Nepal’s Department of Immigration (DoI) has revised its trekking permit rules, opening up restricted routes to solo foreign travellers. Earlier, these permits were issued only to groups of at least two people, but the new decision now allows individuals to explore these regions under specific conditions.

The change came into effect on Sunday, following requests from tourism stakeholders who felt the earlier rule was limiting visitor numbers and slowing tourism activity. Organisations like the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) had been pushing for this update, highlighting how restrictions on solo trekkers were affecting independent travel.

As per the revised guidelines, solo travellers are still required to follow safety protocols. They must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide, and all trips need to be arranged through a registered trekking agency. According to a notice issued by department spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal, “The facilitating agency will be fully responsible for emergency rescue and logistical arrangements.”

The updated policy applies to restricted areas across 13 districts. These include popular trekking regions such as Upper Mustang, Upper and Lower Dolpa, the Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions in Gorkha, and the Nar and Phu valleys in Manang.

To strengthen safety and monitoring, the department has also set a guide-to-trekker ratio. One guide can now lead up to seven trekkers, a move aimed at improving oversight in remote and challenging terrains.

In addition, the DoI has introduced a digital system for trekking permits. Foreign travellers can now apply online using their valid Nepali visa numbers. Those applying from outside Nepal can use an "Application Submission ID" to pay fees in advance, making the process more convenient.

With this update, Nepal aims to strike a balance between improving access for travellers and ensuring safety, while also supporting tourism growth and creating more opportunities for local employment.