Nepal Tourism Board, on Thursday, expanded its ban on solo trekkers to the entire country, making guides compulsory for solo or free independent trekkers (FITs), starting April 1, amid efforts to ensure the safety of tourists.
The government of Nepal has implemented the restriction to reduce the costs associated with search and rescue missions for solo hikers who get lost in the country’s remote regions. Tourists who wish to explore rural areas must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group.
“Every year, some 10 to 15 trekkers go missing, mostly FITs (Free Independent Trekkers), and this is serious,” Nilhari Bastola, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal told media.
Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mani R. Lamichhane said, “When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you.”
“It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate.”
“When tourists go missing or they are found dead, even the government cannot track them because they have taken remote routes,” he added.
Lamichhane further claimed that unlicensed tour guides and companies are an issue as they do not pay taxes or offer jobs to Nepalis.
Previously, climbers were only prevented from traveling alone to Mount Everest.
Trekkers’ Response
Some members of the trekking community have mixed feelings about the new ruling. Ian Taylor, the owner of a guiding company with a long history in Nepal, says the move makes sense as more people are attempting difficult climbs in the country.
According to Taylor, there are now far greater numbers of tourists traveling in the region who are not self-sufficient in the outdoors and require the assistance of experienced guides.
“You used to see only experienced hikers and climbers in the region, many of them traveling without guides, and they were completely self-sufficient.”
“However, now, there are far greater numbers of people traveling in the region and more of them are tourists, not trekkers. They are not self-sufficient in the outdoors and therefore need the assistance of experienced guides.”
Taylor also added that the Nepali government does not have the capacity to vet every visa applicant individually, hence the blanket ban.
While disappointed that the restriction has been implemented, Taylor acknowledged that the situation in Nepal is unique and changes need to be made.
Nepal is renowned for its stunning trekking regions, which generate significant revenue for the country’s economy.