Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost
Annapurna is a huge Massif that is located in the north-central part of Nepal. The Circuits of Annapurna is quite famous for trekking. To enter the conservation area you will be needing a permit. Thus, the member of Exciting Nepal brings you important information about the Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost.
Annapurna Circuit has been considered one of the best trekking routes for many years now. The routes have been voted one of the best long-distance treks in the world.
Trekking in the Annapurna area was not possible for foreign nationalities until 1977. After the dispute between CIA backed Khampa guerrillas and Nepal Army was settled, it was opened for trekking to foreign nationalities.
The trek was first originated from the market town of Dhumre which is located on the highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, it took 23 days to complete the whole trek.
But nowadays you can choose between 15-20 days itinerary for the whole Annapurna circuit trek. This overall trek route provides services at a very reasonable price. Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost is affordable as well as budget-friendly.
The trekking trails of the Annapurna region such as Annapurna Base camp, Annapurna Circuit, etc fall under the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is the first and largest Conservation Area of Nepal.
This trek is a walk within the mountain ranges in the central part of Nepal. You get to view a lot of mountains such as Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and many more up close.
The trek usually begins from Besisahar or Bhulbhule in the valley of Marshyangdi and ends in Pokhara. The drive to Besisahar is about 7 hours from Kathmandu. You will be passing through paddy fields, small towns, etc.
About trekking Permit in Annapurna Circuit
In Nepal, you are allowed to Trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekkers) or in groups. But there are some areas that are considered “ Restricted areas” where Free Individual Trekkers are Strictly forbidden to trek. You should be a group of two or more to trek in these areas.
While going trekking in Nepal, most of the areas require a permit from the Department of Immigration.
Moreover to trek inside the Annapurna conservation, a foreigner should have an entry permit as well as a TIMS card that you can obtain from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
However, while trekking in the Annapurna Circuit you can either travel alone or in groups. You can decide if you would like to visit through agencies or make your own plans.
If you are trekking from authorized agencies then they can apply for the permit on behalf of you by fulfilling all the necessary formalities. But you should check whether they will organize the documentation for you or not.
Anyway, if you are making your own plans without the help of an agency or guides then you have to apply for the permit on your own.
You have to locate the documentation center and visit it taking a list of things necessary to apply for a permit.
The Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost is quoted in US dollars but it can also be paid in Nepalese currency.
The permit can’t be issued beyond your visa expiration date so you must have enough time covering your trekking plans.
Best time to trek Annapurna Circuit
Every season has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s up to you to decide which season is comfortable for you to trek.
October to November
The months of October and November are quite famous among the trekkers that trek in the Annapurna circuit. As the monsoon season is just finished making the environment refreshed and clean. The skies are clear both night and day making the views notable.
The weather is warm during the day but gets chilly as the night falls. The routes are busier compared to other seasons and the tea houses tend to fill up pretty soon.
December to March
Due to the freezing temperature, these months are less populated making it peaceful while trekking. The temperature changes according to the altitude, higher you elevate colder it gets.
The temperature during the day will be cold while in the night it drops below the freezing point. The roads at higher elevation might be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
You can go trekking in the month of December but it might be challenging from January onwards.
However, from March the national flower rhododendron starts to bloom making the valley colorful all around.
Avalanches are also common during these months, so you should check the weather forecast in advance.
If you have decided to trek during these months then don’t forget to pack extra clothes as it may get very chilly in higher altitude.
April to May
The weather during April and May is very warm making it the second popular season to go on a trek in this circuit. The snow is melted giving the view of transparent skies along with the great view of Mountains.
The paths are covered with unique vegetation of flora and fauna.
During the month of May, the monsoon clouds start to form making the days hotter and humid. Trekking in lower elevations can be a little confining.
If you are prepared to face the thrilling experience then pack your raincoats and boots you are going on an adventure. Be careful and climb safely.
June to September
Monsoon period falls during these months, the paths can be slippery and muddy due to heavy rainfalls. However, rainfall is less common in early September and trek is possible in late September.
