New Regulation Alert: NTB Implements Mandatory Trekking Guides(2023 )

Is Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) prioritizing the safety of trekkers, or is it just a myth provoked for financial benefits? This question strikes trekkers and concerned authorities after the announcement of a ban on solo trekking by NTB applying from April 1, 2023.

Pros and cons of banning solo trekking and making guide mandatory in treks are getting hype in tourism industries as many solo trekkers will no longer be allowed to trek in and around the Himalayas of Nepal, which was previously allowed by just carrying an official route permit and a Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS).

NTB decided to make guides mandatory as Trekking in Nepal Regulations are to be applied on all treks in national parks and conservation areas on March 03, 2023, leaving many solo trekkers' plans shattered.

As per NTB director Maniraj Lamichhane, this decision is not rooted just after a day of discussion, but it had been considered after years of debate, and it's time it's implemented. In 2022, only nearly 20000 were solo trekkers, which was around 30000 less than in 2019. About 390 tourists were reported missing in the fiscal year 2019-20; the number was 54 in 2020-21.

The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), an umbrella organization of trekking agents, is heartily welcoming this decision as this will uplift Nepal above being treated as a cheap destination. The holistic beauty of Nepal will attract many trekkers in the coming days.

However, the Everest region stood as an exception debating whether Trekking solo vs with a guide will be advantageous,  where the rules formulated by NTB and supported by TAAN won't be implied. As per the Chief administrative officer of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Mohan Prasad Chapagain, solo trekkers will be allowed after getting a separate "trek card" from the rural municipality, which costs NRs 2000.00 per individual (as the TIMS card is considered invalid ) and one need to follow the rules as set by the rural municipality. This would be a loophole or may be regarded as an opportunity for backpackers traveling in the Everest area solo.

In contrast, Annapurna Rural Municipality, which manages a part of the Annapurna areas, has welcomed the decision and follows the NTB decision, where trekkers must be accompanied by a registered guide.

Safety: An assurance

Most of the celebrated trekking routes of Nepal are deprived of thick human settlements, and even cellular connectivity is unreliable. Remember, unpredictable weather changes and even sudden natural disasters can leave any solo trekkers unfamiliar with the region helpless. In such cases, it comes with the utmost difficulty for the concerned authorities to conduct search and rescue operations, where the importance of trekking guides is reminded. Somewhere, trekkers getting into unfortunate events are also leaving a false impression in the whole tourism sector of Nepal to the outer world. Being with a registered guide from an authorized trekking agency from Nepal Government will cover these unforeseen future events and guarantee a successful trip. Further, the facts such as the familiarity with the local culture, communication with the locals, and even no travel restriction to guides certainly add to the level of security.

Economic Support: Job opportunities for registered guides and local

Nepalese youth's interest in trekking guiding is getting a huge positive impact in the last few years, motivating them to take a trekking guide license. This decision will bring more job opportunities for registered guides and new opportunities for locals.

Explore More information and guidance:

Being with a registered guide will be the cherry on the cake if one plans to explore the unexplored. Written guides are experienced ones with authentic information about any place and provide a more explanatory description of a particular area, culture, or the introduction to the indigenous groups inhabiting that place and can even introduce the raw beauty of hidden Nepal.  

Hassle-free trips: Avoid Scams

Getting along with the authorized trekking agency can make your trip free of obstacles and support you with a well-managed, affordable itinerary along with proper accommodation and great food. Trekking agencies are transparent about the cost and services that can only get you a fair deal.

Nevertheless, another side of the coin might occupy several questions that might not favor banning the solo trek.

Privacy: No Freedom

Many trekkers come to Nepal to relax from the hustle and bustle of their work and city life. They want time for themselves with nature. For those who wish to explore within or enjoy their private time with kith and kins, trekking with a guide won't be their cup of tea anymore.

Low Altitude Trek: Null guidance

In most cases, solo trekking would be fine regarding weather or any natural disasters in low altitudes where human settlement is appreciable and have proper access to communication. Affording a trekking agency for such treks could be null and useless for many when one could just Google.

Expensive: Increase the budget

Of course, getting a trekking guide from an agency is an additional expense that could be unfavorable for those having a limited budget and can make them change their plan/destination.

To conclude, it would be interesting to see the flow of trekkers in the coming years in Nepal. NTB and TAAN will be able to bring all the authorities and convince the international community to stick to the decision. Additionally, the coming days will cast the light on whether this decision fully supports the safety of trekkers and employment opportunities for registered guides.