Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

Nepal is called 'a trekkers' Paradise'. Its mountains & scenic hills offer some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience that involves a certain degree of physical risks owing to the rugged topography. The distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm.

A provision of 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 mechanism of Prompt Information Service when required.

The past experiences have proved that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during times of accidents and natural calamities. Because of the lack of a proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts, and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has come into force from Jan 01, 2008. The trekking agencies association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal tourism board (NTB) have started recording trekkers' detail and issuing TIMS cards to trekkers.

You are required to take a TIMS card from the Nepal tourism board (NTB) or registered trekking company before starting the trek. If you are traveling in a group, or solo joining with a registered trekking agency, you can get the TIMS card upon paying a fee of Nepali currency equivalent to the US $10 each.

Or, if you prefer to travel individually (FITs) without joining a trekking agency, you need to pay Nepali currency equivalent to $20. You need a copy of your passport and two copies of passport-size photographs as well.

Where & how to obtain TIMS Permit Card?

The visiting tourists, who are trekking in Nepal are required to receive 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.

You can get the TIMS card from a government-registered trekking company like Outfitter Himalaya If you are traveling in a group and using a trekking company and trekking with a guide or porter.

Why TIMS Permit is 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 the record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies and 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 benefit of all concerned such as trekkers, agencies, field staff, government, etc., and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.
To upgrade the service standard and contribute to better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.

TIMS Permit Regulatory Provisions

Every trekker has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before entering any of the trekking/climbing/hiking regions and routes in Nepal.
A Free individual trekker (FIT) or organized group trekkers are required to keep TIMS along with them throughout their treks.
TIMS has to be shown to TAAN / NTB authorities, national park checks posts, conservation area checks posts, and police check posts on demand while on trekking.
Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along 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 foreign guests were invited by the government of Nepal. The authorities from different diplomatic missions in the country, who are holding official letter/s and traveling at their own risk.
Visitors on certain missions are recommended by the concerned department of the government.
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 treks in Nepal that 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.

TIMS Permit