1. What is TIMS and why is it important?

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) is a database primarily used to locate the position of trekkers on the trail. It also informs about the number and status of trekkers inside a certain trekking area. It can be accessed in case of accidents and/or natural calamities in order to inform the concerned agencies for rescue and emergency evacuation.

TIMS Card is compulsory to trek in all trekking areas in the country.

The TIMS card is non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for one entry for prescribed area and duration.

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) has been implemented jointly by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure safety and security of trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations.

2. What documents are required to get TIMS card?

Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) have to submit a filled form with a copy of Passport, 2 passport size photos and detailed itinerary to get TIMS card which is Green in color. For organized groups (who hire a trekking agency), trekking company is responsible for issuing TIMS card and is Blue in color.

3. From where the TIMS card can be issued?

Kathmandu:

  • TAAN Secretariat, Maligaun, [regular working hours:10 am – 5 pm and during winter months (Nov. 01-  Jan 31): 10am-4pm. It is closed on Saturdays and public holiday].
  • TAAN, TIMS Counter, Saatghumti, Thamel (7 am – 6 pm. On Saturdays and public holidays, the counter opens from 10 am to 1 pm).
  • Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap (government working hours: 10 am – 5 pm, It is closed on Saturdays and public holiday)

Pokhara:

  • Nepal Tourism Board, Lakeside Road (government working hours: 10 am – 5 pm, It is closed on Saturdays and public holiday)
  • TAAN office, Shanti Patan Chowk (regular working hours:10 am – 5 pm; 365 days).

4.How much does it cost?

Organized trekkers FITs (Free Individual Trekkers)
SAARC National Other National SAARC National Other National
NRS. 300 NRS. 1000 NRS. 600 NRS. 2000

5. Who doesn’t need TIMS card?

  • Expedition members with mountaineering permits issued by the government and Nepal    Mountaineering Association (NMA).
  • Visitors to controlled areas having permits issued 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 and travel at their own risk.
  • Visitors on certain missions recommended by the concerned Government Departments.
  • Foreign Nationals possessing a residential visa.

 

Note: After the implementation of the new constitution which envisions Federalism and decentralizing power to local units, there are few cases where power is being exercised by the local government. In Sagarmatha National Park of Khumbu region (Everest trekking route), TIMS card is no longer valid, instead, the local authority from Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, charges NRs. 2000/trekker as entrance fee.