Permits For Annapurna Circuit Trek
On March 3, 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal(TAAN) passed a law banning solo trekkers in Nepal. Since April 1, 2023, all the treks in Nepal are under this rule except for the Everest region. The government of Nepal says the motive behind banning solo backpackers is to provide more security on the trails, as there were an alarming number of missing cases.
Furthermore, it also increases employment opportunities for local guides. There have been a few changes in rules and regulations regarding permits since. So, here is your new and revised guide to obtaining Annapurna Circuit Trek permits.
What are the permits needed for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
As of February 2024, you need two permits, namely the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. Let’s dive deeper into how and where to get these permits and how much they cost.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Every trek in Nepal that passes through a conservation area or national park requires a conservation area permit. As the Annapurna Circuit trek takes you through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must obtain the ACAP. Moreover, types of permits ensure the protection of wild flora and fauna.
Information and documents required to obtain the ACAP are:
- Two recent passport-size photos of the trekker
- A photocopy of the passport
- Information about the detailed itinerary
- Details of the travel agency you are trekking with
- Details of your guide
- Your contact information back to your home country
Where can one obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?
So, Two governmental bodies of Nepal can provide you with ACAP. The first is The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). NTB is located in two different places in Nepal, namely Pokhara and Kathmandu.
The other governmental body that can provide ACAP is the Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation. Two locations of NTNC are Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can go to any of these governmental bodies at any of the two locations mentioned. Then apply to obtain the ACAP by following their instructions and guidelines.
The other two places you can obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area permit are on the trail. There are two stations at Besi Sahar and Lamjung where you can receive ACAP. However, it is not convenient for you to go through all the hassles of it while you are Trekking. Therefore, obtaining the permit either in Kathmandu or Pokhara is more feasible.
How much does the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit cost?
The price of the ACAP varies with your nationality and age. For the trekkers from SAARC countries, it is Nepali rupees 1000 per person; for foreigners from other nations, it is Nepali rupees 3000 per person; and for children below ten years, it is free of cost.
Note: add 13% VAT to the abovementioned cost for both categories.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
A TIMS card is required to keep track of all the trekkers on the trail for their safety purposes and easy rescue if needed.
Information and documents required to obtain the TIMS card are:
- Two recent passport-size photos
- A photocopy of your passport
- Information about the detailed itinerary
- Details of the travel agency you are trekking with
- Your emergency contact information back to your home country
Where can one obtain the TIMS Card?
Since the ban on solo trekking, trekkers can’t obtain TIMS cards alone. Therefore, first you must give all the documents and information required to a registered travel agency. Now, you leave the rest to them.
How much does the TIMS card cost?
For the trekkers from SAARC countries, it is NRs 1000 + 13% VAT per person. Foreigners from other nations, pay Nepali rupees NRs 2000 + 13% VAT per person. Children below ten years don’t pay to obtain a permit.
What is the penalty for trekking the Annapurna Circuit trek without obtaining the required permits?
If anyone tries to go on the trek without a TIMS card or the ACAP permit, they face a legal charge. Moreover, One may face a few months of jail time or both.
As of March 2023, if a trekker treks alone without a guide on the Annapurna Circuit trail without a TIMS card or guide, they are penalized with a Nepali rupees 12000/ USD 90.37 fine.
Similarly, if a trekking agency takes groups to the Annapurna Circuit trek without a TIMS card, they have to pay a fine of Nepali rupees 10000 / USD 75.31 per person.
