Trekking Agencies’ Association of
Nepal (TAAN) has proposed that the government come up with a single permit for
Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) to ease and cut short the processing time.
Speaking at a program organized
in the capital on Dec 21, TAAN President Mahendra Singh Thapa said, “It will be
very easy for us to sell the package of GHT if the government introduces single
window policy for different permits,”
The 1,700-km trail passes through
a number of trekking routes and restricted areas making it very difficult for
foreigners to attempt. It is estimated that around $3,200 will be required to
get permits for all the controlled areas along the trail.
Highly placed government
officials have said that they were positive about the proposal and will discuss
it with the stakeholders for the possibility of a unified permit for GHT. “Tourism has played a very important role in
uplifting economic level of local people. I hope the promotion of GHT will also
help improve the life of rural people around that area,” said Chief Secretary
Madhav Ghimire.
Meanwhile, Himalayan Climate
Initiative is organizing Climate Smart Celebrity Trek (CSCT) to promote GHT by
attracting attention of global celebrities and showcase sustainable tourism.
Everest summiteers Apa Sherpa and Dawa Steven Sherpa are participating in the
trek.