Before embarking on the Annapurna Circuit trek, the trekker’s foremost task is obtaining an Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit. One of the reasons that trek the Annapurna Conservation Area is not simply a matter of setting out from the start or the finish line, it is also that the area has regulations that one has to follow.
The article will explain not only the permits that are required to trek Annapurna but will also clarify which is the indispensable one (a permit for a mountain tour, i.e. ACAP permit), the issue whether the TIMS card is required in Nepal, the cost of the Annapurna Circuit permit, the procedures for submitting the permit application and also the Annapurna Circuit regulations about the solo trekking for 2026 will be presented in detail.
Understanding the Required Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Anyone who is planning to trek along or beyond the Annapurna Circuit trail needs to fulfill certain Annapurna Trek requirements at the starting point of the trail. One very crucial document in meeting most of the requirements is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which gives lawful access to the protected area that is from Besisahar to Muktinath. But, if your route involves visiting a restricted zone, for example, if you plan to do both the Annapurna Circuit and the Upper Mustang trek, you will require, in addition to the Restricted Area Permit, a licensed guide.
So, if your Annapurna Circuit Trek plan doesn’t include any restricted area, the whole matter of permits will be pretty comfortable for you, once you know what each of these permits does, and you will be in a position to decide. Of course, besides lawful access, these permits help support patrols of park rangers, trail maintenance, and tree planting activities, which in turn allow the Annapurna region to remain a very thriving place for its residents. Filling the necessary permit forms before the Trek is a small contribution towards the sustainability of the mountain ranges that Nepal is known for, and it is also a requirement.
Which Trekking Areas Are Covered by Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit?
Suspension bridge with prayer flags on the Annapurna Circuit trek
The ACAP permit covers the entire Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest conservation area, spanning roughly 7,629 square kilometers across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, and Myagdi districts. This single Annapurna trekking permit lets you complete the full Annapurna Circuit, wander through Manang’s high-altitude villages, cross Thorong La Pass into the Kali Gandaki valley, and explore popular side trails such as Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Tilicho Lake.
It also covers the Annapurna Sanctuary route toward Annapurna Base Camp, so trekkers combining both circuits into one trip do not need a second conservation permit. Areas that fall outside standard ACAP coverage, such as Nar Phu Valley or Upper Mustang beyond Kagbeni, require an additional Restricted Area Permit alongside your ACAP permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Fees, Duration, and Application Process
The permit known as ACAP is granted by the National Trust for Nature Conservation to assist in the maintenance of trails, conservation activities, and community development work in the Annapurna region. The fee is paid by the issuing organization to support these activities. Foreigners are required to pay NPR 3,000 (USD 25), whereas SAARC nationals will only pay NPR 1,000. Kids below 10 and citizens of Nepal get the permit free of cost, but they still need to be registered with an official document.
The permit can be your whole trek for its duration with no fixed expiry. The application for the ticket is extremely quick. Just complete a form, submit 2 passport-size photos and a copy of a passport, make a payment, and on the same day, you collect the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit at the office.
TIMS Card Explained: Is It Required for the Annapurna Circuit?
TIMS card or permit is one of the most confusing topics for trekking in Nepal. Some authorities have announced that certain trek routes will no longer require the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Then again, there are places where one is allowed to still request the TIMS on top of other documents, like the ACAP permit.
As there is a great deal of variation in the way different places implement the rule based on the season and even from one checkpoint to another, the safest way to find out the exact rule is to do so from a registered travel agency or the Nepal Tourism Board just a few days before you leave. Where you still need the TIMS, the price of the card normally ranges from NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000, depending on whether you are a solo traveler or part of a trekking group.
Having a TIMS card with an ACAP permit, even though not compulsory, will help provide a more comprehensive system of locating lost or injured trekkers in emergencies and increase the chance of a positive outcome.
Essential Documents Needed to Obtain Trekking Permits
A few tips will help you apply successfully for any trekking permit for Annapurna: You can minimize your worry when the last-minute rush is around the corner by getting your documents ready in advance before submitting any application. You need at least a passport (with passport pages containing your photograph, personal details & stamp) valid for at least 6 months after your last travel date; at least 20 recent photos; the front of your passport; and your visa to enter Nepal. Also, group visitors need to provide insurance documents, and if accompanied by a guide, the details of your guide are to be mentioned as well.
This checklist is quite similar to the documents that trekkers will require for going on, for example, the Langtang Valley Trek or any other route through a conservation area. Because of this, it is recommended that you make a copy of each document and save it digitally, no matter whether you are looking forward to a trekking permit in the Annapurna region or any other type of Nepal trek. You should, That means, make it a habit to carry a digital backup of all your documents,s whether or not you are applying for Nepal trek permits, besides an Annapurna permit.
