Solo Hiking Banned in Nepal

From 1 April 2023, trekkers in Nepal must hire a licensed guide to walk in any of Nepal’s 12 national parks and six conservation zones. The regions covered include the Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit and the Manaslu Circuit.

The ban is being introduced via the process for obtaining the mandatory Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Under the new rules, a TIMS card can only be issued to those who have booked a guide through a government-approved trekking agency.

As explained in various government announcements, there appear to be several reasons for the ban:

• reduce the risks faced by unguided trekkers;

• stamp out unlicensed guides (who, the government says, exploit workers and avoid tax);

• generate increased local employment opportunities; and

• reduce the costs incurred by Nepalese authorities when solo trekkers go missing or need to be rescued.

If you’re thinking of a Nepalese trekking tour with a reputable operator - whether that operator be local or international - the change is unlikely to affect you. Such operators are very likely to already employ local licensed trekking guides. Not surprisingly, these operators are highly supportive of the change.

The ban is more contentious in the independent climbing and trekking community where self-reliance, self-sufficiency and personal decision-making are cherished.