Nepal is a paradise for trekkers who want to explore the majestic Himalayan mountains. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, you need to know some important rules and regulations for trekking in Nepal.
One of them is the requirement of having a licensed trekking guide and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card for most of the trekking routes in the protected areas of Nepal. This is to ensure your safety, security, and environmental protection.
The TIMS card is a registration card that records your personal details, itinerary, emergency contact, and insurance information. It helps the authorities to keep track of your whereabouts and to provide assistance in case of any accidents or emergencies. The TIMS card also helps to raise funds for the conservation and development of the trekking areas.
The trekking guide is a professional who knows the trails, the culture, and the environment of the trekking regions. The guide will help you plan your itinerary, arrange your permits, book your accommodation, carry your luggage, and guide you along the way. The guide will also ensure that you follow the rules and regulations of the protected areas and respect the local customs and traditions.
According to the Revised TIMS Provision effective from March 31, 2023, you need to have a trekking guide and a TIMS card for the following trekking regions and routes:
Trekking Region Name of the Trek Kanchenjunga Region:
Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek
Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Makalu Barun Area
Makalu Basecamp Trek
Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek Everest Region:
Everest Basecamp Trek
Gokyo Trek
Chho La Pass Trek
Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
Three Passes Trek
Everest View trek
Mera Peak Trek
Amphu Labtsha Pass Rolwaling Region:
Rolwaling Trek
Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek
Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area
Panchpokhari Trek
Helambu Region:
Helambu Trek
Goshaikunda Trek
Langtang Region:
Langtang Trek
Langtang Gosaikund Trek
Tamang Heritage Trek
Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek
Ganja La pass Trek
Till Man Pass
Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area:
Ganesh Himal - Ruby Valley Trek
Manaslu Region:
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu - Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley Trek
Annapurna Region:
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
Mustang Region:
Upper Mustang Trek
Sarebung Pass Trek
Dhaulagiri Region:
Round Dhaulagiri
Dolpo Region:
Upper Dolpo - Jomsom Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek
Lower Dolpo Trek
Kagmara Pass Trek
Humla Region:
Humla Limi Valley Trek
If you are interested in any of these treks, you need to contact a government-registered trekking agency to arrange for your trekking guide and TIMS card.
The trekking agency will fill in a registration form with your details, guides’ details, and trekking routes.
You will have to pay a fee for the TIMS card online through one of the payment services (e.g., ConnectIPS, nepalpay etc.).
After the payment is successful, you will receive an eCard for TIMS with a QR code.
You will have to carry this eCard with you throughout your trek and show it at the check posts along the way.
The fee for the TIMS card is NPR 1,000 for SAARC (Citizens of South Asian countries) country applicants and NPR 2,000 for others.