Nar Phu is a restricted area, so the paperwork is different from the standard Annapurna Circuit. This page is a practical walk-through of the process. For the fee tables themselves, see our existing page on Nar Phu restricted-area fees and rules; rates and rules can change, so always confirm them before booking.
What permits are involved
- A restricted-area permit for the Nar Phu local units, issued through a registered trekking agency.
- An Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) entry permit, which applies to the whole Annapurna region.
- A TIMS card issued through the agency, because the route is on the list that requires a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS.
Figures we have been supplied for the restricted-area permit are USD 100 per person for the first week from September to November, USD 75 for the first week from December to August, then USD 15 per day beyond one week. For TIMS and ACAP, our permits page lists NPR 1,000 for TIMS and NPR 1,000 for the ACAP entry fee for SAARC nationals (including Indians), and NPR 2,000 for TIMS and NPR 3,000 for ACAP for other nationalities. Treat these as guides, not guarantees.
Who can apply
Restricted-area permits are not sold at the trailhead. They are issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide through a registered agency. If you are travelling alone, your operator can often pair you with another trekker, or issue the permit with a second person named on it. Ask early, because this affects dates and cost.
Documents you need
- A clear scan of your passport photo page, with at least six months of validity left.
- Your Nepali visa details or arrival date.
- Two passport-size photos for some forms.
- Your trek dates and entry and exit points.
- Emergency contact details and insurance information.
Indian travellers should also read our guidance in Annapurna documents and money for Indian travellers, which covers ID and currency questions.
A step-by-step timeline
- Confirm your dates and send passport scans to your agency at least 10 to 14 days before travel, and earlier in autumn.
- The agency submits the application at the immigration office in Kathmandu.
- Once approved, the permit is printed and issued to the agency, along with your TIMS card and ACAP receipt.
- Your guide carries originals and keeps photocopies for you.
- Checkpoints at Koto and later villages record your passage.
Checkpoints on the trail
Expect formal checks at Koto, and possibly in Phu and Nar villages. Your guide handles the formalities, but you should carry photocopies of passport, visa and permits. Never try to bypass a checkpoint; fines and delays are the least of the consequences, since the checkpoints also act as safety records.
Changes in schedule
If bad weather delays you, you may need extra days in the restricted area. Ask how extensions are handled before you go, and whether extra days are charged on the daily rate. A good operator will explain this in advance and keep a buffer in the budget.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until the last week in autumn.
- Sending a blurry passport scan.
- Booking international flights with no flexibility for weather.
- Assuming a friend's permit from a previous year is valid for your dates.
- Trying to get the permit after arriving in Besisahar.
Questions for your agency
- Is the restricted-area permit fee included in the price?
- How many days are covered by the permit?
- What happens if we are delayed by weather?
- Do you have a contingency plan if the Kang La is closed?
- Who is the guide and what is their experience on this route?
What if I miss a deadline?
If you cannot supply documents on time, ask for a later departure date rather than rushing the application. Mistakes in names or passport numbers can cause delays at checkpoints. It is better to be early and accurate.
Common questions
Can I get a Nar Phu permit on my own?
No. Restricted-area permits are issued only through registered agencies, for groups of at least two with a licensed guide.
How long does the Nar Phu permit take?
Allow at least 10 to 14 days, and more in the busy autumn season.
Is TIMS required for Nar Phu?
Yes, it must be issued through the agency, because the route is on the list that requires a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS.
