Nepal Bans Solo Trekking (2023 trekking update)

[@gonegoro]

I have done a more comprehensive look at this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paipo3dqnLVrnbM

[@yanzhou2069]

Thanks a lot for the video. I'm looking to trek in Nepal this year. Tbh I'm a bit unhappy with this new rule. Apart from the views, trekking for me is mostly about the solitude and freedom, which is why I love trekking solo. Don't get me wrong, I'm always happy to support the local people as much as I can through spending or donation. I'd rather pay more for TIMS card or permits so the government gets more income to invest in local infrastructures or pay more for food and accommodation so the locals benefit directly.

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment. I have essentially an identical opinion. One other possible negative downstream effect of this decision, since you bring up supporting local communities, is that a lot of these guides or guided groups are most likely going to be funneling all of this revenue into a very few, most likely well-connected, tea houses/lodges which means we're most likely going to see a lot of independent Nepali lodges disappear/go out of business. It's hard to say what the end result will be though, and like I said, I would continue to keep your eyes on hiking forums and groups to get an idea of what treks will remain guide-less. The major areas are most likely going away, but it will be interesting to see what saavy treks people come up with that a lot of us have never even heard of before. It might even become an entirely new market in Nepal catering to independent trekkers.

[@yanzhou2069]

@@gonegoro Thanks for the insight. I agree, the new policy will likely give those "government endorsed" trekking agents more market domination and make lives harder for smaller lodges and local guides along those less profitable routes. It may also create a black market for TIMS cards and permits where agents can make a good profit by selling them to foreign trekkers who wish to go independent. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Anyway I hope tourism in Nepal continues to thrive and more people benefit from it especially after it was hit hard by Covid. Cheers.

[@nepaliyuva408]

90% Trekkers that come to Nepal are cheap homeless in their home country. They want discount on less than 5$ a night lodge and for all you can eat dal bhat.. there is a name for it in Nepalese Jholey..

[@wouterwashere422]

Hi Goro, great video! I have been to Nepal a couple of times and did some of the popular treks. But now because of this new rule i am not planning anymore of going into the mountains, but am looking at hiking the Kathmandu valley. I asked the consulate in the Netherlands if you could do this without a guide but a got a pretty vague answer on that. I was hoping that you have some information on that and can help me. About this whole thing i was also wandering how it will effect the tourist industrie, i wouldn't be suprised if some organizations behind this new law will try and grab a bigger part of the tourism pie. grt.Wouter

[@gonegoro]

Hi Wouter, So just about every 'lower' elevation trek is available to do without a guide, including the hills outside of Kathmandu (Shivapuri, Godwari, areas towards Nagarkot), but also areas outside Pokhara as well (Dhampus, Poon Hill), as long as the area does not fall into the National Park zones (with the exception of Shivapuri which is still a national park, but does not require a guide), you can trek w/o guide. It sounds like you may have already done these treks, but FYI, all treks in the Everest region also still do not require guides. As for the possible effect on the tourism industry, I actually don't believe it will have an effect on the number of people that go to Nepal to trek. I don't have the numbers, but I believe that the number people who will refuse to continue trekking in Nepal due to this new rule is not big enough to reverse the decision. It's possible that there are trekking organizations supporting these new rules, but I also believe that it was probably in the best interest of Nepal to exploit it's tourism (whether it was done correctly through this mandate is another story). I'm surprised that something like this didn't happen sooner, to be honest. I'm glad you were able to enjoy trekking before these rules were implemented, and I'm glad it hasn't soured you toward Nepal completely, and I hope this info helps!

[@frostee9796]

Great informative video. I'm Nepali and just recently found out about this law. I think it's stupid and it will only hurt the tourism industry here in the long run.

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment! I appreciate the perspective. To be honest, it may not actually hurt the tourism industry in the long run, and it may end up a financially smart decision (maybe not), but it definitely affects the perception of Nepal as a place that was once almost totally unrestricted for trekking and turns it into basically an on-rails theme park.

