Is Your Tour Safe? NTVA Warns Against Illegal Transport in Nepal’s Tourist Zones

6th February 2026, Kathmandu

The Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA), Gandaki Province, has issued a formal call to action, urging authorities to tighten the monitoring and management of foreign-registered vehicles operating illegally within the country.

NTVA Against Illegal Transport

The association warns that a lack of stringent enforcement is not only undermining local transport businesses but is also significantly increasing accident risks in key tourist destinations.

Widespread Violation of Stay Limits

In a statement released on Thursday, NTVA Gandaki President Durgadatta Dahal highlighted a growing disregard for national transport regulations. Under current Nepalese law, foreign vehicles are permitted to operate for:

• A maximum of one week per individual entry.

• No more than 29 days in a total calendar year.

Despite these clear boundaries, the association reports that these limits are frequently bypassed, with many vehicles remaining in the country indefinitely without proper legal standing.

The Rise of “Gray Market” Transport

One of the primary concerns raised by the NTVA is the emergence of unregulated transport loops. Reports suggest that some operators from both Nepal and India are purchasing private and rental vehicles at low costs in India and running them year-round in Nepal.

Because these vehicles operate outside the official oversight of Nepalese transport authorities, they bypass necessary safety checks, tax obligations, and insurance requirements that legitimate Nepalese transport companies must fulfill.

Safety Risks in High-Altitude Regions

The NTVA expressed deep concern over high-risk driving practices that jeopardize the lives of international travelers. Key issues identified include:

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Rapid Ascent: Transporting tourists from low-lying border points to high-altitude districts like Mustang and Manang in a single day, which significantly increases the risk of altitude sickness.

Driver Misconduct: Reports of foreign drivers consuming alcohol and engaging in hazardous nighttime driving on Nepal’s challenging terrain.

Environmental Impact: Illegal roadside cooking and littering by unregulated groups, which degrade the pristine environment of tourist hubs.

NTVA’s Recommendations for a Safer Tourism Sector

To restore order and ensure the safety of visitors, the association has proposed a series of enforcement measures:

Stricter Border & Road Checks: Rigorous monitoring of entry permits and vehicle registration.

Regulated Parking: Implementing designated parking zones in tourist hubs like Pokhara to prevent congestion.

Registration Enforcement: Ensuring all vehicles used for commercial tourism are properly registered under Nepalese law.

Tougher Penalties: Taking decisive action against illegal operations and environmental violations.

By addressing these loopholes, the NTVA believes Nepal can foster a more organized, professional, and safe tourism environment that protects both the industry and the tourists who visit.

For more: NTVA Against Illegal Transport