KATHMANDU, Nov 6: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has called on the government to make the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card mandatory for all foreign tourists going on treks, saying the measure would help minimise the risks posed by natural disasters.
Issuing a press release on Thursday, TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa urged the government to enforce the mandatory use of TIMS cards for foreign trekkers and to provide sufficient information and guidance to domestic trekkers as well.
NTB suspends issuance of TIMS card until further notice
The association said that problems have arisen in identifying trekking destinations and locating foreign trekkers and their guides, as well as in conducting search and rescue operations, due to the lack of full implementation of the TIMS system introduced for the safety of trekkers and their support staff.
TAAN President Sagar Pandey noted that even domestic trekkers have lost their lives in recent years due to natural disasters and altitude sickness, often resulting from inadequate preparation and poor trekking guidance.
Extending condolences to climbers, trekkers, and guides who lost their lives in the Manaslu and Rolwaling regions following heavy rainfall and snowfall, TAAN also wished a speedy recovery to the injured and the safe return of those still missing.
