The Annapurna Conservation Area Project, or ACAP, is asking trekkers and tourists to work with licensed guides when traveling through the conservation area. They’re making this request because floods and landslides have become more common recently.
ACAP issued this warning after recent floods and landslides damaged parts of the conservation region. These events have made mountain paths risky for visitors hiking there.
The project recommends that tourists hire official guides for their hikes and travels in the area, with some exceptions for certain short routes.
However, ACAP noted that guides are not needed for people visiting Jomsom, Muktinath, and Ghandruk.
Trekking permits depend on local situations
ACAPannounced that permits for the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Gaurishankar conservation areas started being issued on Sunday afternoon.
Yet, permits will only be released after officials review the road and weather conditions in those areas.
The project is urging tourists to look at the local conditions before starting their trips and to follow safety guidelines when going to trekking areas affected by recent floods and landslides.
Trekkers should check conditions
ACAPwants visitors to stay informed and make travel decisions based on the conditions in the trekking areas they plan to explore.
This guidance comes as Nepal’s autumn trekking season begins, a period when local and international tourists visit the country’s mountain regions.
Trekkers are being told to follow directions from conservation officials and local authorities, and to take the right safety measures when traveling through areas hit by severe weather.