No more solo treks in Nepal- Guide Mandatory

Attention, attention, and attention to all foreign visitors in Nepal from upcoming April 2023 onwards. No more solo treks in Nepal are allowed, as per the recent notice, declared by the Nepal Government of Tourism Department.

This can be positive or bad news for foreign travelers visiting Nepal, especially young people. Who likes to trek on a low or a show-string budget by themself, as an individual trekker? As well as with a group of friends or family members, instead of using the local company and paying the standard price.

Around Nepal Himalayas, the country was opened to outside visitors as early as the late 1950s. Where trekkers, mountaineers, explorers, and adventurers trek on their own or using local guides and porters.

The mode of trekking as an individual or solo carried on till the present, especially around the mainstream and popular areas. Except in Restricted Areas, where solo or individual trekkers were not allowed. The policy and compulsion were made, that one must join with a reputed Government Registered local company.

The news was declared recently from March 2023, regarding the restriction on individual travelers or FIT (Free individual trekkers).

For some reason, this can have a negative effect on young visitors and individual trekkers. But on the other hand, the local guides were least employed and out of work. The main reason for not allowing solo or individual trekkers is for the safety of all trekkers.

Positive Impacts of Solo Treks in Nepal :

The positive thing about “Free Individual Treks” or “Solo Treks in Nepal”  is that more travelers will visit Nepal. Uplifting the economy, as well one will have the freedom of choosing their own designated routes, and overnight stops.

Trekking solo as individual trekkers allows them to be on their own and can stay in any place. For a certain period at their own will and choice, and setting their itinerary days. This provides them much freedom in walking hours or reaching designated destinations, as well as mixing with the local villagers.

The best point of Solo Treks in Nepal without guides or porters is saving the cost apart from trekking permits; and national park or conservation fees. Additionally, this might give one the feeling of not being dependent on anyone for their desired trips.

This is a must for all trekkers whether for FIT or traveling with a group, joining with local agents. All local trekking companies have their norms and policies as well with standard prices as per the itineraries chosen.

Solo Treks in Nepal can give the freedom to trek far and wide around the Nepal Himalayas. Except in Restricted Areas like Upper Manaslu, Upper / Lower Dolpo, Limi Valley, Nar Phu, and Upper Mustang.

For longer or short treks and hikes, one could travel on their own or with a group of friends and family members. Over the years the Government of Nepal Tourism Department and related agencies like NTB (Nepal Tourism Board). TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal) allowed freedom for interested Solo and Individual trekkers. But at present, those freewheeling days have ended from upcoming April 2023 onwards, until further notice and authorization; from the respective Tourism Department.

In the past years, there was also a case and situation, where a few individual trekkers went missing. Some have been traced and found, and others remain out of touch as lost trekkers. To avoid such situations and conditions, the Government of Nepal Tourism Department came up with a solution. From this year 2023 onwards solo or individual trekkers are not allowed to travel on their own.

From the perspective of the Travel Agencies and the professionals working in the tourism industry, prohibiting solo treks in Nepal is indeed a positive decision. This will

Negative Aspects of Solo Treks in Nepal:

After the prohibition of Solo Treks in Nepal, there have been a lot of mixed reactions among foreign trekkers traveling to Nepal. Some of them have even managed to cancel their planned trips to Nepal. This is somehow understandable, as it can be hard and annoying for a group of young travelers in their mid-16 and 30 years of age.

Most young trekkers and hikers love and enjoy trekking on their own, without the support of a guide or porters giving them a sense of independence. However, the mountains are unpredictable and the risk for solo treks in Nepal should be considered as well. There have been different instances of devastating consequences for Solo trekkers going missing.

These types of incidents are in fact a serious issue in terms of the reputation of the trekking industry in Nepal. Therefore the underlying cause for the prohibition of Solo Treks in Nepal can be traced to the concern for the safety and security of travelers.

