Just recently, Nepal has no longer allowed trekking for foreigners without a guide/porter since April 1, 2023. Now, a licensed guide or porter is mandatory to trek around any trekking route in Nepal. A guide will require solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal inside the conservation areas and national parks. The main ambition of this provision is to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists and FITs and discourage unauthorized trekking operators in Nepal.
Maniraj Lamichhane, the director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), forced the action. He added, "This decision was taken on behalf of tourists’ benefits. We have seen many solo travelers get lost and feel insecure. To reduce such cases, we decided to ban solo treks in Nepal. The guide/porter will be mandatory from the first of April 2023.”.
According to the NTB, in 2019, 50,000 tourists went trekking without hiring a guide and porter. Solo trekkers only required a route permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
Before this new provision, TIMS permits have two variants: “Blue” for travel agencies and “Green” for individual travelers. With the latest decision, ‘Green' TIMS permits have come to be banned too.
Now, TIMS has a price is NPR 1,000 for SAARC countries and NPR 2,000 for the rest of the world.
TIMS permits can be obtained from the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). Lamichane also stated, “Tourists are required to proceed to apply for trekking permits from the authorized trekking agencies.”
Guide and Porter Hiring Cost in Nepal
If you are looking to hire a professional guide, Guide cum Porter is an experienced Porter in Nepal for various Trekking Regions. Here is the cost Idea.
Designation | TREKKING DESTINATIONS | |||
Everest Region | Annapurna & Langtang Region | Manaslu Region | Remote and Off The Beaten Trail | |
Guide Hire Cost | USD 25–30 | USD 25–30 | USD 25–30 | USD 35–40 |
Guide-com Porter Hire Cost | USD 25–30 | USD 25–30 | USD 25–30 | USD 30–35 |
Porter Hire Cost | USD 20 - 23 | USD 20 - 23 | USD 20 - 23 | USD 23–30 |
*Note: Everest 3 Passes Trek, known as Remote and Off The Beaten Trail | ||||
*Note: Plus, USD 35–55 per guide and Porter's (one-time) for Insurance and Service charge (10%) and VAT (13%) are subject to the cost.
FAQs about the new provision
Q. What if I get permits before April 1st?
The new rule will come into effect on April 1, 2023. The trekkers who get the permits and start the trek before April 1st will not require a guide. But they'll need to have entered the trekking area before April 1st.
Q. What if I want to do ACT or similar treks on bikes?
All the treks need to comply with the new rule. You can contact a trekking agency in Nepal for a guide to accompany you on bikes.
Trekking Agencies in Nepal
Q. What if I am an experienced trekker and associated with a trekking/mountaineering association in my home country?
The rule applies to all foreign national trekkers.
Q. What about the areas such as Chame, Muktinath, etc that require TIMS cards just because they lie inside a National Park or conservation area?
Yes, all the areas need a guide and permit taken from an agency.
Q. Does this rule also apply when I hike around Kathmandu? Or to Sarangkot? Where are these rules applicable?
The Revised Provision for Trekking in Nepal must be followed only while trekking to areas where TIMS is applicable. It is applicable in all national park areas in the mountains. It is not applicable in Kathmandu Valley outskirts, Pokhara outskirts, or hiking areas in and around major cities.
Q. Do I have to go via a trekking agency? Or is it OK so long as I have a guide?
It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered trekking agency.
Q. How can I find out if the trekking agency is legit?
The trekking guide must be hired through a government-registered trekking agency. You can verify information on the trekking agency from the Department of Tourism and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.
Q. What are the consequences if I do not follow this rule?
Not following the rule is a punishable offense.
Q. I am a trail runner and fast packer; no agency has specifically provided guides that can keep up with me. What should I do?
It applies to all. You must ascertain that the trekking agency can provide a guide who matches your specific requirements.
Q. I am an expat living in Nepal. Does this rule also apply to me?
Yes, the rule applies to diplomats as well as expats.
Q. I am Nepali. Does this rule apply to me?
The rule does not apply to Nepali citizens.
*FAQ Source: https://ntb.gov.np/
Here is the New provision that will effect on April 1, 2023, following trekking routes compulsorily a Guide.
*Note: However, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has announced THE NEW PROVISION OF TREKKERS NOT IMPLIED in the Everest Region Trek, Trekkers can go freely in the Everest Base camp Trek and others trekking in Everest.
