TRC: Joint RC Policy Formulation Taskforce Formed [Archiv]

saipal peak

01.09.2006, 14:27

Dear Andreas
Namaste.
As far I know every tourist should take at least one guide/Porter from Trekking agency to obtain TRC in Nepal.Without hiring any Guide or porter it is no allow to obtain TRC from TAAN.
I received recently circular Letter from TAAN just now and I am posting it with this message.Hopely it will help to know more about TRC system in Nepal.

Nepal Government assigns TAAN to implement

Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC)

Registration Required for trekkers
With a view to checking illegal operations in the trekking industry and ensuring safety and security of trekkers, the Nepal Government has introduced a new rule that requires all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after obtaining a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). As an umbrella organization of more than 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal, TAAN has been authorized by the Nepal Government to issue TRC and the new rule is scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2006. TAAN will charge a minimum amount of money as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC. As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking routes, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other punishments in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government.

Importance and Necessity of TRC
It is very important to have a kind of monitoring and facilitating system in place for any sort of outdoor activity that involves physical risk. Trekking is a major outdoor activity in Nepal's mountain tourism. Given the rugged physical condition and remoteness of almost all trekking areas of Nepal's Himalayan mountain region, a record system is very essential that would be helpful in monitoring the safety and security of trekkers. The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The Nepal Government is very serious about implementing TRC as a mechanism to control all sorts of anomaly, including illegal operations, and to ensure safety and security of trekkers. Therefore, TAAN, as a national tourism organization working in the field of sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing TRC. As per TAAN’s proposed hassle-free procedure, TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies.

The decision regarding the introduction of TRC is a welcome step taken in its policies and programmes by the Nepal Government. So, TAAN is in the process of developing a well-managed and efficient system with nominal service charge of Nepali rupees 250 (equivalent US$ 3.5 only) to implement TRC in the open trekking areas of Nepal. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TRC Issuing System
The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TRC:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes will be maintained on a computerized record system that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers and field-staff.

2. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders -- tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.

3. Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned - trekkers, agencies, field - staff, government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

4. TAAN will be able to work more in its effort of preservation of natural and cultural environment in cooperation with local communities. This, in turn, will enable to promote sustainable tourism.

5. The issue of TRC will be so simplified that it would be prompt and inexpensive. The convenient TRC counter in Kathmandu will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year. Pokhara counter will be opened for 9 hours a day. The TRC counters will be located close to the counters of the National Parks and Conservation Areas.

6. TAAN’s Media Centre will have updated information about the conditions of trails and other relevant insights into the trekking areas. The same information also will be updated frequently in the TAAN's web page. Some of the check posts along the trekking routes will be equipped with telephone services by TAAN.

TRC Regulatory Provisions
1. Trekkers must keep Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) along with them while trekking.
2. TRC must be shown to TAAN authorities, National Park check posts, Conservation Area Project’s check posts and police check posts on demand.
3. Deviation from the prescribed trekking areas shall be taken as a violation of law of the Government of Nepal
4. Trekkers must keep their copies of passports along with them during trekking for verification.
5. TRC shall be non-transferable, non-refundable and non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

Appeal
TAAN also requests all concerned stakeholders to help disseminate the above information to potential trekkers to Nepal and other related offices and agencies. Any inconvenience that may arise due to implementation of this new rule is regretted.

Namaste from Kathmandu.
Saipal Peak
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

Mares

01.09.2006, 15:54

Hi,

“…..As far I know every tourist should take at least one guide/Porter from Trekking agency to obtain TRC in Nepal. Without hiring any Guide or porter it is no allow to obtain TRC from TAAN….”

May I ask, how this rule will be implemented in the practice? If I plan a fly in Everest Base Camp trek for example, can I obtain the TRC in Lukla and hire a porter in Namche Bazaar, or do I have to obtain the TRC in Kathmandu and must bring the guide along all the way from Kathmandu at my expense?

Regards,

Mares

saipal peak

02.09.2006, 06:04

Hello Mares
Namaste.
Thanks for your interesting question.If you want to do Mt. Everest Base camp trek (or khumbu region trek) and you want to fly kathmandu to Lukla in this case you can not obtian TRC in Lukla.There will be control Post in kathmandu domestic airport to check your TRC along with your flight ticket So TRC will issue only from Kathmandu and pokhra .There will not have any Post to issue TRC in Lukla.So you have to take your guide/Porter along with you to Lukla.If you have guide with you (one Neplai staff either guide or porter) and need more porters then it is possible to hire in Lukla.

Namaste
Saipal peak
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

Mares

02.09.2006, 08:44

Hi Saipal, thanks again for your reply. I have some more questions to you.
What would the required ratio of guide per trekking tourist be?
One to one, meaning one guide per tourist, or one guide per group?
If there is only one guide required per group, how big can the group be?
Would it be ok, to hire one guide for a group of four tourists for example?

Best regards,

Mares

mieke

02.09.2006, 10:55

Hi Saipal, thanks again for your reply. I have some more questions to you.
[. . .]
Best regards,

Mares

Raj, please answer YES or NO to the question about independent trekkers not having to employ anyone, if they so wish

Source YetiZone - "Implimentation of TRC" (http://www.yetizone.com/wwwboard/messages/49813.shtml)

Are you able to answer our questions?

Seems like the users of Trekkingforum are generally more polite than some on the YZ-board. A quick glance over YetiZone (http://www.yetizone.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.htm) proves how there as well, many foreigners experience this whole thing with the implementation of TRC and how things will change, as one big mess. It's basically the same with questions on TT.

But polite or not polite: I wonder if it's really smart to thank trekkingagents for their posts on (western) travelboards re. the TRC. Because the confusion is enormous, also in Nepal apparently. So what do théy know for sure?
Did anyone read government announcements in respect of these new rules? Or just TAAN announcements?

Against an X-number of postings that are (or seem to be) made by Nepali travelagents or guides, there is an Y-number of postings made (or so it seems) by Nepalis who point out that this whole TRC-operation is not government-announced and therefore not official. Will the government come with an official announcement still, between now and October 1st? That would be a bit late...., several foreign trekkers have already started announcing they'll skip Nepal this autumn because "they don't know what it's going to be like with this TRC, and no Nepali official wants to tell them and give them clear info and guarantees".

And why is it that up to this day the Nepal Tourism Board (http://www.welcomenepal.com/nepal/index.asp) says NOTHING about TRC and permits in its section with "news" (http://www.welcomenepal.com/new/index.asp), where the old, clear newsladder by the way has disappeared? We know that earlier on the NTB publicly denied that independent trekking would become impossible. And frankly their opinion looked the opposite of what TAAN announced. The NTB is a government body.

So what is it with you, Nepal? A power fight? The days of "military madness" - thank God - seem to be a little over, but now you're sliding into the days of "business madness" with an incomprehensible money grab that will turn off many a trekker from coming or returning to Nepal? Is this indeed going to be a kick in the *ss of the poorest of the poor, financially and socio-economically?

I'll try to look up any official Nepali government statements on this issue lately; seems like the most practical thing to do now. And maybe a few Embassies can provide some reliable information on this TRC-problem meanwhile? It seems to me that the last people you should trust with information in this matter, are the ones who'll benefit (the most) from it. Is that TAAN and its members? To me it seems that way.

mieke

02.09.2006, 11:56

So it is said that there was a "government announcement" indeed: Trekinfo.com (http://www.trekinfo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3631), and more discussion (http://www.trekinfo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3746) over there.
But I don't manage to recover that Himalayan Times publication. And the search-function on media such as Kantipur Online, Nepal News, The Nepali Times and even The Rising Nepal cannot produce any article on TAAN and a "TRC" at present. And a search on the website of the Nepal Government is not helpful either with zero results (http://www.nepalgov.gov.np/search.php?search=TRC). That is odd, considering it's September meanwhile.

However, on the separate website for the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation the latest recorded press-release
is dated June 6, 2006 (http://www.tourism.gov.np/pressrelease.htm): so no TRC there, and no TAAN <---> TRC. All this while the page for Travel & Trekking Rules & Regulations (http://www.tourism.gov.np/travel&trekkingrules&regulations.htm) is presently :

" Under Construction, Sorry for Inconvenience ! "

Maybe a few of the Nepal-based regulars here can post some links? Nót to TAAN-announcements but to proper (official) government announcements? In English, or in Nepali. Or what is the latest from the Nepal Tourism Board on this issue?

And Andreas, where will you ever send this petition to, if - in Nepal itself - so many official bodies (and media as well) don't seem to take notice at all of this rising problem for future Nepal trekkers? Will TAAN care if nobody else out there seems to care?

Andreas

02.09.2006, 15:45

The petition results will handed over directly to the TAAN!

As it has been written in this german speaking thread (http://www.trekkingforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=38117) there has not been made any decisions till now, if individual trekking will be still allowed or not. Our petition therefore will be able to bring the decision into the right direction!
There's a good chance that TAAN officials will decide it in our interests.

It will take only a few days till they will get aware of our petition, I'm sure!

It's good to know that the other forums are also discussing this issue. I hope they will come over to sign it!

The petition is integrated in Trekkingforum.com. For all of those who want to link it external, there's another URL: http://trekkingpetition.nepal.st/phppetition/index.php

Andreas

mieke

03.09.2006, 00:54

Joint TRC Policy Formulation Taskforce Formed
Habt ihr das hier schon mal gelesen? Eine YZ-Antwort von Rich: A work around? (http://www.yetizone.com/wwwboard/messages/49478.shtml)
The answer is simple. I don't know why i didn't think of it before. As of 26 July 2006, The Nepal government has opened up tourism enterprises to foriegn ownership.

And dan gibt er diesen Link: TAAN website, news archive (http://www.taan.org.np/news_details1.php?nid=285&PHPSESSID=a3e435905e07ef4541b776dc916cf0bd)Nepal opens travel, trekking, rafting businesses to foreign investors
2006-07-28

The Nepal Government has opened the travel, trekking and rafting sectors to foreign investment. The government has introduced this provision by amending the Travel and Trekking Regulations and promulgating Rafting Regulations.
These sectors were limited only to domestic investors. But foreign investors were allowed to invest in hotels, lodges, casinos and restaurants.
More foreign companies are likely to make investments in these sectors in Nepal. This could help Nepal’s entire tourism industry, as the bigger foreign companies will market the country in an effective manner.

