KATHMANDU, APRIL 29
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has warned trekking agencies against promoting or operating overnight stay packages at expedition camps, including Everest Base Camp, without prior approval.
Issuing a notice, the DoT said it had received complaints that some trekking agencies were advertising "overnight stay" packages at expedition camps in the Sagarmatha region.
Citing the Mountaineering Regulation, 2059 BS, the department clarified that only authorised personnel-including expedition members, sirdars, mountain guides, high-altitude workers, base camp staff and local workers-are allowed to stay at base camps. Any other individuals are prohibited from staying overnight without prior approval from the department.
The ministry reiterated that the provision must be strictly enforced by all concerned authorities and trekking agencies. It also warned that any violation of the legal provision would invite action in accordance with prevailing laws.
The notice has been addressed to liaison officers and trekking agencies (mountain environment conservation fee) and copies have been sent to relevant field offices for implementation.
