Are you planning a trek to the Annapurna Circuit for the year 2026? If yes, the first thing you should do is obtain the necessary permit to enable you to climb the Annapurna Circuit. You should get TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System), which costs about NPR 2,000 (around $20), and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), which costs about NPR 3,000 (around $25). Additionally, you must follow the permit application process to get both of these permits, which includes visiting the office, filling out the form, submitting the required documents, and collecting the permits. To obtain both permits, you need to provide documents such as your passport, visa, insurance details, guide information, and trekking details. By understanding it, you would be able to avoid last-minute problems and difficulties.

In this blog, we provide information regarding what a trekking permit is and why it matters, which permits are required for the Annapurna circuit trek, its costs, processes and documents. Along with this, we also give some insights about where you can get the permits and tips to get them easily.

What is a Trekking Permit, and why does it matter?

A trekking permit is an official document issued by a government or local authority that allows you to enter and trek protected areas. It helps the authorities to monitor and manage the number of visitors. In addition to that, trekking permits also ensure the safety of trekkers by tracking them. To get the permits, you should pay some amount of money. The fees collected from permits are often contributed to conservation efforts and maintenance of trails. Some of the reasons why the trekking permits matter are listed below:

  • With a trekking permit, authorities can rescue you in any emergency situations (illness and accidents)

  • It helps monitor and manage the flow of visitors to popular sites, reducing overcrowding and environmental damage.

  • Trekking permits are also used to safeguard the unique local cultures and heritage of popular places by controlling the number of visitors.

  • Fees collected from the permits are utilized for trail maintenance, protecting forests and wildlife, and supporting local communities.

Permits required for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

acap

To enter and trek in the protected areas of the Annapurna Circuit trek, permits are essential. The permits ensure that you follow legal requirements and adhere to the rules. There are only 2 permits you should have for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The two permits required for the Annapurna Circuit trek are TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). The purpose of these permits not only allows trekkers to climb the Himalayas legally, but they also help in the promotion of a safe and environmentally as well as socially responsible trek. The two types, along with their descriptions of Annapurna Circuit trek permits, are mentioned below:

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): This permit is mandatory for you to enter and trek into Nepal’s Annapurna region. The primary purpose of the ACAP is to ensure the conservation of the region’s biodiversity. It is vital for the conservation of the environment as well as the different ecosystems found in the region, such as forests, rivers, and the glaciers of the Himalayas. Documents required to acquire the ACAP include a copy of the passport, a visa, and photographs. A digital ACAP permit can be obtained from the NTNC permit portal by filling in the required details.

  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System): The trekkers must get a TIMS card for the Annapurna circuit trek. This card ensures the trekkers’ safety by maintaining their details in a database, including their passport details, trekking plans, and emergency contacts. This card also helps the authorities to keep track of any plans and movements of the trekkers, which will be handy in case of landslides, altitude-related problems, or other weather hazards. It also promotes trekking in a controlled manner to avoid congestion in trekking routes and for the safety of the trekkers. The TIMS cards are of 2 types, i.e, blue cards for the trekkers in groups and green cards for the individual trekkers. You can get a digital TIMS permit from the NTB portal by filling in the required details.

How much do the permits cost?

Anyone who is trekking on the Annapurna Circuit must have TIMS and ACAP permits. To get these Annapuna circuit trek permits, you have to pay some amount of money. The cost depends on the country where you come from. The question can arise, “How much do we need to pay for the permits?” We are here to tell you about it. The Annapurna circuit trek permit price are as follows:

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):

    • The cost of ACAP for locals is NPR 100

    • The price of ACAP for SAARC Nations is NPR 1,000 (around $10).

    • Price of ACAP for foreigners is NPR 3,000 (around $25)

  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System):

    • Free for those below 10 years of age.

    • Takes around NPR 1,000 if you are from the SAARC countries.

    • Cost around NPR 2,000 (around $20) for a foreign nation.

What is the process for getting permits?

Before you begin your trekking journey to the Annapurna Circuit, you must go through the permit acquisition process. Before you begin your trekking journey to the Annapurna Circuit, you must go through the permit acquisition process. There are various step by step processes through which you can obtain your permits. Obtaining the permits ensures that you can enter the protected areas, stay safe on the trail, and contribute to the preservation of the environment and local communities. You can simply get the permits if you have booked through a travel agency, or you need to follow the step-by-step process, which is listed below:

  • Step 1: Gather the documents: At the very first step, you need to arrange the documents such as an original passport and Nepal visa, passport photocopy, passport-sized photos (2), money, and insurance details before going to the permits office.

  • Step 2: Go to the permit office: After gathering the documents required to obtain the permits, you can go to the permit office. You may visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) or the TAAN office located in Kathmandu or the NTB Office in Pokhara. Furthermore, you may also visit the ACAP counter located dam side in Pokhara.

  • Step 3: Fill the forms: This involves you getting to the office to fill out the forms for the ACAP and TIMS permits. The process of filling the forms will also entail you providing your personal info, contacts, as well as your trekking schedule.

