Are you planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit and wondering what permits are required to enter the conserved area without any difficulties? You are in the right place. In this blog, we will discuss the permits required for the Annapurna Circuit trek, along with the cost of the permits and the places where you can obtain them. Well, without any delay, let's get to our topic which is Permits required for the Annapurna circuit trek:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the first and foremost permit required for the Annapurna Circuit trek. Not only the Annapurna circuit trek, but the ACAP permit is used to enter all the trekking routes of the Annapurna region, like the Annapurna base camp trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Tilicho lake trek, Annapurna circuit with Tilicho Lake, Jomsom Muktinath trek, and many more.

Annapurna conservation area permit is used to regulate trekking and conserve natural & cultural heritage in the Annapurna region. As the Annapurna Conservation Area is highly protected in Nepal, and it features highly conserved biodiversity, Trekking without a permit is not allowed in this protected area.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit cost

The Annapurna conservation area permit costs differently for people according to their nationality. If you are a foreign national and your country is not a member of the SAARC, it means you will need to pay the NPRs.3000. If you are from SAARC national countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka then you will need to pay Nprs.1000. If you are the local of Nepal means you will not need to pay any kinds of fees for the permits but in case the check posts asks you will need to pay NPRS. 100 for the ACAP permit.

Where to get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

You can get the Annapurna conservation area permit online by visiting the site: https://epermit.ntnc.org.np/. If you are trying to get online but are not able to get a permit by any chance, then you can get the ACAP for the Annapurna circuit trek by visiting the Nepal Tourism Board office (Bhrikuti Mandap). If you are in Pokhara, then you can get the ACAP permit by visiting the NTNC Office (near Pokhara Lakeside).

By any chance, if you are not able to get online or visit the board offices physically, then you will not need to worry, as considering the last option, you can get the permit at the starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek, which is Besi Sahar, a beautiful village located in the Annapurna region.

What documents are required for the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?

The documents required for the Annapurna Conservation Area permit for the Annapurna Circuit trek are:

Copy of passport.
Passport-sized photographs (usually 2).
Fee in Nepali Rupees (cash).

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit, which is another permit that you will require to trek during the Annapurna circuit trek. The TIMS permit is a mandatory trekking permit that is issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) for the trekkers’ safety, to manage trekking routes, and to keep records of all visitors.

Sample of the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit required for trekking in Nepal. — TIMS Card Sample

Not only is TIMS required to help the authorities track trekkers in case of emergencies (altitude sickness, accidents, natural disasters). It supports sustainable trekking management in Nepal. The TIMS also helps to provide insurance coverage for local trekking staff.

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card Cost

The trekker's Information management system costs NPR 1,000 for foreign nationals. But if you are from the SAARC countries, then it would cost you NPR 300. If you are a local of Nepal, then you will not need to get the TIMS card, but it is suggested to register yourself to get help in need, as without the TIMS, the authorities may not be able to know about you.

Where to get the TIMS permit?

If you are planning to get the TIMS permit by yourself, then you will need to visit the Nepal Tourism Board Office (Bhrikuti mandap) in Kathmandu, which is just 10-minute walk from Thamel. If you are planning to get the TIMS card in Pokhara valley, you will need to visit the NTB Office, Lakeside. But if you don’t want to visit the offices physically, then you can contact the licensed trekking agencies like Adventure Vision Treks (us). We can arrange it for you from our portal, as we get the permits online as well.

Documents required for the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The documents required for the TIMS card are the same as the ACAP permit, which are:

Passport copy
2 passport-sized photos
Payment in Nepali Rupees

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