The Nepal Tourism Board has encountered issues implementing the Tourist Information Management System (TIMS) standards for ensuring safe and organized mountain trekking. Before, laws required that foreign hikers in Nepal carry both a guide and a “TIMS Card.” Recent reports, however, indicate that the stringent enforcement of these laws may not have occurred.
TIMS regulations have been implemented by the Board, yet many hikers continue to go into the mountains unaccompanied, which puts lives in danger of being lost.
Despite efforts to sell TIMS Cards online since April 1st of last year, the absence of a ‘Checkpost’ system has posed problems.
According to Ramchandra Sedhain, the chief executive officer of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), over 20,000 TIMS Cards have been sold online so far, generating revenue exceeding NPR 40 million. Additionally, over 2,000 companies have registered with TIMS, making the card mandatory for tourists. The government charges NPR 2,000 per tourist for the TIMS Card.
Statistics show that 20% to 30% of tourists traveling for trekking purposes in Nepal opt for guided tours. Despite an estimated one million trekkers visiting Nepal annually, only 200,000 TIMS Cards were sold online last year. This indicates a substantial loss of revenue for the state.
While TIMS Cards are mandatory, trekking in risky areas such as the Himalayan region, which includes four main trekking routes: Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the Selena-La Pass, Base Camp Trek, and the Lumba-Sumba Trek, require special permits under TIMS. Similarly, routes in other regions like Rolwaling, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley, among others, also demand TIMS permits.
The TIMS Checkpost system is meant to ensure trekkers comply with TIMS regulations. However, there has been a delay in setting up these Checkposts, contributing to the problem. Furthermore, the Board’s 11-member committee for TIMS implementation has four vacant positions, leading to delays in decision-making.
According to Maniraj Lamichhane, the Board’s Information Officer and Director, the government and the Board are working effectively to address the issues related to TIMS implementation. He emphasized the importance of resolving these issues promptly to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists.
Failure to obtain TIMS Cards and guides for trekking can result in fines of up to NPR 12,000 for tourists. Additionally, trekking companies found sending tourists without TIMS Cards can face fines of up to NPR 10,000. Failure to address these issues and reach an agreement between the Board and the government could lead to further revenue loss and put tourists at risk.