  • Step 4: Submit and pay: Once you finish filling out the form, you submit it along with the required documents to the counter. Then, you need to pay the fees for the permits there. The fees for TIMS and ACAP truly depend on what type of tourist you are.

  • Step 5: Collect permits: After you submit your documents and pay for the permits, you will take the permits. Once you receive the permits, you verify your name, dates, and route.

What are the essential documents required for getting permits?

To get the TIMS and ACAP permits, there are certain documents you should have. These documents must be submitted to process your permits successfully. If you fail to present any of these documents, it may cause delays or the permit may be denied. Therefore, you should have all the essential documents in order not to face any problems while trekking and at the checkpoints. The following are the required documents for acquiring permits. They are:

  • Application forms: It is essential to fill out the form for both the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) correctly to get the permits.Nepal visa: Make sure your visa is valid and will remain valid for the whole period of stay in the country.

  • Trekking details: It should include the detailed itinerary such as routes, dates, entry/exit point, emergency contacts and any other relevant information.

  • Insurance: You should provide your details regarding travel insurance. The insurance policy should cover emergency evacuation.

  • Guide details: You should include the verification of the hiring of the licensed guide authorized for accompanying trekkers in the Annapurna region.

  • Passport photos: You should bring at least 2 to 4 recent passport-sized photos for your trekking permits and any related documentation.

Where can I get the Annapurna Circuit Trek permit?

Obtaining the permits, such as ACAP and TIMS, is a must for the Annapurna Circuit trek. If you have booked an agency for this trek, they will manage the permits. However, if you prefer not to go with an agency, you have to obtain them yourself. But, the question can arise, “From where can we get the Annapurna circuit trek permit?” Well, the Annapurna circuit trek permit can be obtained from 3 places. Those 3 places are listed below:

  • Kathmandu: You can get both permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office, which is situated in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Additionally, you can also obtain the permits from the TAAN office, situated at Maligaun, Ganeshthan, Kathmandu.

  • Pokhara: The ACAP and TIMS permits can both be obtained from trekking permit offices in Pokhara. You can go to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) located at Pardi, Damside, Ward No. 17, or the TAAN office, situated in the Lakeside area.

  • Trail Entry Points: Both permits can be obtained from Besisahar in case you cannot manage them in Kathmandu. The TIMS as well as ACAP permits can be collected from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Besisahar.

Note: TIMS permits can be obtained digitally through the NTB portal, while ACAP permits are available digitally through the NTNC e-permit portal.

Tips for Obtaining Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits

Using the right tips to obtain Annapurna Circuit trek permits can help you make the process faster and hassle-free. By applying these, you can get both ACAP and TIMS permits smoothly. Some of the tips by which you can easily obtain the Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits are listed below:

  • Apply for the permits several days in advance to avoid delays.

  • Bring additional passport-sized photos to use in case they become necessary.

  • Note the Nepalese public holidays, which may affect the working hours.

  • Assemble all documents, such as proof of travel insurance and a visa.

  • Check the form for completeness and authenticity before it is submitted.

  • Keep both the printed and digital copies of all the documents you have, as this may help you if any issue arises, such as being lost or getting wet.

  • Keep updated regarding the latest rule given by the NTB and the local trekking agency.

Conclusion

Getting the Annapurna Circuit Trek permit is an important step for you if you are planning this trek in 2026. You should get TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) to make your journey smooth. To get an ACAP permit, you should pay NPR 3,000 (around $25), and for a TIMS permit, the cost is NPR 2,000 (around $20). The documents such as passport, visa, trekking details, insurance and guide details are a must for permits. These permits can be obtained from either NTB or TAAN, which are situated in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

In this blog, we provide information regarding what a trekking permit is and why it matters, which permits are required for the Annapurna circuit trek, its costs, processes and documents. Along with this, we have also given some insights about where you can get the permits and tips to get them easily. For further information regarding the Annapurna circuit trek, feel free to check out some other blogs. Additionally, if you are interested in trekking, contact Destiny Excursion – one of the best trekking and tourism companies in Nepal.

Ready to start your journey? Book the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Destiny Excursion and we’ll handle permits, guides, and logistics end to end.

FAQ on Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit

Do I need any other additional permits for the Annapurna circuit trek?

No, you do not need any other permit besides ACAP and TIMS to do the Annapurna circuit trek. These two are enough to trek the ordinary route of the Annapurna Circuit. Additional permits are required only if you plan to enter restricted areas.

Is there a portal that can be used to obtain TIMS and ACAP permits digitally?

Yes, there is a portal through which you can get these permits digitally. TIMS can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) portal, whereas ACAP permits can be obtained through the NTNC e-permit portal.

What Happens If You Trek Without a Permit?

There are various consequences that you might face while trekking the Annapurna Circuit without a valid permit of ACAP and TIMS. These include:

  • Fines and Penalties

  • Being Turned Back

  • Legal Trouble

  • Blacklisting

  • No Rescue or Support

At which points are permits checked during the Annapurna Circuit trek?

There are checkpoints along the way where the authorities check to make sure that the permits of the trekkers are in order. These checkpoints include the following locations:

  • Besisahar

  • Chame

  • Manang

  • Muktinath

  • Jomsom