Information On Nepal Visa
Is a Visa Required?
Yes, a visa is needed to enter Nepal for all foreign nationals, except Indian citizens.
Requirements for a Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from your planned arrival date in Nepal.
- A current passport-sized picture.
- Completed online visa application no later than 15 days before arriving in Nepal (data is automatically erased by the application system after 15 days).
- Use this link to apply: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
- Using a credit or debit card to cover the visa cost.
- A 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa costs $50.
- A 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa is $135.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Visas are not available for citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Swaziland, Iraq, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Palestine upon arrival in Nepal. At the local Nepalese embassy or consulate, they must apply for a visa in advance.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you have any questions regarding a visa, please get in touch with the Embassy of Nepal or the Consulate in your nation of residence.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK PERMITS 2024
Permits Needed: To accomplish the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which passes through two conservation areas, you must obtain two permits:
Permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP): This permit safeguards the local ecology and contributes to the funding of conservation initiatives in the Annapurna region.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card: By tracking hikers' movements, this card contributes to their safety while trekking.
How to Get Your Permits:
You can obtain both the ACAP and TIMS card upon arrival in Nepal at the following locations:
- The Tourist Service Center in Kathmandu.
- The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu.
- The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Pokhara.
- The Nepal Tourism Board office in Besisahar or Pokhara.
Permit Costs:
ACAP Permit
Foreigners (except SAARC countries): NPR 3,000 (approx. US $25)
SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 (approx. US $8)
Note: There is a 13% VAT added to both permit fees.
TIMS card: NPR 1000-2,000
Additional Information for Permit:
Both permits are single-entry and non-refundable.
Permits are valid for a maximum of 3 months.
You'll need to show your permits at checkpoints along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route.
Choosing the Right Time For You
Your priorities will determine the best time for starting on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Consider the elements listed below:
- Prioritize clear skies and comfortable weather. Choose spring or fall.
- Crowds: Looking for a more private experience? Consider the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), or even the monsoon if you're used to the weather.
- Experience Level: Winter trekking necessitates experience and appropriate equipment gear to the difficult conditions.
No matter what time of year you choose, the Annapurna Circuit Trek promises an unforgettable adventure.
Trip Variations and Difficulty
Classic Annapurna Circuit (12-16 days): This is the most popular route, circling the entire Annapurna Massif. The distance varies depending on the transportation used to reach starting/ending points (160-230 kilometers).
Annapurna Circuit Hike with Tilicho Lake (13-15 days): This variation adds a challenging detour to Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world accessible by trekking. Expect a tougher itinerary with higher altitude sections.
Annapurna Circuit Short Treks (7-10 days): For those shorter on time, there are shorter variations that trek portions of the circuit, like Manang Valley or reaching Thorung La Pass.
Difficulty Level
Level of Difficulty: Although the Annapurna Circuit Trek is regarded as moderate in difficulty, one should not underestimate it. This is an explanation:
Terrain: A variety of terrain includes steep inclines, drops, and uneven portions. At high altitudes, even mild inclines are difficult.
Altitude: The most difficult part is getting to Thorung La Pass, 5416 meters high. To prevent altitude sickness, proper acclimatization is essential.
Fitness Level: The long daily hikes that gain a lot of height call for a decent level of fitness.
Camping and Accommodation:
- Tea houses: Tea houses are the most popular lodging option along the trip route. These are simple lodges with rooms set up like dorms and food available for purchase.
- Campsites: In specific areas, camping is permitted for a more adventurous experience. But you'll need to pack your camping supplies.
Costs & Budget:
Several factors can affect the price of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, such as:
- Length of trek and variance in route
- Mode of transportation (private jeep versus local buses)
- Type of lodging (tea houses versus camping)
- Porter and guide services (extra)
- Meals and individual costs
Typical costs may range from $1350 to $2500 per person for a 12-16-day classic trek.
Guide and Porter Services
Hiring a licensed guide is not mandatory but highly recommended, especially for first-time trekkers. Guides provide navigation expertise, and cultural insights, and ensure safety on the trail.
Porters can be hired to carry your backpack, lightening your load and allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended for any trek in the Himalayas due to the potential risks associated with altitude.
Additional information:
Mountain biking in Mustang: While most people hike through the Mustang region, a new adventure option is gaining popularity: mountain biking. Explore unique scenery and villages on authorized routes, ideal for experienced mountain cyclists due to the high altitude.
Jomsom Muktinath Homestay Trek: This lesser-known route offers cultural immersion. Stay in traditional homestays in Jomsom and Muktinath villages to have direct experience with local living while supporting the community. Experience old monasteries, traditional butter churning, and a puja (blessing ceremony).
World's Deepest Gorge: The Annapurna Circuit trek passes close to the 5,571-meter (18,279-foot)-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorges.
Solar-Powered Villages: To become more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels, some villages along the Annapurna Circuit hike, such as Upper Mustang, have switched to solar electricity.
Once-a-Year Festival: During the trekking season, the Mustang region hosts the Tiji Festival, a colorful celebration of Tibetan Buddhist culture featuring masked dances and brilliant costumes.
World's biggest Rhododendron Forest: The Ghorepani and Poon Hill regions are home to what is thought to be the world's biggest natural rhododendron garden, providing hikers with a beautiful display of colorful blooms during the spring.
Thorong La Pass Challenge: The trek crosses the world's highest navigable pass, at 5,416 meters (17,765 feet), providing stunning panoramic views and a great sense of achievement.
First, 8,000-meter Peak Climbed: The Annapurna Massif is historically significant because Annapurna I, the world's tenth-highest mountain, was the first summit to be successfully climbed above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in 1950.
