Solo trekking banned for foreigners in Nepal; guides mandatory

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to ban solo trekking for foreign trekkers from April 1, making it mandatory to take a guide along the trekking route to ensure the safety and well-being of the trekkers, a senior official at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said. NTB took the decision in this regard which will come into effect from April 1, according to NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane. "This decision has been made for the tourists' benefit. Tourists on solo treks often get lost and may face insecurities. In order to mitigate that we have come to the decision to put a ban on solo treks from April 1, guides are mandatory for adventure tourism," Lamichhane said. According to NTB, around 50,000 foreigners trekked without a guide or a porter in Nepal in 2019. These tourists trekked by obtaining a route permit and a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. Foreign tourists require TIMS card, basic trekking permit, for adventure tourism. But the latest round of decisions also has put a ban on the TIMS permit without a guide. "Tourists will have to trek via a trekking company," added Lamichhane. NTB has also increased the price of the TIMS permit to Rs 2,000 per person. Prior to this, people who travelled in large groups paid Rs 1,000 for the TIMS card while those who travelled alone paid Rs 2,000. TIMS permit for SAARC nationals has also increased to Rs 1,000. READ ALSO:

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