A cabinet meeting recently made the decision amidst concerns from various quarters that group trekking was causing environment pollution and cultural degradation in the restricted zones. Many a time the trekkers are found breaching the trekking routes.
Officials at the Home Ministry said they are currently working to develop a code of conduct for liaison officers to accompany the trekkers. "The provision will come into effect once the code of conduct is developed," said an official requesting anonymity.
The trekking company or group will have to bear the cost involved for taking along the liaison officer.
The decision also coincides with China raising concern about possible infiltrations by "unwanted" elements from Nepal into Tibet. The decision, officials said, will help to allay such concerns of China as well.
Among others, Upper Dolpa, Upper Mustang that stretches to a trekking route to Kailash, northern part of Gorkha district and parts of Kanchanjangha area are considered popular destinations for group trekking.
The government has identified parts of Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Bajhang and Darchula as restricted zones for trekking.
Officials at the Home Ministry said the provision will make trekking more dignified. The government decision also aims at preserving artifacts of cultural and archaeological importance in the restricted areas.
Officials said the decision comes in line with the recommendations made by a study committee comprising representatives of Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA).
Officials said the provision of liaison officer is not new, though. The same provision was in force until the then finance minister Prakash Chandra Lohani scrapped it some six years ago.
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