Komisch...

saipal peak

03.09.2006, 06:53

Hello Mares
Namaste.
One guide will be enough for group of tourists if they all go to same trek & same rute.It is not necessary to have guide per trekking tourists.The group would not be biger than 08-10 pax.It will be ok to hire a guide for four trekking tourists.

I have read lots of posting in this forum about individual trekkers. This is quite emerge subject to all of us.I have talked severeal time with President of TAAN and Government officer (Nepal Government) and I came to know that it is absulutely ban for individual trekkers after implementation of TRC from 01 october 2006.This is one of main goal of TRC.otherwise Peoples go to trekking office and pay few extra dollars to obtain TRC and they can start trekking by theeir own and the goal of TRC will not full fill.It is not main goal of TAAN to collect revenue (NRS 250) only from every Trekking Tourists by implementation TRC but its main goal to create job oppertunity to the peoples of Nepal and to generate income among all the TAAN members by providing at least Guide/Porter to every trekking tourist.So Without hiring Guide/Porter individual tourist can not obtain TRC to trek in Nepal.It means it will be ban to trek alone in Nepal from 01 october 2006.

Namaste from Kathmandu
Saipal Peak
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

Andreas

03.09.2006, 08:53

@ saipal: This is bad news for individual trekkers.
But there are still a lot of things to ask about:

What is trekking?
So what, if I just make a day hike from Pokhara to Dhampus and back. So I need a TRC cum guide?
How's about hiking in non-trekking-areas? Let's say from Trisuli Bazar to Gorkha? Or up to Panch Pokhari, where no faciliates or checkpoints are?
In case two trekkers hire a guide officially but customers get sick on the trek; who will carry their backpacks as it is not allowed to hire porters on the way?
Agencies will gain more money, but lots and lots of village inhabitants will loose a big income which they've got by offering day by day porter service?
A lot of lodges will have to close, as agencies prefer just the best business conditions.Andreas

saipal peak

04.09.2006, 05:12

Hello Adreas
Namaste.
Yes, it is not good news for individual trekkers but hopely it will help some how while
they are in trekking.I am not against the individual trekkers.
Thanks for questions, I am not a TRC expertis but as a Nepali and members of this forum I will try to reply you what I heard & know about TRC with this Post.

1.What is trekking?
Normally, we defined ,trekking is long walking in remote area towards your destionation.It means you should walk, there will be certain time factor ,remote area and your prescribed route & destination.

2.So what, if I just make a day hike from Pokhara to Dhampus and back. So I need
a TRC cum guide?
Normally, you do not need ACAP Permit to visit Pokhara to Dhampus so you do not
need TRC cum Guide to Dhampus but if you want to towards trek then it is essentital.

3. How's about hiking in non-trekking-areas? Let's say from Trisuli Bazar to Gorkha? Or up to Panch Pokhari, where no faciliates or checkpoints are?
From 01 October,TRC will implement in Major trekking area/route.Concerning to non trekking area TAAN & Ministry of Tourism trying to make new Provison in near future.

4. In case two trekkers hire a guide officially but customers get sick on the trek; who will carry their backpacks as it is not allowed to hire porters on the way?
It is not TRC mean that you can not hire porter on the way to the Trek.TRC deals, Every Trekking Toursit need at least one Guide/Porter to obtain TRC.Rest you can hire on the way.
In this case, Guide can hire Local Porter towards our clients destination.

5.Agencies will gain more money, but lots and lots of village inhabitants will loose a big income which they've got by offering day by day porter service?

It is not true,while Providing porters to the Trekking Tourist the agency will gain lots and it will loose a big income of villagers.To have good gain all the agency should Provide diffrent tour/trek package regularly to the custumers.To provide Porter will not sufficent for a agency.Agency should pay annual Tax to government.So when TRC implement every agency should pay govt-tax according to TRC issued.It means it will help to collect revenu of nation.When trekking tourist will go trek with Porter there will have some business transction between Porter & local villagers (e.g Fooding/Lodging etc) so when more porters stay at villege Local peoples will gain somehow rather than Lossing their big business.
Normally,it will not have big financial trouble for trekking tourists while hiring a porter .
I forgot to mentioned in my previous post is that the role of TRC is to increase job oppertunity to the Peoples of Nepal by providing Guide/Porters.It will help to increase employment oppertunity to the peoples of nepal.

6.A lot of lodges will have to close, as agencies prefer just the best business conditions.
TRC will help to promote Terkking of Nepal very effictivley.It will make safe & systematic trekking system in Nepal.It will help to increase number of trekkers in future So new & New Lodge will be established in the mountains & more Peoples will have work oppertunity.We TRC will help to generate Job oppertunity to the Peoples of Nepal in the future rather than Loosing their work.

I am sorry if I have committed any mistake.Please note that I am not against of individual trekkers.

Namaste from Kathmandu.
Saipal Peak
www.reisennepal.com (http://trekkingforum.com/forum/)

Mares

04.09.2006, 06:09

Hi Saipal, thanks again for all your information and comments.

One last question: Do you know how the rules for trekking tourists are, that already have started the trek before 1st of October, and are in the trekking area by than? Let’s say from 20th of September until the end of October on an EBC / Gokyo trek?

To me, it feels rather awkward to come up with such a drastic change of rule by the government only a few weeks away from the main trekking season, and still not have any really official postings on the government websites.

Like me, many perhaps are thinking of rerouting to other trekking places, I guess.

Best regards,

Mares

Andreas

04.09.2006, 08:08

Dear Saipal,

Thanks a lot for your long answer! Especially point 4 gives me hope! But it has been said, that one have to carry this paper, where all persons have to be mentionned before. How can this work out, if one can still hire porters on the way?

To trust your guide is one of the main things you consider when setting of for trekking! If you get a get from an agency, you don't know who he will be. Engaging a guide or porterguide on your own through recommendations or personal aquaintance is very important.

Please let me underline one more thing: If all individual trekkers will have to engage a guide from an agency, there will not be enough guides available at all! So I'm sure some will get bad educated guides. My guide has told me, that it is very expensive to join the guideschool, so the new regulations will not automatically lead to more work.

According to your point nr 3, individual trekking in non-tourist-areas will be still allowded? Just to make sure!

BTW it's good to read that you are not against individual trekking at all!

Andreas

saipal peak

04.09.2006, 12:57

Hallo Mares
Namaste.
As far I know , if you already started trek before 01 October (before immplementation of TRC ) or you are on the way in the trek before 01 october in this case you need not obtain TRC to finish your (Destination) rest trek.TRC will be applicable from 01 october to start your trek.
If you will start your EBC/Gokyo trek on 26 th september then you need not obtain TRC to finsh your rest of the trek.It will applicable to every trekking tourist trek start from 01 October.So you can happily start your trek to EBC from 26 september.

Yesterday I met Personally with TAAN President Mr.Narendra B.C and he told me that TAAN will Call a Press meeting to isuue all the official informations as soon as possible So you can read it in all the major newspaper. So I will also post the copy of
TAAN Press relese information soon.

We wishes you happy time in Nepal.

Namaste from kathmandu
Saipal
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

saipal peak

04.09.2006, 13:27

Dear Andreas
Namaste.
yesterday, I met personally with TAAN President Mr.Narendra B.C and he told me that
TAAN will implement TRC strongly effictive from 01 october 2006 and he added that without hiring any Guide/porter it is no allow to obtain any TRC through TAAN. So it is clear that, at least one guide/Porter is must and rest you can hire on the way.

If you correspond with your agency before you arrive in Nepal then it is possible to have
your regular guide/Porter with you for your every Nepal trek .Everey agnecy should have to appoint capable & Good guide for the trekking.
As far I know ,in Nepal (Kathmandu and Pokhara) we have more than 5000 well trainnned registered in Government having a Trekking Guide Licence guide So it will not shortage of guide after implementation of TRC.Everey year more than 500 Trekking guide pruduce by Government.TAAN will help to Produce more Trekking guide in future if it is applicable.We have more than 10,000 Porter/Guide who are working in the trekking in Nepal.
To take a Trekking guide training it will cost about NRS 7500 so it is not so costly to be
trekking guide in Nepal.Many national & international organisation (NGO's & INGO's) interested to provide financial support to needy person who want to be guide in tourism sector.TAAN will contribute some money which will receive from TRC to produce new guide in Nepal.So there will be lots of chance to provide enough guide & Guide/Porter according to demand.

As far I know, It is sure that TRC will applicable only in Major trekking route in Nepal.For Non trekking area the new provison will applied soon.
I will post new information about TRC when we receive it in futur regularly.

Namaste from Kathmandu
Saipal
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

mieke

07.09.2006, 10:41

Neue Antwort am Thorn Tree gerade, von Elsie (http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/tombstone.cfm?ProfileID=252760) (Link führt zum TT-Profil). Hier einige Stückchen.
I'm now back in Nepal and have made inquiries iinto this whole question of the TRC. I met this morning with one of the implementation committee members.
[. . .]
After Oct 1, all trekking areas in Nepal, it appears will only be accessible to individuals and groups making arrangements through a registered company.
[. . .]
A Press Conference is apparently planned within the next week to formally annouce the changes and make all details public.
Source/Quelle; ganz, ganz unten Antwort # 435 vom 7. September (http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/messagepost.cfm?postaction=reply&catid=16&threadid=1025127&messid=8760146&STARTPAGE=1&parentid=0&from=1&showall=true)

mieke

08.09.2006, 16:21

Bingo; here is the first one (as far as I'm aware):

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=321180&sid=SAS

Kathmandu, September 8: As per the new rule effective from October 1, trekking agencies are required to pay 3.5 dollars per tourist as TRC for organising treks in routes allocated for tourists.

