Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
Annapurna base camp trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The trek traverses through cultural villages, forests and rivers, suspension bridges, stone steps to the alpine terrain of the Annapurna Sanctuary. The exotic flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area, adds heartwarming beauty to the entire Annapurna region.
To go on this journey, you require Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit as any other trekking in Nepal. The permits required for ABC trek are the ACAP permit and the TIMS card. The ACAP permit is your entry ticket into the conservation area of Annapurna and TIMS card is a permit issued by TAAN and NTB to track and monitor trekkers and their routes for safety purposes.
Trekking with the right permits in Annapurna region is necessary for safety and legal purposes. Your ABC trek permit fees directly support the conservation of biodiversity, trail management and local economy. You can easily get the permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Trekking regions in protected areas like national parks, conservation areas, etc require permits in Nepal. Treks like ABC, Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal in the Annapurna region require Annapurna conservation area permit. Additionally, a special restricted area permit (RAP) is required when trekking to the restricted Upper Mustang area of the Annapurna region.
Let’s quickly look at what permits are required for some popular treks in Nepal and where they are located.
| Trek | Located In | Permits Required |
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Annapurna Conservation Area | ACAP, TIMS Card |
| Everest Base Camp Trek | Sagarmatha National Park | Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Khumbu Rural Permit |
| Manaslu Circuit Trek | Manaslu Conservation Area | MCAP, Manaslu RAP, ACAP, Chumnubri Rural Permit |
| Upper Mustang Trek | Annapurna Conservation Area | Upper Mustang RAP, ACAP, TIMS Card |
| Langtang Valley Trek | Langtang National Park | Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS Card |
With this detailed guide, let's learn about Annapurna base camp trekking permits, cost and how to obtain them.
Why are Permits Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Permits are required for Annapurna base camp trek because the trail falls under the protected region of Annapurna Conservation Area. Entering into a regulated zone without a permit means trespassing. Permits are your entry ticket into the region which are also used for tracking and funding.
You require ABC trekking permits due to the following reasons:
- Grant legal entry into the protected Annapurna Conservation Area
- Permit fees support conservation of biodiversity and trail maintenance
- Track trekkers’ detail, router for safety purposes and rescue
- Important for local economy, conservation and sustainable tourism
If you go without a proper Annapurna trekking permit, you can be fined or face legal action. At Annapurna permit checkpoints, you won’t have the required permits and the officials will take you back.
What are the Permits Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
You will require two permits, the ACAP and the TIMS Card pemits for your Annapurna Base Camp trek. They are issued for conserving the biodiversity of Annapurna Conservation Area and for safety and tracking of trekkers.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
The ABC trek lies within the regulated zone of Annapurna conservation area. So, the ACAP permit for ABC trekprovides you legal entry in the conservation area. This permit supports the protection and conservation of Annapurna region’s rich biodiversity and exotic flora and fauna.
The ACAP permit fees help to maintain and develop the trekking infrastructure of Annapurna region. Moreover, it supports sustainable tourism practices and protects the environment.
Type: Single entry
Valid for: Entire duration of the trek
Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (Foreign) & NPR 1,000 per person (SAARC)
Purpose: Supports the preservation of biodiversity and local development in the trails of Annapurna region
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is another Annapurna trekking permit. The TIMS Card is issued jointly by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) with the main aim of ensuring safety of trekkers.
TIMS card is used for safety and tracking trekkers by recording their details and routes on the trail. In case a trekker goes missing or any safety emergency, it is used to inform the concerned safety authorities about their route and whereabouts.
Type: Single Entry
Valid for: Entire duration of the trek
Cost: NPR 2,000 per person (Foreign) & NPR 1,000 per person (SAARC)
Purpose: Tracking and safety of trekker in case a rescue operation is needed
How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Cost?
Annapurna base camp trek permits cost NPR 5,000 in total for both ACAP and TIMS Card, inclusive of all VAT and government taxes. The Annapurna Base Camp permit cost is fixed throughout the year unlike the seasonally variable Manaslu trek permit cost.
Similarly the Annapurna base camp permit cost for a SAARC national is NPR 2,000 inclusive of all government taxes and VAT.
| Permits | Cost (Foreign) | Cost (SAARC) |
| ACAP | NPR 3,000 per person | NPR 1,000 per person |
| TIMS Card | NPR 2,000 per person | NPR 1,000 per person |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Cost for Indian
Annapurna Base Camp Trek permit cost for Indian trekkers is NPR 2,000 as they receive the SAARC discount on ABC trek permits. They pay for the SAARC nationals ACAP and TIMS card fee, which is reduced for ABC trekking. Annapurna base camp trek permit cost for an Indian citizen is as below:
ACAP Permit cost for Indian
NPR 1,000 per person
TIMS Card cost for Indian
NPR 1,000 per person
Where to Get ABC Trek Permit?
