Published: Just now
Adventurers who want to hike solo in Nepal’s vast mountain landscape need no more trouble.
Five years after solo expeditions on the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest were banned, the government in Kathmandu now bans solo trekking throughout the hilly country.
As of now, those who want to trek in the Nepalese Himalayas must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group, CNN Travel reports.
The reason is that the cost of search and rescue missions for lost lone hikers has become too great.
– When you travel alone, there is no one there to help you in emergency situations. It is okay if you travel in the cities, but in remote mountain regions the infrastructure is not sufficient, Mani R Lamichhane of Nepal’s National Tourism Board told CNN.
In recent years, more and more inexperienced trekkers are said to have attempted dangerous solo treks in remote areas of the Nepalese Himalayas.
The hope with the ban is to reduce the number of accidents and hiking-related deaths. The government in Kathmandu is also hoping to crack down on unlicensed guides and businesses.