[@paulbrunning1225]

2021 there was trekking - spent a wonderful month on the AC

[@billsmith6884]

There are plenty of other countries which do not extort money from trekkers. This will drive prices through the roof, as you no longer have a choice. I am going to Sappa instead of the Himalayas.

[@spaceremains]

I've already completed 3 treks in Nepal without issue because I've been trekking most of my life, but now I need a guide? Makes total sense.

[@gonegoro]

It's incredibly frustrating, I agree.

[@Cloudwalker136]

Thank you for sharing info. I didnt know. In December im on my first visit to Nepal. Being my first adventure in Nepal im trekking 8 days with a guide and porter. Very happy to do so as im fresh meat. Once completed id planned 2 treks solo. Im more than able with plenty of experience in mountains and high altitude so looking forward to doing what i do. Trek solo in mountains. I think ill play it by ear once i arrive and see what occurs. 8 days chatting with locals and my guide. No doubt see a dew fellow trekkers so can chat away with them. Could it be like stealth camping? That could be interesting? I wonder how thus could affect an insurance claim? Rescued and hospitalised with adventure cover only to find the insurance invalid as you didnt obey the laws of the country you were in and ignored their (even if daft) governments advice. Mmmmmm😮

[@gonegoro]

Hey Richard, thanks for the comment. I'm sure you'll have a great time! If you don't mind, where are you doing the guided trek, and where had you planned the self-guided treks? It's hard to say for sure about the current situation. It seems like there are conflicting reports depending on the region people are trying to self-guide in. When it comes to 'stealth' trekking, it is absolutely possible (not recommending that here for obvious reasons), but if an individual knew where all the checkpoints were on a specific trail, you could overcome that aspect. My feeling is that you would have more of an issue running into other guided groups where the guides may alert the checkpoints as to your whereabouts. Not speaking from personal experience here, but guides and companies are pretty incentivized now to keep solo trekkers off the trail, so it could lead to things like that. As for the insurance situation, I can't speak to that (I've never trekked with insurance (also not recommended)), but I could see that being a potential issue, or something that the insurance companies will add into their policy agreements at some point.

[@Cloudwalker136]

I'm doing g pikey peak with guide and porter for my first Nepal trek. I then planned to go solo on mardi himal and Langtang Valley. To finish mera peak with guide and porter. I'm OK if I can't go solo. Not usual but hey..if that's the deal. I lived in poor countries for 10 years in SE Asia. Usually there is a way around stuff due to corruption. We shall see but it won't spoil my long awaited adventure..

[@gonegoro]

@@Cloudwalker136 That's great! Ironically, you wouldn't technically need the guide for Pikey Peak, but I would recommend one for you there since the trek is outside of the typical 'trekking' trails. You will definitely have a great time and who knows, it might not get that restrictive.

[@jordifortiahuguet1264]

I did the Annapurna Circuit 7 times and many other trekkings as well, and always solo. I met guides with very poor experience - one of them told me it was his second experience in the mountains! - and sometimes without wearing the correct clothes or shoes. The only reason is to get money from foreigners, so I will not travel to Nepal for trekking anymore.

[@harilama7857]

Just another means for corrupt officials to line their pockets...very disappointed with the decision. Not all trekkers are rich, they will end up going some where else, a loss for Nepal.

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment. There are still treks to do in the country, but some of the most accessible will still be locked behind this regulation. I was looking into Ladakh last year for trekking, maybe now is the time to check it out!

[@ankitalkunte1119]

@@gonegoro Hey. Can you name some treks which we can do without any guides?

[@gonegoro]

@@ankitalkunte1119 Hey! I am uploading a shortened video of a stream I did the other day as I type this. The stream includes a list of treks that can be done guideless. The video will have timestamps including one where I go into detail about each trek.

[@ankitalkunte1119]

@@gonegoro Awesome! When are you uploading it?