Registered trekking company will provide you Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit and TiMS if you are booking trekking package or looking only permits and guide porter service but if you planning to trek with out agency and with out guide then there are two places from where you can get the individual ( FIT) Annapurna base camp trekking permits, which are in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
You can get the ACAP and TIMS card permit for ABC trek from Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and Pokhara ACAP office in Pokhara. If your trek starts from Kathmandu, get your permits from here else get your permits in Pokhara.
Kathmandu
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office
Address: Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Issues both ACAP and TIMS Card permits
Pokhara
Nepal Tourism Board Regional Office
Address: Damside, Pokhara
Issues both ACAP and TIMS Card permits
Also, if you are trekking on a package provided by an agency, you won’t need to stress about permits. Your agency handles the requirement and issues permits on your behalf, saving you from any hassle.
How to Obtain Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Permit?
You can obtain Annapurna base camp trekking permits in a convenient manner in mainly 3 ways through an agency or NTB office or applying online.
The first way is through your trekking agency. It is the safest and most hassle free way of getting your Annapurna trekking permit. You will need to provide details like your passport copy, Nepal Visa copy, passport size photos to your trek operator and they will apply and issue the permits for you.
The second way is by applying for it yourself in person at the tourism offices in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. For this you will need 4 PP size photos in total, 2 each for ACAP and TIMS and 2 copies of your passport. After filling up the application form for permits, present it at the counter and complete the payment in Nepali rupees. You will have your permits within 1 to 2 hours.
The final way to obtain ABC trek permits is by applying for it online. You will need scanned copies of your passport size photo, passport and travel insurance (if required). Now through the official websites for ACAP and TIMS E-permits, enter your details, upload your documents and proceed with online payment. Now, download and print them and your permits are ready.
Is it possible to get Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Online?
Yes, you can apply and obtain the Annapurna base camp trek permit online through the NTNC e-permit portal. You need your passport, and a scanned photograph to apply for an ABC trek permit online. Once you pay the permit cost digitally, you can download and print your permits.
From April 2023, all foreign trekkers need to hire a licensed trekking guide or porter to accompany them while trekking in regulated areas. Due to this, you cannot apply for the TIMS card (e-TIMS) online as an individual trekker. However, you can get the TIMS card through a registered trekking agency online. An online application for the TIMS card is possible, but only through registered agencies.
What are the Documents Required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit?
You will need to provide them with your details and paperworks, whether you are applying for the permits yourself in person, online or through an agency. The following documents are required for Annapurna base camp trek permits:
- Passport copy
- Passport size photos
- Nepal Visa copy
- Application form (self-apply)
- Permit Fee in Nepali Rupees
Where are the Annapurna Permits Checkpoints on the trail?
The Annapurna base camp trek permits checkpoints are at Birethanti and Chhomrong on the trail. The concerned authorities will check for your permits on the Annapurna base camp trek at mainly two places which are the official Annapurna permit checkpoint on the trail.
However, occasional checks for permits can also happen at Tikhedhunga and Ghandruk by the local rangers.
Birethanti - Primary entry checkpoint into the Annapurna conservation area
Chhomrong - Main checkpoint before moving higher towards the Annapurna Sanctuary
Tips for Obtaining ABC Trek Permits easily
The easiest way of obtaining ABC trek permits is through a trekking agency. You only need to provide them with necessary documents and they will issue permits for you.
However, when applying for the Annapurna base camp permits yourself, you can do some things to make the process easier and hassle free.
- Obtain permits before your trek to avoid queues and delay
- Visit the ACAP permit office in early office hours
- Make sure to have all the required documents and photographs
- Carry cash in Nepalese currency for payment
FAQs about Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits
1. What permits do you need for the ABC trek?
The permits required for Annapurna Base Camp Trek are the ACAP permit and the TIMS Card.
2. How much does the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit Cost?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek permits cost differ by nationality. For Non-SAARC nationals, ACAP is NPR 3,000 and TIMS Card is NPR 2,000. For SAARC nationals, ACAP and TIMS Card both are NPR 1,000.
3. Does Annapurna Base Camp Permit cost differ by nationality?
Yes, it costs NPR 5,000 for foreign trekkers and about NPR 2,000 for trekkers from SAARC nations.
4. Can you get Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit online?
Yes, you can get the Annapurna base camp trek permits online through official e-permit websites.
5. Can I get Annapurna base camp permits through a trekking agency?
Yes, a trekking agency can arrange both ACAP and TIMS permits for your ABC trek once you provide them with necessary documents like your passport copy and photos. They may charge a small fee for applying on your behalf but it is safe, reliable and hassle free.
