Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits: Everything You Need to Know
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular multi-day treks in Nepal. Before you set off and start enjoying the landscape and 8000-meter high peaks, you need to arrange your trekking permits. In this travel guide, we share everything you need to know about Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits and tips on where to obtain both TIMS and ACAP.
Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is often considered one of the best multi-day treks in the Himalayas. Thanks to the possibility of hiking the trail either independently or with a guide and porter, every traveler - an avid hiker or a mountain enthusiast without any experience - has a chance to finish the loop.
As the trek has been gaining popularity, the Nepalese government decided it is necessary to protect nature and develop a better trail system to preserve the environment and increase hikers' safety.
That's why every traveler, before the adventure, has to obtain Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits.
Yes, plural, Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits consist of two types of permissions - TIMS and ACAP.
Luckily, both of them can be arranged quite easily, either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
If you plan on hiking Annapurna Circuit with a guide or as part of a group, your guide or tour manager will likely arrange both permits on your behalf - you will only have to provide him with details and passport photos.
But if you want to trek Annapurna Circuit independently, arranging trekking permissions is one of the most important steps in the planning process you should not underestimate.
We know that in many Asian countries, there's a lot of unnecessary paperwork, but you will have to show the permit many times along the trail, so make sure you have it and do not lose it.
It is always better to take a photo of your ACAP and TIMS card and keep it in your phone.
So without any further ado, here's how to get Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits.
WHERE TO GET THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING PERMITS
Both ACAP and TIMS card can be obtained in either Kathmandu and Pokhara. We could see that several agencies offer this service online, but honestly, we found the offer overpriced, and it made more sense to get these permissions independently.
On the other hand, if you are not an experienced traveler and want to have all the paperwork done without arranging it yourself, it is good to know this possibility exists.
If you are an independent hiker, this is where you have to go to get the permit.
As we landed in Kathmandu and wanted to start the Annapurna Circuit in Besisahar, we went to Kathmandu's office.
As our plane was delayed, we decided to take a cab from the airport directly to the office and then we walked from there to Thamel, where we had booked a hotel room.
Nepal Tourism Office in Kathmandu is located on Pradarshani Marg street and is opened every day between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The office in Pokhara is also easily accessible. Just enter in Google Maps Nepal Tourism Board Service Center - the office is close to the lake's shore, about fifteen minutes walk from Pokhara's true center.
We could find information that it is possible to obtain an ACAP permit in Besisahar as well.
Still, as you need both ACAP and TIMS, we would have opted for arranging it either in Kathmandu or Pokhara as it is a much safer alternative to get everything ready in larger cities than in a small village at the beginning of Annapurna Circuit.
TIMS
TIMS alias Trekker's Information Management System is a database that enhances all hikers' safety in Nepal. Once you pay the fee, your name and travel plans will be entered into the system.
Local authorities can use the info for better planning the sustainability in certain areas, but also in case something happens to you in the mountains, this database will be helpful on a rescue mission.
TIMS is compulsory for the majority of treks in Nepal, not only for the Annapurna Circuit.
What do you need to get the TIMS card? You need your passport (a photocopy should be enough) and two passport photos.
You will also have to fill out a form (you’ll get one on the spot), where you should provide the agency with the following details: your planned Annapurna Circuit itinerary, how many days you'll spend on the road, entry and exit points, emergency contact in your home country, emergency contact in Nepal (you can provide travel agency or hotel's number) and insurance number.
We know that the itinerary can change a bit - we took an unplanned detour to Tilicho Lake that extended our Annapurna Circuit, no worries, this is ok.
TIMS fee is 2000 NPR, which is approximately an equivalent of 17 USD but must be paid in rupees (the latest info we have is that it might be possible to pay in dollars on the spot, but the exchange rate is not in travelers' favor).
There's an ATM just right in front of the office in Kathmandu, in case you do not have enough cash.
ACAP
ACAP, also known as ANCAP that stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, is unlike TIMS, designed solely for the Annapurna Area.
As the name suggests, the permit and the fee you will pay support the conservation of the area.
Applying for ACAP is a very similar process to applying for TIMS. Again, you need your passport and another 2 passport photos - that means you must have 4 passport photos in total to go through this process successfully.
Then, you have to fill a very similar form and answer questions about your insurance, trekking route, and planned itinerary.
ACAP costs 3000 NPR, 25.50 USD.
Both permits will cost you less than 50 USD.
THE PROCESS OF GETTING ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING PERMITS
As we've already mentioned, we got our permits in Kathmandu. Both permits can be obtained in the same office. Once you get TIMS, you just move to another desk, where is the form for ACAP.
In return, you will get two cards with your photos and stamps.
Make sure you keep these cards all the time with you, as you will have to show them both at various checkpoints along the Annapurna Circuit.
How long does it take to get Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits?
It really depends on the time of the day and the season. We did the hike at the turn of March and April and received both permits in less than 30 minutes, but the office was empty.
If you arrive at a busy time, you may have to wait in a queue for some time, but we think it should not take more than two hours.
If there's one tip we should give you - do not arrive just before closing time; try to get to the office in the morning to increase your chances for the smooth process.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We've already mentioned that you need a travel insurance number for getting trekking permits in Nepal. We actually think it is an excellent idea as travel insurance is, according to us, a must-have when traveling abroad.
Trekking in the Himalaya mountains is beautiful, but many things can go wrong - altitude sickness is one of the most common reasons behind rescue missions.
And believe us, it is not cheap to get from the mountains back to civilization. Especially once you leave the area of Manang or before you reach Jomsom on the other side.
When planning your trip, make sure your insurance covers sports activities and that also it covers hiking in the altitude - the highest point on the trail is Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters above sea level!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU
If you plan to arrange your permits in Kathmandu, it still pays off to find a room in Thamel, a lively district with many hotels, hostels, shops, restaurants, and tour agencies.
You can take to the tourism board a cab, but we decided to walk, and it was completely fine as well.
We've handpicked the three best hotels in Kathmandu for every type of traveler; feel free to get inspired.
Budget | Hotel Dali Nepal - If you look for cheap accommodation, this hostel might be exactly what you want. Rooms are clean, and the service for the price is perfect.
Mid-range | Kathmandu Grand Hotel - Great value for money, perfect location, clean rooms, and tasty buffet breakfast is worth it.
Luxury | Baber Mahal Vilas - This hotel is a real luxury in the very heart of Kathmandu. If you want to disconnect from the outside busy streets, check out the rooms' photos - they look stunning.
Alternatively, search for your accommodation in Pokhara.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
