Trekking in Nepal. Photo: McKay Savage ![[CC-2.0]](/lib/img/layout/cc-attr.gif)
Authorities in Nepal are banning solo trekking from next month.
The country’s Ministry of Home Affairs said from September, independent travellers heading for the Himalaya will have to be accompanied by a porter or guide.
The move comes after the murder of 23-year-old Belgian trekker Debbie Maveau, whose headless body was found in June near a trail in the Langtang National Park.
Officials said the change in policy was for safety reasons after Ms Maveau’s death and other trekkers’ disappearances. They said this was having a negative impact on the country’s reputation as a trekking destination.
Trekkers traveling in groups are already required to use government-registered trekking agencies.
Bahadur Khadka, first vice-president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, said the decision means all trekkers will have to take the service of government-registered agencies. He said this will control illegal operation of trekking business.
TAAN general secretary Mohan Lamsal said: “The decision will help promote Nepal as a safe destination for tourists at a time when international media are questioning the safety of foreigners in Nepal,” adding he wanted to see the policy incorporated into the Tourism Act.
Trekking operators said the change will add about $10 a day to walkers’ costs. “This is a very nominal amount and it won´t affect tourist arrivals,” Anjan Thapa, treasurer of TAAN, said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs took the decision earlier this month following mounting pressure from tourism entrepreneurs, diplomatic missions and families of missing tourists.
Lizza
13 August 2012Hi! I went to Everest Base Camp and was going to Annapurna this past April/May. I can tell you that I found good prices in Kathmandu. I went shopping with my guide though and he seemed to get good deals. I think he rents-out sleeping bags. You can get them in Pokhara too, but you will find a bigger selection in Thamel. this means you can get better deals and will be able to talk them down on the price. It is a Nepali custom (I read in a guide) to bargain. It is fun. You will have no problems wih the weight on the plane. My bag was a bit big, I have a hard time traveling light. I did hire a guide and he took care of hiring a porter. He works with trusted people. I can recommend my guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and most of all looked-out for my safety. He seemed to know just about everyone in Kathmandu and many, many guides and people on the mountain. Because Sanjib knows so many people he was constantly getting updates from up the mountain, or down the mountain. It was great to travel with a guide that has so many established relationships. I found him by chance through a travel forum and then got references from him. That is, I emailed past clients. In no time, I received emails from Italy, Germany and the U.S. singing this guy's praises, so that is how I went about finding my guide. I found the price very reasonable and I liked the fact that you do not pay until you get there, so you avoid the big down payments and the advance payments as well. I was happy to travel solo. Traveling in a group is great, but for sure, you will not get personalized attention. You can meet a lot of people at the tea houses, or as you go along the trek you will become familiar with others "going your way." You can contact Sanjib Adhikari I recommend email. I am sure he will be happy to provide you with references. Let me know if you have more questions and enjoy!!!