Kathmandu: The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has called for a mandatory arrangement of the Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card for foreign tourists embarking on trekking expeditions, with the aim of minimizing the impact of natural risks.
According to National News Agency Nepal, TAAN General-Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa issued a press release urging the government to enforce the mandatory use of TIMS cards for foreign tourists, while also providing sufficient information to domestic tourists. The statement highlights the challenges faced in identifying the destinations and locations of foreign trekkers and their guides, which complicates search and rescue operations due to the incomplete implementation of the TIMS card system.
TAAN President Sagar Pandey emphasized that even domestic trekkers have been losing their lives due to disasters and altitude sickness, a situation exacerbated by inadequate preparedness and trekking guidance. The organization extended tributes to climbers, trekkers, and guides who lost their lives in the Manaslu and Rolwaling areas owing to heavy rainfall and snowfall. TAAN also expressed wishes for the speedy recovery of injured persons and the safe return of those missing in the disaster.