Permits & TIMS
For charges, NPR 1,000 for SAARC (Citizens of South Asian countries) country applicants and for others NPR 2,000 and, currently payable online. Nepal Tourism Board
Where and how to obtain a TIMS Card
Free Individual Trekkers can obtain TIMS cards from TIMS checkpost in Pokhara, and the offices of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara, upon filling up TIMS application form. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Organized trekkers can obtain TIMS cards from TAAN Secretariat in Maligaun, TAAN TIMS Counter in Saatghumti, Thamel, and TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit
This Entry Permit is valid for single entry only. The Entry fee is NRs. 3,000 for foreigners, NRs. 1,000 for SAARC nationals (including tax), and an online Payment Gateway Charge (2.9%) extra. Double fees are levied for permits issued at Check-Posts. NTNC epermit
ACAP is supported by a “conservation fee” of Rs 2000 that is collected from all trekkers who obtain trekking permits for the Annapurna region. NTNC — Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
Documents, hours & practical steps
Documents Required:
- Copy of Passport
- Two passport (PP) size photographs
- Detailed Itinerary
Opening Hours:
- TIMS counter at TAAN Secretariat follows regular working hours (10am-5pm) and during winter months (Nov. 01- Jan 31) it opens from (10am-4pm). It is closed on Saturdays and public holidays.
- TIMS Counter at Saatghumti, Thamel opens at 7 am and closes at 6 pm. On Saturdays and public holidays, however, the counter opens from 10 am to 1 pm.
- Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) follows government working hours i.e. 10 am till 5 pm. It, however, is closed on Saturdays and public holidays. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Gear, packing & essentials
“Packing for the Annapurna Circuit is not just about throwing clothes into a bag. You need the right gear to stay warm, safe and comfortable without carrying too much weight.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
“Your backpack is your travel partner for many days so choosing the right one is very important.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
“Trekking Poles: The Annapurna Circuit has steep climbs and long descents especially around Thorong La Pass. Trekking poles take pressure off your knees and help with balance on rocky or slippery trails.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
“Sleeping Bag: While tea houses provide blankets, they are often thin and not enough at high altitudes. Nights can drop below freezing even in autumn and spring. Choose a down or synthetic sleeping bag rated between –10°C to –15°C for most seasons.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
“The best way to stay comfortable is to dress in layers, you can add or remove clothes as the temperature changes.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
Footwear guidance: “Trekking boots: Must be waterproof. Provide strong ankle support for rocky trails. Already broken in before your trek (new boots = painful blisters).” Magical Nepal — Packing List
Health & first aid: “Personal medicines: Bring enough for the whole trek (pharmacies are limited in the mountains). Blister kit: Band-aids, tape or Compeed blister pads save you from painful steps. Diamox (optional): Medicine to prevent altitude sickness (only after consulting your doctor). Water purification tablets or filter: Mountain water looks clean but may have bacteria—always purify before drinking.” Magical Nepal — Packing List
Altitude, acclimatisation & safety
“As you climb higher into the Himalayas, the oxygen thins. Every breath carries a little less of what your body needs to function… Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can strike anyone, anytime, above 2,500 meters.” Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide
“The key lies in knowledge, pacing, hydration, and respect for your own body’s limits.” Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide
High-risk zones and acclimatisation: “Manang (3,540m): Smart trekkers never skip at least one acclimatization day here, and the wise add two… Thorong La Pass (5,416m): This is the crown jewel, and the highest point, of the Annapurna Circuit… Don’t race to the top. This is where AMS turns serious if you’re not fully acclimatized.” Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide
Common AMS symptoms list: “Headache; Fatigue; Nausea or Vomiting; Dizziness; Insomnia; Loss of Appetite.” Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide
Emergency conditions: “HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): persistent dry or frothy cough, shortness of breath… HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): severe headache, confusion, clumsiness… Both require immediate descent and emergency medical attention.” Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide
Join the Discussion
- What impact could stricter permit checks (TIMS/ACAP) have on trekking safety and local economies?
- How do you plan gear vs. hiring porters on the Annapurna trek — what worked for you?
- Which acclimatisation strategy have you found most effective on high-altitude treks?
- How can trekkers better support local conservation efforts in the Annapurna Conservation Area?
© Sources: Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, NTNC epermit, NTNC — ACAP, Magical Nepal — Packing List, Magical Nepal — Altitude Guide