Nepal implements new rules to ensure trekker safety and increase employment opportunities for guides – (Nepal Banned solo trekking for foreigners)
Solo Trekking Banned in Nepal For Foreigners: In a move aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of foreign trekkers. Nepal has announced a ban on solo trekking for foreigners, which will come into effect from April 1 for their safety and well-being. The decision, made by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), applies to international tourists of all experience levels on treks within Nepal’s national parks, including renowned routes like the Annapurna Circuit.
Nepal Banned solo trekking for foreigners, ban on solo trekking expands on a previous 2017 mandate that prohibited solo climbing on Nepal’s mountains, including the iconic Mount Everest. With eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains located in Nepal, the country attracts numerous adventure enthusiasts each year. However, deadly accidents resulting from avalanches, blizzards, and high-altitude sickness have been a recurring concern. The ban aims to mitigate these risks and promote safer trekking experiences .
Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that the decision was made for the benefit of tourists, as solo trekkers often face difficulties and uncertainties when undertaking treks without professional guidance. Lamichhane highlighted that the infrastructure in remote mountainous areas is inadequate to ensure the safety of solo trekkers during emergencies. By requiring the presence of licensed guides, the NTB aims to address these concerns and create a more secure trekking environment .
Previously, tourists were able to trek solo by obtaining a route permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. However, under the new regulations, solo trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide, and TIMS permits without a guide are now banned. Additionally, the price of the TIMS permit has been increased to Rs 2,000 per person. The decision aims to regulate trekking activities, improve trekker safety, and curb unlicensed guiding operations, which can negatively impact local employment opportunities.
The ban on solo trekking is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Nepal, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The country attracted over 400,000 tourists for mountaineering and trekking in 2019, with approximately 46,000 of them undertaking solo hikes. The implementation of the ban will create more employment opportunities for guides and other workers in the tourism sector. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the new regulations will help improve the overall trekking experience and enhance Nepal’s reputation as a safe destination for adventure tourism .
As Nepal takes this proactive step to ensure trekker safety and bolster its tourism industry, international trekkers are encouraged to embrace the guided trekking experience, where the expertise and assistance of licensed guides will help navigate the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal’s majestic mountains.
