A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card costs NPR 2,000 for foreign independent trekkers and NPR 1,000 for those travelling through registered agencies.
Understanding the TIMS card fee structure
A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card currently costs NPR 2,000 (approx. USD 15) per person for individual free independent trekkers (FITs), and NPR 1,000 (approx. USD 8) for trekkers booking through authorized Kathmandu-based agencies like ours. When our lead guides collect documents in Thamel before a departure on the Annapurna Base Camp — 12 days trek, we ensure all paperwork is processed correctly through the Nepal Tourism Board counter to avoid trail checkpoint delays. Solo trekking without a registered guide has faced increasing restrictions across regions such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang, making the agency-backed green TIMS card the standard option for most visitors.
TIMS card pricing breakdown by category
The Nepal Tourism Board and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) maintain distinct fee tiers depending on your nationality and trekking style. Nationals from SAARC countries pay a reduced rate, while standard international travelers face the full fee. When preparing your budget, remember that TIMS is separate from regional conservation area permits like ACAP or Sagarmatha National Park entry fees, which are detailed further in guides such as our Everest base camp trek permit cost and official fees analysis.
| Category | Independent (FIT) Fee | Agency-Booked Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard International | NPR 2,000 | NPR 1,000 |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 | NPR 600 |
| Diplomatic Passport Holders | Free | Free |
Required documents and office locations
Securing your TIMS card requires physical paperwork submitted to official desks in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Our office staff regularly visit the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg in Kathmandu or the TAAN secretariat in Pokhara Lakeside. If you are planning connecting routes or evaluating terrain differences, you may also find our Annapurna base camp versus circuit trek routes comparison helpful for mapping out your required conservation entry points.
Documents to bring
- Original passport with at least six months validity
- At least two physical passport-sized photographs
- Completed TIMS application form with itinerary details
- Emergency contact details for your home country
- Travel insurance policy number covering high-altitude rescue
Step-by-step process to obtain your TIMS card
Getting your paperwork sorted before hitting the trail prevents delays at checkpoints such as the Annapurna entry desk in Bhulbhule or the Modi Khola checkpost near Nayapul. We guide our team members through this exact administrative sequence during our pre-trip briefing days in Kathmandu.
- Visit the Nepal Tourism Board counter in Kathmandu or the regional TAAN office in Pokhara.
- Fill out the multi-part TIMS application form, listing your exact entry and exit trailheads, emergency contacts, and daily route plan.
- Submit your passport, completed form, and two photographs to the registration officer.
- Pay the applicable fee in Nepalese Rupees (cash is strictly required at most counters).
- Verify all printed details on your issued card—including your passport number and route—before leaving the desk.
