PERMITS FOR SOLO TREKKERS
According to new rules, trekkers can now trek the restricted areas of Nepal as a SOLO trekker. The previous requirement that there must be a minimum of two trekkers has been revised. Earlier, trekkers and trekking companies skirted this requirement by making permits for a second “ghost” trekker. But this still meant that the trekker would have to bear the costs for the permits for the second trekker.
This allows us at Crystal Mountain Treks to arrange treks for a solo trekkers to popular restricted trekking areas in Nepal. We have had many trekkers in the past who have trekked in Nepal alone either with just a porter-guide or with a porter and a guide. The biggest advantage of being a SOLO trekker is flexibility in the program. Some of the popular restricted areas include:
- Upper Mustang: We have three versions of treks to Mustang
- Upper and Lower Mustang Trek (Lodge trek)
- Upper Mustang trek (Lodge and camping combo) – This one goes to the seldom visited Samjong and Chusong region (North East of Lo Manthang)
- Upper Mustang (Fast-Paced) (Lodge Trek)
- Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley
- Upper and Lower Dolpo: We are updating this trek and will get back with a new itinerary soon.
- Nar Phu Valley
- Humla & Simikot: We will scout this region and provide a program soon
- Kanchenjunga Trek: The Kanchenjunga region is getting more popular. We are updating the camping trek to include regions with NO lodges. Our standard Kanchenjunga trek is now a lodge trek.
- Makalu Region
- Other regions include Tso-Rolpa/Rolwaling, Bajhang/Saipal, Mugu, Darchula, Rasuwa/Timure
The letter with the announcement by the Immigration Department
Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Notice regarding permits to be obtained while trekking in restricted areas
Foreign nationals are required to obtain trekking permits from the Department of Immigration for trekking in designated restricted areas across 13 districts of Nepal. To make the service of issuing these permits for foreign groups traveling through agencies hassle-free, fast, and user-friendly, an online system has been adopted. Additionally, for technical assistance regarding trekking permits, a dedicated contact number +977 9761423636 has been arranged.
In the past, this Department did not issue trekking permits to individual trekkers in restricted areas. Following grievances from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and other tourism-related organizations stating that the mandatory requirement for individuals to find a trekking partner was inconvenient and negatively impacted tourism promotion, a departmental decision was made on March 21, 2022 (2078 Chaitra 8 BS) to allow trekking permits for single trekkers.
The following conditions have been set for such permits:
- Applications must be submitted compulsorily through a registered trekking agency.
- A trekking guide must be compulsorily assigned to accompany the trekker.
- The concerned agency must take full responsibility for rescue operations in case of emergencies.
- Other arrangements shall be in accordance with existing laws.
Furthermore, considering that it is difficult for a single trekking guide to ensure adequate safety and monitoring when trekking with a very large group in restricted areas, it has been decided that one trekking guide may accompany a maximum of 7 (seven) trekkers per group.
Regarding the system requirement for foreign trekkers to enter a valid Nepal Visa number when applying for a trekking permit, the system has been reviewed. Foreigners applying for a trekking permit from their own country can now apply using their Visa Application Number (Submission ID).
The Department expects that these measures will support the promotion of tourism in Nepal, create internal employment, ensure the personal safety of trekkers, and facilitate a smoother trekking experience.
Date: 2078/12/08 (March 21, 2022) (Signed) Tikaram Dhakal Director and Spokesperson
