Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
Are you planning to visit the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal? If so, you may need more than just a plane ticket and some sturdy walking boots. To access this incredible trekking destination, you will need Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits.
The Annapurna region of Nepal is known for its stunning mountain vistas, awe-inspiring wildlife, and world-class trekking opportunities. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. But before you can start your journey to this unspoiled paradise, there are permit regulations that must be followed.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits – from when and where to buy them, how much they cost, and what kinds of activities are allowed within the trekking area. We will also discuss other documents that are essential for the safe completion of the trek. So if your dream is to set foot in the base camp situated near two majestic peaks – Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), then this blog post is for you.
Hikers on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek must organize the necessary permits in advance for the journey. In this article, we will discuss Annapurna Base Camp trekking permits for the trip and how to acquire them.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits Details | Ultimate Guide
Annapurna Base Camp Trek lies inside the protected zone in the Annapurna region. So, for the trek inside Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need an entry fee and a TIMS card. These Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits are available for tourists with a small cost attached to them.
As the Annapurna Region is gaining popularity, the government has decided to make a better trail system to preserve the environment and hikers’ safety. So, every trekker, before the ABC has to obtain Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits.
If you are planning to trek with a guide or are engaged in any package trip, your travel agency or tour manager will arrange all your paperwork on your behalf. You will only need to provide him with details, a passport, and some photos. But, if you are trekking independently, arranging a permit is one of the most important steps in the planning process that you should not underestimate
In this blog post, we are digging into the permit requirements during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, their costs, and the document needed to issue the permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit
ACAP, which stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, is designed solely for the conservation area. As the name itself suggests, the permit fee will go towards the protection and support of the ACAP.
To conserve natural resources, it was established in 1992. After the conservation area is declared a protected area of Nepal, tourists traveling through this area need to pay an entry fee. The National Trust for Nature Conservation manages all those permits and fees. So, some portion of the fees you pay will go to this trust for conserving and managing this area.
Where can I get an ACAP pass?
We will get an ACAP permit either in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. You can also see that many trekking companies are also offering this service and handling all your paperwork. If you are planning to manage your entry pass by yourself, this is where you have to go to get the permit.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu is located on Pradarsahni Marga Street and it will open every day between 10 AM to 4 PM. Talking about Pokhara, you can find the office near Lakeside. It is about 15 15-minute walk from Pokhara True Center.
Required Documents for ACAP Permit
To enter the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal, you will need to obtain an ACAP permit. To get this, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- A completed ACAP application form can be obtained from the Department of Immigration or the NTB.
- You may also need to provide proof of travel insurance.
It is important to note that the Annapurna Conservation Area is a protected area, and certain activities, such as climbing, may require additional Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits. You should also be prepared to follow any rules and regulations in place to protect the environment and local communities.
Cost of ACAP Entry Fee
The cost of the ACAP varies depending on the length of your stay and the type of activities you will be doing in the conservation area.
For trekkers, the ACAP fee is as follows:
Conservation Areas | Nepali | SAARC | Foreigners | Child discount |
Annapurna Conservation Area | NRs. 150 per person per visit | NRs. 1,000 per person per visit | NRs. 3,000 per person per visit | Below 10 yrs free |
There are also additional fees for other activities, such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting. For example, the fee for rock climbing is approximately $26 for a single peak and approximately $43 for multiple peaks. The fee for whitewater rafting is approximately $9 per person per day.
Terms and Conditions for ACAP Permit
The Annapurna Conservation Area is a protected area in Nepal that covers an area of 7,629 square kilometers in the Annapurna mountain range. Trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area requires a permit, which can be obtained from the NTB or authorized trekking agencies.
Here are some general terms and conditions for obtaining an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit:
- Foreign nationals must have a valid passport to obtain a permit.
- The permit is valid for a specific period and must be carried with you while trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- The permit is non-transferable and can only be used by the person to whom it was issued.
- It is mandatory to register at the checkpoints along the trekking route and to show the permit when requested.
- Trekkers must respect the local culture and customs of the communities in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Trekkers must not litter or damage the environment in any way.
- Trekkers must have adequate insurance coverage for the duration of the trek.
Please note that these are just general terms and conditions, and the specific requirements for obtaining an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit may vary. It is recommended to contact the Nepal Tourism Board or an authorized trekking agency for the most up-to-date and complete information.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) is a database system used by the Nepal Tourism Board to collect information about trekkers and other visitors in Nepal. It was implemented to improve safety and security for trekkers, as well as to better manage the flow of visitors to the country’s popular trekking routes.
