Tourism entrepreneurs of Pokhara demanded the government to ease trekking permission in the popular Manaslu area.
They asked the government to let the permit be issued from Pokhara, instead of from Kathmandu that has created unnecessary troubles from the entrepreneurs and trekkers, both.
The government charges Rs 2,000 per head for trekking permit. But the travel cost to and fro Kathmandu, and time spent has been creating nuisance, they said, adding that it has discouraged trekking.
Most of the trekking agencies based in Pokhara offer trekking service to Manaslu area. But Manaslu Conservation Area Project under National Trust for Nature Conservation that is responsible for issuing trekking permits in Pokhara doesnot issue the permit. Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu issues the permit. Apart from trekking permit the trekkers also have to pay extra according to the time spent in the circuit.
Manaslu trekking circuit that includes Chum Valley and Larke Pass spreads over 1,663-sq-km in Gorkha district is one of the best destination for trekkers. The trek in the circuit generally takes three weeks. The trekking route that is also famous for a number of rare species of plants, birds and animals also offers close-up view of mountains.
Responding to the entrepreneurs, minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhim Prasad Acharya said that he would look into the issue.
Inaugurating a function on Teej festival organised here today by Nawa Adarsha Community Development Society, Lamachaur, he also said that the construction of Pokhara regional airport of international standard would start soon.
He also highlighted infrastructure need of Pokhara for tourism promotion. “Tourism sites including Mahendra cave, Dhorpatan, Panchase and Muktinath will get extra promotion after the airport construction,” he added.