The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki has called on the government to introduce comprehensive reforms in Nepal’s trekking tourism sector, urging immediate policy intervention to address long-standing challenges affecting trekking businesses, trail conservation and tourist safety.
During a meeting with Khadak Raj Paudel, TAAN Gandaki submitted an eight-point memorandum outlining key issues ranging from tourism legislation and illegal trekking operations to trail conservation, institutional reforms and sustainable tourism development.
The association stated that although it has been working for the promotion and development of mountaineering and trekking tourism for the past 33 years, the sector continues to face serious policy and operational challenges that require immediate government attention.
TAAN calls for policy reforms and stronger trekking legislation
The association expressed concern that the proposed Tourism Bill 2082 gives greater priority to mountaineering while overlooking trekking tourism. It urged the government to ensure balanced representation of trekking issues in the new legislation and formulate policies that support sustainable growth of Nepal’s trekking industry.
TAAN Gandaki also demanded the declaration of the Dhaulagiri region as a protected area and called for major trekking routes across the country to be designated as “Trekking Conservation Areas” to preserve their ecological and tourism value.
The association stressed that the growing trend of fake rescue operations has damaged Nepal’s international tourism image. It urged the government to investigate companies and individuals involved in fraudulent rescue practices and take strict legal action against offenders.
It further raised concerns over unplanned road expansion and hydropower projects along popular trekking routes, particularly in the Annapurna and Gandaki regions, saying such developments are threatening the authenticity of Nepal’s world-renowned trekking trails. The association recommended mandatory Tourism Impact Assessments before approving hydropower projects and called for alternative trekking routes wherever infrastructure projects affect existing trails.
TAAN President stresses coordinated action
Speaking after submitting the memorandum, TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya said the trekking sector requires urgent government support to maintain Nepal’s global reputation as a premier trekking destination.
“Trekking tourism is one of the strongest pillars of Nepal’s tourism economy. Protecting trekking trails, controlling illegal trekking activities, implementing the TIMS system effectively and preserving natural destinations should become national priorities. Sustainable development and tourism must move together if Nepal is to remain competitive in the international tourism market,” Acharya said.
Demand for effective TIMS implementation
TAAN Gandaki also emphasized the immediate implementation of the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS), noting that although the system was reintroduced after the COVID-19 pandemic with revised provisions in April 2023, it has yet to become fully operational. According to the association, the government’s inability to fully enforce TIMS has resulted in the loss of millions of rupees in annual revenue while weakening tourist safety and trekking management.
The association urged authorities to activate all TIMS checkpoints and make the system mandatory across trekking regions. It also demanded strict enforcement of the legal provision requiring foreign trekkers to travel only through government-authorized trekking agencies while taking decisive action against illegal trekking operators.
Nepal Tourism Board reform sought
The memorandum also calls for institutional reforms at the Nepal Tourism Board, arguing that the board has gradually shifted away from its original mandate of tourism promotion toward non-priority infrastructure projects. TAAN Gandaki expressed concern over increasing irregularities within the board and urged the government to restore its focus on national and international tourism promotion under the public-private partnership model.
New trekking routes and sustainable destination development
The association recommended the development and promotion of several new trekking destinations, including the Dhorpatan Conservation Area, Lamjung trekking circuit, Sikles-Mardi Himal route, Jaljala-Hidden Lake (Virgin Trek), View Phewa-Round Phewa hiking trail and Panchase trekking region. It also stressed the importance of protecting traditional trekking trails from excessive road construction while developing environmentally sustainable alternative routes.
Opposition to multiple entry fees and administrative hurdles
TAAN Gandaki objected to additional local entry fees imposed by local governments in trekking destinations, including Khumbu and Manaslu, arguing that such charges discourage international visitors and create unnecessary complications for trekkers. The association also called for the introduction of a one-door administrative system to simplify business registration, renewal and other tourism-related government services in line with Nepal’s federal governance structure.
Minister pledges support for trekking tourism
Responding to the memorandum, Minister Hon. Khadak Raj Paudel acknowledged the concerns raised by TAAN Gandaki and assured tourism entrepreneurs that the government is committed to strengthening Nepal’s trekking industry.
“The government recognizes trekking tourism as one of Nepal’s most valuable tourism assets. We are committed to improving tourism policies, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, protecting trekking destinations, addressing illegal activities and promoting sustainable tourism. The concerns raised by TAAN Gandaki will be studied seriously and necessary policy and legal reforms will be pursued in consultation with stakeholders,” Minister Paudel said.
Focus on sustainable tourism
TAAN Gandaki concluded its memorandum by urging the government to intensify Nepal’s international tourism promotion campaigns, strengthen digital destination branding, promote wellness tourism, improve waste management along trekking trails and implement climate-resilient tourism programmes. The association expressed confidence that with timely government intervention, Nepal can further establish itself as a safe, sustainable and globally competitive trekking destination while protecting its unique mountain landscapes for future generations.
