Permit and Trekking

 

Permit in Nepal is essential for the trekkers. Above all, it legalizes trekkers for trekking in special regions. Trekking in Nepal requires a special permit TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. Also, it is mandatory to obtain a TIMS card before trekking for the safety of trekkers in Nepal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Except for the TIMS card, you will require special permits for trekking in specific areas which vary in cost. However, TIMS is a basic trekking permit for all treks in Nepal. For other special permits, you can visit the official website of TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal).

 

Firstly, TAAN’s responsibility is to manage the TIMS counter and Nepal tourism to investigate. Secondly, tourists cannot trek without a TIMS card. If tourists do not hold a TIMS permit they won’t be able to enter legally. But, an official can guide them on what to do next for a legal entry. For instance, the personnel from Nepal Tourism will guide them on a legal entry process ould make a TIMS card for a cost.

 

Next, group trekkers will have to pay Blue TIMS Permit in Nepal by paying a fee of Rs 1,000 per person, while FITs have to get Green TIMS cards by paying a fee of Rs 2,000. Similarly, group trekkers from SAARC countries have to pay Rs 300 for TIMS cards, while FITs from the SAARC region have to pay Rs 600 each.

 

Further, funds collected from the TIMS card, Board, and TAAN should be spent mutually. 30% to Board, 30% to TAAN and left 40% of 30% mutually for tourism development and 10% in worker provident fund.

 

Meanwhile, TIMS counters are situated in Besishar, Dhampus, Birethati, and Tatopani in the Annapurna route.

 

Where and how to apply for TIMS Permit in Nepal?

 

Permit needed for Group trekkers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For group trekkers, trekking companies will take care of the TIMS card. Likewise, trekking companies collect all trekker’s data and enter them into the central database and provide trekkers with a blue-coloured TIMS card. For example, TIMS will be required for the Annapurna region trekking.

 

Permit needed for free Individual trekkers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For free individual trekkers, they can get a TIMS Permit in Nepal at the office of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Further, they need to consider TAAN Secretariat at Maligoan, and TAAN Secretariat at Pokhara by filling the TIMS application form. To clarify, Individual TIMS is green in colour.

 

Opening Hours

 

-TIMS counter at TAAN follows Nepali working hours of 10 am-5 pm and 365 days.

-NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) offices follow government working hours of 10 am-5 pm. But, they remain closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

 

Required Documents

 

-Firstly, Passport

-Secondly, Two passport size photo

 

Required Fees

 

1. For SAARC Countries trekkers

Group Trekkers: NRs 300 per person

Free Individual trekkers: NRs 600 per person

 

2. Other Countries

Group Trekkers: NRs 1,000 per person

Free Individual trekkers: NRs 2,000 per person

 

ACAP and other Permit in Nepal

 

Entry Fee (Per Person) to visit Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), and Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– Nepali Nationals: NRs 100
– SAARC Nationals: NRs 1,000.
– Other Nationals (other than SAARC countries): NRs 3,000.

 

Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (for Annapurna, Gaurishankar & Manaslu)
Opening hours Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays in Kathmandu: 9 am – 5 pm

 

Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board, Tourist Service Centre, Pardi Damside (for Annapurna only)
Opening hours Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays in Pokhara: 10 am – 5 pm

 

Besisahar, Lamjung: ACAP entry permit counter, Besisahar, Lamjung (for Annapurna only)
Opening hours Sunday to Saturday except on public holidays in Lamjung: 10 am – 5 pm

 

Meanwhile, for general information, know more about ACAP, MCAP and other projects.

 

Who does not require TIMS?

 

-Members of the expedition (mountain climbers).

-Visitors in a controlled region with the permission of the Department of Immigration.

-Foreign guests visiting Nepal with the invitation of the Government of Nepal.

-Authorities visiting Nepal for diplomatic missions who possess official letters and travels at their own risk.

-Visitors on mission recommended by concerned Government Departments.

-Foreign Nationals a having a residential visa.

 

Why is TIMS required?

 

TIMS Permit in Nepal is needed because all important details regarding trekkers and trekking routes are maintained in a computerized Database Management System, which is for the safety and security of trekkers. To carry out help and search in case of an emergency like natural calamities and other accidents using Authentic Information Service that information is required.

 

All the data obtained from the system is needed for all the concerned parties like tourism organizations, tour operators, research institutes, Government operators, diplomatic missions, and others.

 

Apart from the safety part, it also controls unauthorized trekking operations which results in better management of trekking service, and it benefits trekkers, trekking companies, and Government agencies as well. Thus, TIMS Permit in Nepal contributes to better management of sustainable mountain tourism by ensuring the safety of visitors.