Annapurna circuit trek permit

Annapurna circuit trek (ACT) is an adventure trekking around the Annapurna massif. Any aged people capable of walking can do this trek. Among different criteria and limitations, Annapurna circuit trek permit is the mandatory requirement to do the trek. It is compulsory to have the permit and it should be shown in different check points of ACT route.  Here is the details about the permit, cost, issuing centers check points, and importance of permit. It will be supportive for interested trekking in group or solo traveler.

What are the required permits of Annapurna circuit trek?

Annapurna conservation area permit is the single permit required to visit Annapurna circuit. TIMS (Trekkers information management system) card was also mandatory to enter the area before 2023 AD but now onward we do not need TIM’s card for Annapurna region. 

Where to get the permit for Annapurna circuit trek?

The circuit trek permit is available from both Kathmandu and Pokhara Nepal.

We can get the Annapurna circuit permit from following places:

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Kathmandu
• Annapurna conservation area Project office, Pokhara
• E-permit from national trust for nature conservation

How to get the permit?

To get permit, we should have all required documents and submit it in department of Annapurna conservation area. The permit can be obtained within half an hour. E-permit can be obtained from national trust for nature conservation. 

The required documents for making permit are:

1. Copy of your passport
2. Passport size photo
3. Payment receipt

How much is the ACAP permit fee?

Annapurna conservation Area project permit fee is NRs. 3000 per person of all countries in the world except SAARC countries. The permit fee for SAARC countries (India, Maldives, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bhutan) is NRs. 1000. It is free for Nepalese citizen. 

How to get E-permit?

E-permit can be obtained from the official website of Annapurna conservation area Project.  We can visit the site and follow the following steps to get the permit.

1. Click on tourist entry permit
2. If you are a FIT (free independent traveler) then choose for solo traveler, If you are going through agency, choose for trekking Agency
3. You should fill up the form and click on continue button
4. We should pay the permit charge and download the permit

If we book the trekking with Travel Company then they we will make permit for us. 

Why do we need permit?

We need permit as a mandatory to walk through conservation area. The circuit trek passes through Annapurna conservation area and it is compulsory to show the permit on the check points. It is an entry pass that warns trekkers to protect wild life. It is authorized paper from government of Nepal that records the entry and exit of tourist in particular sites. It gives protection too trekkers as well. 

Rules and check points

The important rules and check points of Annapurna circuit trekking route are: 

1. Trek with valid licensed guide, we can do solo trekking as well but it is most important to know about the route and accommodation sites.
2. We should carry our passport and permit throughout the trek.
3. We should show the permits in each check points. The check points of circuit treks are:

• Beshisahar: starting point
• Chame: mid-way check point
• Dharapani, Tal, Syange: mid-point from Manaslu circuit
• Manang: mid-way check point
• Muktinath: end point for checking permit

1. Book the trekking with authorized trekking company, they will manage the permits, transportation, accommodation and guide us along the route.

Conclusion of Annapurna circuit trek permit

Only one permit is required for Annapurna circuit trek. That permit can be obtained from Annapurna conservation area project office of National trust for nature conservation (NTNC). E-permit is also available for both agency and solo trekkers. We can make both online and physical permits. Agency is not compulsory for this permit.