Annapurna Trek permit and cost

Trekking in the Annapurna region is considered to be one of the most fabulous and one of the best trekking routes in Nepal. Trekking to Annapurna region gives you the experience of the classic Himalayan trails and takes you through varied landscapes ranging from the subtropical green forests hills to alpine forest and barren land to snowline. Along with the diverse climate zones and topography, you get to experience diverse culture covering Hindu and Buddhist villages of Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, and Magar at the foothills to the Tibetan culture influenced villages of Manange, Luba and Sherpa in the higher altitude area of the region.

There are many trekking options when it comes to trekking in the Annapurna region including the Annapurna circuit trek, Annapurna Base camp trek, Tilicho lake trek, Manang village trek etc. The most of the Annapurna trek can be done independently, with or without guides, in groups, with family.

For the trek to Annapurna Region you are required to obtain following entry permits and fees given below:

1. TIMS Card

All trekkers must acquire the TIMS card before trekking to Annapurna region of Nepal.TIMS card is a Trekkers’ Information Management System card implemented jointly by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to gather the proper record of trekkers in Nepal to ensure the safety and security of trekkers as well as to control illegal trekking operations in Nepal. The provision of TIMS came into effect on January 1, 2008.

The information of the trekkers uploaded in the visitor’s database has been very helpful to increase the safety and security and carry out search and rescue operation as information can be easily accessed from database in case of accidents and natural calamities. This system has helped in rescue and search mission in spotting the missing trekkers.

The charge for TIMS card is given below:

For SAARC Nationals

  • Group Trekkers: NRs 300 per person
  • Free Individual trekkers: NRs. 600 person

For other Nationals

  • Group Trekkers (GITs): NRs 1000 per person
  • Free Individual Trekkers(FITs): NRs 2000 per person

2. ACAP entry permit

ACAP stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Project which is the largest conservation area and the largest Protected Area in Nepal under National Trust for Nature Conservation. Covering an area of 7,629 km2, most part of Annapurna trekking trails falls under protected area. Annapurna region is home to over 100,000 residents of different cultural and linguistic groups and the treasure house of various flora and fauna. The natural and cultural features of the Annapurna region make this region the most popular trekking destination on Nepal attracting a majority of the trekkers.

The soaring number of visitors has exerted immense pressure on the natural heritage of this region. Similarly, the waste produced by trekkers and hoteliers is also a major concern. In order to manage Annapurna region concept of the conservation area are brought to achieve the sustained balance between nature and socio-economic improvement in the Annapurna region and to assist NTNC. The revenue collects through ACAP permits are invested back to the region, its resources and its community.

ACAP entry permit cost is given below:

  • For Nepali Nationals: NRs 100
  • For SAARC Nationals: NRs 1000
  • For other Nationals: NRs. 3000

Where to apply for a TIMS card?

The TIMS card can be obtained from:

  • Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap,
  • TAAN Office in Maligaun,
  • TAAN TIMS counter in Saatghumti, Thamel, and
  • TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara.

Where to apply for  ACAP entry permit?

The most convenient place to apply for ACAP entry permit are:

  • Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
  • Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside
  • ACAP entry permit counter in Besisahar and Lamjung

Document required for TIMS card and ACAP entry permit

For applying for TIMS card and ACAP entry permit you need to have the following documents:

  • The passport
  • Trekking itinerary and
  • Two passport photos

The prices of the permit are subject to change. Please follow the official links: https://www.taan.org.np/pages/where-and-how-to-obtain of Tourism Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) or https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/tims-card.html of Nepal Tourism Board for updates and further information.