To use TIMS, trekkers are required to register and obtain a TIMS card. This can be done through a registered trekking agency or the NTB. TIMS is compulsory for most of the treks in Nepal, not only for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Required Documents for TIMS Card
To obtain a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card in Nepal, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- A completed TIMS application form can be obtained from a registered trekking agency or the NTB.
You may also need to provide proof of travel insurance, as well as a letter of recommendation from a trekking agency if you are planning to go on a guided trek.
Cost for TIMS Card
The cost of the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card in Nepal is NPR 2,000 (approximately $17) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 (approximately $9) for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals. The fee must be paid in rupees, so exchange enough money before you are going to get a TIMS card.
How do I get a TIMS Card?
To get a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card in Nepal, you can follow these steps:
- Contact a registered trekking agency or visit the Nepal Tourism Board to obtain a TIMS application form.
- Fill out the TIMS application form and provide the required documents, including a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration and two passport-sized photos.
- Submit the completed application form and required documents to the trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board.
- Pay the TIMS card fee, which is NPR 2,000 (approximately $17) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 (approximately $9) for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals.
- Wait for your TIMS card to be processed and issued. This may take a few days, depending on the workload of the agency or the Nepal Tourism Board.
It is important to note that the TIMS card is required for all trekkers in Nepal, regardless of the route or duration of the trek. You will need to present your TIMS card at various checkpoints along the trekking routes. You should also be prepared to follow any rules and regulations in place to protect the environment and local communities and to respect the rights and traditions of local people.
Terms and Conditions for TIMS Card
The Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card is a permit issued by the Nepal Tourism Board that allows you to trek in Nepal. Here are some general terms and conditions for obtaining a TIMS Card:
- Foreign nationals must have a valid passport to obtain a TIMS card.
- The TIMS Card is valid for a specific period and must be carried with you while trekking in Nepal.
- The card is non-transferable and can only be used by the person to whom it was issued.
- It is mandatory to register at the checkpoints along the trekking route and to show the TIMS Card when requested.
- Trekkers must respect the local culture and customs of the communities in Nepal.
- Trekkers must not litter or damage the environment in any way.
Please note that these are just general terms and conditions, and the specific requirements for obtaining a TIMS Card may vary. It is recommended to contact the Nepal Tourism Board or an authorized trekking agency for the most up-to-date and complete information.
Contact Details for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
Nepal Tourism Board
Pradhasani Marg, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 1 4256909
info@ntb.org.np
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Maligaun, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-1-4427473, 4440920
info@taan.org.np
Department of Immigration
Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu
+977-01-4429659, 4429660
info@nepalimmigration.gov.np
FAQ about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
What are the trekking permits required for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp?
The permit required for the Annapurna Base Camp trek is called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
What is the total cost of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits?
The cost for ACAP to foreign nationals is NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20) and for SAARC nationals is NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 10). For treks of more than 7 days, the cost for foreign nationals is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) and for SAARC nationals is NPR 1,500 (approximately USD 15).
The cost for TIMS to foreign nationals is NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20) and for SAARC nationals is NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 10).
Can I pay Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits fees in Foreign Currency?
No, the Annapurna permit fee cannot be paid in U.S. dollars or any other foreign money. You will need Nepalese rupees to get them. You may obtain Nepalese rupees quickly from ATMs and currency exchangers.
Is TIMS necessary for trekking in the Annapurna region?
Yes, the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card is required for most trekking routes in Nepal, including the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Where do we get our Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits?
To trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, you will need to obtain a trekking permit from the Nepal Tourism Board or an authorized trekking agency.
Does my local trekking guide need an entry permit to the Annapurna region?
If you are hiring a local guide to assist you with your trek in the Annapurna Base Camp, they will generally not need their own separate entry permit. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and other necessary trekking permits will be obtained in your name and your guide will be able to enter the region with you.
In the end,
There were the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits necessary to get into the Annapurna region. It only costs around 50 USD for the total permit cost. So, make sure to get all the permits required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Keep it safe with you, so it doesn’t get lost while trekking. You will also be asked by the different officials at different points, you can show it to them. These permits will be useful for any trek to the Annapurna region.
If your trek is managed tour manager or travel agency, they will get all these permits so that you don’t have to deal with paperwork hassles.