KATHMANDU, MARCH 09
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has revised procedures of the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS), mandating all trekkers to use a licensed trekking guide for their Himalayan adventures and to obtain a TIMS card through authorised trekking agencies from April 1 onwards.
Issuing a statement, the NTB has stated that with the implementation of the new provision, all trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS card through authorised trekking agencies registered with the government of Nepal. The new provision shall come into effect post March 31, 2023.
In the statement, the NTB has explained that the decision has been taken after holding numerous discussions with the trekking and expedition stakeholders and relevant trade union in Nepal, to help mitigate adverse incidents like trekkers getting lost en-route, facing health issues or natural disasters, etcetera.
Following the implementation of the new provision, the trekkers will have immediate access to a professional support system and it is expected to help in addressing the challenges of rescue operations in case of any unwarranted situations. In addition to the safety, the new provision will generate employment opportunities for people working in the tourism sector of Nepal and discourage unauthorised trekking operations in the country, according to NTB.
Meanwhile, the fees for the TIMS card have been revised to Rs 1,000 per person for SAARC citizens and Rs 2,000 for trekkers from the rest of the world, while the fees for diplomatic missions in Nepal will remain as before but they will also have to have a licensed guide accompany them. NTB has expressed its belief that such steps can pave the way for sustainable, responsible and eco-friendly tourism in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 10, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
