KATHMANDU: The Department of Immigration (DoI) has temporarily stopped verifying applications for Restricted Area Trekking Permits, and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has circulated the update to trekking operators while advising caution for travelers.

According to TAAN, based on its informal conversation with immigration officials, no restricted-area trekking permits will be processed on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Trekkers who already hold valid permits may proceed only if their movement is cleared by the respective local authorities.

TAAN also passed along a Nepal Army advisory asking operators not to encourage visitors to leave Kathmandu by road (exce[t air travel) until the security situation improves. “Please wait for some time until the Army eases the condition. Do not plan for any travel by road now,” the notice reads.

For travelers flying internationally from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) but currently out of the Kathmandu valley and travelling to Kathmandu, TAAN recommends:

• Consulting local security officials along the route to Kathmandu
• Using green-plate (tourist) vehicles
• Carrying and presenting confirmed flight tickets to security personnel

Earlier, TAAN had requested trekking agencies to share details of any guests stranded in Kathmandu hotels so it can coordinate with the Nepal Army for safe travel, outside the valley. Information sought includes the number of visitors and their nationalities, vehicle details (green-plate number), guide contact information, and planned route and timing. However, it was later scrapped following the advise from the Nepali Army.

The advisory comes as Nepal cautiously restores air services after days of protests and a Valley-wide curfew, with heightened security across trekking routes and major highways.