[@gonegoro]

@@ankitalkunte1119 Just finished the final edit, I am rendering it now and uploading tonight. Should be available May 1st at 9 a.m. EST 👍

[@eddydewilde4958]

I don't know what training, if any, is required to become a guide in Nepal but just imagine the amount of guides required on all the treks made by foreigners. This would hugely increase the amount of people on the trails and in the lodges. Just like banning horns this will pass, if it is implemented at all.

[@gonegoro]

In the original letter from NTB I believe there is a line about funding training for new guides, but, like you, I don't what that means, or how/if it will actually be implemented. To be honest, the second part of what you said is exactly what Nepal wants (I think). They want more people on the trails with guides since it means more foreigners are hiring guides, paying them and, by doing so, are funneling more money into the country. By the sounds of other commenters here, although April 1st has passed, this has not quite been implemented in full yet.

[@ananonymoususer212]

Hey Goro. Great video and i like your take on this new regulation. I already booked my flight to Nepal before these changes were announced and am scheduled to arrive in the middle of April. I was looking forward to solo hiking the Annapurna and possibly discovering the Langtang region. I sadly have to change my plans. Since my flights are non-refundable i am still planning to go to Nepal (for a duration of 8 weeks) and am wondering what alternatives there are to my ortiginal plans. Long distance trekking with a guide is probably outside of my budget and also not really what im looking for. Are there still nice regions in the country to explore where you dont need a guide (e.g. I heard Pikey Peak is a nice 7-10 day trek and not situated in a protected area)? You mentioned the Everest region. Do you think it is still possible to do treks such as three passes or EBC without a guide?

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment, and I'm really sorry that's the situation you find yourself in. Unfortunately, it's really difficult to give any concrete recommendations until we know more and until NTB releases more guidelines. I know in the video I mention about Makalu and Solukhumbu, since neither of these areas have TIMS stations, but we just don't know as of now. This is just something I've heard on different trekking groups on FB, but it seems like Solukhumbu is not going to follow this regulation since the local authorities already rejected TIMS in favor of their own (much better it seems) system of tracking trekkers, so it's very possible a Three Passes, Gokyo, EBC trek will be possible with no guide. The wording of the initial NTB letter makes it seem like only protected areas in Nepal are going to be affected, so Pikey Peak would definitely be an option. In fact, a really cool, long trek would be to string together a Pikey Peak into Solukhumbu trek. Other areas would include The Ruby Valley which is the area between Manaslu and Langtang. This is not a protected area, so you should be able to trek w/o a guide There are treks I hesitate to recommend only because of the vagueness of the regulations. We recently posted on this channel a trip to Panch Pokhari which is right outside KTM, very seldomly visited by foreignt rekkers, and there were zero checkpoints the entire time, but it's technically in Langtang, so I have no idea if it would be enforced there (I would lean towards no though). I really hope that helps. If I were you, I would start poking around trekking groups and forums online since it's only a matter of time before someone comes up with a comprehensive list of treks that are possiblye with no guide, but I hope this gives a good start! Happy trails!

[@ananonymoususer212]

@@gonegoro thanks! This information is really helpful! I have already checked some groups and will keep a close eye on any updates. I'm sure a lot more will be clear from the 1st of april when the regulations are put into place

[@person.X.]

As I understand it the Khumbu region (Everest) administers itself with regard to trekking permits and they intend to continue to allow solo trekking without a guide. I would recommend the Three Passes trek as an absolutely amazing experience with the caveat that it was very demanding. Much more demanding than the Annapurna Circuit.

[@AshisLivingLife]

Hey Brother! Heading to Nepal in few days. Do you think I can get the permit for ABC to do it solo if I apply before 31st March?