The Maoists are charging Rs 5,000 from trekking guides and cooks and Rs 1,000 even from porters involved in trekking, TAAN said. They are mainly extorting money from tourists in Simikot-Kailash route, Rolpa, Lukla and Annapurna circuit, is causing huge problems for trekkers and trekking entrepreneurs, TAAN officials pointed out.

As the headline seems to suggest differently (it's about Maoists extortions of tourists), I strongly recommend you click the link to read the whole article.

Zee News.com is an Indian newssource; competition between India and Nepal is often reflected in its articles. Just so you'll know. But according to a Thorn Tree poster, TAAN organised a press conference in Kathmandu today on this issue: the TRC. So more media publications should be expected shortly.

Navyo

08.09.2006, 17:12

Hallo,

nun ist die offizielle Pressemitteilung heraus:

TRC to be implemented from October 1

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) is going to introduce Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from October 1, 2006 as per the mandate given by the Government of Nepal which has made it mandatory for all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after having a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). TAAN will charge Nepalese Rs. 250/ as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC in the open trekking areas. TRC is not required for trekking in restricted areas such as Dolpa, Upper Mustang.

As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking routes, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal, says TAAN. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other punishments in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government.

As per new regulation, no trekker is allowed to go to trekking areas without taking service of a registered trekking agency of Nepal. TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara which will remain open 10 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year.

-----------

Bis heute hat man aber noch kein TRC Formular gesehen ...
Navyo

mieke

08.09.2006, 21:58

" Du Vati, Mutti: schau mal wie WICHTIG und MÄCHTIG wird ab Oktober sind!!! "

Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other penalties in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government. However, foreign guests visiting Nepal at the invitation of the Nepal Government, foreign officials, who deserve facilities as diplomats, and other foreign nationals working for development projects in Nepal, do not need to obtain TRC if they are not visiting the trekking areas as trekkers. But they must possess supportive documents and show them to the concerned officials at the check posts.

Steht alles hier: Information about TRC 2006-09-06
http://www.taan.org.np/news_details1.php?nid=303

Ist doch Klásse, solchen Humor!? "The concerned officials" können bald sogar Diplomaten im Knast schicken wenn die nicht die richtige Papieren (das TRC) dabei haben als Trekker! :-)

Ich erinnere mich noch gut diese unglaubliche "Advertising" von Bloomfield (U.K.), Jolivet (Frankreich) und auch wohl der Deutsche Botschafter noch nicht so lange her. Die haben Treks gemacht (Manang, Khumbu) und kamen zurück nur damit sie an einem Symposium vom Nepal Tourism Board richtig fêtiert wurden und nur ganz positive Aussagen machten über wie schön und wie total ohne Gefahr das trekken in Nepal war für Ausländische Touristen! (wenn ihr mich nicht glaubt, es gibt dazu noch eine Menge Presse-links, wie z.B. diese: eKantipur, 17. Mai 2005 (http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=40219))
Und jetzt heißt es plötzlich dass "independent trekken" auch viel zo gefährlich ist und nicht langer erlaubt werden kann...

So sieht man: Diplomaten die sich als Verkäufer benehmen, soll man nie zu leicht glauben...
Und es zeigt meiner Meinung nach doch dass es mit diesem TRC erstens um MACHT geht, und nichts anderes.

edited to include the link to last year's eKantipur article "Nepal a safe destination for travellers: envoys"

mieke

09.09.2006, 12:58

Online Presse

http://english.people.com.cn/200609/09/eng20060909_301151.html
Trekking registration certificate to be enforced in Nepal
UPDATED: 13:27, September 09, 2006
TAAN President Narendra BC said this will lead to an environment whereby the tourists can go for a trekking without any fear and also improve the image of Nepal from the tourism point of view.
Source: Xinhua

The Himalayan Times (http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=aBXaza0sgqzpa4a0a8a1wa.axam al&folder=aBDasaian729&Name=Business&sImageFileName=&dtSiteDate=20060909) - Permission mandatory for trekking in certain areas
Himalayan News Service
Kathmandu, September 8:Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) today informed that all trekking agencies and individuals need to have Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from October 1, if they want to go for trekking in areas specified by the government such as Annapurna Area, Khaptad National Park (KNP), Dhaulagiri Area, Makalu Barun, Sagarmatha Region and Langtang area.
........
BC informed a gathering of journalists that the TRC is being introduced in a bid to revive more than 600 trekking agencies currently facing survival threats. He said that due to illegal business operations, there is massive under-cutting in trekking packages for tourists which is pushing Nepal’s trekking destinations to a category of ‘dumping tourists’.
.........
After the implementation of TRC, data entry would be done for tourists visiting trekking destinations through latest computer softwares.
TRC enforcement would bring in healthy and competitive practices while fetching good revenue returns for the government, hoped Deepak Mahat who is also the coordinator of TRC formulation task force.

Nichts über die Freiheit die viele Trekker haben möchten, nichts über die Konsekwenzen für nicht-TAAN angeschlossene Agencies und Mountainguides, Porterguides und Porters ohne Kontrakt mit einer der TAAN Mitglieder. Nichts über wie Porters Progress und die IPPG (Intl. Porters Protection Group) damit umgehen werden. Angeblich (aber das ist nur meine Spekulation) gehört das nicht zu den Interessen von der Trekking Agents Association of Nepal. Schade.

Klaus

09.09.2006, 13:21

naja,
dann sollten wir mal alle der Himalayan Times einen Leserbrief schreiben

Am Ende des Artikels :
http://english.people.com.cn/200609/...09_301151.html

findet Ihr einen Link: Send your comments

Gruß

Klaus

mieke

10.09.2006, 21:38

Das wachst wirklich gánz schnell in letzter Zeit, bei Google.
Im Moment etwa 339 online Resultate:

TAAN TRC Nepal (http://www.google.com/search?as_q=TAAN+TRC+Nepal&num=50&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images)

Aber bisher nur noch 52 auf diese Weise:

TAAN TRC Petition (http://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all&q=TAAN+TRC+Petition&btnG=Search)

Da gibt es also noch eine Menge Arbeit damit die Petition besser bekanntgemacht wird, am Internet.

mieke

10.09.2006, 23:45

Just posting this so we can all look at it.
The publication dates back to late May 2005.

TAAN seeks authority to issue TRCs
Monday - 30th May 2005

Post Report
Kathmandu, May 27

Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has stressed on the need to introduce the system of issuing trekking registration certificates (TRC) to foreign nationals visiting various parts of the country on trekking purpose and has appealed to the government to confer the task of dispensing the certificates to the association.
The certificate, among others, is expected to facilitate in identifying the whereabouts of foreigners on trekking trips and conducting rescue operations in case of accidents.
“As trekking agents have more knowledge about trekking routes, locations and immediate precautionary measures that has to be adopted during times of accidents and emergencies, it is our strong conviction that allowing TAAN to issue TRCs would not only help local agents but also the government in tracing their locations and rescuing those who have lost the ways or met accidents, “said Acting president Of TAAN, Bandi Nima Sherpa addressing a press meet organized in Kathmandu today.
“Moreover, the practice of issuing TRCs would also help the government in keeping record of the most ignored trekking routes of the country which could later be used as a guide to formulate appropriate future policies and programs,” she added.
Although the government had been issuing such certificates in the past, it had revoked the provision six years ago. Ever since then, apart from information given by trekking agents, no authentic and detailed records about the whereabouts and condition of the foreigners have been kept.
Speaking on the occasion Sherpa said that TAAN is willing to offer the service seven days a week at nominal rate of two US dollar per person and would visits of every tourists every months.

Source The Kathmandu Post
Found it here: http://www.trekkinginfo.com/currentNews/common/view_news_details.php?id=325

So....., where are the mandatory guides and porters?
To be hired through TAAN-trekkingagencies only?
Where is the need to discourage so called illegal business operations?
What about checkpoints with government personnel, assigned to check on your TRC and punish you if you don't have one?
Where is the sophisticated software for the special computerprogram to keep track of all your whereabouts?
Where are the fixed itineraries?
Where's the urgent government interest in terms of collecting more taxes?

"Trekking agents have more knowledge about trekkingroutes, locations and immediate precautionary measures" ???

Oh yeah? Then where the h*ck was the entire TAAN when it comes down to the entrance gates of NAGARJUN FOREST ?
Where Nepali girls and women kept disappearing for years on already, but with the local population being too scared of the Army to speak up. Nagarjun Forest that's highly recommended in many, many guidebooks as a great destination for a day's hike, for rock climbing, for bike tours. Nagarjun Forest where at least one western female tourist barely survived a murderattempt late May 2005.
Why could the TAAN never send a carpenter up there to put up clear warning signs for lone women not to enter the jungle alone?
Why could TAAN never arrange that the Army checkpoint would send lone female tourists away? Where were the TAAN's "immediate precautionary measures"? Where was the TAAN when in September last year the French lady entered that park alone, and in October Sabine?

How low can businessmen/women sink? Is it because they have the highest mountainrange in the whole world, that in Nepal salesmen can sink considerably lower?

saipal peak

11.09.2006, 12:02

mieke

11.09.2006, 17:16

Hello Meike
Namaste.
We understood your entension of TRC ( Concerning Ban of individual Trekkers in Nepal) and you became fire with TAAN but as a Nepali I would like to suggest you please kindly stop posting dirty word in such a valuable public forum.Secondly I would like to make you clear that Nagajuna forest does not related with TAAN. Naragjuna Forest is personal property of present king Ghanendra Shah.Nepal Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism can provide adequte informations to the tourists.
TAAN will concern dierclty with Major Trekking area/sector of Nepal after implementation of TRC from 01 october 2006.
TAAN has called it's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22 September 2006 we hope TAAN will call presse conference about TRC implementation after AGM..

Namaste from Nepal.
Saipal

Namaste Saipal,

As per your request I've edited an offensive *word in my previous post, Saipal. You were right to correct me there; to my defence I'd like to say that I was probably too much still in the mood/athmosphere presently among posters (Nepal trekking enthusiasts) on another forum (messageboard). It's a lot more rough over there, the comments, questions and criticism.

