Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits

TIMS Card and ACAP Permit used to be two essential Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits if you’re planning for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, the compulsion to buy a TIMS Card is no longer mandatory. Now, trekkers can go on ABC Base Camp Trek after buying ACAP only.

Before Autumn 2023, trekkers on ABC Trek had to purchase a TIMS Card and ACAP Permit. However, in recent times, trekkers are no longer obliged to buy a TIMS Card to trek to the base camp and other regions in the Annapurna region. Hence, ACAP is the only permit trekkers have to purchase these days.

In this blog, we’ve highlighted two Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits, the cost, the documents to get these permits, and places to visit for permits.

Here in photo, there are two essential Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits, ACAP and TIMS Card.
ACAP and TIMS Card, two essential permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Why Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits?

  • To keep a record of trekkers who visit the base camp in a given fiscal year.
  • To record the personal details of trekkers to ensure safety and security throughout the trek.
  • To locate trekkers quickly based on the trek itinerary during emergencies and search rescue operations.
  • Royalty collected from permits to maintain trekking trail safe for trekker.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits Cost

Permit Cost Validity Documents required
ACAP Permit USD 30/NPR 3000 One month Two passport sized photograph,  valid passport
TIMS Card

(no longer require)

NPR 1000 for trekker in group

NPR 300 for SAARC Trekker

One month Photo, copy of passport, copy of valid visa.
For group trekkers, your agencies fills TIMS Card application. 

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card is a must permit if you're considering Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2024.
TIMS Card, issued for Annapurna Region Trekking

TIMS card used to be an essential Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit every trekker must have. However, apart from Langtang Valley Trek, trekkers are no longer obliged to purchase TIMS cards.

Documents needed to get TIMS Card

To get a valid TIMS card, you must have the following:

  • the proof of genuine international travel insurance.
  • a copy of passport
  • passport-size photo
  • permit fee
  • form fill up

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)

Annapurna Base Camp Project (ACAP) Permit, essential permit to trek in Annapurna region.
ACAP Permit issued for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is an essential permit you must buy for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2024. We’ll purchase this permit for you upon planning ABC Trek with us. However, if you’re planning it solo, it is available for individual trekkers also. However, you must visit permit issue offices with relevant documents to get it.

Here are some trekking in the Annapurna region you can go on with ACAP:

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek
  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trek with Ghorepani and Poon Hill

Once you get an ACAP Permit, it remains valid for a year. You can trek around the Annapurna region, including the base camp. However, if you’re planning the Nar Phu Valley Trek and Upper Mustang Jeep Tour, etc., you must buy an Annapurna restricted area permit.

Moreover, categorized as Park Entry Fee, ACAP costs NRs 100 for NepaleseNRs 500 for SAARC Nationals, and NRs 3000 for foreign nationals. ACAP is free for delegates and children below 10.

Documents needed to get ACAP Permit

  • Copy page of your valid Passport
  • Permit fee in Nepali rupees
  • Recently captured passport sized photo
  • Permit form fillup

Where to get Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permits?

ACAP is now the only permit you must buy for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. You don’t have to worry about getting the trek permit if you’re on a trek to ABC with a trekking agency like us. However, for solo ABC Trek, you must know more about getting the permits, including the cost and issue center.

ACAP Office, Kathmandu

 ACAP center at Nepal Tourism Board issues the Annapurna Base Camp Trek permit. The permit center opens throughout the year, except on Saturdays. It opens from 9 am to 5 pm.

You can take a taxi or walk to the permit center at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

Immigration Office, Pokhara

If you’re planning the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara, you must visit the Immigration Office in Damsite, Pokhara, to get your permit. There’s a Tourism Board office inside the Immigration Office from where you’ll get the permits.

This permit center remains open throughout the year and even on Saturdays. It opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm.

You must fill up the form and submit two passport-sized photos and your valid passport, and Rs. 3000 (USD 30) as a permit fee. And in just five minutes, the permit office grants you the ACAP permit.

Suggestion: It’s better to hire a licensed trekking guide even if you’re planning solo ABC Trek. When you visit the permit office in Pokhara, they may ask whether you’re trekking with a guide. Also, hiring a trekking guide makes your trek the best with proper guidance.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit: Check-in and Check-out Office

You must show the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit at the ACAP Office in Birethati and Chhomrong.

The ACAP office at Birethati is to the left once you cross a bridge over Modi Khola. The ACAP Office in Chhomrong is in a stone-built house to the left, a few stairs up from the trekking route.

You must submit your trek permits at each office during Check-in and check-out. However, if you’re trekking with us, your trek guide does all the formalities for permit check-in and out.

Buy ABC Trek permits before starting the Trek

If you’re an individual trekker planning for Annapurna Base Camp Trek in 2024, don’t forget to buy permits before starting it. If you fail to buy the trek permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you’ll have to buy the trek permit at the ACAP Office at Chhomrong or Birethati. Buying ACAP Permits here costs you Rs. 6000 instead of Rs. 3000.

Hence, we suggest you buy trek permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara and avoid the fine with a double fee.

Avatar
Author

I'm Saroj Dahal, a Nepal government-licensed trekking guide, co-founder, blogger and SEO specialist at NepTrek Adventures, landscape photographer, travel film-maker, and musician.

Write A Comment

Pin It