permits & guide in Annapurna area

[paul mcquade]

Hello Friends, I am planning to spend about 10 days in the Annapurna area. From what I have read I need a permit that can be purchased in Kathmandu at Sanchaya Kosh Building , is there also a place to purchase in Pokhara? , Am I correct that I am not required to have a guide. Any advice would be helpfull. I have hiked in the Annapurna twice before and did not have a guide the first time and was told I had to have one the second time . What's the deal?Thanks Paul

[Oli]

Hi Paul.

You'll need the usual permit for entry into the Annapurna park. You should be able to get this from the ACAP office in Pokhara (in Lakeside) or Kathmandu (off Tri Devi Marg?).

Also you will probably need TIMS (http://www.timsnepal.com/), if you don't wish to get that from one of the TAAN agents then visit the NTB (http://www.welcomenepal.com/) office in Kathmandu and sign up there.

[Escher]

Am I correct that I am not required to have a guide. Any advice would be helpfull. I have hiked in the Annapurna twice before and did not have a guide the first time and was told I had to have one the second time . What's the deal?Thanks Paul

No you don't need a guide anymore. The TRC and need for a guide has been outlawed for the tea house trekking areas.

[Oli]

TRC/TIMS is "optional"? I should hope so :confused:

[keanu]

both permit and TIMS is compulsory. i did ABC trek this march and found 2 separate checkpoint for permit and TIMS at birethanti.

[paul mcquade]

Thankyou folks for the information, it will be helpful ,Sincerely Paul