As you are Himalayan Trekkers in Nepal...

Nepal, aptly, has been called 'a Trekker's Paradise'. We, the adventure expert team for Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition is pioneer for Himalaya expeditions, Nepal peak climbing, Himalayan high passes trekking, base camp and remote area trekking, easy trekking & hiking and easy and incentive tours in Himalayan Destinations. Its high standing mountains, scenic hills and the luxuriant Terai offers some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. Passing through the diverse culture and nature, trekking in Nepal is a lifetime experience which involves a certain degree of physical fitness owning to the rugged topography.

With the distinction of Nepal as a trekking destination and its growing charm, a provision of Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) has been introduced to ensure safety and security of trekkers in general trekking areas and to control illegal trekking operations. We, the team of Eco-friendly Trekking is hearty supporting this system as a member of TAAN. This is done through the maintenance of information database of trekkers and the mechanism of Prompt Information service as and when required.

Experience in the past show that there are many obstacles while carrying out Rescue Operations during times of crisis and natural calamities in the face of incomplete information. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers their exact trekking routes are unknown and, therefore, rescue missions face difficulties in carrying out their job efficiently. Eco-friendly Trekking has some better experience on this issue in the past.

To counteract such problems of communication gap the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) was started from January 01, 2008. Through this, the details of trekkers to general trekking areas are recorded by Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and a TIMS Card is issued to trekkers which they must carry on their trip. Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition is qualified to issue TIMS Card for you as a fully government registered trekking company in Nepal and a general member of TAAN.

Where and How to Obtain TIMS Card?

Trekkers to general trekking areas of Nepal must carry TIMS Card which they can receive at any one of the following offices:

• NTB, TAAN and Government registered trekking companies such as Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Opening Hours of TIMS counter:

• TIMS counter at Government registered trekking companies will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year from Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition

• TIMS counter at TAAN/NTB offices will follow government working hours/days.

What you need to obtain TIMS Cards:

• You need to submit original Passport, photo copies of your passport and two copies of passport-size photographs to Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition

TIMS Card Issuing System

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TIMS Cards:

• All important details of trekkers and trekking routes shall be maintained on a computerized database management system useful for the safety and security of trekkers.

• This system will help during search and Rescue Operation for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by means of Authentic Information Service.

• The system will maintain a database management that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking areas, trekking routes, handling agencies, during and other necessary information.

• The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders including tourism organizations, Government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators and search institutes.

• Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting in better management of trekking services benefiting all concerned: trekkers, agencies, field staff and Government; and occasional untoward incidents will also be better prevented.

• The system will upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable tourism development of Nepal.

TIMS Regulatory Provisions

• Every trekker has to compulsorily obtain a TIMS Card before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.

• Every free individual trekker (FIT) and every organized group of trekkers are required to keep TIMS Card with them throughout their treks.

• TIMS Card has to be shown to TAAN/NTB/ authorities, national park check posts on demand.

• Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along with them for verification during trekking.

• TIMS Card shall be non-transferable, non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

TIMS Card will not be required for:

• Expedition members permitted to climb the mountains from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)

• Visitors in controlled areas permitted by the Immigration Department.

• Foreign guests invited by the Government of Nepal

• Authorities from different diplomatic missions in the country

• Visitors on certain missions recommended by the concerned department of the Government.