TIMS

Nepal’s tourism starts its new year 2008 with new-fangled arrangements called Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Nepal, appropriately, has been called ‘Trekkers’ heaven. It’s high rank peaks, picturesque hills and the abundant Terai presents some of the most impressive trekking trails in the earth. Transitory through the varied civilization and environment, trekking in Nepal is a life-time knowledge which involves a convinced degree of physical risks owing to the rough geography.

With the different of Nepal as Trekking purpose an its growing attraction, a stipulation of Trekkers’ information management System (TIMS) has been applied to organize illegitimate trekking business and make sure protection and safety of the trekkers in universal trekking area through the instrument of prompt information service as and when required.

The past practices have shown that complexities have been faced while carrying out rescue operations punctually during the times of accidents and natural disasters. Because of lack of proper evidence system of trekkers, their correct whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search assignments 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. Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have started recording trekkers detail and issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

Where & how to obtain TIMS Card ?

The visiting tourists, who are interested to general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TIMS Card at Government registered trekking Company Adventure Discovery Treks and Expedition will remain open 10:00 AM to 6:00PM hours a day all the seven days a week round the year, To obtain TIMS Card you need copy of Passport and two copies of Passport-size Photographs.

Why is TIMS Necessary?

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.

TIMS REGULATORY PROVISIONS

• Every trekkers has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.
• 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 check posts, conservation area check posts and police check posts on demand.
• Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along with them for verification during trekking.
• TIMS shall be non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

TIMS will not be required for:

• The expedition members permitted to climb the mountains.
• The visitors in the controlled areas permitted by the Department of Immigration.
• The foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal.
• The authorities from different diplomatic missions in the country, who is holding official letter/s and traveling own risk .
• Visitors on certain mission recommended by the concerned department of the Government.
• Foreign Nationals having the residential visa.