FAQs about the new provision
What if I take permits before April 1st ?
The new rule will come into effect from April 1st, 2023. The trekkers who get the permits and start the trek before April 1st will not require a guide. But they’ll need to have entered the trekking area before April 1st.
What if I want to do ACT or similar treks in mountain bikes?
All the treks need to comply with the new rule. You can contact a trekking agency in Nepal for the guide to accompany you in mountain bikes.
Trekking Agencies in Nepal
What if I an experienced trekker and associated to a trekking/mountaineering association in home country?
The rule is applicable for all the foreign national trekkers.
What about the areas such as Chame, Muktinath etc that require TIMS card just because they lie inside a National Park or conservation area?
Yes, all the areas need a guide and permits taken from an agency.
Is this rule also applicable when I hike around Kathmandu? Or to Sarangkot? Where all are these rules applicable?
The Revised Provision for Trekking in Nepal must be followed only while trekking to areas where TIMS is applicable. It is applicable in all national park areas in the mountains. It is not applicable in Kathmandu Valley outskirts, Pokhara outskirts, and hiking areas in and around major cities.
Do I have to go via a trekking agency? Or is it OK so long as I have a guide?
It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered trekking agency.
How can I find that out if the trekking agency is legit?
Trekking guide must be hired through government-registered trekking agency. You can verify information on the trekking agency from Department of Tourism and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.
What are the consequences if I do not follow this rule?
Not following the rule is a punishable offense.
I am a trail runner and fast packer, no agency specifically provided guides that can keep up with me. What should I do?
It is applicable to all. You must ascertain that the trekking agency can provide guide who matches your specific requirement.
I am an expat living in Nepal. Does this rule also apply to me?
Yes, the rule is applicable to Diplomats as well as Expats.
I am Nepali. Does this rule apply to me?
The rule is not applicable to Nepali citizens.
What if I go on a motorcycle ride to Muktinath?
The rule does not apply to motorcycle ride or the bus ride to Muktinath. TIMS and Annapurna area permit are required.
what kind of fine ?
The new rule will come into effect from 1 April2023. According to guidelines, a trekker found travelling on designated trekking trails without a guide or TIMS card faces a Rs12,000 fine. A trekking company taking trekkers on trips without a TIMS card will be fined Rs10,000 per trekker.
What are the areas requiring TIMS and permits?
Trekking Region & Name of the Trek
Kanchenjunga Region
Makalu Barun Area
Everest Region
Rolwaling Region
Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area
Panchpokhari Trek
Helambu Region
Langtang Region
Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area
Ganesh Himal – Ruby Valley Trek
Manaslu Region
Annapurna Region
Mustang Region
Dhaulagiri Region
Round Dhaulagiri
Dolpo Region
Humla Region
Humla Limi Valley Trek
Useful Links
Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Nepal Mountaineering Association
COVID-19 Crisis Management Center
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
Diplomatic Missions in Kathmandu
Just in Case
NTB Crisis Cell: crisiscell@ntb.org.np
COVID Hotline: 9851255839,9851255837,9851255834
Tourist Police: 1144/014247041
Sukraraj Hospital, Ktm: 014253396
Gandaki Hospital, Pkr: 061520067