Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card in Nepal

Different Types Of Permits

Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world, and many of them are located in protected areas where trekking permits are required. It is important to note that these Nepal trekking permit costs are subject to change, and it is always best to check with a local trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board for the most up-to-date information on trekking permits. Here are the different categories of trekking permits in Nepal:

Tims Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System

The implementation of the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) is a joint initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and security of trekkers while regulating illegal trekking activities in Nepal. As of January 1st, 2008, TIMS Card permits have been issued to all trekkers.

Effective from April 1, 2023, the latest version of the trekking permit, the E-TIMS Card, has been introduced online. However, this permit is exclusively available to group trekkers who utilize the services of government-authorized trekking agencies, and not to free individual trekkers (FITs).

Previously, TIMS permits were issued by the Nepal Tourist Board directly to free individual trekkers through a form available at the Tourism office at Bhrikutimandap. However, the introduction of the E-TIMS Card mandates its use by all trekkers in Nepal, except in restricted areas where trekkers obtain special permits from the Department of Immigration Office.

Note: Only government registered companies and members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) are eligible to obtain the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. To acquire the TIMS card through online means, please access the provided E-tims card portal and carefully follow the given instructions.

The E-TIMS Card is a critical tool in ensuring the safety and security of trekkers in Nepal. The implementation of this online system is a progressive move towards efficient and reliable data management for the benefit of all stakeholders. It is expected to enhance the trekking experience and facilitate smooth operations for government agencies and authorized trekking agencies.

The cost of an E-TIMS Card is NPR 2000 per person for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for those from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

Trekking without a guide or TIMS Card on designated trekking trails will result in a fine for any offender.

Documents required for TIMS

To apply for a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card in Nepal, the following documents are typically required:

A valid passport (with a minimum of six months' validity remaining)
A valid visa for Nepal
Two passport-sized photos
A completed TIMS application form (which can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or from a registered trekking agency)
Trekking itinerary or details of the trekking route
Emergency contact details
Insurance policy document (optional)

It is important to note that the requirements may vary based on the type of TIMS card (individual or group) and the specific trekking route. It is recommended to check with a registered trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board for the most up-to-date information.

National Park/Conservation Area Entry Permit

A National Park/Conservation Area Entry Permit is a document that allows visitors to enter and explore the protected areas of Nepal. These areas include national parks, conservation areas, wildlife reserves, and hunting reserves. Nepal is known for its wide variety of plants and animals, and its national parks and conservation areas give visitors a chance to see the country's natural beauty and wildlife.

A National Park/Conservation Area Entry Permit is mandatory for all visitors to these protected areas. The permit can be obtained from the entry points or offices of the respective national parks or conservation areas. The fees for the permit vary depending on the area and the duration of the visit. The permit is valid for a specific period, and visitors must leave the protected area before the permit expires.

These permits play a significant role in protecting the natural resources of Nepal. The funds generated from the permit fees are used for the conservation and management of the protected areas. These areas are home to endangered species, and the permit fees contribute towards their protection and conservation.

The permit also helps regulate the number of visitors to the protected areas. The authorities limit the number of visitors to these areas to prevent overcrowding and minimize the impact of tourism on the environment. By regulating the number of visitors, the authorities can also ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife.

Documents Required for National Park/Conservation Area Entry Permit

To obtain a National Park or Conservation Area Entry Permit in Nepal, you will need to provide the following documents:

A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
Two passport-sized photographs.
A completed application form, which can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Payment for the entry permit fee. This can be done at the permit issuing office or online through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation's website.
For trekkers, a valid trekking permit is also required, which can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or the Department of Immigration.

It is important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the specific national park or conservation area that you plan to visit, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Restricted Area Permit (Special Permits)

In Nepal, some trekking areas are classified as "restricted," meaning that they require a special permit for trekkers to access them. These special permits are issued by the Department of Immigration Office and are also known as restricted trekking permits or special permits.

