If you are planning the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will probably want to know which permits you need, how much they cost, and where you can get them.
The good news is that the permit process for the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek is relatively straightforward. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. At present, TIMS is not required for the Annapurna Circuit, and you do not need a separate Restricted Area Permit for the standard route. A guide is also not mandatory, although I recommend hiring an experienced local guide for safety, navigation, and support in the mountains.
I have worked with trekkers traveling through Nepal for years, and I know that permit information can sometimes be confusing because requirements and procedures change. In this guide, I will explain what you need to know before starting your Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Standard Annapurna Circuit Trek |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Required |
| ACAP fee for foreign nationals | NPR 3,000 |
| ACAP fee for SAARC nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| TIMS card | Not currently required |
| Guide | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Restricted Area Permit | Not required for the standard route |
| Separate Thorong La permit | Not required |
What Permit Do You Need for the Annapurna Circuit?
The main permit required for the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
You need this permit because the Annapurna Circuit passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of Nepal's most important protected areas. The permit helps support conservation and management efforts while contributing to the protection of the natural environment and local communities.
You should arrange your ACAP permit before entering the conservation area and keep the permit safely with you throughout your trek. You may be asked to show it at designated checkpoints along the route.
If you are trekking with an agency, your trekking company can usually arrange the permit for you as part of your pre-trek preparations.
How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost?
The ACAP fee depends on your nationality. The current fees are:
- Foreign nationals: NPR 3,000 per person
- SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person
- Children under 10: Exempt from the permit fee
The ACAP fee is charged per person and is not based on how many days you spend trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
For a standard Annapurna Circuit Trek, the ACAP is the main permit fee you need to consider. You do not need to pay a separate permit specifically to cross Thorong La Pass.
If you are planning your overall Annapurna Circuit Trek cost, remember that the permit is only one part of your total trekking expenses. Your guide, accommodation, transportation, meals, and other services will also contribute to the overall cost.
Because government fees can change, you should confirm the current permit cost before your trek.
Do You Need a TIMS Card for the Annapurna Circuit?
At the time of writing, TIMS is not currently required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
You may still find older websites and trekking articles stating that a TIMS card is mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit. This information may no longer reflect the current requirements because Nepal's trekking procedures have changed over time.
If you come across conflicting information, check when the article was published or last updated. You should always rely on the latest official information when preparing for your trek.
For the standard Annapurna Circuit, the ACAP remains the main conservation-area permit you need to arrange.
Is a Guide Mandatory for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
No, a guide is not mandatory for the standard Annapurna Circuit Trek.
If you are an experienced trekker, you can complete the route independently. You should be comfortable with navigation, arranging your accommodation and managing your own daily trekking schedule.
However, I personally recommend hiring an experienced local guide, particularly if you are trekking in Nepal for the first time.
For me, the biggest benefits of having a guide are safety and navigation. The Annapurna Circuit is a long journey through remote mountain areas, and the route eventually reaches Thorong La Pass at approximately 5,416 metres.
A good guide can help you:
- Navigate the trail and choose the correct route
- Understand changing weather and trail conditions
- Recognize early signs of altitude-related problems
- Adjust your pace and itinerary when necessary
- Find accommodation during busy trekking seasons
- Communicate with local communities
- Respond to unexpected situations or emergencies
- Learn more about the culture, history, and landscapes along the route
You can certainly trek independently if you are properly prepared. However, having someone with local experience can give you additional confidence, especially when conditions in the mountains become unpredictable.
Before deciding to trek independently, I also recommend understanding the Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty and the challenges involved in completing a high-altitude Himalayan trek.
Where Can You Get the Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit?
You can arrange your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) online or in person through the authorized permit offices in Nepal. If you prefer to apply in person, the main options are in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Kathmandu Permit Counter
Entry Permit Counter, Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 5322406
Office hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
You can arrange your ACAP here before traveling toward the Annapurna region. The Nepal Tourism Board's Tourist Service Center is also located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, which is a convenient location for trekkers staying in the capital.
Pokhara Permit Counter
Entry Permit Counter, Pokhara
Pokhara, Nepal
Phone: +977 61 453376
Office hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pokhara is a convenient option if you are traveling there before starting your Annapurna Circuit Trek.
You can also use the official online permit service if you prefer to complete the application before traveling.
If you are booking your Annapurna Circuit Trek through a registered trekking agency, you usually do not need to arrange the permit yourself. You can provide your passport details and other required information to your trekking company, and they can complete the necessary arrangements before your trek begins.
At World Alpine Treks, we arrange the required ACAP for our trekking guests and take care of the necessary permit preparations, allowing you to focus on getting ready for your journey into the Annapurna Himalayas.
How Do You Get an Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit?
Getting the ACAP is generally a straightforward process.
You need to provide the required personal information and valid passport details, complete the application through an authorized channel, and pay the applicable permit fee.
Once your permit is issued, you should keep it safely with you during your trek.
If you book through a trekking agency, you can provide your passport details and other required information to the agency in advance. The agency can then arrange the permit on your behalf, allowing you to focus on preparing for the trek rather than dealing with the paperwork yourself.
What Documents Do You Need for the ACAP Permit?
You should have a valid passport and the personal information required for the permit application.
Depending on where and how you apply, you may also be asked to provide additional information or a photograph.
If you are booking through a trekking agency, you can provide the required details to your agency before the trek. Your trekking company can guide you through the process and make sure the necessary information is prepared correctly.
I recommend checking that your passport details are accurate before submitting any permit application. Small errors in personal information can cause unnecessary delays during travel preparations.
Do You Need a Separate Permit for Thorong La Pass?
No. You do not need a separate permit specifically for crossing Thorong La Pass.
