Safety comes first when trekking in the Himalayas. The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card is an important part of Nepal’s trekking safety and management system, helping maintain official information about trekkers and their planned routes.
Under the Revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, specific trekking areas and routes in Nepal require trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and to carry a TIMS Card issued through a Government-registered trekking agency. The Nepal Tourism Board has published the applicable trekking regions and routes under this requirement.
At Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd., we are a legally registered and Government-authorized trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. When you book your Himalayan trekking trip with us, arranging the required TIMS Card and applicable trekking permits is part of our responsibility to help ensure that your journey is properly documented, safe and well organized.
Our priority is always safety first, followed by responsible trekking, professional service and the best possible trekking experience in the Himalayas.
The following notice is from the Nepal Tourism Board regarding the requirement for a licensed trekking guide and TIMS Card on specified trekking routes in Nepal.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)
Official TIMS Card information:
www.ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card
The official Nepal Tourism Board information confirms that trekkers should first check whether their chosen route requires a licensed trekking guide and TIMS Card. Where applicable, both should be arranged through a Government-registered trekking agency.
TIMS stands for Trekkers’ Information Management System. It is a trekking registration and information system used to maintain essential information about trekkers, their guides and their trekking routes.
The system supports trekker safety and security, helps maintain an official trekking database and assists with coordination in the event of an emergency.
For trekking routes covered by the current requirement, the TIMS Card must be arranged through a registered trekking agency, together with the services of a licensed trekking guide.
Sample Printed TIMS Card
The image below shows an example of a printed TIMS Card used for trekking in Nepal. Personal information has been concealed for privacy.
The TIMS system is intended to support safer and more organized trekking in Nepal.
It helps to:
Maintain an official record of trekkers and their trekking routes
Support the safety and security of trekkers in remote mountain areas
Provide important information that can assist during emergencies
Support coordination with trekking agencies and relevant authorities
Help regulate trekking activities and discourage unauthorized trekking operations
Promote responsible and properly organized trekking in Nepal
For us, these requirements are not simply paperwork. We consider proper registration, documentation and preparation an essential part of responsible Himalayan trekking.
According to the current information published by the Nepal Tourism Board, the TIMS Card fees are:
Non-SAARC nationals: NPR 2,000 per person, per trekking route, per entry
SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000 per person, per trekking route, per entry
The fees are currently payable online through the Nepal Tourism Board's TIMS system by registered trekking agencies. Once the required information and payment have been successfully submitted, an electronic TIMS Card with a QR code is generated for the trekker.
Fees and procedures may be revised by the Government of Nepal or the Nepal Tourism Board. We therefore recommend checking the latest official requirements before travelling.
If you book your Himalayan trekking trip with Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd., we take responsibility for arranging the required TIMS Card and applicable trekking permits for your itinerary.
As a legally registered and Government-authorized trekking company, we handle the required trekking documentation as part of our service rather than expecting our guests to manage these procedures independently.
Depending on the route, this may include:
TIMS Card
National park or conservation area entry permits
Restricted-area trekking permits, where applicable
Other required trekking documentation and permissions
The exact permits required depend on your chosen trekking route, region, nationality and current Government of Nepal regulations.
To arrange a TIMS Card, we require the necessary personal and trekking information, including:
Passport-size photograph
First name
Middle name, if applicable
Family name / surname
Passport number
Gender
Date of birth
Nationality
Trekking route and relevant trekking details
This information is submitted through the official TIMS system as required for trekking registration.
The SAARC member countries are:
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
The current Nepal Tourism Board TIMS fee for citizens of SAARC countries is NPR 1,000 per person, per trekking route, per entry.
The Nepal Tourism Board currently lists the following trekking regions and routes under the Revised TIMS Provision requiring a licensed trekking guide and trekking agency-issued TIMS Card.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek
Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Makalu Basecamp Trek
Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek
Gokyo Trek
Chho La Pass Trek
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
Three Passes Trek
Everest View Trek
Mera Peak Trek
Amphu Labtsha Pass Trek
Rolwaling Trek
Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek
Panchpokhari Trek
Helambu Trek
Gosaikunda Trek
Langtang Trek
Langtang Gosaikund Trek
Tamang Heritage Trek
Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek
Ganja La Pass Trek
Tilman Pass Trek
Ganesh Himal–Ruby Valley Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu–Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek
Mesokanto / Tilicho Pass Trek
Poon Hill–ABC Trek
Khopra Trek
Mardi Himal Trek
Sikleh Tara Hill Trek
Upper Mustang Trek
Sarebung Pass Trek
Round Dhaulagiri Trek
Upper Dolpo–Jomsom Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Kagmara Pass Trek
Humla Limi Valley Trek
The Nepal Tourism Board advises trekkers to determine whether their selected route falls under the guide and TIMS Card requirement and, where applicable, arrange both through a Government-registered trekking agency.
For routes where TIMS is required, the registered trekking agency submits the required information about the trekker, guide and trekking route through the Nepal Tourism Board's online TIMS system.
The general process is:
The trekking agency registers the trekking details.
Required personal information and photograph are submitted.
The applicable TIMS fee is paid through the available online payment system.
After successful payment, an electronic TIMS Card with a QR code is generated for the trekker.
When you book with us, our team takes care of this process on your behalf.
A TIMS Card is not the same as a national park, conservation area or restricted-area trekking permit.
Depending on your itinerary, additional permits or entry fees may be required. For example, trekking in protected areas requires the applicable protected-area entry permit, while restricted areas require a special trekking permit issued under the Government of Nepal's regulations.
We check the requirements applicable to your specific itinerary and arrange the necessary documentation as part of our trekking service.
At Nepal Everest Himalaya Hiking Pvt. Ltd., we believe that a successful Himalayan trek begins with proper preparation and responsible organization.
Safety comes first.
Before you set out on the trail, we make sure that the required trekking documentation, permits, guide arrangements and other essential preparations are properly organized for your journey.
Our goal is not only to take you to the mountains, but to help you experience Nepal's Himalayas with responsible planning, professional support and peace of mind throughout your trek.
Trekking regulations, permit requirements, fees and procedures can change according to decisions of the Government of Nepal and relevant authorities.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance and is based primarily on information published by the Nepal Tourism Board. Where regulations or fees are revised, the latest official information will take precedence.
For the most current TIMS requirements and applicable trekking routes, please refer to the official Nepal Tourism Board information.
Official Source: Nepal Tourism Board
www.ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card