[@gonegoro]

So take any advice I give with a grain of salt, especially since we haven't heard anything new from NTB, but I would assume you would have no issues as long as you left for the trek before April 1st. Getting the permits isn't where issues would come up, it would be on the trail/at TIMS checkpoints where officials are supposed to check, but like I said, people on the trail seem to be saying that nobody is manning those checkpoints currently, and I think if anybody tries to hassle you, I would be adamant that you left for the trek before April and therefore shouldn't be subject to the rules. Have a safe trip bro, you'll have to report back and tell us what it's like!

[@AshisLivingLife]

@@gonegoro I will go ahead and update what's in the scene there currently on my Channel soon :) Thanks for all your inputs 🙌 Cheers

[@gonegoro]

Subbed and interested to hear. Stay Safe!

[@gannuganesh891]

Welcome Brother, we will welcome you brother.

[@AshisLivingLife]

​@@gonegoro Update!! I was able to solo Trek to ABC and still today they have not implemented new rule. So currently trekkers are getting permits to Trek solo.

[@gonegoro]

Just to clarify a few things: 1. I do truly believe that anyone doing their first trek in Nepal SHOULD hire a guide. Guides can be extremely helpful, especially to new trekkers, but implementing this 'hand-holding' measure to every trekker of any level coming to the country seems unreasonable. 2. Something brought out in the Longest Way Home post that adds to this case is the the death rate of both independent trekkers and trekkers with guides is about EQUAL. There also seems to be no effort to improve any TRAINING for registered guides which is also unsettling and adds to an air of suspicion surrounding this new regulation. 3. The letter from NTB says that regulations and clarifications are coming soon. I don't know what that means, but I'm sure everyone interested in the topic, including myself, is awaiting some further info. 3/27/2023 UPDATE: Solukhumbu is NOT included in the new rules, this means treks like EBC, Gokyo and 3 passes do not require a guide. Also updating that in the video I say Makalu was not included in areas where we need a guide, but it is. When we did our Makalu trek last year, I didn't remember a TIMS station, but I was reminded that is WAS there, it was just closed lol

[@person.X.]

I totally disagree with this. Firstly many of us who go to Nepal for the first time are already experienced trekkers with absolutely no need of a guide. I have trekked in far more remote and demanding places solo without a guide. Secondly it depends on the trek you do. My first trek in Nepal was the Annapurna Base Camp and it would be absurd to take a guide on a trek like that. It is a hike through farms and villages on well made up paths. I should say that I would do anything to avoid taking a guide or porters as it ruins it for me. I am aware that for some people a guide and/or porter would enhance the trek and so they should do what is best for them. But nobody should have to take a guide if they don't want or need one.

[@gonegoro]

@@person.X. Most of this disagreement seems to be coming from your own experience, that being of someone who obviously has a lot of trekking experience, but I don't believe most people coming to Nepal are experienced trekkers. While I don't think anyone, even inexperienced trekkers or those who have never been to Nepal before, should be forced to hire a guide, I would recommend or suggest using one.

[@sagarshrestha9289]

I think lots of people are coming directly to Nepal and corruptions makes to help them go solo trek easier in India. It seems to be that.

[@ross1972]

I would have done one of the easier treks in the next 2 years but this will 100% put me off a guide on the harder routes yes but on the easier ones why? Iv done a guided trek on Mt Kinabalu it really spolit it. It was just a way to force trekkers through as fast as possible so the cash registers kept ringing. Its just a cash grab. I will spend my money in some other country. Just increase the permit price dont ruin the whole experiance.

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment, I agree, it's frustrating. I would be okay with even paying a fee equal to the amount of having a guide for the amount of time I would be on the trek and just have that money put back into the community. There still are easy treks (and some more difficult ones) you can do w/o a guide. Here are a few for your consideration: Dhampus Poon Hill Ruby Valley Pikey Peak Panchase Peak Mohare Peak It's also very possible that we'll still be able to do anything in the Everest region as they will have their own system in place. I wouldn't write off Nepal entirely, there's still a lot to do, and it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but I completely understand the feeling.

