Nepal to ban independent trekking

Government officials in Nepal have announced plans to make it compulsory for at least one government registered porter or guide to accompany trekkers from September.

Previously solo adventurers were allowed travel on the Nepalese Himalayas alone, although trekkers travelling in groups are already required to use an official guide.

The decision was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs following the death of 23-year-old Belgian Debbie Maveau, whose decapitated body was found on June 14th beneath a hiking trail in the Langtang National Park.

This incident followed a number of other assaults and disappearances including that of an American, Aubrey Sacco, who went missing in 2010.

Mohan Lamsal, general secretary of TAAN, commented: “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.”

The new policy will involve an additional fee of $10 per day for Free Individual Trekkers (FIT), which Anjan Thapa, treasurer of TAAN has called, “a very nominal amount which won’t affect tourist arrivals.”