Solo Trekkers are restricted from trekking in Nepal, Nepal government has just announced, solo trekkers are not allowed to trek in the mountains of Nepal because of safety issues. Previously many trekkers were lost or missed because of missing their way or occurred accidents.
So, Nepal Tourism Board, going to implement this policy from 1, April 2023, and every trekker needs to hire an authentic government-licensed holder guide or porter guide before commencing their trekking expedition in the wilderness of the mountainous region. The announcement or policy is for security and risk-avoiding for the visitors in the Himalayan region and that makes a positive impact on sustainable trekking in Nepal which is also positive news caring for all the trekkers from around the world.
This new regulation is expected to change the impact on Nepal’s adventure trekking particularly on popular trekking routes like Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Base camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek, which are known as the hub frequently visited by FIT or solo hikers.
Nonetheless, the Everest region seems not to be implemented this new rule but trekker’s necessary a Trekkers Information Management System card for hiking or excursion in the Everest region. However, the local rural municipality of Khumbu has ignored this requirement and still charges its own tax and the region directly benefitted from it. It is still unpredictable whether the Sagarmatha National Park office follow this new rule of restrictions for solo trekkers in the coming days.
We Himalayan Vista Trekking opines, this decision of the Nepal government has merits and demerits, while familiar trekking trails with lower risk would be exempt from this rule, well–known and risk-free trekking like Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, and Poon Hill where the hiking track is clearly marked by NTNC have marked for the clear way and the presence of ramblers and safe for solo trekkers.
On the other hand, there are other trekking destinations that are more and most risky, especially in terms of remoteness and risk for altitude sickness obtaining by fewer trekkers or local settlements must be required a presence of a guide or trekking leader. Following are the example of such remotely existing trekking in Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Upper Mustang Trek , Dolpo Treks Kanchenjunga Treks, etc.
Please opine your thoughts on the new rules implemented by the Nepal government in the following comment section.