A provision of the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented to ensure the safety and security of trekkers. This system aims to control illegal trekking operations. As a trekker enters a protected area in Nepal, you will be asked to provide some information about the dates of your trip, the itinerary, and a contact number. This data will be put in the visitors’ database, where it can be accessed for park management purposes or in case of accidents or natural calamities, to inform the concerned institutions about the trekkers inside the park at any time. The TIMS cards should be collected from government-authorized trekking agencies.
Past experiences have exposed that difficulties were seen while carrying out rescue operations during times of accidents and natural calamities. Due to the lack of proper records of trekkers, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in the spot of the missing trekkers. Based on the data collected through TIMS cards, it will be possible to know the position of a trekker in case a rescue operation is needed. The provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) came into effect on January 1, 2008. Since then, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) started recording trekkers’ details and begun issuing TIMS cards to trekkers.
Recently Nepal Tourism Board has Press realized on the 9th - 2023, with a new provision effect on the 1st of April 2023 for Trekkers, TIMS cards can get only through the Authorized Trekking Agency. According to the new rule, trekkers groups from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries have to pay only Rs. 1000 for the TIMS Card, while other than the SAARC countries need to pay Rs.2000 per person.
TIMS card did not require Trekkers for the expedition and peak climbing but after natural calamities and other accidents taught, TIMS need every trekker to collect their Information, which can help them if required.
New TIMS Card
Where and how to obtain a TIMS Card?
Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) are no anymore available, contact the any of authorized Trekking Companies to get a TIMS Card.
Organized Trekkers
Trekking companies will collect trekkers’ data and enter it in the central database and will provide trekkers with a TIMS card after paying the fee prescribed above.
Opening Hour/s
Any Time you can get TIM Cards can obtain them online through the trekking company.
Documents Required
To obtain TIMS Card you need
a) Copy of Passport
b) one (1) Passport-size Photograph.
c) Trekking itinerary ( starting date and place and ending date and place)
Old TIMC Card
Why is TIMS Necessary?
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS.
All important details regarding trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained in a computerized Database Management System, which can be useful
for the trekkers’ safety and security. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents using Authentic Information Service. To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc. The data generated from the system will be useful to all concerned 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 services, which will not only benefit trekkers and field staff but also trekking companies and Government agencies. Occasional untoward incidents will also be better prevented. Plus, TIMS will upgrade the service standard and will contribute to better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal.
Revenue collected from the distribution of TIMS cards is shared into three equal parts for the following purposes:
1. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) will use the first part for printing TIMS cards, and holograms, managing issuing counters, and use the remaining amount for tourism marketing, publicity, and promotion.
2. The second part is utilized for the welfare of trekking workers like buying medical and accident insurance policies for them and conducting rescue operations in case of accidents. The amount is also used to launch various programs as a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and meet administrative expenses.
3. The third part is utilized to develop infrastructures and promote, conserve, and maintain trekking trails. A substantial amount is also utilized to explore, develop and promote new destinations besides organizing training and workshops for sustainable and responsible tourism development.
TIMS will not be required for
- Expedition members permitted to climb the mountains
- Visitors in the controlled areas with permits by the Department of Immigration
- Foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal
- Authorities from the various diplomatic missions present in the country, who hold official letter/s and travel at their own risk
- Visitors on certain missions recommended by the concerned Governmental Department(s);
- Foreign Nationals possessing a residential visa.
