An legal authority given and issued by the appropriate authorities of a country or trekking destination is called a trekking permit. They provide authorization for people to go on a specific hike or expedition. The Annapurna Circuit Permits are used for a number of things, such as controlling tourism, observing safety, and protecting the environment. Trekking places may have several permit categories and unique requirements. To walk the Annapurna Circuit, you require two permits.
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
In Kathmandu, obtaining these licenses is simple. Either the tour manager or your guide will make the necessary arrangements for your permits. The only information you need to give them is a copy of your passport and two passport-sized pictures. Throughout the Annapurna Circuit path, you will need to provide the permission several times. As a result, make sure you have the permits and keep them with you the entire hike. Take a picture of your TIMS and ACAP card and store it securely on your phone.
TIMS
TIMS To keep track of who is on the hiking trails and routes, there is a trekking registration. The TIMS card is necessary for any hiker who is trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas to ensure their safety. Your name and travel itinerary will be added to the system after the TIMS card has been paid for. In the event of any mishaps in the mountains, local authorities might use the same information. During a rescue operation, the data entered into the database when the TIMS card was issued will come in handy. For the majority of treks in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit Trek, TIMS is required. The cost for the TIMS is 2000 NPR, or about sixteen dollars.
ACAP
The Annapurna Conservation Area’s admission permit is known as an ACAP. In the Annapurna Conservation Area, ACAP is exclusively intended to function as a National Park Permit. The permit price you pay will go toward supporting the conservation of the area, as the name implies. The cost of ACAP is Rs 3000, or 22.50 USD. The total cost of the TIMS and ACAP permits is less than fifty dollars.
Where to get Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits?
These permissions can be obtained in Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board. You can have all of your paperwork completed by your travel partner (trekking agency) if you are a novice traveler and would prefer not to handle the paperwork.
Applying for TIMS and ACAP in Kathmandu
It will be simple and quick for you to obtain the permissions in Kathmandu because you will be staying in a hotel in the city after arriving at the Kathmandu International Airport. Getting the permissions mostly for the hike aids in ensuring a peaceful trekking experience. Both of the Annapurna Circuit Permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Office, located on Pradarshani Marg Street in Kathmandu. Thamel is a 20-minute walk away. Daily hours for the office are 10 AM to 5 PM.
Process of getting Annapurna Circuit Permits
You must give the agencies the necessary information if you wish to apply for the TIMS and ACAP through them. The procedure for obtaining Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits is usually the same if you plan to obtain them yourself. The ACAP and TIMS forms must be completed at the Kathmandu office. These should not be forgotten when submitting an application for an ACAP permit and TIMS card.
- Two passport-size photos for TIMS and ACAP each
- Photocopy of the passport document (in case needed)
You should fill this information in the permit forms.
- Name of the trekking route
- Entry and exit points and dates
- Contact in Nepal in case of emergency (tour agency number)
- Contact in your country in case of emergency (family or friend’s number)
- Your insurance policy number
Two cards with stamps and photos will be sent to you once the forms are filled out. Keep these, as you will need to present them both at the Annapurna Circuit’s several checkpoints.
Best time to trek Annapurna Circuit
October to November
For those who hike the Annapurna circuit trek in October and November are highly regarded months. Since the rainy season has just ended, the surroundings have been cleaned and revitalized. The vistas are noteworthy because the sky are clear during the day as well.
Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but as night arrives, they become frigid. In comparison to other seasons, the routes are busier, and the tea establishments usually fill up quickly.
December to March
These months are less crowded because to the chilly weather, which makes trekking peaceful. The temperature varies with height; the higher you go, the colder it becomes.
Daytime highs will be in the low teens, while overnight lows will be below freezing. Heavy snowfall may cause the routes at higher elevations to become blocked.
Trekking is still possible in December, but it may become more difficult in January and later.
But in March, the nation’s flower, the rhododendron, begins to blossom, bringing vibrant color to the entire valley.
During these months, avalanches are also frequent, therefore you should check the weather prediction ahead of time.
If you have chosen to hike during these months, remember to bring additional clothing because higher altitudes can get very cold.
April to May
Due to the exceptionally warm weather in April and May, this is the second most popular time of year to trek this circuit. The vista of transparent skies and magnificent mountains is made possible by the melted snow.
The walkways are carpeted with an unusual variety of plants and animals.
May is when the monsoon clouds begin to form, bringing with them increased heat and humidity. Lower altitude trekking can feel a little limiting.
Pack your boots and raincoats; you’re going on an adventure if you’re ready for the exhilarating experience. Climb securely and with caution.
June to September
During these months is the monsoon season; excessive rainfall can make the walkways muddy and treacherous. But early September sees less rain, and late September offers the possibility of a hike.
In comparison to the north, the southern Annapurna region, which includes the Pokhara area, receives a considerable amount of rainfall.
The variety of plants and animals you can see while strolling these paths is one advantage of trekking during these months. It turns out to be an incredibly amazing trek.
This time of year offers simpler hikes to Tilicho Lake.
