What is TIMS Card?
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
In order to ensure safety and security of the trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have implemented TIMS Card to trekkers in Nepal.
Past experiences have revealed that difficulties were seen while carrying out rescue operations during times of accidents and natural calamities. Due to the lack of proper record system of trekkers, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the missing trekkers. Based on the data collected through TIMS cards, however, it will be possible to know the position of a trekker in case a rescue operation is needed.
NTB and TAAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 18, 2010 to implement the TIMS system in a new format from April 1, 2010. NTB and TAAN have introduced separate TIMS Cards for FITs and organized groups. FITs need to have Green TIMS cards by paying Nepali currency equivalent to US $20 per person, while those travelling in groups need to have Blue TIMS cards by paying Nepali currency equivalent to US $10 per person. Trekkers taking the service of trekking agencies can pay fee for TIMS card in US dollars.
Documents Required
– To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of: a) Passport b) two (2) Passport-size Photographs. The Role of a Trekking Agency Trekking agencies will collect trekkers’ passport details, trekking area, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc and enter it in the central database to provide a TIMS card after paying fee prescribed above
Where & how to obtain TIMS Card?
The visiting tourists, who are interested in doing trekking in Annapurna, Everest & Langtang Regions in Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card through Trek Himalaya office in Kathmandu. In order to obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.
TIMS are not 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.
Why is TIMS 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 safety and security of trekkers. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by means of 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 stakeholders:- tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute, etc.
Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned :- trekkers, agencies, field staff, Government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.
To upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development of Nepal.