Frankly I do not quite understand what you mean with the first sentence of your reply, and f.e. with me becoming "fire" with TAAN. If you were referring to my take on matters of justice and injustice for non-TAAN registered Nepalese citizens involved in tourism there in any way, surely you must have noticed that many foreign trekkers were quick to bring up exactly that problem: what will happen to the families of non-TAAN organised guides and porters? To owners and personnel in a number of lodges, teahouses? And so on. A regular poster on YetiZone even remarked that perhaps the almost complete absence of media coverage on this issue, is due to fears re. what kind of frenzy this announcement of the consequences of the TRC could perhaps cause in Nepal? There are whispers that many whose livelihood depends on trekkers arrivals, are not really aware yet of TAAN's demands that seem to be supported by the new government.

About Nagarjun Forest please allow me to give you the views of a westerner with regard to caring about your business, if your business is tourism.
The ownership of Rani Ban is not an issue: a part of it was and is open to visitors, including foreign tourists. Nagarjun Forest should have been an interest of the TAAN as well, if you simply consider that many a foreign tourist visits the reserve once they have arrived in the capital. Tourists who may be or may become future clients, or who have returned from a trek, a rafting trip or anything touristy elsewhere in the country.
Then where you mention here the NTB and the Ministry of Tourism: neither of them have taken action to make Nagarjun Forest (in particular the hike up to the Buddhist Stupa) a safer place for foreign visitors. I'm speaking of pre-mid October 2005. Are you trying to suggest here that where Nagarjun Forest / Rani Ban is recommended for many years already by all sorts and types of trekkingagencies, mountainbiking agencies and so on and also in many travel guidebooks, that potential foreign visitors, charmed by the descriptions of the beauty of Rani Ban, should first contact the NTB or the Ministry of Tourism to ....., to do what? Ask them if it's allright if they go there? I don't understand, unless your reply is another example of sheer bureaucratic thinking.

To suggest here that the TAAN (i.e. the people who somehow belong to the TAAN) will start feeling concern about the major trekking areas/sectors of Nepal only áfter October 1: I hope it's simply my mistake of not understanding you correctly. They would not have cared and felt concerned about guests, any tourist-guests to the country, before that date?

Finally, with an Annual General Meeting on the 22nd of September: does that imply that if a majority of the TAAN members would vote or protest against these new, strict obligations with the TRC, the whole plan could "implode" with no major changes as of one week later?
I don't know about you Saipal, or about travelagents in general. But the majority of tourists who come to Nepal, don't decide for such a trip "overnight". They usually start planning and preparing long in advance. Something that's also required of course in view of the vaccinations or even the visa they need to obtain beforehand. Not to mention the flightbookings they must be able to make.

It's no direct concern of mine, financially or any other way; at least not in the very near future. But to witness the great confusion, disappointment, irritation, uncertainty among non-organised Nepali guides and porters and an ever growing number of future Nepal trekkers who all turn to the major webforums lately, among them a lot who had scheduled to leave in the course of September, is just downright saddening. And even more so, if you are thoroughly aware of the poverty in many ordinary families, often with kids, in Nepal.

In that sense, it's only out of respect for yóu personally that I've edited that coarse word, the insult towards the TAAN, in my previous reply here.

saipal peak

12.09.2006, 15:22

Hallo meike
Namaste.
Thanks for edited your previous posting.
Clearly & in short word I would like to say you that I do not need to protect TAAN and also I am not aganist the ban of individual trekkers in Nepal. TRC will provide more advantge to the Peoples of Nepal and to TAAN self and it has also some disadvantage too.So TRC should immplement in Nepal with systematic way which will be good for every one that's all our wishes.

Namaste from Nepal
Saipal

mieke

15.09.2006, 00:34

It's getting ever more clear, Saipal: the true feelings of Nepalese trekkingagencies about their clients. Here is an example, and perhaps it's just as well indeed that Andrées decided not to show the entire text; it is remarkably disappointing, coming from a travelagent:

how a trekking agency sees independant trekkers (http://www.yetizone.com/wwwboard/messages/50157.shtml) - the link leads to the YetiZone board.

Apart from the guides and porters and their families that we have already spoken about here, those not employed by an agency that belongs to the TAAN organization, I hope that the future decline in tourist arrivals will not also sharply affect donations to and volunteering in projects such as orphanages. Wellfare projects often run and maintained by foreigners and certainly, financially, also dependent on very independent foreign visitors who often combine their visit to their Nepal with an independent trek in the beautiful Himalayas...

Perhaps the TAAN has developed a view on such issues (long-term effects of forcing out, i.e. killing, a specific part of tourism to the country) as well?

Just my 2 € cents, for now.

saipal peak

17.09.2006, 05:13

Hallo Meike
Namaste.
What you read the posting in YetiZone it could not lead the thought of 500 Trekking
agency of Nepal. That Posting may not actual Posted by one of trekking agency from Nepal.It may some one ( who is against TRC & Trekking agent ) has posted to make Negative immage of Trekking Agencies of Nepal. If you know the name of Person/name of Trekking agency who has posted in Yeti zone Please kindly write to us we will try to discourge this kind of negative Posting in the future.
But you have to remember that always we(Peoples of Nepa) think Guest or the God even now or after TRC implementation.

Some copmany has been appointed Guide Permantly (Basis of Monthly Salary) and some company hired guide during season.Most of trekking guide have working free lances guide among 500 trekking agency in Nepal.All the guide are good friends of trekking agencies of Nepal.Having good relationship with each others.

You can not forecast that number of tourist will decline after implementation of TRC but you can just hope only.Conecrning the welfare project of Nepal not fully depend on by individual terkking tourists.This kind of project depend on with international organisation but not with individual.

Nepal Government & TAAN have going to implement TRC jointly in Nepal from 01.10.2006 .Nepal Government has fully support in this matter.
TAAN & Nepal government hope TRC can not kill whole Tourism Business which has been started since 1950 and TAAN & Nepal Government are aware of this kind of activites.

Namaste from kathmandu
Saipal.

mieke

17.09.2006, 16:02

Namaste Saipal,
You must be entirely right with what you say about some postings on the YetiZone board; it's impossible they would reflect the thoughts of all Nepalese involved in tourism/trekking. Just like many who complain about the strict TRC regulations, on YZ or anywhere else, don't represent the thoughts of all future trekkers to Nepal. Nor of those who have decided to go somewhere else and let the commotion with TAAN's TRC fade out first.

As for welfare projects though, I tend to disagree with you. The ones that are operational already, may not suffer (too much) from losing visits by independent trekkers. But as you can read in below article in The Charleston Daily Mail of today, it's the indepency of foreign trekkers that is often a condition to make them discover urgent (educational) needs on the countryside! Would John Wood have gotten or taken the chance to explore the situation with that school any further, had he belonged to a group of trekkers with a guide and with a fairly tight schedule/itinerary?

Most probably "Stilltrekkin" will have a fair reply to that question. And if she says it would make no difference in reality on organised treks, I'll believe her. But in general I'm inclined to believe the opposite. If you take away the real spirit of adventure, then you automatically take away many of the chances on adventure as well...

Former executive now leading the dream life (http://www.dailymail.com/story/Life/+/2006091554/Former+executive+now+leading+the+dream+life/) - Charleston Daily Mail, September 17

WASHINGTON -- How to put this gently? John Wood is making the rest of us look bad.

Oh, he doesn't mean to. The founder and chief executive officer of a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization called Room to Read, who's just published a book called "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World,'' doesn't blame us for not quitting our nice, secure jobs pushing paper or marketing digital widgets, as he did seven years ago at age 35, and throwing ourselves into planet-enhancing philanthropy.

.........

Fantasy lives come at a price, of course.
Wood has paid it. But to hear the emotion in his voice, as he recalls the reception he got while delivering his first shipment of books to Nepal, is to think: He got himself a pretty good deal.

..........

Then he rewarded himself with his longest vacation since joining Bill Gates's mega-corporation: three weeks of trekking in the Himalayas.

On the first day out, he struck up a conversation with a Nepalese man who turned out to be the "resource person'' for 17 rural schools.
The man told him he really didn't have any resources to offer and Nepal had a 70 percent illiteracy rate.

The next day, they toured a village school. It had a room labeled "School Library,'' but there were no books in sight.

Where were they?

Locked up, Wood was told, before being shown a tiny collection made up of what looked like trekker castoffs: a Danielle Steel romance, an Umberto Ecco novel in Italian, a Lonely Planet guide to Mongolia, a copy of "Finnegans Wake.'' These random volumes were considered so precious, he writes, "that the teachers did not want to risk the children damaging them.''

"Perhaps, sir,'' the headmaster suggested, "you will someday come back with books.''

From a cyber cafe in Katmandu, he fired off an e-mail slugged "Books for Nepal -- Please Help'' to everyone in his online address book. He asked them to send donations of books in care of his parents.

Thousands arrived. Wood flew home to help sort them. Then he and his dad embarked on a father-son bonding trip for the ages. Accompanying a book-laden donkey train to the Nepalese village, they walked through a human corridor of grateful children.

Some hung marigold garlands around their necks. Younger ones pressed flower petals into their hands.

Wood quit Microsoft and founded Room to Read.

Think about it, Saipal, please....
And when you've thought it over, then please discuss it with your friends and colleagues, and with TAAN...
.

