and cash in Nepalese Rupees so that you don’t waste your time visiting again. Arrive early, as the counters can get busy in peak season (March–May and September–November).

Pokhara

Most Poon Hill trekkers pick up permits in Pokhara because the trek begins nearby. The Nepal Tourism Board and ACAP counter at Damside handles both ACAP and TIMS. From Pokhara it is a short drive to Nayapul or the newer road-head trailheads, so getting the permit here keeps your schedule tight and simple.

Through a Trekking Agency

A registered agency like Walk Through Nepal can process both permits on your behalf, often the same day. This is the easiest route if you are booking a guided package, and it removes any confusion about the current TIMS status. Agencies also handle guide arrangements, which Nepal now enforces more strictly across most trekking regions.

Simple decision: doing it yourself? Go to the Kathmandu or Pokhara NTB office. Booking a package? Ask your operator to confirm exactly which permits they handle.

Can You Get the Poon Hill Trek Permit Online?

Nepal's trekking permit systems have been shifting toward digital registration, but the process for the Annapurna region has not been fully online-only. Even where online registration exists, a physical permit is still usually issued and checked on the trail. Do not assume you can skip the counter entirely.

If you book through an agency, they typically complete the paperwork and hand you the physical permits. For independent trekkers, the safest approach remains visiting the NTB office in person. Verify the current online status before departure rather than relying on outdated instructions from another Nepal trek.

Documents Required for Poon Hill Trek Permits

To apply for ACAP and TIMS, you need a small set of documents. Preparing these in advance saves time at the counter and prevents last-minute stress before your trek begins.

• Passport (original, valid)

• Two passport-size photographs

• Your trekking itinerary and route details

• Nationality information

• Emergency and contact information

• Payment in Nepalese Rupees (cash preferred)

Agency-arranged permit: you usually just hand over a passport copy and photos, and the agency does the rest. Self-arranged permit: you complete the forms at the counter yourself and pay directly. Either way, keep photos and passport ready, since forgetting them is the most common cause of delays.

Can You Get the Permit on the Poon Hill Trek Route?

No. There is no reliable permit-issuing office on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail itself. You must arrange both ACAP and TIMS before you reach the first checkpoint, which is often near Birethanti or Tikhedhunga on the classic route.

Checkpoints along the trail inspect permits and record trekker details. If you arrive without valid documentation, you can be turned back or fined. Planning to "get it at Ghorepani" is not a workable strategy, because by then you have already passed the entry counters. Arrange everything in Kathmandu or Pokhara first to avoid any consequences.

What Happens at Poon Hill Trek Permit Checkpoints?

At each checkpoint, an official inspects your ACAP and TIMS, records your name and details, and may log your entry and exit. This helps authorities track who is on the trail for safety purposes. Keep your permits accessible and never hand over the only original without watching it.

The process is quick and friendly. You show your permit, the staff note your details into their register or system, and you continue walking. Keep your permits in a waterproof pouch near the top of your daypack. Losing the original creates real problems, so treat it like your passport. Checkpoints appear near Birethanti, Ghandruk, and other trail junctions depending on your direction.

How Long Is the Poon Hill Trek Permit Valid?

The ACAP is a single-entry permit valid for the duration of your continuous stay inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is not tied to a fixed number of days, so a 4-day, 5-day, or 8-day Poon Hill itinerary all use one permit as long as you stay inside the boundary. Don’t matter if your itinerary changes mid-trek, or extending some more days inside the zone, your existing permit covers you. Duration does not change the price, which is a flat per-trekker fee.

Does Walk Through Nepal Include Poon Hill Trek Permits?

When you book Ghorepani Poon Hill package with us, permit arrangements are handled for you as part of the service. Our packages are built so you never have to stand in a permit queue on your own.

• Permit arrangements (ACAP and TIMS where required)

• Documentation and checkpoint registration support

• A licensed guide, in line with current regulations

• Transportation to and from the trailhead

• Accommodation in trail teahouses

• Other confirmed package inclusions

When you book any organized trek, ask whether the advertised price includes every required permit rather than assuming it does. That single question prevents surprise costs later.

