TIMS Card
TIMS Card means a trekker’s information management system. the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of the trekker’s information. the management system has been implemented to ensure the safety and security of the trekkers and to control illegal trekking operations.
As a trekker entering a protected area in Nepal, you will be asked to provide some information about the dates of your trip, the itinerary, and a contact number. these data will be inserted in the visitor’s database, where they can be accessed for park management purposes or in case of accident or natural calamities, in order to inform the concerned institutions about the trekkers inside the park at any time.
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 a 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.
The provision of the trekker information management system came into effect on January 1, 2008. since then the trekking agencies association of Nepal and the Nepal tourism board started recording trekkers’ details and began issuing TIMS cards to trekkers. NTB and TAAN signed an MoU on March 18, 2010, to implement the TIMS card system in a new format effective 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 the US $20 per person, while those traveling in groups need to have blue TIMS cards by Nepali rupee equivalent to the US $10 per person. trekkers taking the service of trekking agencies can pay a fee for the TIMS card in US dollars.
WHY IS TIMS NECESSARY?
All important details regarding the trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained in a computerized database management system, which can be useful for the trekkers safety and security. in order 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 route, handling agencies, duration etc. the data generated from the system will be a database to all concerned stake holder such as tourism organization, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institute etc.
Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus resulting in better management of trekking services , which will not only benefit the trekkers and field staff, but also trekking companies and government agencies. occasional untoward incidents will also be better prevented. plus, TIMS will upgrade the service standard and will contribute to better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal.
to know more about TIMS card you can visit Nepal tourism board website https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tims-card
WHERE AND HOW TO OBTAIN A TIMS CARD?
TIMS Card can be obtained from TAAN secretariat in maligaun and in a TAAN WRA pokhara secretariat in pokhara and the offices of Nepal tourism board in kathmandu and pokhara, upon filling up TIMS application form.
OPENING HOURS:
- TIMS counter at TAAN secretariat follows regular working hours (10 am – 5 pm) and during winter month (nov.01- Jan. 31) it opens from 10 am- 4 pm. it is closed on Saturday and public holiday.
- TIMS counter at satghumti, thamel opens at 7 am and closes at 6 pm. on Saturday and public holidays, however, the counter opens from the 10 am to 1 pm.
- Nepal tourism board follows government working hours i.e. 10 am to 5 pm. it is, closed on Saturday and public holiday.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
to obtain you need copy of-
- Passport.
- Two passport size photographs.
- Detailed itinerary.