Nepal is called a 'trekkers' Paradise.' Its mountains and scenic hills offer some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience involving a certain degree of physical risk due to the rugged topography.
A provision of the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to control illegal trekking operations and ensure the safety and security of the trekkers in all trekking, hiking, climbing, and expedition areas through the Prompt Information Service when required.
Past experiences have proved that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during accidents and natural calamities. Because of the lack of a proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts, and information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.
The provision of a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) came into force on January 1, 2008. The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers' details and issuing TIMS cards to them.
You are required to take a TIMS card from the Nepal Tourism BoardTourism Board (NTB) or registered trekking company before starting the trek. If you are traveling in a group or solo joining a registered trekking agency, you can get the TIMS card upon paying a fee in Nepali currency equivalent to US $20 each.
Where and how can you obtain a TIMS Permit Card?
The visiting tourists who are trekking in Nepal are required to receive a TIMS Card through any one of the following:
- You can get the TIMS card from Kathmandu (NTB Office, TAAN Office, Pokhara (NTB Office, TAAN Office) if you are an individual (FITs) trekker and want to trek solo without using a trekking company and trek without a guide or porter.
- If you are traveling in a group and using a trekking company and trekking with a guide or porter, you can get the TIMS card from a government-registered trekking company like Outfitter Himalaya.
Why is the TIMS Permit Necessary?
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS.
- All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized Database Management System that may be useful for the safety and security of trekkers. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents utilizing Authentic Information Service.
- To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking areas, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders, such as tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.
- Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus resulting in better management of trekking service and benefiting all concerned, such as trekkers, agencies, field staff, government, etc., and also preventing occasional untoward incidents.
- To upgrade the service standard and contribute to better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal.
TIMS Permit Regulatory Provisions
- Every trekker must compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before entering any trekking/climbing/hiking regions and routes in Nepal.
- Free individual trekkers (FIT) or organized group trekkers are required to keep TIMS with them throughout their treks.
- While trekking, TIMS must be shown to TAAN / NTB authorities, national park check posts, conservation area check posts, and police check posts on demand.
- Trekkers must keep their copies of passports with them for verification during trekking.
- TIMS shall be non-transferable, non-endurable, and valid only for a single entry.
TIMS not required For
- The government of Nepal invited foreign guests, who are authorities from different diplomatic missions. They are holding official letter/s and traveling at their own risk.
- The government department recommends visiting specific missions.
- Foreign Nationals have a residential visa.
We at Outfitter Himalaya Holidays obtain Trekkers' information management system (TIMS) permit cards for all our clients who book their trek with us. We offer all the most popular tours in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and all the treks in Nepal Himalayas of Nepal.