The Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented this system to make the trekking of foreign tourists systematic, safe, and transparent.
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Foreign nationals will now have to obtain a trekking permit before trekking in designated 'controlled areas' in 13 districts of Nepal.
The Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs has implemented the provision to make the trekking of foreign tourists systematic, safe and transparent. According to a press release issued by the department on Wednesday, this rule has been implemented especially in border and sensitive areas, where security, management and environmental protection will be given priority while regulating the movement of tourists.
The list of 13 districts and their major areas where permits will be mandatory includes Upper Mustang, Lower and Upper Dolpa, Manaslu and Chum Valleys of Gorkha, Humla, Kanchenjunga area of Taplejung, Rolwaling area of Dolakha, Makalu area of Sankhuwasabha, some controlled areas around Mount Everest in Solukhumbu, around Langtang in Rasuwa, Nar-Phu Valley of Manang, Saipal area of Bajhang, Mugu (Mugum Karmarong area) and Beas area of Darchula. The department has clarified that the rule will not be applicable in all places in these districts but only in certain designated areas.
The department has stated that it has drawn serious attention to the fact that some trekking agencies are taking tourists on treks without permission, putting pressure on employees and trying to evade surveillance. The department has issued a strict warning saying that such activities will negatively affect the international image of Nepal's tourism sector.
According to the department, strict action will be taken against individuals or organizations involved in such illegal activities in the coming days as per the prevailing immigration laws. In addition, all trekking agencies and foreign tourists have been requested to fully comply with the rules.
The permit process for tourists traveling in groups through trekking agencies has been made completely online. Foreigners who want to trek individually can also apply online based on the approved visa number, which is expected to make the service delivery faster, simpler and more transparent.
Although Saturdays and Sundays are public holidays in government offices, the department has stated that it will provide trekking permit services even on public holidays, keeping in mind the convenience of tourists. The service will operate from 11 am to 3 pm on public holidays other than Saturdays.
