Tourists Must Be Accompanied by Guides When Trekking in Nepal from April 1st

Nepal is a popular destination for adventure tourists, especially those who enjoy trekking in the mountains. But starting from April 1st, tourists will be required to hire a guide or a porter when trekking in Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board made the guide compulsory for solo trekkers and free independent trekkers. This decision has been made by the Nepalese government to increase safety for tourists and reduce the number of accidents that occur on treks each year. In this article, we will discuss the new requirement and what it means for tourists visiting Nepal.

Why the New Requirement?

The Nepalese government has implemented this new requirement of no solo treks due to the number of accidents that occur each year on treks in Nepal. Such accidents could have been avoided if tourists had been accompanied by some professional trek guides. The government is hoping, by requiring tourists to hire a guide they will be able to reduce the number of accidents and make trekking in Nepal safer for everyone.

What Does This Mean for Tourists?

Tourists who are planning to come for trekking in Nepal after April 1st, they need to hire a guide to accompany them on their trek. The guide will be responsible for ensuring that the tourists are safe, they are following the correct route and help them with First aid if required. The guide will be providing information about the local area, heights, altitude, name of mountain, culture, and history. Tourists who have already planned their trek but have not hired a guide yet, need to decide and hire a guide before they start their trek. There are many trekking companies and guides available in Nepal, so finding a guide should not be difficult.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Guide?

Hiring a professional trekking guide can greatly enhance the trekking experience and make you feel good about proper care. The experienced and professional one knows how to behave, how to warn or suggest and tries his best to lead the whole team with individual support. They can also ensure that tourists stay on the correct route and avoid dangerous areas. In addition, a guide can provide proper assistance in case of an emergency, altitude sickness or accident.

What Are the Consequences of Not Hiring a Guide?

Tourists who trek without a guide after April 1st will be breaking the law and may face consequences. These consequences can include fines, legal action, and even deportation. In addition, trekking without a guide can be dangerous, as tourists may not be aware of the risks, or the correct route to take, mostly the danger is around uncertain weather conditions. If you get lost in the Himalayas, then there is a very little chance of getting out of that situation.

Conclusion

This new requirement for tourists to hire a guide while trekking in Nepal from April 1st is an important step of our government towards ensuring the safety of tourists. It will reduce the number of accidents that occur on treks each year. While some tourists may view this requirement as an inconvenience, hiring a guide can greatly enhance the trekking experience and provide valuable information about the local area, culture, and history. 

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