Best Places to Get Annapurna Trekking Permits in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Aerial view of a Himalayan village along the Annapurna Circuit trek
Wonder where you can get permit documents for Annapurna? Well, there are two very simple options at your disposal. First of all, if you are in Kathmandu, you can get your permits at the Nepal Tourism Board on Chheshing Street (the place is also known as Bhrikutimandap). It is just about five (5) minutes from Thamel and very convenient when dealing with public transport. The issue of the Athe CAP permit is carried out every day except for public holidays.
Second, if you are in Pokhara, at Damside, the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board, as well as the NTNC, are located right next to each other. This means that you will be able to complete the required procedures very quickly. Before embarking on your hiking route, either from Besisahar or Nayapul, most trekking companies will take charge of obtaining all the necessary documentation for you. This naturally results in a saving of time for you, not only in making arrangements at the counter, but also in reducing the chances of errors in filling forms before starting a trip along the Annapurna Circuit.
Major Permit Inspection Points on the Annapurna Circuit Route
Once you have the permit for the Annapurna Circuit trek in the palm of your hand, rest assured, it will have to be handed to officials several times along the way. Some of the regulars you’ll see in Besisahar or Bhulbhule at the outset are Chame Manang, Jomsom, and Tatopani again after the descent from Mustang. They will mark you down as you cross each of the posts, this being something like the Everest Base Camp Trek‘s checking your Sagarmatha National Park entry permit through Monjo.
You’d prefer paper copies of the documents instead of digital ones. Many of those villages that have checkpoints can’t have an internet connection, so they probably wouldn’t be able to confirm that a screen is being displayed. Trekking without a permit at any of those spots will result in a fine, the necessity to come back to the nearest town, or a ban on entry, so it’s better to carry the permit around in a jacket pocket rather than keep it in a backpack and forget about it.
Is It Possible to Apply for Annapurna Trekking Permits Online?
The Thorong La Pass sign at 5,416m on the Annapurna Circuit trek
An increasing number of trekkers are wondering about an online application for an Annapurna Circuit permit. In fact, they can usually do the preliminary online registration at the agency where they book the trek or via the Nepal Tourism Board portal. Still, the actual production/printing is usually still the last stage, and you would need to come in person to get the permit paper in Kathmandu or Pokhara. No permit offices exist along the trail, so do not even think of making your permit documents from the city only after you arrive at Besisahar.
Annapurna Circuit Permit Costs at a Glance
Below are the Annapurna Circuit permits’ prices for 2026. Visitors from abroad need to pay NRP 3,000 for the ACAP permit, while visitors from SAARC can get it for NRP 1,000. Children under 10 years of age and Nepali citizens are exempt from the fee. If TIMS cards are obtained at checkpoints, a fee will also need to be paid, which is somewhere between NRP 1,000 and NRP 2,000. Apart from the permits’ fees, don’t forget to carry some cash for passport photographs and photocopying services, which take only a few rupees.
Expert Tips for a Smooth Permit Application Process
Proper planning can greatly facilitate your trip. Make sure to apply for permits at least a couple of days in advance, so that you’re not in a hurry. Take several extra photos of your passport. Keep in mind that there are public holidays in Nepal that may affect government operations, and ensure that every document is filled out correctly before submitting it.
If you plan to take a side trip to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, note that the zones regarded as restricted areas each have their own permit requirements, and even if you are traveling alone, you will need a guide who has a license. Staying informed via your tour operator is a great way to stay aware of changes regarding solo trekking in the Annapurna Circuit, which can vary greatly from one season to another. Keeping a copy of the permits, both printed and photographed, separated in different bags makes life much easier in case anything gets lost or wet during trekking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to apply for a Nepal trekking permit through the internet?
Most likely, you will be able to complete the first steps of the paperwork through a travel organization; however, in the end, you will still have to pick up your permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Do I need additional permits for my trip to Annapurna Base Camp?
You do not need any additional permits, as the Annapurna Base Camp part of the trek is included in the ACAP permit.
What are the new solo trekking regulations for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?
Solo trekkers still can obtain an ACAP permit by themselves, although it is highly recommended to hire a travel guide, and it is obligatory for the extension parts of the trek.
Yak grazing above the Annapurna Circuit trek with snow-capped peaks
What permits do I need to trek around the Annapurna Circuit?
The ACAP permit is required for every trekker; the TIMS card will also be requested if it is mandatory in accordance with the current regulations.
Where can I apply for a trekking permit for Annapurna in Kathmandu or Pokhara?
The permits are issued by the National Tourism Office in Kathmandu, located in Bhrikutimandap, and by the office in the Damside area of Pokhara.
Final Thoughts
Sorting out your Annapurna Circuit trekking permit earlier on helps eliminate a significant worry from a wonderful trip. When your ACAP permit is sorted out and the documents are in order, you can focus on the impressive area, villages, and culture along the way. Do not hesitate to contactFamily Adventure Treks and Expedition and take care of your Annapurna Circuit permits.
