A delegation of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) led by President Mahindra Singh Thapa recently met Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation Jwala Kumari Shah and apprised her of the problems facing trekking sector. Handing over a 27-point charter of demands, TAAN strongly urged the government to introduce a one-window system for TIMS card distribution through TAAN. The association has long been demanding that the government introduce one-window system for TIMS cards distribution, arguing that it would help discourage illegal operation in trekking business. The delegation also proposed to the ministry to issue trekking permits to controlled areas for even a single trekker. As of now, the government has been distributing permits for controlled areas to groups having a minimum of two trekkers. TAAN also demanded that the government bring down royalty fee for controlled areas so as to encourage more visitors to trek to those areas. It also requested the government to bring down royalty fee on mountaineering peaks, keeping in view increasing flow of mountaineers in mountain areas in Tibet and Pakistan. Responding to the demand, Minister Shah said she would study the demands with senior ministry officials and address them accordingly. Among others, General Secretary Mohan Lamsal and Treasurer Anjan Thapa, were in the delegation.