Poon Hill Trek Permit vs Other Annapurna Treks

Compared to other Annapurna treks, the Poon Hill permit setup is refreshingly simple. It needs only ACAP (plus TIMS where enforced), with no restricted-area permit involved. Here is how it compares.

If you plan to combine routes, our guides to the Annapurna Base Camp trek permit and the ABC trek map and route are useful next reads, since ABC via Poon Hill is a popular extension.

Why Does the Poon Hill Trek Require a Permit?

The permit exists to fund conservation, manage the trail, and monitor trekker safety inside a protected area. ACAP revenue directly supports the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of the most successful community-managed protected zones in the Himalayas.

Your fee contributes to trail and waste management, reforestation, drinking water projects, and support for local villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Registration systems also help authorities know who is on the trail if a rescue is ever needed. In short, the permit is both an entry ticket and a contribution to keeping the region beautiful for the next trekker.

Common Poon Hill Trek Permit Mistakes to Avoid

Most permit problems come down to poor planning rather than complicated rules. Avoid these common mistakes and your trek will start smoothly.

• Assuming a package price automatically includes permits

• Using outdated permit information from old blogs

• Waiting until the trail to arrange permits

• Forgetting your passport or photos at the counter

• Not checking nationality-specific fees

• Not confirming the current TIMS requirement

• Losing your permit documentation on the trail

• Assuming one permit covers a separate restricted-area extension

• Not asking your trekking operator exactly what they handle

Conclusion

Getting the right permits is one of the simplest but most important steps in planning your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. While the ACAP permit is mandatory for all trekkers, TIMS requirements can change, so it's always wise to verify the latest regulations before you travel. A little preparation now can save you unnecessary delays, fines, or complications on the trail.

If you'd rather skip the paperwork and focus on enjoying the journey, Walk Through Nepal can handle your permit arrangements, guide services, transportation, accommodation, and trek logistics from start to finish. Contact our team today and let us help you plan a hassle-free Poon Hill adventure with local expertise and personalized support.

FAQs

1. How much does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek permit cost?

The main permit is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), costing NPR 3,000 (about USD 23) for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepali citizens. A TIMS card, where required, adds NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

2. Do I need an ACAP permit for Poon Hill?

Yes. The entire Ghorepani Poon Hill route sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every trekker regardless of nationality must carry a valid ACAP permit. It is checked at multiple counters along the trail.

3. Is TIMS required for the Poon Hill Trek?

TIMS requirements have shifted in recent years and enforcement varies. Most trekkers obtain both ACAP and TIMS to avoid problems at checkpoints. Because rules change, confirm the current TIMS requirement with the Nepal Tourism Board or your agency before departure.

4. Where can I get a Poon Hill Trek permit?

You can obtain permits at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) or Pokhara (Damside), or through a registered trekking agency who arranges them for you.

5. Can I get the Poon Hill permit in Pokhara?

Yes. The Nepal Tourism Board and ACAP counter in Pokhara (Damside) issues ACAP and TIMS cards. This is the most convenient option since most Poon Hill treks start from the Pokhara side.

6. Can I get the Poon Hill Trek permit online?

Online systems for Nepal trekking permits have been evolving. Even where online registration exists, a physical permit is still typically checked on the trail. Verify the current process before relying on an online-only option.

7. What documents do I need for the Poon Hill permit?

You need your passport, at least two passport-size photos, your trekking itinerary, nationality details, emergency contact information, and payment in Nepalese Rupees.

8. Can I get the permit after starting the trek?

No. Permits must be arranged before you reach the first checkpoint. There is no reliable permit-issuing office on the trail, and trekking without a permit can result in fines or being turned back.

9. Is the Poon Hill permit included in a trekking package?

Most reputable organized packages include ACAP and TIMS. Always ask your operator to confirm in writing that every required permit is covered rather than assuming it is.

10. Are permit fees different for SAARC nationals?

Yes. SAARC nationals pay reduced rates: NPR 1,000 for ACAP compared to NPR 3,000 for other foreigners.

11. Do Nepali citizens need a Poon Hill Trek permit?

Nepali citizens pay a nominal ACAP fee of NPR 100 and generally do not require a TIMS card. Carry your national ID or citizenship document.