KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) has welcomed the government’s recent decision to revise trekking permit fees for the Upper Mustang region while urging authorities to introduce similar changes for other restricted areas.

According to TAAN, the Cabinet meeting held on November 18, amended Schedule 12 of the Immigration Rules 2051, setting the trekking fee for foreign nationals visiting Upper Mustang at US$50 per person per day (or equivalent foreign currency). The association expressed gratitude to the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of Nepal for implementing a fee structure based on the actual number of days tourists spend in restricted zones.

"TAAN also expresses gratitude to local bodies, Nepal Tourism Board, Department of Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for their role in addressing the long-standing demand to charge based on the actual number of days tourists spend in the restricted areas, particularly after improved trail conditions have shortened trekking durations in restricted regions,” said Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, General Secretary of TAAN.

The association has further requested the government to revise the fee structure for the Upper Dolpa region. The current rule requires foreign trekkers to pay US$500 per person for a minimum of 10 days to obtain a permit. TAAN has urged that this too be changed to allow fees to be charged based on the actual duration of the tourist's stay.

In addition, TAAN has renewed its call to amend the rule that restricts foreign trekkers from entering prohibited areas unless they travel in groups of at least two people. The association has asked the government to allow solo foreign trekkers to access these regions as well.

“We sincerely request the authorities to update this rule so that even a single foreign tourist can trek in restricted areas,” Sherpa added in the notice.

TAAN issued the notice on November 19.