Stilltrekkin

20.09.2006, 07:04

You guessed right, Mieke, stilltrekkin does have a comment about independent trekkers vs members of organized treks:

I don't think that compassion for needs seen while trekking has anything relationship to whether a person is travelling solo or as a member of an organized group. I know that our own projects and those of many others are primarily supported by people who develop an intense desire to do something "worthwhile" as a result of their experience trekking or touring in Nepal. For every mega-project started by exemplary persons such as the former Microsoft Exec that you mention, there are hundreds and hundreds of trekkers who give once or repeatedly to support smaller, local based projects in Nepal. Some of these donors are independent trekkers, but they tend to also be the one-time gift givers who move on to other things. Sometimes they form a close relationship with an individual or a family and provide friendship and support for education of the children of that family, etc. And this is certainly commendable. The sustainable funding for larger projects cannot be developed without a lot of hard work on the part of the organizers and the involvement of many, many donors.....most of us don't have the luxury of someone with very "deep pockets". Most of these committed people are repeat visitors to Nepal. They come here with a purpose that includes learning more about the country and how they can help. The vast majority travel in organized groups....they learn about the projects and want to see for themselves. Many ultimately become involved in volunteering time as well as money. And this doesn't just happen....it takes a lot of work on the part of the project team to sustain the work.
The concern, enthusiasm, interest and willingness to be involved shown by some independent trekkers is important and appreciated......but sustaining and maintaining successful, productive projects in Nepal takes a lot more.
And by the way there are probably more individuals who visit Nepal and choose to trek or travel with their own Guide and/or Porter than the ones that choose to trek solo. Group travel is not everyone's "cup of tea". These people are often treated to meeting their Guide's or Porter's families, are invited to visit home villages, etc. experiences that solo travellers would not have the same opportunity to enjoy.

mieke

20.09.2006, 07:45

Thanks, Stilltrekkin; your reply certainly gives something to think about. And I hope you have nothing against people giving up on a career, because at least to me it was the description of how "Room to Read" was born that seemed to be significant. Significant in view of "adventure trekking", without any obligations to the TAAN re. itinerary and in whose company you need to be all the time.

As it happens, a German travelagent wrote a long observation (in German) here yesterday: Nepal muss die Rahmenbedingungen dringend verbessern! (http://www.trekkingforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6974), also in reaction to a growing number of questions/criticism coming from Nepal about why so many foreign tourists seem to be against the new trekkingrules. Maybe we can make an English translation; I'll ask him if that would be okay with him. It's an interesting opinion piece, written by someone with a lot of personal as well as business experience with Nepal and tourism to Nepal and certainly worth a read. But maybe you can read German yourself?

And by the way there are probably more individuals who visit Nepal and choose to trek or travel with their own Guide and/or Porter than the ones that choose to trek solo. Group travel is not everyone's "cup of tea". These people are often treated to meeting their Guide's or Porter's families, are invited to visit home villages, etc. experiences that solo travellers would not have the same opportunity to enjoy.

Exactly! And the way it kept being announced, this will no longer be allowed: to trek with your "own" Guide and/or Porter, and go where you want.

As for people who insist on trekking entirely solo, they are always the exceptions I believe when it comes down to Nepal. It's different in many other countries where people go on a short or a long hike, but that is incomparable to the Himalayas of course first of all because of the altitudes. We'll agree that - in view of how you can bring yourself in extra danger that way, and how that might affect your loved ones in the long run - it's a good thing to have a much better and more reliable registration system of trekkers' whereabouts. And for obvious reasons I'm not against solo trekking not being allowed.
But frankly a lot of what was in TAAN's announcements and explanations regarding how trekking in Nepal would be organised, sounded rather "Stalinesque". Not at all like the story of John Wood and his adventure in Nepal a couple of years ago. There ought to be a good compromise possible, and it might be on its way meanwhile judging by some comments from Kathmandu lately. Let's hope so for those who really love to trek independently: either with their own trekkingpartner or group, or with a guide and/or porter of their own choice and whom they've often known for years already.

Stilltrekkin

20.09.2006, 14:21

Mieke, I certainly do not have anything against someone leaving their career and launching themselves into a new pursuit that brings more meaning to their lives. I did it myself. Left a 30 year banking career earlier than I needed to because I knew there was more out there. The only difference between me and a number of other people I know over here in Nepal and John Wood is a few million dollars and some big corporate connections. "Room to Read" is doing a wonderful job bringing books to countries where owning one book is a precious commodity - even if you can't read it! I just don't think this has a lot to do with "adventure trekking" as you put it or independent trekking. If you re-read the article it doesn't even make any mention of how Mr. Wood trekked....perhaps he had his own Guide and Porter or maybe was part of a group but it is very doubtful that he was an independent trekker.
I don't begrudge John his substantial salary of $105,00 per year but it's nice to know that he worked 4 years for nothing. Many of us involved in this work put in some equally long hours and our rewards consist of finding satisfaction in a job well done and making some life long friends - hard to put a value on that. (Sorry don't mean to sound like a martyr to a cause because I certainly don't feel that way....I enjoy every minute...well maybe not a few of the frustrating ones!) And...granted I and many similarly involved cannot make the impact in many countries that the John Woods of the World are doing. He has set the bar high and even his former boss, Bill Gates, announced he was leaving the corporate world to follow a similar path in partnership with Bill Clinton.

Let me clarify what seems to continue to be a misunderstanding of the TRC issue in your mind, Mieke. There is nothing stopping an individual from hiring his own Guide and/or Porter, as long as he/she does that through an registered trekking agency. One person, in this case, can legally consitute a "group". No one is being forced to trek with 10 other people or even one other person unless they want to.This individual can set off and trek with his/her Nepali companions and be quite flexible as to where they go s long as they have the required permits for that area. Someone can't set off to do the Annapurna Circuit, for example, and deviate into the restricted area of the Upper Mustang because they have not obtained the special restricted area permit to do so. That has nothing to do with the TRC and has always been the rule. Granted the TRC application must state the trekking area destination, a start date and an end date, I expect if the data base is to be useful; however, there is nothing to say that they cannot adjust or modify the agenda or even extend it. In this case, the Guide would be expected to advise the company at the first opportunity and arrangements would have to be made for whatever additional payment is due at the end of the trip.

saipal peak

21.09.2006, 14:48

TAAN Annaul General Meeting 0n 22 September
TAAN called Annual General Meeting tomorrow (22 sept 2006) at Hotel Everest kathmandu.According to TAAN's Program High ranking officers of Nepal Government will present at AGM & The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Civil Avation Mr Pradep Gyawali will address to the TAAN Memembers.TAAN will present TRC Proposal among It's memebers & need to accept by higher majority .We hope the final decison of TAAN of TRC Provison will come Postive tomorrow.Lets hope TAAN will make everybody happy.
We will post recent TAAN decison of TRC Provison tomorrow evening.

Namaste from Kathmandu
Saipal

mieke

21.09.2006, 18:48

.
I've called a few friends in the capital.

http://www.dess.org/images/Huge_Cake.jpg

They're bringing in a *HUGE CAKE* for all the TAAN-members to enjoy during their Annual Meet tomorrow.

And now just get this thing about no longer allowing independent trekking
OFF THE TABLE IN KATHMANDU, please!!!

Thank you.

saipal peak

22.09.2006, 06:36

Hello Meike
Namaste.
This is not fair, what do you think? All the TAAN members are waiting to have Huge cake just to enjoy during AGM.if you think so then it's your great false.TAAN call AGM every year to discuss various subject related trekking & Mountaineering tour in Nepal.It is regualr program of TAAN.All the TAAN member are not hunger for a piece of cake during AGM.There will be lots of discusion in realted subjects.
So Please stop insulting peoples by posting this kinds of text.

Namaste
Saipal

http://www.dess.org/images/Huge_Cake.jpg

mieke

22.09.2006, 09:11

What are you saying? Don't people have no humor anymore in Kathmandu?! http://smilie-land.de/t/q-s/sprechen/sprechen0005.gif

Come on, Saipal. It's no insult to talk about cake! Or about changing some of those TRC rules!

Do you all want to end up like this:

http://smilie-land.de/t/q-s/sprechen/sprechen0002.gif

Well, if so: foreign trekkers don't!
.

saipal peak

23.09.2006, 03:28

Hello Meike
Namatse.
You have to understand your self what you have posted.What we understood we have immediately reacted.Why you don't not say don't peoples of Nepal have no humor any more?Not only kathmandu.
We have seen the nature & their humor of the Peoples of third world .We
( specailly I ) never say it should be banned for individual trekking tourist in Nepal.We always say TRC is very applicable but need to implement properely that's all.

Namaste.
Saipal.

saipal peak

23.09.2006, 04:25

Dear Nepal friends
Namaste.
As I promised I have posted here the news of 28 th TAAN AGM & TRC implementation
with this Post hopely it will not hurt any body personaly.This is news only.

The 28th Annual General Meeting of TAAN was held in Kathmandu on 22 th spetember 2006.More than 500 TAAN Members, Represntative of various organisation , higher rank officer of Nepal Government & Jurnalist were presented in AGM.The chief Guest was Mr.Pradeep kumar Gyawali Ministery of Toursim & Civil Avaition addressed to the Mass.He spoke that, Nepal Government is trying to reduce 50 % Royalty ( Trekking Permit cost) of Upper Mustang trek & Upper dolpa with in few month to increase the number of toursist in this area.Government is trying to reduce ACAP fees in near future.He added that due to lack of international flight to Nepal most of tourist bearing problem to get seat during pick season so Nepal government is going buy wide body boeing in near future & also providing authorization to the international airlines( e.g Qutar Air, Gluf Air etc) to operate 3 (extra ) flight par day during the pick season (Oct-Nove-Dec).
Likewise,TAAN's TRC Co-ordinater Mr.Depak Mahat has Presented the Proposal of TRC implementation for acceptance and all the TAAN memebers( with Majority) have accepted TRC Proposal.So TRC will interduce on 27 th september (World Toursim Day)
at TRC building Thamel and it will implement from 01.10.2006.So everey Trekking tourists have to obtain TRC to trek in Nepal through Registered trekking Agency from Kathamndu & Pokahara.TRC can be issued in advance from 27 th spetember for the convinence of Clients before their arrival.To obtain TRC need not have any Photograph just need to mention Full name, Sex, ,Date of Birth, Nationality, City, Passport Number & Emergency contact number of client.TRC fees will be NRS 250 Per Person.The TRC counter will open from 7.00 am to 7.00 P.M in Thamel kathamndu & TAAN building in Pokhara.
TAAN & Nepal Government have made an arrangement to provide adqute information of TRC system to the Visiters at the time of their arriavl at TIA ( Tribhuvan International Airport).TRC Check post has been establsihed in major trekking route of Nepal.TRC can be checked any time during the trek in Nepal by TRC Checking officers, Nataional park bodies, ACAP & Security bodies of Nepal.If illigel operation (Trekking with out TRC) found it can be punsihed any time accroding to the Low of Nepal.
Note: Concerning the case of diplomat & foreigeners who have been working in NOG's , INGO in Nepal those need not obtain TRC while they are in trek but they need to prove from cencerned Department before start their Trek.

