KATHMANDU: The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has warned trekking agencies that online trekking permits issued after tourists have reached the second checkpoint will not be considered valid.

In a notice issued for trekking agencies, ACAP said agencies must issue permits on time, print them after payment and affix their official stamp before presenting them at checkpoints. It said permits issued online only after tourists reach the second checkpoint would be rejected.

The project said action had already been taken against some agencies involved in such practices. It also warned that tourists could be turned back or action could be taken under the law if permits are unclear, previously used or duplicated.

The notice comes amid increased enforcement of trekking permit requirements by government authorities. The Department of Immigration recently fined Mount Rose Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd Rs50,000 after four Mexican nationals entered the restricted area of Lower Dolpa without trekking permits. The four tourists were each fined Rs10,000 and required to pay the applicable permit fee of US$20 per person per week.

In another case, the department fined Garima Voyage Travels Tours and Treks Pvt Ltd Rs50,000 after two Belgian nationals were allegedly taken towards Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality without trekking permits. The department also asked the Department of Tourism and the Bagmati provincial ministry concerned to investigate the conduct and guide licence of guide Asmir Bhandari.

The Immigration Department has directed trekking agencies to obtain permits before taking foreign tourists into restricted areas and to comply with the specified routes, duration and other conditions of the permits.

ACAP has likewise urged all trekking agencies to follow the permit procedures and ensure permits are issued and properly authenticated before trekkers reach the checkpoints.