KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), the umbrella organization for Himalayan trekking operators, has requested that only one foreign tourist be allowed to trek in restricted areas instead of the current minimum two-person group requirement.
TAAN Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa made the appeal in a press statement on Wednesday, urging the government to revise the existing regulation for restricted-area trekking to allow solo foreign tourists.
The association also expressed gratitude to the government for the decision made at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting to amend Schedule 12 of the 2051 Entry Regulations, setting the trekking permit fee at USD 50 per person for foreign tourists visiting Upper Mustang.
TAAN President Sagar Pandey noted that the decision to develop road networks in restricted areas has shortened trekking durations, and the association has long advocated for trekking permit fees to be calculated based on the actual number of days tourists spend in restricted zones.
He further urged the government to amend the rule requiring permits for tourists visiting other restricted regions such as Upper Dolpa, ensuring fees are based on the actual duration of stay rather than fixed group regulations.
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