Trekkers' Information Management System [TIMS]

How and where to obtain a TIMS Card?

1. Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) can obtain TIMS cards at the offices of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as at the TAAN Secretariat in Maligaon and TAAN Pokhara Secretariat in Pokhara. They need to fill out the TIMS application form to obtain the card.
2. Organized trekkers who are part of a trekking company can provide their trekking details to the company, which will then enter the information into the central database. The trekking company will issue the TIMS card to the trekkers after they pay the prescribed fee.

Opening hours:

• The TIMS counter at TAAN follows regular working hours from 10 am to 5 pm and operates 365 days a year.
• NTB offices follow the regular working hours and days of the government.
• Trekking agencies are open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Documents required To Obtain TIMS:

• Passport
• Two (2) passport-size photographs

Importance of TIMS: TIMS is necessary for the following reasons:

• It maintains important details of trekkers and trekking routes in a computerized database management system, ensuring the safety and security of trekkers.
• It aids in search and rescue operations during natural calamities and accidents by providing authentic information.
• It establishes a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking areas, routes, handling agencies, and duration, which is beneficial to various stakeholders such as tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, and research institutes.
• It helps control unauthorized trekking operations, leading to better management of trekking services and preventing untoward incidents.
• It contributes to the improvement of service standards and the sustainable development of mountain tourism in Nepal.

TIMS not required for:

• Expedition members with permission to climb mountains
• Visitors in controlled areas with permits from the Department of Immigration
• Foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal
• Authorities from diplomatic missions with official letters traveling at their own risk
• Visitors on specific missions recommended by the concerned government department(s)
• Foreign nationals with a residential visa

Distribution of TIMS card revenue

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) utilizes the first part for printing TIMS cards, holograms, and managing issuing counters, and the remaining amount is used for tourism marketing, publicity, and promotion.
• The second part is used for the welfare of trekking workers, such as purchasing medical and accident insurance policies for them and conducting rescue operations in case of accidents. It is also utilized for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and administrative expenses.
• The third part is allocated for the development of infrastructure, promotion, conservation, and maintenance of trekking trails. It is also used to explore, develop, and promote new destinations, as well as organize training and workshops for sustainable and responsible tourism development.

Trekking guides and TIMS Cards are required on the majority of trekking routes in the Himalayas.

According to the Revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, certain Protected Areas in Nepal have specific requirements for trekkers. In these areas, trekkers are required to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a TIMS Card issued by a trekking agency. The rule applies to the following trekking regions and routes

To ensure compliance with the requirements of trekking routes in Nepal, prospective trekkers need to determine whether their chosen route necessitates a trekking guide and TIMS Card. If these are indeed required, it is recommended to contact a registered trekking agency authorized by the government to make arrangements for a trekking guide and obtain the TIMS Card accordingly.

The system applies to all trekking areas in Nepal, including restricted areas. Group trekkers are required to obtain Blue TIMS cards by paying a fee of Rs 1,000 per person, while FITs need to acquire Green TIMS cards by paying a fee of Rs 2,000. For trekkers from SAARC countries, group trekkers pay Rs 300, and FITs pay Rs 600 each for TIMS cars.

Overall, TIMS serves as a record-keeping system to enhance the efficiency of rescue operations and ensure the safety of trekkers in Nepal's trekking areas.