We will see the Positive & Negative impact of TRC implementation in near future.

Namaste from kathmandu
Saipal

mieke

24.09.2006, 18:26

Thank you for your update and information, Saipal.

betr.: TRC: Joint TRC Policy Formulation Taskforce Formed
Wir haben schon öfters darüber geredet "Was ist mit dem NTB (Nepal Tourism Board)? Wo sind die jetzt mit der Diskussionen über TAAN und das TRC?" Auch an andere Webforen kam die Frage immer wieder zurück, natürlich. Vielleicht gibt es hier ein Stückchen Erklärung worum man von dem NTB eigentlich nie oder fast nie mehr etwas hört:

Nepal News am 10. Mai 2006 (http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/others/feature/may/news_feature02.php) Politics in tourism: NTB stand-off continues (Nepalnews special)

Also, alles nur Politik. Und deswegen hat dieses Artikel von Nepal News vom 14. November 2005 hier jetzt bestimmt ein Platz verdient:
Porter's plight and the Government's apathy (nepalnews special) (http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2005/nov/nov14/news11.php)

Das bedeutet auch: wer hört heutzutage die Stimme und Meinungen von der IPPG und von Porter's Progress?
http://www.ippg.net/ : überhaupt nichts über das Trekking Registration Certificate
Genau so wie hier: http://www.portersprogress.org/

Soll das heissen est ist ab den 1. Oktober alles völlig in Ordnung für die Porters, alle Problemen die November letztes Jahr durch Nepal News berichtet wurden, gelöst und vorbei?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

re. TRC: Joint TRC Policy Formulation Taskforce Formed
We've talked about it several times already: "What's with the NTB (Nepal Tourism Board)? Where are they now with the discussions about the TAAN and the TRC?" On other webforums as well the question kept coming back, naturally. Perhaps in here is a little bit of an explanation why people hear nothing or almost nothing from the NTB anymore:

Nepal News am 10. Mai 2006 (http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/others/feature/may/news_feature02.php) Politics in tourism: NTB stand-off continues (Nepalnews special)

So, it's all just politics. And that's why below article from Nepal News dated 14th November 2005, certainly deserves a place in here:

Porter's plight and the Government's apathy (nepalnews special) (http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2005/nov/nov14/news11.php)

The majority of the porters in Nepal are not like famous Sherpas, who carry loads at the high altitude for foreign expeditions, but they are impoverished substance farmers in rural areas who travel from lower elevations to trekking and expedition routes in search for works. They even do not know basic things about mountaineering. Like trekkers and climbers many porters suffer from altitude sickness, hypothermia, snow blindness and frost-bite but most of the time don’t get proper medical or psycho-social counseling services.

There have been reports of porters being abandoned by tour groups when they fall ill. Porters have even been abandoned in life threatening blizzards while trekkers were rescued by helicopters.

As per the government rules, expedition teams require to pay 250 rupees (approx. US$ 3.60) a day to the porters in a trek up to 3,700 meters and 300 rupees (approx. US$ 4.30) a day above the 3,700 meters. Likewise, group leader should get 300 to 350 rupees per day in both treks.

The porters and leaders should get insurance facility of Rs. 250,000 and Rs. 300,000 respectively besides medical insurance facilities as well. But most of the Nepali porters are deprived of these facilities. Interestingly not a single case has been filed with the authorities so far, highlighting ignorance and unorganized nature of the service among Nepali porters.

It is estimated that the trekking industry employs some 100,000 porters in peak seasons. Around 40,000 porters work in the Himalayan region from east to west on a regular basis throughout the year carrying local businessman's goods. The flaring conflict of the country has exacerbated the porter's problem. The number of porters is increasing while the employment opportunities are decreasing thanks to the decline in the arrival of tourists.

The throat-cut competition among porters has endangered their lives as they are involved in challenging job. The money they earn from the trekking is the only livelihood for them and their family so if they are killed on the way it affects the whole family. Besides, guides exploit them by giving lower amount as wages and forcing them to carry more goods than they are supposed to carry.

Trekking porters are found mainly in Nepal but also in Pakistan, Peru and other South American Countries Tanzania and Papuwa New Guinea. Although their life and conditions of work is different they share similar problems like lack of appropriate clothing and footwear, lack of appropriate food and shelter and lack of medical care and insurance. Apart from these life threatening issues porters also face problems like lack of education on mountain safety, environment issues and hygiene.

Talking to Nepalnews, assistant secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Lok Bahadur Khatri, said the Ministry will take action against trekking agencies if they fail to provide facilities to porters as per the government's rules and regulations. He, however, acknowledged that there is no monitoring mechanism to find the wrongdoings and the ministry could take action only if cases were filed at the Ministry.

Though some initiatives have been taken by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the welfare of porters, these are not sufficient. Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) www.taan.org.np (http://www.taan.org.np/) , officials said they were making shelters for porters in different places.

The Trekking agencies, which make sure that their clients get proper care, including all the mountain accessories, health insurance and helicopter rescue service usually do not even provide warm clothes and shoes to the porters.

President of TAAN, Narendra BC, admits that Nepalese porters are passing through very difficult mode. He, however, claimed that all the registered trekking companies were following the government rules and regulations and that the porters’ condition is improving day by day.

International Porters' Protection Group (IPPG) www.ippg.net (http://www.ippg.net/) , has recommended some guidelines for the safety and security of the porters but Nepali porters are yet to receive any of these facilities till date.

Experts say the government's passivity is the main reason leading to the exploitation of the porters. They say the government should make policies for the welfare of porters and develop effective monitoring mechanism to ensure that government policies are implemented effectively.
article continues - 2006© Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd.

That also means: who, nowadays, is hearing the voice and opinions of the IPPG and Porter's Progress?

http://www.ippg.net/ : absolutely nothing about the Trekking Registration Certificate;
Same as here: http://www.portersprogress.org/

Should that imply that as of October 1st everything is fully okay for the porters, with all problems reported by Nepal News in November last year being solved and over?

Stilltrekkin

29.09.2006, 16:22

Was just advised today that the start date for the TRC has been postponed:
The October 1 date, previously announced for the start of the new regulations relative to the Trekking Registration Certificate, has been put off until after the Dashain Festival. No new date was given. Forms and instructions have not yet been distributed to the Trekking Agencies. Reason for the delay was not given but it would appear that all the necessary infrastructure is not yet in place.

saipal peak

30.09.2006, 03:42

Dear Stilltrekkin
Namaste.
We have received an official e-Letter from TAAN on 26 September that TRC will implement from third week of October2006 So it means it should implement from 21 october 2006.Lets wait and see .
Happy Vijay Dashami 2063 !!

Namaste
Saipal.

mieke

04.10.2006, 15:17

Her name is Heidi, which sounds very German (Austrian, Swiss...)
But, luckily for some people in this thread, she wrote in English:

http://www.yetizone.com/wwwboard/messages/50512.shtml
"don't worry about TRC"

......it isn't going to be in effect until maybe next year if at all.

Now what? Even more confusion, among trekkingagents as well as foreign trekkers with plans to go to Nepal?

Saipal, Stilltrekkin:
if you are in a position - with info straight from TAAN - to shed some light on what this poster claims,
please don't hesitate to do so here...

Stilltrekkin

05.10.2006, 09:10

Thought this subject would finally die a natural death but apparently we are going to have to kill it!
Called the TAAN office for information straight from the "horse's mouth". The "official" answer is that the postponement of implementation of the TRC until Oct 21 was necessary to obtan all the government signatures (from the appropriate Ministries involved) for final authorization of the regulations. It was anticipated that this would be forthcoming by October 21 - but if not, then the start date may need to be revised again.
So speculate all you want about whether this is the full story or if there is more to it. No one really knows and this is all we are going to get for the time being.
Let's move on to more important things.

Soshin

05.10.2006, 12:23

Dear all,

Dashain seemed to have saved my bacon, I'm starting on 15th... :)

For those starting later there will be Nepali-style solutions, I guess... ;)

Soshin

saipal peak

07.10.2006, 09:03

Hello Soshin
Namaste.
Yes, if you will start your trek from 15 th october then you saved TRC but for those who will start trek after 21 october may need to obtain TRC.
Dear Soshin, please kindly clearfy " Nepali Style Solution " in this forum so it may useful/Helpfull for some of our Nepalfan who will start trek letter.

Namaste from kathmandu
Saipal

Stilltrekkin

07.10.2006, 12:06

mieke

07.10.2006, 13:15

Rather a sad statement about society isn't it?

If it's a sad statement, at least I don't think that Soshin is in any way responsible for it.

Seems s/he's more referring to what actually goes on in reality, and not since today only. You may have missed them, but I have not: the offers lately from Ktm-based agencies to possible future clients about how to avoid the new rules for trekking if only they pay.
Sure it's a rather desperate situation for many who earn their money from foreigners visiting Nepal. But no reason to insinuate that a poster like Soshin would have no moral values and ethics, or at least not enough of them in your perception. Quite the opposite,
I dare say.

Also: it's 2006. The majority of the posters here won't be responsible for the presence of a certain culture of corruption and bribing on the Indian Subcontinent. It was there long before they ever went to Nepal, India and so on.

mieke

07.10.2006, 13:33

Also: it's 2006. The majority of the posters here won't be responsible for the presence of a certain culture of corruption and bribing on the Indian Subcontinent. It was there long before they ever went to Nepal, India and so on.

