KATHMANDU
Nepal Tourism Board has now mandated a guide as compulsory requirement to all foreigners seeking a trekking expedition across the nation. As per the press release dated March 09, 2023, the board has revised its provision for trekking in Nepal. It states as follows:
In order to ensure the safety and security of visitors trekking in protected areas in the mountains of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has revised procedures of the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS). With the new provision, all trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and to obtain TIMS Card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal.
The new provision shall come into effect post March 31, 2023.
The decision has been taken subsequent to a series of discussions with the trekking and expedition stakeholders and relevant trade unions in Nepal, to help mitigate adverse incidents like getting lost en-route, health issues and/ or natural disasters etc. With this implementation, the trekkers will have immediate access to a professional support system and will help in addressing the challenges of rescue operations in case of any unwarranted situation.
In addition to safety, the new provision will create employment for workers in the tourism sector of Nepal and discourage unauthorized trekking operations in the country.
Revised Price List
The fees for the TIMS Card have been revised to NPR 1000.00 per person for SAARC citizens and NPR 2000.00 for the rest of the world. The provision for Diplomatic Missions in Nepal will remain as before, however, accompaniment by licensed guide shall be applicable.
Detailed guidelines for the same shall be published shortly. NTB is positive that this step paves way for sustainable, responsible and eco-friendly tourism in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
According to NTB, nearly 50,000 tourists trekked without a guide or a porter in Nepal in 2019. These tourists trekked by obtaining a route permit and a TIMS permit from NTB. Such a decision has been taken for the safety of trekkers after many tourists went missing over the past few years.