Thorong La is part of the standard Annapurna Circuit route, so your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit covers your entry into the conservation area.
At approximately 5,416 metres, Thorong La Pass is one of the most challenging sections of the trek. You should allow enough time for acclimatization before attempting the crossing and pay close attention to your health and the weather conditions.
I strongly recommend taking the crossing seriously, even if you are an experienced trekker. A guide can be particularly helpful here because they can monitor your condition, help you maintain an appropriate pace, and advise you about the safest time to cross based on the conditions.
Do You Need a Restricted Area Permit for the Annapurna Circuit?
No. The standard Annapurna Circuit Trek does not require a Restricted Area Permit.
For the regular Annapurna Circuit route, the main permit you need is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
If you are planning a different trekking itinerary that enters a restricted area, the permit requirements may be different. However, if you are following the standard Annapurna Circuit route, you do not need to arrange a Restricted Area Permit.
Can World Alpine Treks Arrange My Annapurna Circuit Permit?
Yes. If you book your Annapurna Circuit Trek with World Alpine Treks, we can arrange the required ACAP permit and help you prepare for your journey.
We can also assist with:
- Trekking permits and documentation
- Experienced local guide
- Porter arrangements
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Trekking itinerary
- Acclimatization planning
- Safety and emergency support
Our goal is to make the preparation as straightforward as possible so you can focus on enjoying the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit is one of my favorite trekking journeys in Nepal because of the incredible variety it offers. You move from lower valleys and traditional villages into the high Himalayas, eventually crossing the dramatic Thorong La Pass.
Good preparation is an important part of enjoying the journey. By arranging your permit, understanding the route and deciding whether you want to trek independently or with a guide, you can begin your adventure with greater confidence.
If you are still planning your itinerary, you may also want to learn about the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit before choosing your travel dates.
FAQs About Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits
What happens if I start the Annapurna Circuit without an ACAP?
You should not enter the Annapurna Conservation Area without the required ACAP. The permit is an important part of trekking in the region and may be checked at designated entry points or checkpoints along the route. I recommend arranging your permit before beginning your trek so you can travel without unnecessary complications.
Can I arrange my Annapurna Circuit permit before arriving in Nepal?
Yes. If an official online application service is available, you can arrange your ACAP online before traveling toward the Annapurna region. You will generally need your passport information, trekking details, emergency contact information, and a digital passport-size photograph. This can be a convenient option if you want to complete your permit arrangements in advance.
What photograph do I need for the ACAP application?
The photograph requirement depends on how you apply. For an online application, you should have a recent digital passport-size photograph ready to upload. If you apply at a permit counter, you should carry a printed passport-size photograph. I recommend preparing your photograph before starting the application to avoid delays.
Can someone else arrange my Annapurna Circuit permit?
Yes. If you are trekking with a registered trekking agency, the agency can arrange the required ACAP on your behalf. You normally need to provide your passport details, trekking information and other required documents in advance. This is one of the easiest options if you are booking an organized trek because your agency can take care of the permit preparations before you leave.
Do I need to carry my original passport when applying for ACAP?
You should have your valid passport available when arranging the permit because your personal information and passport details are required for the application. If you are using a trekking agency, you can provide the information they request so they can complete the necessary arrangements for you.
Can I change my trekking dates after getting the ACAP?
If your trekking dates change after your permit has been issued, you should check whether the change affects the validity or conditions of your permit. Permit procedures can vary depending on the current regulations, so it is best to confirm with the relevant permit authority or your trekking agency before starting the trek.
Is the ACAP fee the same for every nationality?
No. The current fee is NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Children under 10 years of age are exempt from the permit fee. If you are unsure which category applies to you, confirm your nationality status when applying.
Does the ACAP cover the entire Annapurna Circuit?
The ACAP covers entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the standard Annapurna Circuit route. If your planned itinerary includes areas outside the standard route, you should check whether any additional permits or permissions are required before you travel.
Can I use one ACAP for multiple treks within the Annapurna region?
Yes. You can use the same ACAP to explore multiple trekking routes, areas, or side trips within the Annapurna Conservation Area without leaving the protected area. You do not need a separate permit for each trek as long as your existing ACAP remains valid. However, once you exit the Annapurna Conservation Area, the same permit cannot be used to re-enter the area.
Are permit checkpoints present along the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes. There are official entry points and checkpoints where your permit may be checked during the trek. This is why I recommend keeping your ACAP and passport safely with you throughout the journey and storing them in a waterproof pouch to protect them from rain.
Does my trekking package include the ACAP fee?
This depends on the trekking package you book. Before confirming your trek, check the included and excluded sections of your itinerary to see whether the ACAP fee is included in the quoted price. At World Alpine Treks, we clearly explain the costs included in your package so you know what is covered before your trek begins.
Can World Alpine Treks arrange my Annapurna Circuit permit?
Yes. If you book your Annapurna Circuit Trek with World Alpine Treks, we can arrange the required ACAP as part of your trekking preparations. We can also help organize your guide, accommodation, transportation, and other trekking logistics, allowing you to focus on preparing for your journey through the Annapurna Himalayas.
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best ways to experience the diversity of the Nepal Himalayas. You get to experience dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, different landscapes, and the challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass in one remarkable journey.
For the standard route, the permit process is relatively straightforward. You mainly need to arrange your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
You can choose to trek independently or hire a guide. If you are experienced and well prepared, independent trekking can be a rewarding experience. If you are new to Himalayan trekking, I recommend considering an experienced local guide for additional safety, navigation, and local knowledge.
Whether you travel independently or with a guide, you should prepare properly, respect the altitude, allow enough time for acclimatization, and check the latest permit requirements before you begin.
