Name: Greg Brick
gdbrick123@yahoo.com
(716) 725-2828
Name: Sunil Adhikari
trekbookings@nepalliontrekking.com
(716) 725-2828
New rules for Free Individual Trekkers
Before Covid-19 in Nepal, More than 51 thousand tourists used to come as ‘Free Individual Trekkers (FIT)’ every year. Such tourists used to travel alone by taking a Tims card from Nepal Tourism Board. Moreover, they follow the Tourist Information Management System (TIMS) card selling agencies too. Now Nepal goverment decide to tourists have need guide for their saftey.
The decision will be implement soon to make the destination more safe after repeating the situation. However, such tourists are more unsafe during the trek. When there is a problem, there is also a problem in rescue. This decision has been made to make the destination safe, easy to rescue and agile management.
With the closure of Tims card issued for FIT, the board will now distribute same type of Tims card to all tourists. Previously, those going on a group tour would pay Rs 1,000 per person and those going on a solo tour would get a team card by paying Rs 2,000 per person. The Director announced that they had increased the price of the Tims card for all tourists to 2000 rupees per person with the consent of the Ministry of Tourism and approval from the Ministry of Finance.
While guaranteeing the safety of tourists going on risky journeys to Nepal’s adventure destinations. The price of Tims card has been equalized while prohibiting solo trips to maintain quality. Citizens of SAARC countries have to pay 1000 rupees for Tims card, which was previously paying 200 rupees.
Message for FIT
We would like to message about the update of rules for solo travellers and FIT travellers. It’s very safe to trekking with a partner who know and handel all situations. There are many obstacles when travel most of FIT travellers lost their life due to minor mistake. So, follow the rules and save your live with complete your dream destination.
For hiring guide and porter don’t forgot to remember Nepal Lion Tours and Treks. You can choose any specialist from our team for co-ordination and hire for your requirement.
Some Question of Changing rules for FIT Tourists
1. Doesn't this send the message that the destination is expensive?
This decision of the board will make the destination more expensive. However, officials said that the decision to increase the fee for the TIMS was made after studying the suggestion from the tourism businessmen that this fee should not be too expensive to guarantee safe travel.
“Nowadays, the concept of sustainable tourism has come around the world, tourists themselves want to benefit from tourism and get jobs,” he said, “this decision does not send a negative message to tourists.”
2. TIMS Card can be purchased online?
So far, to get a team card, you have to physically attend the office of Nepal Tourism Board or Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). Therefore, a physical presence is a must when it comes to purchasing TIMS card here in Nepal.
However, the Nepal Tourism Board has made decisions to implement from april 1st. And through this discussion it is certain that now TIMS card can also be issued via online. All of these rules are to be issued from April 1.
3. What is a Price of TIMS?
TIMS card( Trekking Information Management System) is an essential when trekking the lands of Nepal. This card helps Nepal Tourism Board track the number of tourist in the area and helps manage the tourism system. However, this card does come with a cost and it has recently been updated.
Previously, the price for solo trekker was Rs 2000 and that for the group trekkers was 1000 Rs. Thus this now has changed to:
Now the price of TIMS card for all tourists has been increased to 2000 rupees per person. However, citizens of SAARC countries have to pay 1000 rupees for Tims card, which was previously paying 200 rupees.
4. Trekking Guide Made Compulsory for Trekkers in Nepal
The Tourism board of Nepal has made it compulsory for all foreign trekkers to have a guide with them. Implementing the rule from April 1, 2023. This is one step of Nepal to make sure the trekkers are safe and sound while trekking remote areas. Therefore, foreign trekkers will be prohibited from going on a trek in the regions of Nepal. This includes highly popular routes such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang.
The Nepal Tourism Board has taken such an impulsive decision just for the trekkers to be safe. Having faced several incidents of foreign trekkers in this region. Some went on missing, and even rare cases of loss of lives have been experienced. With a guide, who knows the terrain well, the trekkers have an extra layer of safety around them.
The investment you do in a highly skilled professional guide will certainly pay you well in the future. Breaking the language barrier between the locals, to rescue you during fatal conditions. These highly professional guides are capable to lead you to success.
