Nepal's Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the top multi-day hikes in the Himalayas. Every traveller, whether an experienced hiker or a novice mountain enthusiast, has a chance to complete the loop thanks to the option of hiking the track alone or with a guide and porter.
As the journey has grown in popularity, the Nepalese government has decided that it is vital to maintain the ecosystem and construct a better trail system to ensure hiker safety. As a result, every adventurer must first get Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits before continuing their journey.
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits are divided into TIMS and ACAP. Fortunately, both of them may be easily arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Image Cr: Going The Whole Hogg
Caption: TIMS Card
If you plan on hiking the Annapurna Circuit with a guide or in a group, your guide or tour manager will most likely secure both permits on your behalf; all you have to do is provide him with your contact information and passport photos.
If you wish to hike the Annapurna Circuit on your own, however, obtaining trekking licenses is amongst the most critical phases in the planning process that you should not overlook.
We understand that there is a lot of useless paperwork in many Asian nations, but you will need to produce the permit several times along the path, so be sure you have it and don't lose it.
It's usually a good idea to take a picture of your ACAP and TIMS cards and save it on your phone. Here's how trekkers can get their Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits without more ado.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Permits: Where Do I Get Them?
Both the ACAP and TIMS cards are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We noticed that various agencies provide this service online, but we thought it was pricey, and it made more sense to obtain these rights on our own.
On the other hand, if you are a first-time traveller and prefer to have all of the paperwork handled for you rather than arranging it yourself, you should know that this option exists.
If you're a solo hiker, this is where you'll need to go to receive your permit. We went to Kathmandu's office because we had arrived in Kathmandu and intended to begin the Annapurna Circuit in Besisahar.
Image Cr: Nepal Himalaya Trekking Online
Caption: Immigration Office, Pokhara
We decided to take on a cab from the airport straight to the office, then walk to Thamel, where we had booked a hotel room because our plane was delayed.
The Nepal Tourism Office in Kathmandu is located on Pradarshani Marg and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
The Pokhara office is also conveniently accessible. Simply type Nepal Tourism Board Service Center into Google Maps; the office is located at the lake's shore, about a fifteen-minute walk from Pokhara's genuine centre.
We discovered that an ACAP permit could also be obtained in Besisahar. Still, because both ACAP and TIMS are required, we would have arranged it in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as it is a safer alternative than getting everything ready in a bit of settlement at the start of the Annapurna Circuit.
TIMS(Trekker's Information Management System)
The Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) is a database that improves the safety of all hikers in Nepal. Your name and travel arrangements will be recorded once you pay the cost.
TIMS is required for most Nepalese hikes, not just the Annapurna Circuit. What are the requirements for obtaining a TIMS card? Your passport and two passport photographs are required.
Image Cr: Encounters Nepal
Caption: TIMS Permit Card
You'll also need to fill out a form with the following information: your intended Annapurna Circuit itinerary, the number of days you'll be on the road, entry and exit locations, emergency contacts in your home country, emergency contacts in Nepal, and your insurance number.
We understand that plans might change; for example, we took an unexpected detour to Tilicho Lake, which extended our Annapurna Circuit; however, this is not a problem.
The TIMS charge is 2,000 NPR, almost the same as 17 USD but must be paid in rupees. If you don't have enough cash, there is an ATM right in front of the office in Kathmandu.
