Revised Trekking Procedures in Nepal: Ensuring Safety and Sustainability
With its incomparable Himalayan beauty, Nepal has been a trekker's paradise for years. In order to ensure safety and security for visitors who trek into the protected areas, the NTB has revised the procedure related to the Trekking Information Management System. The new system comes into operation with effect from March 31, 2023, aiming to make the trekking business a lot safer and more organized.
Key Changes in the Trekking Procedures
License Hired Trekking Guides: Of late, all trekkers have to take licensed trekking guides and get a TIMS Card through registered trekking agencies by the Government of Nepal. Indeed, this scheme ensures that they are professionally looked after with minimal risks getting lost, natural disasters, and health issues while on treks.
Revised TIMS Card Fees: The new rate for the TIMS Card includes NPR 1000.00 per person for SAARC citizens and NPR 2000.00 for other international trekkers. In the case of diplomatic missions in Nepal, existing provisions will be followed but the accompaniment by a licensed guide is compulsory henceforth.
Benefit of the New Provisions
- Improved Safety: The availability of licensed guides means that trekkers will be able to seek expert assistance immediately; this will be a huge boost in the efficiency of rescue operations under an emergency situation.
- Employment Opportunity: The new provision is expected to create more employment opportunities for workers in Nepal's tourism sector, which will again encourage the local economy.
- Preventing Unauthorised Trekking: By regulating the trekking issue, the NTB will be able to halt the operation of unauthorized trekking, hence making the environment more responsible for organized tourism.
Toward Sustainable Tourism
The NTB hopes these changes will usher in sustainable, responsible, eco-friendly tourism in the Himalayan region. Detailed guidelines with respect to the new provisions are to be published shortly; those again will provide further clarity and support both trekkers and agencies.
Nepal is a trekkers' paradise, and these measures taken put in place ensure this adventure remains as safe and enjoyable as possible. Be one planning to trek to Everest Base Camp or around the Annapurna Circuit; surely, new procedures will be followed with added confidence on any journey.
Detailed information will be provided by the Nepal Tourism Board. Get ready for an unforgettable trekking experience right in the heart of the Himalayas.
What are the areas requiring TIMS and permits?
| Trekking Region | Name of the Trek |
| Kanchenjunga Region | 1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek 2. Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek 3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek 4. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek |
| Makalu Barun Area | 1. Makalu Basecamp Trek 2. Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek |
| Everest Region | 1. Everest Basecamp Trek 2. Gokyo Trek 3. Chho La Pass Trek 4. Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek 5. Three Passes Trek 6. Everest View trek 7. Mera Peak Trek 8. Amphu Labtsha Pass |
| Rolwaling Region | 1. Rolwaling Trek 2. Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek |
| Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area | Panchpokhari Trek |
| Helambu Region | 1. Helambu Trek 2. Goshaikunda Trek |
| Langtang Region | 1. Langtang Trek 2. Langtang Gosaikund Trek 3. Tamang Heritage Trek 4. Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek 5. Ganja La pass Trek 6. Till Man Pass |
| Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area | Ganesh Himal - Ruby Valley Trek |
|
Manaslu Region
|
1. Manaslu Circuit Trek 2. Manaslu - Tsum Valley Trek 3. Tsum Valley Trek |
| Annapurna Region | 1. Annapurna Circuit Trek 2. Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek 3. Mesokanto / Tilicho Pass Trek 4. Poon Hill-ABC Trek 5. Khopra Trek 6. Mardi Himal Trek 7. Sikleh Tara Hill Tre |
| Mustang Region | 1. Upper Mustang Trek 2. Sarebung Pass Trek |
| Dhaulagiri Region | Round Dhaulagiri |
| Dolpo Region | 1. Upper Dolpo—Jomsom Trek 2. Upper Dolpo Trek 3. Lower Dolpo Trek 4. Kagmara Pass Trek |
| Humla Region | Humla Limi Valley Trek |
What if I take permits before April 1st?
The new rule will come into effect from April 1st, 2023. Trekkers who obtain permits and begin their trek before April 1st will not require a guide, but they must have already entered the trekking area before this date.
What if I want to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) or similar treks on mountain bikes?
The new rule applies to all treks, including those on mountain bikes. You will need to contact a trekking agency in Nepal to arrange for a guide to accompany you on your mountain biking trek.
What if I am an experienced trekker and associated with a trekking/mountaineering association in my home country?
The rule is applicable to all foreign national trekkers, regardless of their experience or association.
What about areas such as Chame and Muktinath that require a TIMS card because they lie inside a National Park or Conservation Area?
Yes, all areas that require a TIMS card will require both permits and a guide obtained through a trekking agency.
Is this rule also applicable when I hike around Kathmandu or to Sarangkot? Where exactly are these rules applicable?
The Revised Provision for Trekking in Nepal applies only to areas requiring a TIMS card. These rules are mandatory for national park areas in the mountains but are not applicable for hikes around the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara outskirts, or other hiking areas near major cities.
Do I have to go through a trekking agency, or is it sufficient if I just hire a guide?
It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered trekking agency.
How can I verify if the trekking agency is legitimate?
You must hire a guide through a government-registered trekking agency. You can verify the agency's information through the Department of Tourism and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
What are the consequences of not following this rule?
Not following the rule is a punishable offense.
I am a trail runner or fast packer, and no agency specifically provides guides who can keep up with me. What should I do?
The rule applies to all trekkers. You must ensure that the trekking agency provides a guide who meets your specific requirements.
I am an expat living in Nepal. Does this rule apply to me?
Yes, the rule is applicable to both diplomats and expats.
I am Nepali. Does this rule apply to me?
The rule does not apply to Nepali citizens.
What if I go on a motorcycle ride to Muktinath?
The rule does not apply to motorcycle or bus rides to Muktinath. However, TIMS and Annapurna area permits are still required.
