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78 Nepal Trekking Permits
from:Man people dream of climbing Mount Everest or scaling Annapurna at some point in their lives. It is often thought of almost as a pilgrimage for many rock and mountain climbers. Others wish to visit Nepal for its rich culture and spiritual heritage. However, in many parts of Nepal, trekking permits are required. Prior to planning a vacation or trek through the Nepali wilderness or Himalayas, you should research what areas of the country require visitors to obtain permits.
Information can be found all over the Internet regarding requirements for Nepal trekking permits. You’ll notice in your search that about 75% of the trekking vacations planned in the past have been up one of three mountains: Annapurna, Everest, or Langtang. For the most part, these ventures are free of charge. However, parts of these areas are included in the fourteen designated National Parks of the country, and entry into these parks requires Nepal trekking permits. Fortunately, these are comparatively inexpensive, costing approximately fifteen U.S. dollars (1000 Nepali rupees) as of November, 2001. Unfortunately, there are also varying entrance fees upon arrival at these parks.
Other areas requiring Nepal trekking permits include Rara, Dolpa and Kanchanjunga, Manaslu, and Mustang and Upper Dolpa. Most areas have a set weekly fee for the first four weeks, with a rise in weekly cost thereafter. Rara is not considered a remote area, and a permit to trek through here is less expensive. For areas considered to be remote, such as Dolpa and Kanchanjunga, Nepal trekking permits become slightly more expensive.
Manaslu is even more costly, with last known Nepal trekking permit costs seven to nine times those of other remote areas, with costs varying by season. The real kicker, though, is a visit to Mustang or Upper Dolpa. Unless you are dead set on trekking through this territory, it is best to avoid it due to the outrageous upfront fee, followed by DAILY fees after the first ten days. The government does not take lightly to handing out Nepal trekking permits through these areas, and it almost seems as though the incredible price for a permit ($700 for 10 days, plus $10 a day thereafter in 2001) is used as a tourist deterrent.
In order to receive Nepal trekking permits, you will have to pay the fees (though prices are listed in U.S. dollars, Nepali rupees are also accepted as payment), provide two passport photographs, and not plan to extend your trek beyond the expiration date of your visa, as this will not be permitted by the Nepali government. While there is a lot of red tape involved in securing Nepal trekking permits, it is worth it to those wishing to experience the ultimate mountain trek.