Annapurna can be entered through multiple routes. Pokhara is a common point for starting the Annapurna trek, either the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Pokhara can be reached by either taking a flight or bus from Kathmandu. Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu takes 25 min, and the bus ride takes around 7 hours.
For reaching the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the popular entry point is Jomsom. From Pokhara, either flight or jeep ride can be hailed for Jomsom. Flight to Jomsom from Pokhara takes 25 min, and the jeep ride takes around 8 hours.
For Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the popular entry point is Nayapul. A bus ride from Pokhara can reach Nayapul. It takes two hours to reach Nayapul from Pokhara.
Another way to reach the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to take a jeep ride from Tatopani. It takes 4 hours to reach Jomsom from Tatopani. The road is relatively challenging and technical but offers amazing views.
Annapurna Circuit Trek can also be reached from Besisahar. Besisahar can be reached by bus. It takes 6-7 hours to reach Besisahar from Kathmandu.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Permit
Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires two kinds of permits. These include the Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) and Annapurna Conservation Area permit. The ACAP permit costs USD 30 per person. The TIMS card has two provisions. It costs USD 20 per person for individual tourists, and for group trekkers, it costs USD 10 per person.
How do you get an Annapurna base camp permit?
You can purchase TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit from the Nepalese Tourism Board in Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu. The Nepalese Tourism Board also has an office at Pokhara, so can obtain the permits from there. Likewise, ACAP Immigration Desk in Besisahar, Lamjung, also provides the service of permit purchase.
Where can I buy a trekking permit in Pokhara?
The permits can be purchased from the Nepal Tourism Board Service Centre in Pokhara. You can also purchase TIMS from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Lakeside Office in Santi Patan, Pokhara.