The south section from Annapurna, areas near Pokhara gets quite a lot of rainfall compared to the north section.
One of the benefits to trek in these months is the species of flora and fauna you get to view while walking these routes. It makes the trek unexpectedly wonderful.
The trails to Tilicho Lake are easier during this time of the year.
Trekking permits needed in Annapurna Circuit
While going trek in this circuit you will be needing two types of trekking permits. They are explained below
TIMS
To ensure the safety of the trekkers making a TIMS card is necessary before going on a trek. To make the TIMS card it is compulsory to have travel insurance.
Travel insurance is made to cover theft, loss, and medical problems. It’s better to choose the policy that covers medical bills and emergency deport that includes the helicopter evacuation.
The card was administered collaboratively by the Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
Note: Usually Standard travel security packages don’t cover insurance while trekking in high altitudes.
Things needed to apply for the TIMS card
While applying for the Tims card you need to bring some important things along with you which is mentioned below:
- Copy of your Passport
- 2x Passport size Photographs
- Entry and exit point in this trek
- Emergency Contact info in Nepal (the guest house you stay in or Agency)
- Emergency Contact info from your Home Country
- Itinerary that shows the start and end dates
- Travel Insurance
- Fees for the form
ANCAP
If you are planning to travel to the Annapurna Conservation area and trek in Annapurna Circuit. Then you have to purchase the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP).
It is made with an aim to preserve the economic and social development that might be a help to the locals of that region.
ANCAP has been managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. So, some parts of the ANCAP cost go to the trust for maintaining the wonderful area.
Things needed to apply for the ANCAP Permit
The procedure is similar to the TIMS card but some additional information is needed if you are traveling through an agency. They are as follows:
- 2X passport size Photos
- Copy of your recent passport
- Name of the trek route you will be traveling through
- Name and address of the trekking company (if relevant)
- Name and contact info of the guide ( if relevant)
- Fees for the form
Note: You can fill-up the form for the permits and TIMS card online before you arrive in Nepal.
You can read below in the topic Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost to know about the prices.
Where to apply for TIMS Card and entry permit in Kathmandu
If you are thinking of applying for the form from Kathmandu then you can visit the office of Nepal Tourism Board Office. It not only offers the TIMS cards but also the permit for other trekking sites as well.
The office is located in Pradarshani Marg which is about 15-20 minutes’ walk from the backpacker’s zone in Thamel. The office is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.
Note: The office has an official lunch break from 1-2 pm so it is better to visit there before or after the time.
Where to apply for TIMS Card and entry permit in Pokhara
The TIMS card and entry permit can be purchased from Pokhara as well. If you find it troublesome to carry all the way from Kathmandu.
You can purchase the entry permit from Nepal Tourism Board Service Centre located in Damside. Or from Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) entry permit counter situated in Besisahar in Lamjung district.
While the TIMS cards can be made from the office of TAAN which resides in Lakeside of Santi Patan.
Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost
Cost for TIMS per person:
SAARC Countries: NPR 600; US$ 6
Other Countries: NPR 2000; US$ 200
Cost of TIMS for Group:
SAARC Countries: NPR 300; US$ 3
Other Countries: NPR 1000; US$ 100
Cost for Entering the Annapurna Conservation Area (ANCAP) per person :
SAARC Countries: NPR 200; US$ 2
Other countries: NPR 2000; US$ 200
If you are trekking alone to Annapurna Circuit without agencies and guides the cost might be around NRP 2440 (US$ 22) per person in a day.
Note: The cost given above doesn’t include a 13% vat. Also, children below 10 do not need an entry permit.
Conditions in the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- This permit is valid for single use only
- The permit can’t be transferred or refunded.
- Holder of the permit must carry along with them all times
- The holder of this permit has the right to visit designated points inside the conservation area
- Once you enter the area you are to abide by the regulations of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973.
We hope the information on Annapurna Circuit Permit Cost was able to answer the questions you had in your mind. If you have further queries or you seek for travel-related information, please feel free to contact us.
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