Trekking in Nepal requires a special permit TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. It a mandatory to obtain a TIMS card before trekking for the safety of trekkers in Nepal.

Except for TIMS card you will require special permits for trekking in specific areas which vary in cost, however, TIMS is a basic trekking permit for all treks in Nepal. For other special permits, you can visit the official website of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal).

Where and how to apply for TIMS?

For Group trekkers

For group trekkers, trekking companies will take care of the TIMS card. Trekking companies collect all trekkers data and enter them in the central database and provide trekkers with a TIMS card.

Free Individual trekkers

For free individual trekkers, they can get a TIMS card at the office of Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara, TAAN Secretariat at Maligoan and TAAN Secretariat at Pokhara by filling the TIMS application form.

Opening Hours

-TIMS counter at TAAN follows Nepali working hour of 10am-5pm and 365 days.

-NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) offices follow government working hour of 10am-5pm, and they remain close in Saturday and public holidays.

Required Documents

-Passport

-Two passport size photo

Required Fees

For SAARC Countries trekkers

Group Trekkers: NRs 300 per person

Free Individual trekkers: NRs 600 per person

Other Countries

Group Trekkers: NRs 1,000 per person

Free Individual trekkers: NRs 2,000 per person

Who is not required with TIMS?

-Members of the expedition who are permitted to climb mountains.

-Visitors in controlled region by the permission of Department of Immigration.

-Foreign guest visiting Nepal with the invitation of Government of Nepal.

-Authorities visiting Nepal for diplomatic missions who possesses official letters and travels at their own risk.

-Visitors on mission recommended by concerned Government Departments.

-Foreign Nationals a having a residential visa.

Why is TIMS required?

TIMS is needed because all important details regarding trekkers and trekking routes are maintained in a computerized Database Management System, which is for the safety and security of trekkers. To carry out help and search in case of an emergency like natural calamities and other accidents using Authentic Information Service that information are required. All the data obtained from the system is needed for all the concerned parties like tourism organizations, tour operators, research institutes, Government operators, diplomatic missions and others.

Apart from the safety part, it also controls unauthorized trekking operations which results in better management of trekking service, and it benefits trekkers, trekking companies and Government agencies as well. Thus, TIMS contributes in better management of sustainable mountain tourism by ensuring the safety of visitors.