Restricted trekking permits are required for certain trekking routes that are located in remote areas or near sensitive border regions. These areas often have few facilities and are hard to get to, which adds to their appeal for trekkers who want to go somewhere off the beaten path.

Some of the most popular trekking routes that require a restricted trekking permit include Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu. These areas are known for their unique cultures, different landscapes, and breathtaking mountain views. This makes them popular with trekkers who want a more adventurous and immersive experience.

he cost of a restricted trekking permit Nepal varies depending on the trekking route and the duration of the trek. The permit fee can range from USD 10 to USD 500 per person per week. Trekkers must also hire a licensed guide and work with a registered trekking agency to set up transportation, lodging, and other logistics.

Documents Required for Restricted Area Permit (Special Permit)

Restricted trekking permits, also known as special permits, are required for certain trekking areas in Nepal that are considered to be remote or restricted. The documents required for obtaining a restricted trekking permit in Nepal may vary depending on the specific trekking area, but generally include the following:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Nepal.
A valid visa for Nepal. This can be obtained from Nepalese diplomatic missions or consulates abroad, or on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Two passport-sized photographs.
An agreement letter, guarantee letter, and tax clearance certificate from the trekking agency.
A completed trekking permit application form. This can be obtained from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or from the local trekking agencies.
A copy of your travel itinerary, including the dates and locations of your trek.
A valid trekking permit for the specific area you wish to trek in.
Proof of payment of the applicable permit fees.
Proof of registration and a certificate of permanent account number.
A recommendation letter from a recognized trekking agency in Nepal.
A copy of your travel insurance policy.

It's important to remember that some restricted areas may require extra permits or paperwork, like a climbing permit for trekking peaks or a special permit for certain areas. It is best to check with the local authorities or a reputable trekking agency for the specific requirements for the area you wish to trek in.

Rural Municipality Trekking Permit

Rural municipalities are responsible for managing and regulating trekking activities within their jurisdiction. As such, a Rural Municipality Trekking Permit is required for trekkers who plan to explore trekking trails within these rural areas.

The Rural Municipality Trekking Permit is a legal document that allows trekkers to enter and trek within the designated rural municipality area. The cost of this permit, which the rural municipality's office issues, varies depending on the particular rural municipality and how long the trek is.

The goal of this permit is to make sure that trekkers are safe and secure while also giving rural municipalities a chance to make money from tourism. The funds generated from these permits are often used to maintain trekking trails, construct basic infrastructure, and promote sustainable tourism in rural areas.

It is important to note that the Rural Municipality Trekking Permit is in addition to the TIMS Card or the E-TIMS Card, which are required for trekking in Nepal. Therefore, trekkers must obtain both permits to be allowed to trek in rural municipalities.

Trekking without a permit is illegal and can result in fines or legal penalties. Also, having the proper permits ensures that trekkers have access to necessary resources such as guides, maps, and emergency services, which can be crucial in case of any unforeseen incidents during the trek.

Documents Required for Rural Municipality Trekking Permit

To obtain a Rural Municipality Trekking Permit in Nepal, you typically need to provide the following documents:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity left.
A valid visa for Nepal.
A Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for all trekkers in Nepal. You can obtain this card from the Nepal Tourism Board or from a registered trekking agency.
A detailed itinerary of your trek, including the dates and locations of your trek.
A travel insurance policy that covers trekking in Nepal is required.
Depending on the route you are taking, you may need additional permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or the Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
Two passport-sized photos are required.
A registered trekking agency in order to obtain the Rural Municipality Trekking Permit.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for the Rural Municipality Trekking Permit may vary depending on the location and season of your trek. It's always a good idea to double-check with the local authorities or a registered trekking agency for the latest information and requirements.

