You've chosen the Annapurna Circuit — one of the world's great treks. Before you lace up your boots for the approach to Thorong La Pass, there are two essential permits to secure. The process is straightforward, surprisingly quick, and unlike many bureaucratic procedures in the world, can be completed in under two hours on a single morning in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Here is the complete, step-by-step guide.
Which Permits Do You Need for the Annapurna Circuit?
The Annapurna Circuit requires two permits:
| Permit | Issuing Body | 2025 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | Nepal Tourism Board | NPR 3,000 (~USD 22) per person |
| TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) | Nepal Tourism Board / TAAN | NPR 2,000 (groups) / NPR 3,000 (independent) |
No restricted area permit required for the standard Annapurna Circuit. The route from Besisahar through Manang, over Thorong La, and south through Mustang to Pokhara is fully open.
If you add a Nar-Phu Valley extension (a stunning detour near Manang), you will need an additional restricted area permit: USD 90 for the first 7 days + USD 15/day afterwards (guide mandatory).
How to Buy Annapurna Circuit Permits: 3 Options
Option 1: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Office — Kathmandu ✅ Recommended
Address: Bhrikuti Mandap, Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu (near the National Stadium) Hours: Sun–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Fri close at 3 PM); closed Saturdays and public holidays Time required: 30–60 minutes (can be busy October–November)
This is the official, one-stop office where both your ACAP and TIMS card are issued. Most trekkers get both permits here on the same visit.
Option 2: ACAP Office — Pokhara
Address: ACAP office, Pokhara lakeside Hours: Sun–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you are flying directly to Pokhara before your trek, you can obtain both permits there. Allow an extra morning before departing to Besisahar.
Option 3: On the Trail (Limited)
ACAP permits can technically be obtained at the Bhulbhule checkpoint near Besisahar. However, this is unreliable — checkpoints are not always staffed consistently, and you may be turned back or fined if you are not carrying valid permits. Get your permits before the trail.
What You Need to Get the Permits
Bring the following to the permit office:
- ✅ Your original passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your departure date)
- ✅ 2 passport-size photos per permit (4 photos total — bring extras)
- ✅ Cash in Nepali Rupees (NPR) — credit cards are generally not accepted
- ✅ A completed permit application form (available at the office; takes 5 minutes to fill)
Tip: The ATMs near the NTB office in Kathmandu often have queues during peak season. Withdraw cash at your hotel or Thamel ATMs the night before.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Permits in Kathmandu
Step 1: Arrive at the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg. The office is a low government building behind blue gates — taxi drivers know it as "Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap."
Step 2: Collect the TIMS card application form and ACAP application form from the front counter. Fill both in — your name, nationality, passport number, trekking route start date, and trekking agency name (write "independent" if trekking without a registered agency).
Step 3: Submit your forms, passport, and photos to the counter. Pay the fees in NPR. You will receive a receipt — keep it safe.
Step 4: Your permits are issued within 15–30 minutes. The TIMS card is a laminated photo ID. The ACAP permit is a paper certificate. Keep both in your main pack and carry photocopies separately.
Step 5: Photograph both permits with your phone immediately as backup.
How Permits Are Checked on the Trail
Your permits will be checked at multiple official checkpoints along the Annapurna Circuit. Key checkpoint locations include:
- Bhulbhule (near Besisahar) — first check
- Chamje and Tal (upper Marsyangdi valley)
- Chame (Manang District entry)
- Manang village
- Muktinath (on the western side after Thorong La)
- Tatopani and Birethanti (southern descent)
At each checkpoint, you sign a register and have your permits stamped. This is also the TIMS system's safety mechanism — if you go missing on the trail, rescue teams can trace your last checkpoint.
Never lose your permits. If you do, report to the nearest Trek Management Post or police post immediately.
TIMS Card: Group vs. Individual — Which One Do You Need?
| Type | Who It's For | 2025 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Green TIMS (Organised Group) | Trekking through a registered Nepal agency | NPR 2,000 |
| Blue TIMS (Free Individual Trekker / FIT) | Independent trekkers without a registered agency | NPR 3,000 |
Most independent travellers who arrange their own trek without a Kathmandu agency need the Blue TIMS at NPR 3,000. If you booked through an agency, they may include it in your package — confirm before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get permits online? As of 2025, Nepal trekking permits for Annapurna cannot be purchased online. In-person collection in Kathmandu or Pokhara remains necessary.
Do children need permits? Yes — all trekkers, including children, require ACAP and TIMS permits. Children under 10 may receive a discount on some permits; confirm at the office.
What if I lose my permits on the trail? Report to the nearest Trek Management Post. You may need to purchase replacement permits. This is expensive and time-consuming — laminate your permits or keep them in a waterproof envelope.
What currency do I pay in? Nepali Rupees (NPR) only. Bring exact change if possible.
Do I need a guide to trek the Annapurna Circuit? As of 2025, no — the standard Annapurna Circuit is an open route and guides are optional. However, a licensed guide adds safety, cultural depth, and local support. Guide requirements may change; check Nepal Tourism Board updates before your trip.
Summary Checklist
Before you leave Kathmandu for the trek:
- Passport (+ 2 photocopies)
- 4 passport photos (2 per permit)
- NPR cash for permits (NPR 6,000 for independent trekkers)
- ACAP permit obtained ✅
- TIMS card obtained ✅
- Photos taken of both permits on your phone ✅
- Travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage ✅
With your permits secured, the Annapurna Circuit awaits. Go well.
Namaste, and safe crossings on Thorong La.