The Positive Aspects of Joining With Local Companies Compared to Solo Trekking in Nepal:

Some might wonder if is it for positive or just an extra expense joining with agencies and having guides to accompany them. For various reasons, it is the best way to enjoy the treks and adventures around the Nepal Himalayas.

In the first place, trekkers will be free from the hassle of paperwork, obtaining permits; and other necessary entrance fees. Where the local trekking agencies will assign good and government-registered registered authorized guides. This will make you feel safe and secure, with the assurance of the local company booked with.

Having a guide to show you the right direction, and choosing the best available lodges for overnight stay. As well as ordering and making sure of the hygiene and quality of meals that you order, from a comprehensive food menu.

The guide is always handy for any kind of service and queries that one might need regarding areas of trekking. The guide will help you to communicate with the villagers and people who manage the lodge and prepare your meals.

Trekking with a guide will be a great help and support, as he understands the language and local cultures. As well as dos and don’ts which are important in entering temples and monasteries, including places of worship around religious sites.

The guide can provide much information about the country, from history, local cultures and traditional way of farm life. The most important having a guide as a company will take care of all the trekkers. The guide can manage necessary arrangements in case of emergencies that can take place, anytime and anywhere.

Sometimes one can feel lonely, and where a guide can be a great comfort to share any type of topic and subject. Around the Himalayas from the main popular trail to the off-beaten path, anything can happen.

Sudden mishaps, accidents, or any type of misfortunes, like a landslide, rock falls, and avalanches. Where guide will be a great help and support in such conditions. The guide knows the best to avoid such situations, as he/she has the experience. Especially on longer and high-altitude treks, the company appoints the best and most veteran guides.

Most expert guides have led countless treks and various adventures and will be happy to share their knowledge and experience. For long and short treks, from moderate, and adventurous to challenging treks, the company booked with, will provide the best guides. As every local company always provides good services as per trip cost, to make every trip successful. So that the company will gain a high reputation with repeated clients joining for the treks around the Himalayas.

The guides are well-trained and educated with strict norms on Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism. Make the trekkers aware of the fragile environment and walk with care and save the beautiful surroundings.

The guides are well versed in basic medical know-how, having trained in First Aid for minor wounds and sickness. In case of critical conditions, the guide will do his best to handle the situation. Such as some clients may get sick from high altitude or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Where a guide can take care of the sick person taking the patient down to safe heights. Depending upon the trekker’s sickness, the guide will arrange immediate rescue evacuation by any means of the fastest transportation.

Joining reliable and reputed companies will assure trekkers of safe travel and delightful holidays in Nepal. On choosing the right local companies, one can relax where a guide, staff, and management will take care of all necessary arrangements.

For all types of trekking and modes of transportation and accommodation in Kathmandu and on treks. Visitors need to confirm the standard of services to be provided as per the trip cost, from the chosen itinerary.

Before booking the trip one can request special dietary and inform of your medical history background, and experience in outdoor activities. As well as if it needs to be upgraded the standard of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu or any other cities for the trek.

Difference between Solo Trekking in Nepal and having Guides:

No more solo treks in Nepal After the declaration from the Nepal Government of Tourism Department banning individual foreigners, trekking as solo travelers from April onwards.

The difference between trekking solo and having guides makes a huge difference in the country’s economy. As you will be employing the guide retaining his career and uplifting his profession, which is truly a blessing. On the other hand, some individual trekkers might not be happy due to the additional cost of having a guide.

Nevertheless, even though it can be quite expensive for budget travelers, one can feel safe and secure. Trekking with guides who know the areas like the back of their hands, showing you the wonders of Nepal.

Providing full information about the country that one might miss, on trekking solo. In the end, you feel glad that you have gained much knowledge of the areas, with the support of your guide.

We welcome this step of prohibiting Solo Treks in Nepal, as this is not beneficial for the agencies, trekking guides, porters as well as trekkers as well. Feel free to get in touch with Vertex Holiday if you have any feedback or comments for us, with which we can improve the content and services we provide.