I forgot to add: and if any particular foreign nation would be responsible for the origin of a certain culture of corruption and bribing over there, it most certainly wasn't Germany or Austria in particular - the countries that the majority of the posters on Trekkingforum originate from!

So Saipal and Stilltrekkin: it was a nice try to draw Soshin out on the Nepali-style solutions,
but next time you'll need to come with something more credible if you insist to leave some ethical mark behind on this forum!
.

mieke

07.10.2006, 14:57

"Nepali style solution", Saipal, I would imagine the previous poster is referring to the fact that sometimes people find "creative detours" around rules that appear to be standing in their way....such as paying a "fee" for a company to obtain a Trekking Registration Certificate. However, since the system, if and when it's implemented will also require the Trekker(s) to take a Guide or Porter....and the plan is to have follow-up at check-points to monitor that Trekkers comply with this requirement....I think it may take more than creativity to find away around the TRC. But even though I am not Nepali - I resent the inference that Nepal has a corner on the market for paying bribes. It happens everywhere, unfortunately, by those who think rules are made for evereyone but them and if they have enough money, and the price is right, they can do whatever they want. Rather a sad statement about society isn't it?

The great Nepali ripoff (http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/messagepost.cfm?postaction=reply&catid=16&threadid=1211608&messid=10494182&STARTPAGE=1&parentid=0&from=1) - (Thorn Tree)
from # 6

i think the silliest is the new rule about requiring guides/porters (which seems now to be in limbo). the offices that check the permit for the park are mostly in the cities (at least for annapurna). when i was getting my permit, i was told to make sure my cab driver went to the office to get the permit punched because there was no other ACAP personell in the park. Now that is funny!

Care to comment, here? After those random accusations in your previous reply?

Or let me guess what the answer will be: "Thought this subject would finally die a natural death but apparently we are going to have to kill it! This is about Nepal and it cannot be compared to our western countries and societies. TAAN are doing their very best to have the TRC implemented. Now let's move on to more important things."

I've decided I wouldn't want to hire you as my trekkingguide in the Himalayas no more, Stilltrekkin.
Lately you seem to have adapted to Nepali-style solutions and logic a little too much for me: a westerner.
.

Soshin

07.10.2006, 23:13

Dear Saipal,

Although I wouldnt have been able to write it that clearly (bacause of my lack of english), I would have said it like Stilltrekking did.

Namaste,

Soshin :)

Stilltrekkin

09.10.2006, 00:34

Ouch! I seemed to have struck a nerve, Meike. That certainly was not my intention to insult anyone and it is interesting that you took offense when Soshin seems to have understood what I was saying...a general remark (not an individual attack) on the state of society to day...all over the world, not just in Nepal.
One of the reasons that the TRC has not yet been implemented - besides still being under discussion at Government levels - is that the infrastructure is not in place to monitor it. That's the reason for the other Poster's remarks about no one to check his ACAP permit - don't you think?
Glad to hear that you won't be coming to Nepal and using me as a Guide, Meike ...because I am not one, nor have I any intention of being one. The Nepalis do a good job and it is not my plan to take employment away from them.
So let's call a truce! Deal?

Stilltrekkin

10.10.2006, 12:34

Still no additional light on the subject of the TRC - but noticed an interesting article in the Himalayan Post paper today (Oct 10/06) that relates to the definition of "Nepali Style solutions" in some previous comments of mine that seem to have gotten me into trouble with Meike. Under the byline of Agence France Presse, dated London, October 9, the opening paragraph states, "Corruption in seven major economies around the world remains a 'huge international issue', according to a report published today, with nearly half of all companies losing contrancts because competitors submitted bribes." Countries coming under fire in the article are United States, Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands (Meike please take note) Hong Kong and Brazil. Seems this is another example of the need to "look into our own backyard" before pointing fingers.
Okay, I know, it has nothing to do with trekking in Nepal - and so this is the end of the subject as far as I'm concerned - just wanted to make a point.

saipal peak

11.10.2006, 05:07

Dear Stilltrekkin
Namaste.
Thanks for your suitable replies.It's true that "look into our own backyard" before pointing fingers.Hopely this replies will be suitable for those who pointing fingers to others but never look own their backward.

Namaste.
Saipal.
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

saipal peak

17.10.2006, 13:02

Dear all our Nepal Fans
Namaste.
Today we have received news Letter from TAAN that TRC will be Launched on 21 st October 2006 in kathmandu.Please find more informations about TRC belows.

TRC to be launched on Oct. 21
As per the mandate of the Government of Nepal, the Trekking Agents Assocviation of Nepal (TAAN) is planning to launch the Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) distribution process on October 21, 2006.
The launching ceremony will be held at the TRC Office Manang Plaza at Thamel. As the opening day falls on the Laxmi Pooja, prayers for the Goddess Laxmi will be performed on the occasion.
"The TRC check posts in the general trekking areas will be activated only from October 27, 2006," said Mr. Deepak Mahat, coordinator of the TAAN's TRC Special Taskforce.

TAAN News Vol 20 (17 th Oct 2006)

Namaste from Kathmandu
Saipal
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

saipal peak

26.10.2006, 10:35

Dear all our Nepalfan
Namaste.
Please find here the latest news & informations about TRC system in Nepal.

TRC comes into force

The much-awaited provision of Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) has come into force from October 21, 2006. Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) has started issuing TRC documents to trekkers from Thamel and Pokhara counters.
At the inaugural ceremony on Saturday at TRC office, Thamel, on Saturday (Oct. 21, 2006), Mr. Narendra B.C., the President of TAAN, launched TRC by issuing a TRC document. He expressed the view that the provision of TRC would help control illegal operations in the trekking business.
Similarly, Mr. Deepak Mahat, Immediate Past President of TAAN and coordinator of TRC Implementation Special Taskforce, said that the new provision would contribute to the sustainable development of Nepal's mountain tourism.
Mr. Mahat urged all the TAAN's member agencies to extend necessary support and cooperation to TAAN for its effective implementation.
Present at the ceremony were TAAN Executive Committee, high level government officials, general members, journalists and other invitees.
The visiting tourists, who are to interested to visit the general trekking areas of Nepal, are required to receive TRC documents only through the trekking agencies that are registered with the Government of Nepal. They will have to take the documents during their whole trips.
In order to monitor TRC implementation, TAAN is going to activate its check posts in the general trekking areas from October 27, 2006. With a view to ensuring an effective implementation of the provision of TRC, TAAN has been working in close coordination with the national park check posts, conservation area project check posts and police check posts along the trekking routes.
As an umbrella organisation of the trekking agencies registered with the government, TAAN has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the mandatory provision of TRC.
Meanwhile, as of Thursday (October 26, 2006), the TRC counter at Thamel alone issued TRC documents to about 550 trekkers interested to visit various trekking areas of the country.

Why is TRC necessary?

1. To ensure safety and security of trekkers.
2. To maintain a record system that includes personal details of trekkers, trekking routes, handling agencies, duration, etc.
3. To upgrade the service standard and contribute for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal.
4. To help carry out search and rescue operations for trekkers in case of natural calamities and other accidents by locating their whereabouts.
5. To check the illegal operations in the trekking industry of the country.

TRC Regulatory Provisions

1. Every trekker has to necessarily obtain a TRC document before they enter any of the prescribed trekking regions and routes.
2. Trekkers are required to keep TRC along with them throughout their treks.
3 TRC has to be shown to TAAN authorities, national park check posts, conservation area check posts and police check posts on demand.
4. Deviation from the prescribed trekking areas shall be taken as a violation of law of the Government of Nepal and that punishment would be imposed in accordance with the Government rules.
5. Trekkers are required to keep their copies of passports along with them for verification during trekking.
6. A trekker or a group of trekkers is required to employ at least one field staff of the concerned trekking agency.
7. TRC shall be non-transferable, non-refundable and non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.
8. TRC has to be obtained only through the trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal.

TRC Regulated Trekking Areas

1. Rara National Park
2. Khaptad National Park
3. Dhaulagiri Region
4. Annapurna Region
5. Lang tang National Park
6. Makalu Barun National Park
7. Sagarmatha National Park
8. Rolwaling Area

The Trekking Areas where TRC is not Required

1.The Shailung area bordering with Kavre, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts, and Timal area of Kavre district, Bhairav Kunda and Panch Pokhari areas of Sindhupalchowk
2. The surrounding areas of the Kathmandu Valley such as Kakani, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Namobouddha.
3.The trekking routes to Ganesh Himal via Gorkha and Lamjung, Nuwakot, Dhading and Rasuwa districts.
4.Ghalegaon, Ghanpokhara, Panchase, Sarangkot within Lamjung and Kaski districts.
5. Sirubari of Syangja district.
6.Millennium trekking area lying in between Kaski and Syangja districts.
7. South of Solu below Lukla.

Note: TAAN has established its TRC office at Manang Plaza, Bhagwan Bahal, Thamel, Kathmandu, and Chapter office at Shantipatan in Pokhara.

TAAN News Vol 21.

Namaste from Nepal.
Saipal
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

Hakku

26.10.2006, 23:33

Meanwhile, as of Thursday (October 26, 2006), the TRC counter at Thamel alone issued TRC documents to about 550 trekkers interested to visit various trekking areas of the country.
Blind, to blind to see!
Goodbye Nepal!

Hakku

saipal peak

27.10.2006, 05:03

Hallo Hakku
Namaste.
Thanks for your opinion.I remember the song of Ani C. Dolma
Phul ko Ankha ma Phulai Sansara
Kadako Ankhama Kadai Sansara.
( Ani C. Dolma says if you have flower in yourmind/ eyes then you will see flower all over the world but if you have needle in your mind/ eyes then you will see needles all over the world.

It is your right to say good bye Nepal but do not forget there are many Hakku in this world who loves to Nepal.

Namaste
Saipal

Hakku

27.10.2006, 08:19

Dear Saipal Namaskar,

thank you for remember me the song of Ani Choying Dolma.

But there are thousands of people all over the world, who don`t like to go trekking with an guide and/or porter. So they travel to other countrys and that`s it what I mean with "Good bye Nepal".

