Nepal Bans Foreign Tourists from Trekking Alone
In 2018, Nepal banned foreign tourists from climbing any of its mountains — including Mount Everest — without a guide. Now it is also banning tourists from trekking solo anywhere in the country.Unlike hiking, which usually involves walking on trails for a day or two at most, trekking is done for longer, and may not follow a trail.Announcing the new rules, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) noted the challenge of helping trekkers during natural disasters, as well as when they get lost or have health issues.The NTB said 481 tourists were reported lost in its 2019 tourism report."When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you," said the NTB's Mani R. Lamichhane, speaking to CNN. He said even the government can't easily find people when they go into remote areas.From April 1, 2023, all foreign trekkers will need a licensed guide, and will also have to get a Trekking Information Management System Card from the government. The card will cost about $15 for most tourists, but half as much for visitors from some South Asian countries.Lamichhane said the new rules will also help reduce problems with unlicensed tour guides.Ian Taylor, owner of Ian Taylor Trekking, told CNN that the new rules are probably necessary, since more tourists with little trekking experience have been coming to Nepal.Nearly 1.2 million tourists visited Nepal in 2019, bringing $725 million into the country. However, visitor numbers dropped to just 150,000 in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.The NTB is hoping to get 1 million tourists into the country in 2023.
Questions:1. How many tourists got lost in Nepal in 2019, according to the NTB?2. How much will it cost to get a Trekking Information Management System Card?3. Did Ian Taylor criticize the new rules?4. What are your thoughts on Nepal banning foreign tourists from trekking alone?5. Are there any popular long-distance hiking trails in your country? Are there specific rules that people must remember?
