Guide to Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits: Costs, Process, and Tips

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the Annapurna region. It is filled with breathtaking scenery and diverse geographical reflections, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, etc. The maximum altitude of the Annapurna Circuit trek is 5416 m /17769.03 ft at the Thorang La pass. As the trek involves passing high-altitude passes, there is the risk of acute mountain sickness /altitude sickness, and it is not beginner-friendly.

To complete this trek, one needs to obtain permits first. Permits are documents that provide permission to trek on the trail. These permits are especially needed in protected or restricted areas in every trek, such as national parks, conservation areas, and restricted areas. These help control the movement of people in these protected places of the nation.

To complete the Annapurna Circuit trek, one needs to trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is a protected area hence, you need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Another required permit is the Trekker's Information Management System card (TIMS card). These permits are mandatory for foreign trekkers. Nepali citizens do not need the TIMS and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP or ANCAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 1992 to conserve local flora and fauna, preserve local cultures and traditions, and increase tourist flow. Before this, the Annapurna region was not as sought after for treks as it is now. With the increase in the flow of trekkers, the Annapurna Conservation Area permit policy has been introduced to provide trekkers with better safety and protect the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can not think about completing the Annapurna Circuit trek without the ACAP.

The documents required for the Anapurna Conservation Area Permit are two passport-size pictures (recent), a photocopy of a valid passport, a trekking route, details of the trekking agency through which you want to obtain the permit, and the details of the guide.

2. Trekker's Informmation Management System card (TIMS card)

TIMS card was implemented in Nepal on January 1, 2008, by the joint decision of the Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal(TAAN). Since then, trekking to almost every part of Nepal using a TIMS card has been compulsory, and the Annapurna Circuit trek is no exception to this rule. TIMS card helps to keep a record of all the trekker's movements alongside their details for the safety purpose of the trekkers and easy rescue operation on the trail if needed. There are two types of TIMS cards: one assigned to individual trekkers and another assigned to the group. The TIMS card for single trekkers is green in colour, whereas the one for the group is blue. Before, one could get the green TIMS card on their own. But since April 2023, even solo trekkers have needed to apply for the TIMS card through a registered travel agency and have a guide who is going to assist their Annapurna Circuit trek.

The documents required to obtain the Trekker's Information System Card are a copy of a valid passport, two passport-size pictures, a detailed itinerary, details of the trekking agency, and emergency contact details in your home country.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits Costs

The price for Annapurna Conservation Area differs for foreigners and trekkers from the SAARC nations. Trekkers who are citizens of the SAARC countries are liable to pay Nepali rupees 1000 + 13% VAT for the ACAP permit. For other foreign trekkers, the cost of the ACAP is Nepali rupees 3000 + 13% VAT.

Just like the ACAP permit, the cost of a TIMS card differs depending on the trekker's nationality. For foreigners, it is Nepali rupees 2000 + 13% VAT, and for citizens of SAARC nations, it is Nepali rupees 1000 + 13% VAT.

Note: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS card are free for children under 10 years of age.

Where do you get the permits needed for the Annapurna Conservation Area trek?

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit can be obtained from the National Tourism Board. It is located in two places in Nepal: Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) and Pokhara. Depending on which location is more accessible, you can get your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit from there.

The other governmental body that provides the ACAP permit is the National Trust for Nature Conservation NTNC, which is situated in Kathmandu (Pradarshani Marga) and Pokhara. If you do not want to get the ACAP permit from Kathmandu or Pokhara, the last place is Besi Sahar, Lamjung.

To save you some stress, we suggest you get the permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara, not while you are on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Getting a permit on the trail can cost you some additional money.

The TIMS card must be obtained through a trekking/travel agency, which will do all the work on your behalf. You need to provide them with the required documents and the money.

Tip: trekkers can easily get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit from the official website of the Nepal Tourism Board.

Also Read:

Annapurna Circuit Trek in July

Annapurna circuit trek in April: Weather, Pros and Cons

Is a Restricted Area Permit needed for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Few places in Nepal are labelled as restricted areas as the government keeps these places on top of the priority list for their protection or conservation in every way possible. To trek through these restricted areas, one needs a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). However, the Annapurna Circuit trek doesn't include any of the restricted places. So, trekkers do not need a Restricted Area Permit for this trek.

Note: some of the places in Nepal that require the Restricted Area Permit are Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, etc.

Can trekkers get permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek without a guide or travel agency?

No, since the law to ban solo trekkers has been implemented in Nepal since April 1st, 2023, you need to go through a registered travel agency to get a TIMS card. There is no way an individual trekker is handed the permit without the assistance of a travel agency, as the Annapurna region abides by this law. Why such a law you may ask. Well, according to the authorised governmental bodies, the ban on solo trekkers is to increase the safety of the people as solo trekkers can get in more trouble without anyone around to help them. In the group, there is always some assistance, and having guides ensures nothing goes wrong on the trail. Another main motive for implementing this law is to increase the employment opportunities for the local guides and give them more recognition. In conclusion, you can't get a TIMS card without a travel agency and a guide.

Some must-know facts about the trekking permits of the Annapurna Circuit trek (TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

1. For both TIMS and ACAP permits, you need to pay in Nepali currency, any other currencies of other nations are not accepted.

2. TIMS card and ACAP permit are valid for 90 days (3 months). After this period, you cannot continue the Annapurna Circuit trek with these permits.

3. Even if you decide to change your mind and do not want to trek anymore the price paid for the permits is non-refundable.

4. Before starting the Annapurna Circuit trek, make sure you have both the TIMS card and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit.

5. The TIMS card and ACAP permit are for single use that is they are valid only for a single entry.

6. You must be able to show a permit anywhere on the Annapurna Circuit trek at any time when asked by authorised personnel.

7. Permits must be used by the permit holder only (the person whose documents are used to issue the permit), or legal action will be taken.

8. In cases where one is in genuine trouble and needs to get permits at the checkpoints, 100% of the additional charge is added to the original cost.

What is the process for obtaining permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek through a travel agency?

First and foremost, you need to do your research and find an authorised travel agency to guide you on your trek. After deciding on the agency, give them your detailed itinerary. The travel agency then asks you for all the documents required to get both the permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek (TIMS card and ACAP permit). You need to provide them with those documents. Pay the travel agency fees for the permits needed. Now be patient and wait for the agency to proceed further. After getting all the treks for the Annapurna Circuit trek you are good to embark on your journey.