Solo Trekking Through Nepal is Now a No-Go

Nepal
Photo by Christopher Burns on Unsplash

Hiking can be an awesome group activity, but going alone also allows time for self-reflection. Nepal is home to some of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges which have called to hikers for decades. 

Yet, if you were planning a solo hike through the South Asian country, we have some bad news.

Five years ago, the Nepalese government banned individual climbers on Mount Everest. The ban will now extend to solo trekkers throughout Nepal. Those wishing to explore the mountain ranges will need to obtain a card proving that they have permission from authorized trekking agencies, and hire a government-licensed guide to accompany them. 

The basis of the decision is to prevent the need for costly search and rescue missions.

“The decision has been taken subsequent to a series of discussions with the trekking and expedition stakeholders and relevant trade unions in Nepal, to help mitigate adverse incidents like getting lost en-route, health issues and / or natural disasters etc.,” explained the Nepal Tourism Board. “With this implementation, the trekkers will have immediate access to [a] professional support system and will help in addressing the challenges of rescue operations in case of any unwarranted situation. In addition to safety, the new provision will create employment for workers in the tourism sector of Nepal and discourage unauthorized trekking operations in the country.”

The ban goes into effect on April 1.