Nepal is a popular destination for adventure tourism, with trekking being one of the most sought-after activities. However, there have been concerns about the safety of foreign tourists trekking without a guide. This has led to the decision by the Nepal Tourism Board to make it mandatory for all foreign tourists to have a guide when going on a trek.
The Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Maniraj Lamichhane, emphasised that the decision was made to ensure the safety of tourists and to facilitate rescue operations in case of any emergencies. In the past, there have been instances of tourists getting lost, injured or falling ill while trekking, and the lack of a guide has hindered rescue efforts. With this new regulation, the Nepal Tourism Board hopes to make the trekking experience safer and more enjoyable for tourists.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of tourists used to visit Nepal as “Free Individual Trekkers (FIT)” every year. These tourists would travel independently with a TIMS card obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board and TIMS card-selling agencies. However, the number of FIT tourists has dropped significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic.
The new regulation will require tourists to engage with a trekking company and be accompanied by a guide when going on a trek. This will not only enhance the safety of tourists but also help boost the local economy as the trekking companies and guides will benefit from the increased demand for their services.
Although the new regulation may add an additional cost to the trekking experience for foreign tourists, it is a necessary step to ensure their safety and to facilitate rescue operations in case of any emergencies. It also has the potential to create employment opportunities and boost the local economy, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The Nepal Tourism Board has discontinued the TIMS card that was previously issued exclusively to “Free Individual Trekkers (FIT)” and will now distribute the same type of TIMS card to all tourists. Previously, those going on a group tour would pay Rs 1,000 per person for the TIMS card, while solo travelers could obtain the card by paying Rs 2,000 per person. However, the new price of the TIMS card for all tourists has now been increased to Rs 2,000 per person.
According to Director Lamichhane, the decision to increase the price of the TIMS card was made with the consent of the Ministry of Tourism and after receiving approval from the Ministry of Finance to increase the fee. This was done to maintain the quality and ensure the safety of tourists embarking on risky journeys to Nepal’s adventure destinations.
It is worth noting that citizens of SAARC countries will have to pay Rs 1,000 for the TIMS card, which is a significant increase from the previous fee of 300 rupees. This decision was made in order to ensure that all tourists have equal access to the same level of safety and quality standards.
The decision to discontinue the FIT TIMS card and distribute the same type of TIMS card to all tourists, while increasing the price to maintain quality and ensure safety, is a positive step towards enhancing the overall trekking experience in Nepal. While this may result in increased costs for some tourists, it is a necessary measure to ensure that all travelers can enjoy their journey with peace of mind.
The board’s decision to increase the fee for obtaining TIMS cards may lead to a higher cost of travel for tourists. However, Director Lamichhane clarified that the decision to raise the fee for TIMS cards was made after considering input from tourism industry professionals, who suggested that the fee should not be prohibitively expensive in order to ensure safe travel.
He also noted that the decision aligns with the global trend towards sustainable tourism, where tourists seek to contribute to local economies and create job opportunities. As such, he believes that this decision does not send a negative message to tourists.
Lamichhane further explained that the decision to increase the price of TIMS cards and mandate guides for solo travellers was made after consultation with tourism professionals.
Up until now, obtaining a TIMS card required a physical visit to the Nepal Tourism Board or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). However, the board has recently made a decision to simplify this process by introducing an online application system for TIMS card issuance. These updated provisions about trekking without a guide will come into effect from April 1st.
Related Article: How to obtain a TIMS card in Nepal via trekking agencies?
The board’s decision to increase the fee for obtaining TIMS cards may lead to a higher cost of travel for tourists. However, Director Lamichhane clarified that the decision to raise the fee for TIMS cards was made after considering input from tourism industry professionals, who suggested that the fee should not be prohibitively expensive in order to ensure safe travel.u003cbru003eHe also noted that the decision aligns with the global trend towards sustainable tourism, where tourists seek to contribute to local economies and create job opportunities. As such, he believes that this decision does not send a negative message to tourists. Lamichhane further explained that the decision to increase the price of TIMS cards and mandate guides for solo travelers was made after consultation with tourism professionals.
Up until now, obtaining a TIMS card required a physical visit to the Nepal Tourism Board or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). However, the board has recently made a decision to simplify this process by introducing an online application system for TIMS card issuance. These updated provisions will come into effect from April 1st.
Being a developing nation, trekking in Nepal without a guide causes numerous issues, some even including possible injuries. Travelers in the past seem to get confused and misled simply due to the fact that they aren’t used to the policies in Nepal. To avoid misinformation and promote safety, this decision was made.
If you still have any queries regarding the guided trek in Nepal, please feel free to contact us here or email at info@coretreks.com. Happy Traveling!