TIMS Trekking Areas, Route and Check Post Counters

Kanchenjunga Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Kanchenjunga Basecamp via Sele La Pass Trek	Yamphudin – Kanchenjunga South Basecamp - Sele La Pass – Ghunsa – Kanchenjunga Basecamp - Lelep	Yamphudin	Ghunsa
2. Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek	Taplejung – Lelep - Ghunsa – Kanchenjunga Basecamp.	Ghunsa	Ghunsa
3.Kanchenjunga Basecamp Nango Pass Trek	Taplejung – Lelep - Ghunsa – Kanchenjunga Basecamp – Nango La Pass – Olangchung Gola - Lelep	Ghunsa	Olangchung-Gola
4. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek	Taplejung – Olangchung Gola – Lumba Sumba Pass - Chyamtang – Num	Olangchung-Gola	Num

Makalu Barun Area

Trekking Name

Normal Route

TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)

TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)

1. Makalu Basecamp Trek

Tumlingtar – Num - Tashi Gaun – Yangle Kharka – Makalu Basecamp

Num

2. Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek

Tumlingtar – Num - Tashi gaun – Yangle Kharka – Makalu Basecamp - Sherpeni Cole Pass – Chhukung – Namche - Monjo- Lukla

Num

Monjo

Everest Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Everest Base camp Trek	Lukla – Monjo- Namche – Dingboche – Everest Basecamp - Namche	Monjo	Monjo
2. Gokyo Trek	Lukla – Monjo-Namche – Machhermo – Gokyo - Namche	Monjo	Monjo
3. Chho La Pass Trek	Lukla – Monjo- Namche – Machhermo – Gokyo – Chho La Pass – Everest Base camp - Namche	Monjo	Monjo
4. Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek	Lukla – Monjo-Namche – Machhermo – Gokyo – Thame - Namche	Monjo	Monjo
5. Everest Three Pass Trek	Lukla – Monjo-Namche – Dingboche – Khongma La Pass - Everest base camp – Chho La Pass – Gokyo – Thame	Monjo	Monjo
6. Everest View trek	Lukla – Monjo- Namche – Everest view	Monjo	Monjo
7. Mera Peak Trek	1. Lukla – Kothe – Khare – Mera Basecamp 2. Lukla – Paiya – Kothe – Khare 3. Bung – Kothe – Khare – Mera Basecamp – Kothe - Lukla	Kothe	Kothe
8. Amphu Labtsha Pass	Lukla – Kothe – Khare – Seti pokhari – Amphu basecamp –Namche - Monjo-Lukla	Kothe	Monjo

Rolwaling Region

Trekking Name

Normal Route

TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)

TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)

1. Rolwaling Treks

Charikot – Simigaon – Beding – Na gaun- Tsorolpa

Simigaon

2. Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek

Charikot – Simigaon – Beding – Na gaun – Tsho Rolpo Lake – Tashi Labtsha Pass - Namche-Monju -Lukla

Simigaon

Monjo

Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area

Trekking Name

Normal Route

TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)

TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)

1. Panch Pokhari Trek

Bhotang – Nosyangpati – Panchpokhari -Bhotang

Bhotang

Helambu Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Helambu Trek	Kutumgsang – Melamchi gaun – Tarkighyang - Shermathang	Kutumgsang	Tarkeghyang
2. Goshaikunda Trek	Kutumgsang – Thade Pati – Gosaikund – Dhunche	Kutumgsang	Dhunche

Langtang Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Langtang Trek	Syabrubesi – Langtang – Kyanjin - Syabrubesi	Syabrubesi	Dhunche
2. Langtang Gosaikund Trek	Syabrubesi – Langtang – Kyanjin – Thulo Syabru – Gosaikund – Kutumsang	Syabrubesi	Kutumgsang
3. Tamang Heritage Trek	Syabrubesi – Gatlang – Tatopani – Syabrubesi	Syabrubesi	Syabrubesi
4. Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek	Syabrubesi – Gatlang – Tatopani – Langtang – Kyanjin - Syabrubesi	Syabrubesi	Syabrubesi
5. Ganja La pass Trek	Syabrubesi – Gatlang – Tatopani – Langtang – Kyanjin – ganja La Pass - Tarkighyang	Syabrubesi	Tarkeghyang
6. Till Man Pass	Syabrubesi – Gatlang – Tatopani – Langtang – Kyanjin – Till man Pass - Panchpokhari - Bhotang	Syabrubesi	Bhotang

Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
Ganesh Himal - Ruby Valley Trek	Syabrubesi – Gatlang – Pangsang Pass -Ruby Valley-Dhadingbesi	Syabrubesi	Dhadingbesi

Manaslu Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Manaslu Circuit Trek	Arughat – Jagat – Samagaun – Larke Pass – Bhimthang - Dharapani- Jagat	Jagat	Jagat
2. Manaslu - Tsum Valley Trek	Arughat – Jagat – Chhekamparo – Mu Gumba - Samagaun – Larke Pass – Bhimthang - Dharapani- Jagat	Jagat	Jagat
3. Tsum Valley Trek	Arughat – Jagat – Chhekamparo – Mu Gumba – Jagat - Arughat	Jagat (Gorkha)	Jagat (Gorkha)

Annapurna Region

Trekking name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Annapurna Circuit Trek	Besishahar – Jagat- Dharapani – Chame – Manang – Thorong Pass – Muktinath – Jomsom- Tatopani -Gharkhola	Jagat	Jomsom and Gharkhola
2. Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek	Besishahar – Jagat- Dharapani – Koto – Phugaun – Nar – Manang – Thorong Pass – Muktinath – Jomsom- Tatopani- Gharkhola	Jagat	Jomsom and Gharkhola
3. Mesokanto / Tilicho Pass Trek	Besishahar – Jagat- Dharapani – Chame – Manang – Mesokanto Pass / Tilicho Pass – Jomsom- Tatopani- Gharkhola	Jagat	Jomsom and Gharkhola
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek	Pothana/Birethanti – Poon hill – Chhomrong – Dobhan - ABC	Birethanti	Birethanti/Pothana
5. Khopra Trek	Birethanti – Poon hill – Tadhapani – Khopra - Tatopani- Gharkhola	Birethanti	Gharkhola
6. Mardi Himal Trek	Pothana- Pritamdeurali – Highcamp – Basecamp - Siding- Hemja Melbot	Pothana	Hemja/Melbot
6. Sikleh Tara Hill Trek	Tangting- Sikleh- Tara Hill Top – Ghala Kharka – Bhurjung Khola	Bhurjung Khola	– Bhurjung Khola

Mustang Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Upper Mustang Trek	Jomsom – Chhusang - Ghami – Lo-manthang – Yara - Jomsom	Jomsom	Jomsom
2. Sarebung Pass Trek	Jomsom – Chhusang - Ghami – Lo-manthang – Yara - Damodar kund – Sarebung Pass – Phu Gaun – Koto – Dharapani - Jagat- Besishahar	Jomsom	Jagat

Dhaulagiri Region

Trekking Name

Normal Route

TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)

TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)

1. Round Dhaulagiri

Beni- Babiyachour -Bagar- Basecamp- Marpha-Tatopani- Gharkhola

Babiyachour

Gharkhola

Dolpo Region

Trekking Name	Normal Route	TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)	TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)
1. Upper Dolpo - Jomsom Trek	Dunai – Phoksundo – Syegumba – Tinje – Chharka Bhot - Kagbeni- Jomsom	Phoksundo	Chharka Bhot
2. Upper Dolpo Trek	Dunai – Phoksundo – Syegumba – Dho Tarap – Dunai	Phoksundo	Dho Tarap
3. Lower Dolpo Trek	Dunai – Dho Tarap – Numa La Phoksundo – Dunai	Dho Tarap	Phoksundo
4. Kagmara Pass Trek	Dunai – Phoksundo – Syegumba – Kagmara Pass - Jumla Khalanga	Phoksundo	Jumla Khalanga

Humla Region

Trekking Name

Normal Route

TIMS Check Post (Entry Point)

TIMS Check Post (Exit Point)

1. Humla Limi Valley Trek

Rara- Simkot – Hilsa – Limi - Simikot

Simkot

Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card in Nepal

Table of Contents

Different Types Of Permits