Nepal no longer wants to let tourists hike alone in the Himalayas

Kathmandu [Nepal], March 8: Nepal has made it mandatory for all tourists who trek in the country's Himalayan region to hire local assistance, officials said on Tuesday. The rule, which will come into effect from April 1, is aimed at ensuring the safety of travellers and creating more jobs. Mani Raj Lamichhane, spokesperson for the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the agency behind the decision, said that every tourist will have to hire a guide or porter through a registered trekking company. The new rule will apply to established trekking routes within the purview of the Trekkers' Information Management System, where each trekker, including free independent trekkers, must obtain permission from NTB.
The new rule, however, will not affect the climbing industry which has its own set of regulations. "It will help ensure a safe trekking experience while allowing us to keep track of trekkers and provide timely rescue services in case of any emergency situations, " Lamichhane said.
Source: Qatar Tribune