There Is Now A Strict No-Solo-Travellers-Allowed Policy In Place In Nepal

A statewide ban on solo trekkers has recently been issued by the government of Nepal.

There has been a ban on foreign climbers trying to summit Everest without a government-approved escort in place for the last five years, but that restriction has now been updated to reflect the new policy regarding solo travelling in the country. On April 1st, the new rules are expected to go into force.

The fascinating old culture and pure natural environment of Nepal are what draw backpackers from all over the world, and it is precisely because of its seclusion and inaccessibility that this country is so popular with travellers.

But, the cost of search and rescue operations for lone hikers who become lost or stranded may be prohibitive for the local government, which is a problem in a nation that relies so heavily on tourism for its economy. The infrastructure needed to look for stranded tourists is sufficient in the towns, but not in the rural highlands, where tourists go missing or are discovered dead, since they have travelled isolated routes.

According to the Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mani R. Lamichhane, the dangers of solo travel are not to be tolerated any more beginning next month.

Lamichhane added that unauthorised tour guides and agencies are also a growing concern. Such businesses don't register with the government and don't have a tax ID number. He claims that in doing so, they also displace lawful Nepalese workers.

“There have been some cases where the trekking association has been requesting us to stop these unauthorized trekking operations. This has been a demand from tourism associations for a long time,” he explained.

Since more and more visitors try strenuous ascents and excursions in the area, expert safeguards are now required, as things have changed dramatically in the area over the years. In the past, only skilled hikers and climbers could be seen on the lone routes. But, currently there are a lot more people going in the mountains, and the most of them are tourists rather than trekkers, so they can't survive on their own in the wilderness without the help of knowledgeable guides.

While some adventurers would disagree, the Nepali authorities simply do not have the manpower to carefully screen each visa application individually, so such restrictive measures might be necessary under the current circumstances.

 

source: travelpulse.com