Tourism Fee Introduced in Machhapuchhre Area Trekking Routes

In line with several other Nepalese trekking routes' tourism fee systems, tourists journeying through the Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality in Kaski, Nepal, are now obligated to pay a tourism fee. This decision was made in order to finance infrastructure development and administration. According to Chief Administrative Officer Gopikrishna Aryal, the fee structure will differ for domestic and international tourists based on a recent ruling.

An announcement regarding the new fees states that foreign visitors will be charged Rs 500 (US$4), while Nepali tourists will have to pay Rs 100 (US$0.8) to access the trails within the municipality. These fees will support the construction and maintenance of facilities, including general infrastructure, information centers, solar light installations, waste management systems, and other amenities on trekking trails.

Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality's tourism fee structure adheres to the guidelines outlined in Schedule 6, Section 7 of the Municipality’s Economic Act 2080 BS, as highlighted by Ward Chairman Ram Bahadur Gurung. The fees are essential for monitoring tourist numbers across four routes within the municipality. Ward Chairman Gurung added that the revenue generated from these fees would aid in not only keeping track of visitor data but also financing infrastructure improvements, creating an information center, and facilitating rescue operations during emergencies.

Ward Chairman Gurung further explained that collecting fees would enable them to maintain a record of trekking tourists visiting the area. “There are currently four trekking routes we offer. At present, we have no definitive data on how many people visit these areas each year. The implementation of this system will allow us to track visitor numbers more accurately,” he said. He continued by stating that fee collection will follow established regulations and the revenue generated will be allocated toward developing physical infrastructures throughout these routes. As part of their plans for rejuvenation, they also aim to establish an information center to assist in rescue operations in case of accidents.

Located within the Kaski district of Nepal, the Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality is a favorite amongst trekkers and mountain climbers. With breathtaking natural scenery and easy access to the renowned Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain ranges, it is no wonder the area attracts many adventure seekers.