Solo trekking has now been banned in Nepal

Posted by Jordyn Johnson on 13 March 2023

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) issued a press release on 9 March announcing that solo trekking is now banned throughout the country.

solo trekking Nepal

All trekkers must now use licensed trekking guides and obtain a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card ‘through authorised trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal.’

DEAL: A trekking package to explore the Annapurna region

This move follows the ban on solo trekking Mt Everest, which went into effect five years ago.

Although Nepal’s trekking industry is one of the country’s biggest revenue streams, the cost of search and rescue missions, particularly for solo trekkers, is significantly high.

The NTB has decided to ‘help mitigate adverse incidents like getting lost en-route, health issues, and/or natural disasters.’

Additionally, the country has seen an increase in unauthorized tour companies that don’t pay taxes and steals jobs from Nepalis.

DEAL: A First-Class Trekking Trail in Nepal

With the new laws, the government intends to discourage unlicensed trekking companies and increase job opportunities in Nepali tourism.

solo trekking Nepal

The trekking and climbing community has mixed emotions over this news. The owner of a highly regarded guiding company, Ian Taylor, told CNN that this decision is necessary as more and more foreigners with little experience attempt difficult climbs and treks in rural areas. He said, ‘as a person who loves the mountains and visiting the mountain region of the world, it is extremely disappointing that it has come to this.’

Pictures: GettyImages

ALSO READ: Japan appears to have 7 000 more islands it didn’t know about

Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured. 

TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter






yoast-primary - 1004431
tcat - Travel news
tcat_slug - travel-news
tcat2 - Travel news
tcat2_slug - travel-news
tcat_final -