No more solo trekking permits! We inform all foreign tourists who are about to visit Nepal for trekking to the majestic mountains Nepal Government has strictly prohibited any such tourists from traveling alone. The decision was made by the board meeting held by the Tourism Board on Thursday, March 2, 2023. After the board meeting, a new decision or rule was made that tourists going for a trek in any mountains or circuit must have at least one professional guide.
According to the vice president of the Tourism Board, Respected Chandra Rizal, many foreign tourists got injured during the trial because of solo hiking. Furthermore, as they go alone, they can also not seek help, and the cases of death have increased. Therefore, Nepal Government's Tourism Board has decided not to let foreign tourists alone by keeping their safety and well-being concerned.
Even though the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAN) and the Joint Tourism Trade Union Forum (JOTUF) had decided to close Free Individual Trekker (FIT) on October 1, 2022, the decision was delayed due to several reasons. However, per the sources, this decision will be strictly effective from April 1, 2023.
Any tourist willing to go for the trek could acquire a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card, which also acts as a permit for the trek by themselves. However, per the recent decision, only foreign tourists with a professional guide can receive this card.
Along with implementing this decision, there are slight changes in the cost of the TIMS card. Previously, two types of TIMS cards could be acquired: one for the group trekkers, which cost NPR 1000/- and one for the solo Trekker or FIT (Free individual Trekker), which cost NPR 2000/-. However, the FIT card no longer exists, and the group trekkers card cost has been raised to NPR 2000/-.
If you need help determining where to get the TIMS card, you can acquire one from the TIMS Counter at NTB Head Office in Pokhara. You can expect the rest of the assistance from the guides there to help you throughout your journey to Nepal.