I really love the people of Nepal and I`m sure that I will visit Nepal again as soon as possibel for my project`s. But I never go on trek with TRC and Porter/Guide. So the there are less trekker in this areas and thus for the residents less business.

Look here, over 1000 people have sign the petition against TRC.
http://www.trekkingforum.com/forum/goto.php?section=petition&langid=4

For trekker who like to join porter/guide it`s nice now. Less people in the beautiful nature, dining rooms and Kathmandu valley.

Hakku

matthiasbethge

27.10.2006, 09:10

Dear Saipal,

do you know, what will happen if you come, f. e. from Tumlingtar, to the Check Post in Jorsale without a TRC. Will you are forced to go back to Lukla? Or could it be possible to trek from Tumlingtar to Lukla and then get a porter/guide/TRC for the Sagarmatha National Park. We wanna start from Tumlingtar 06-11 and booked the flight without knowing about the new regulation; we didn't engage staff the years before and after booking the flight it gets a real problem to get additional $450-600 for a porter/guide for a 30 days trip.

Thanks for your help

Matthias

saipal peak

27.10.2006, 09:21

Dear Hakku
Namaste.
Thanks for your view's of Nepal as well as TRC system of Nepal.

Yes, You may right , there are thousend of peoples all over the world who may do not like to go trek with guide/Porter.But in Nepal there are lots of trekking sector where trekking tourists need not obtain TRC and they can go trek with out any guide/porter.Likewise Nepal is not only famous for trekking but we have lots of other tourism products where tourists can go without any guide & porters.
So your Mantra "Good bye Nepal" may not suitable for Nepal's Toursim future & in reality too.

It is very nice to know that you love the Peoples of Nepal.We appreciate your contribution for the project in Nepal and we always heartly welcome you in Nepal.

Concerning your wish not to go trek with TRC and guide/Porter that's your personal
things.TRC has activited in Nepal from 27 th october ( From today) and till now
more than 1100 TRC permits has been issued from TAAN ( According TRC counter Thamel's today data) Today's only more than 500 TRC Permit issued from Thamel Counter So it is proved that there will no less trekkers and residents will not have less business after TRC implementation in Nepal.

Dear hakku, please do not mind above mentioned things about TRC.
Everyone are free to comments their view of TRC system & about Nepal.
We do not balm personaly but it is common & emerge of nowdays.

Namaste
Saipal.

saipal peak

27.10.2006, 09:46

Dear Matthias
Namaste.
It is our pleasure to provide you informations about TRC.
According TAAN's TRC regulation, if you arrive from any where( from trek) to the Check Post in Jorsale witout TRC then it is forced you to go back Lukla.So you can not continue your trek toward from Jorsale with out TRC Permit.
In your case it is better to obtian TRC from Kathmandu before start your trek (by hiring a porter from Trekking agency) and do the trek from Tumlingtar to wards your destination.TRC issues only from Kathmandu Thamel Counter & Pokhara counter before your trek start so you can not obtain TRC from Sagarmatha National park.
Yes, it is true you will have to bear extra expenses for hiring at least one Guide or Porter to obtain TRC.

For your informations please kindly check the TRC Regulated & TRC Non required
Trekking areas of Nepal.

TRC Regulated Trekking Areas

1. Rara National Park
2. Khaptad National Park
3. Dhaulagiri Region
4. Annapurna Region
5. Lang tang National Park
6. Makalu Barun National Park
7. Sagarmatha National Park
8. Rolwaling Area

The Trekking Areas where TRC is not Required

1.The Shailung area bordering with Kavre, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha districts, and Timal area of Kavre district, Bhairav Kunda and Panch Pokhari areas of Sindhupalchowk
2. The surrounding areas of the Kathmandu Valley such as Kakani, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Namobouddha.
3.The trekking routes to Ganesh Himal via Gorkha and Lamjung, Nuwakot, Dhading and Rasuwa districts.
4.Ghalegaon, Ghanpokhara, Panchase, Sarangkot within Lamjung and Kaski districts.
5. Sirubari of Syangja district.
6.Millennium trekking area lying in between Kaski and Syangja districts.
7. South of Solu below Lukla.

Namaste from kathmandu
saipal
www.reisennepal.com (http://www.reisennepal.com)

matthiasbethge

27.10.2006, 10:40

Dear Saipal,

thanks a lot.

Bye

Matthias

Klaus

28.10.2006, 07:39

hallo und guesse aus ktm
sind seit vorgestern vom everest trek zurueck und noch vom
trc verschont geblieben. angesichts des wahnsinnsbooms den man zumindest im Everestgebiet wahrnehmen kann wundern mich die von saipal genannten zahlen ueberhaupt nicht, die agenturen werden wohl auf einem ziemlich hohen ross sitzen. trotz mao erpressung vor der bruecke in phakding ist der trek ziemlich ueberlaufen, viele grosse gruppen unterwegs. yeti airlines hat zusaetzlich mindestens eine militaermaschine gechartert um dem ansturm gerecht zu werden. keine scherz sind selbst mit rna - royal(?) nepal army von lukla aus zurueck geflogen.

bin trotzdem ueberzeugt dass sich bzgl. trc frueher oder spaeter eine "nepalesische loesung" durchsetzen wird.

mehr dazu nach rueckkehr nach D anfang nov. gruss
klaus

saipal peak

31.10.2006, 09:20

Hello Klaus
Namaste.
it is glad to know that you have done Everest trek and back to kathmandu.You are welcome back.Yes, it is true that TRC has already implemented in Major trekking sector of Nepal.According to TRC counter Thamel "more than 2670 TRC Permits has
been issued only from TRC counter Thamel ,kathmandu ( till 14.00 .31 oct 2006 ) so it proved that Many tourists are doing trek in Nepal with TRC permit.TRC countr added that No one has found with out TRC while trekking in Nepal.There is TRC Check Post in Manju in Everest region to check TRC Permit.

Namaste
Saipal

Klaus

31.10.2006, 20:17

Hello Saipal,

the number of TRC's issued does not say anithing about acceptance !

People are simply forced to accept new rules becuase they made their decision long time before, have firmly booked flights which are mor expensive to cancel!

However, belive me TRC will appear as bad boomerang next season when people really can decide what they want to do!

Of course organized trekking groups will still com, but they normally have booked thei´r arrangemants in their homecountries already with Hauser, Summit Club Wikinger i.e. all others who dont deal with Agencies abroad will be the looserers.

Sorry but that is what i see for the future

saipal peak

02.11.2006, 03:51

Hello Nepal Fans
Namaste.
According to Kantipur news ( Nepali news,dated 02.11.2006) It is good news for all of you that " Nepal government going to cancel the authorization to collect the fee of TRC NRS 250 by TAAN .But TRC will still issue from TAAN.

Namaste from kathmandu
Saipal

Navyo

02.11.2006, 04:34

Hallo,

heute schreibt die Kathmandu Post: "Govt to cancel TRC Fee".

Darin wird geschrieben, das die Praxis, das private Vereinigungen Abgaben erheben und verwalten dürfen eine falsche sei, "it's a wrong practice to let private parties to raise revenue and use it". Die Regierung hat kürzlich auch eine Kommission eingerichtet, die die Nepal mountaineering Association untersucht, welche angeblich erheblichen Mißbrauch mit den eingehobenen Gebühren (im Auftrag der Regierung) für die Besteigung von Bergen in Nepal betrieben haben sollt. Scheinbar soll TAAN nun bald schon nicht mehr die 250 Rupien einbehalten dürfen. Es wird auch geschrieben, das verschiedene Treklkingagenturen nicht sehr erfreut seien über die Einführung des TRC. ".. stating that it creates hurdles for tourists" , "..what benefit can the country recieve by forcing tourists to take a porter or guide from Thamel", "it is unnecessary and is against the interests of the tourism industry and the nation as whole, because it discourages tourists".

Scheinbar also doch auch einigen Widerstand in Land gegen den TRC. Ohne TRC Gebühr von 250 RS wird das TRC eine finanzielle Last für die TAAN, die dann andere Mittel suchen müssen wird, um die extra eingerichteten TRC Büro's in kathmandu und Pokhara auch zu unterhalten.

Auch ist ja unersichtlich, warum TRC nicht für ganz Nepal gilt, wenn vorgeblich ja die sicherheit der Touristen im Vordergrund stehen soll.

Navyo

wetterfest

02.11.2006, 12:42

........It is your right to say good bye Nepal but do not forget there are many Hakku in this world who loves to Nepal.

Namaste
Saipal

bye bye TRC.......... endlich ein Lichtblick, Yipps!

gruß
Helmut

Elysium

02.11.2006, 17:28

Kann leider noch keine Links posten deswegen der ganze TExt hier falls es jemanden interessiert:

Govt to cancel TRC fee

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KATHMANDU, Nov 1 - The government is all set to end the controversial practice of charging fees while issuing trekking registration certification (TRC). With the government's nod, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) has been issuing the TRC, charging Rs 250 per certificate since October 1. An official at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) said after as per the ministerial-level decision, the ministry is soon forwarding the proposal for cabinet approval.
The government had granted permission to the TAAN to issue such certificate through the budget for this fiscal year.
“It is a wrong practice to let private parties to raise revenue and use it,” said the official. Exemplifying Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) that had received permission to charge royalties for a certain number of mountains, he said permission for private parties to collect revenue has proved futile.
The government has recently formed a committee to study into the NMA's restructuring, charging that it misused royalties.
The TRC restricts individual movement of foreign trekkers. Under the TRC, it is mandatory for foreign trekkers to purchase a guide or porter from trekking agencies. Trekking agencies have themselves flayed the issuance of TRC, stating that it creates hassles for tourists.
“It is unnecessary and is against the interest of the tourism industry and the nation as a whole, because it discourages tourists,” said Rabi Poudel, managing director of Jaya Himal Trekking.
“What benefit can the country receive by forcing tourists to take a guide or porter from Thamel for trekking?” he asked.

Posted on: 2006-11-01 21:43:26 (Server Time)