[@ross1972]

@@gonegoro That sounds ok Poonhill was one that I was considering anyway so if I can do that without a guide no problem Thanks for the reply I still want to come to Nepal it does look amazing.

[@MatiasBanchero]

I have a flight ticket for 4th of April. I’m seriously thinking in loose the flight and go to somewhere else

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for your comment, sorry to hear that though. Where had you planned on trekking? There are still areas that you could go, and Nepal is still a beautiful country, I'd hate to have you waste the trip!

[@MatiasBanchero]

@@gonegoro I planned a 27 days trekking for Annapurna circuit + base camp. Got the equipment and trained. Spend a lot of money. This news makes me loose all the motivation. I don’t want to be pushed by some local guy and pay big amounts of money. Do you think Everest Base Camp probably escapes this restrictions?

[@gonegoro]

@@MatiasBanchero Got it. I hesitate to give solid advice on the EBC trek, but for that amount of time it might be your best option. Since we haven't heard anything solid yet, I can't say for sure, but from the articles I've been reading, it does sound like the Solukhumbu region (EBC, Gokyo, three passes) will avoid this restriction. I myself plan on going in October for an EBC trek, and am relying on this staying the same for then as well. For areas outside of protected zones, I would look into Pikey Peak or the Ruby Valley for multi-day treks. But for that period of time, I would rely on EBC not enforcing the new restriction

[@MatiasBanchero]

@@gonegoro thanks a lot for the advices! I will go with the EBC as a plan B. Let’s see what happens

[@person.X.]

@@MatiasBanchero Go with the EBC or Three Passes (same area). 27 days is enough time to do that region properly without time pressure.

[@dharbram6702]

IT'S FOR SAFETY, GOOD RULES, MONEY IS NOT EVERYTHING

[@nepaliyuva408]

Ppl complaining here blame your fellow trekkers….plus you all come from countries where there are rules just to smell air so why are you all mad..

[@person.X.]

Appreciate the video but why all the pussyfooting around? Of course it has nothing to do with safety! Like much else in the world today this is about using safety/security as an excuse to set things up for the financial advantage of well connected interest groups in this case the trekking/tourist companies. It is all about money. I think it is likely to be self defeating as it will deter potential tourists (like me) from going to Nepal so what the well connected gain in guide fees the general tourism businesses such as teahouses will lose out. That will be an interesting internal Nepali dynamic. Hopefully it will result in this ban being short lived as the costs become apparent. It is possible however that there is such a growth in tourist number that independent trekkers are simply displaced by tour groups and those happy to go with guides. Guiding might be fine for inexperienced people climbing mountains or high passes or trekking in remote areas but makes absolutely no sense for treks such as the Annapurna or Everest Base Camp that are on well used paths through populated areas with teahouses for food and accommodation.

[@gonegoro]

Thanks for the comment! I tried to break down the reasons that NTB gives in the letter for the decision and why they don't make sense. To their credit, they do actually mention that it is to give financial support to guide companies (or that they hope it does). I've gone back and forth personally on whether this will work or not. I actually think that despite a seemingly large number of independent trekkers deciding they don't want to go, the impact will not be large enough to change anything, unfortunately. That being said, while Annapurna is almost completely out in regards to unguided treks, the entire Solukhumbu area remains, as do a few untouched gems around Nepal. I'm going to cover these in a livestream sometime in April after either more guidelines come out or after the decision possibly gets shot down by a higher agency before finalization.

[@person.X.]

@@gonegoro Yes I think you are right. Independent trekkers are probably not important enough as a group. Also the people who lose out will be the locals who run small businesses on the trail and they lack clout vs the better connected trekking business people in Kathmandu. It is the usual story of the more powerful twisting policy for their own ends to the cost of weaker groups. The one hope is that it quickly becomes apparent that the Nepali government and trekking industry utterly lack the competence and capacity to train and provide the quantity and quality of guides to support this policy and so it is quietly abandoned as impractical. The situation is already and has been for ages that there is a shortage of decent quality guides.