Solo Trekkers Can Still Trek to the Everest Region Without a Guide, Despite New Rule

The Nepal Tourism Board has implemented a new law requiring all foreign solo trekkers to hire a guide while trekking in Nepal from April 1, 2023. 

Click here to see the list of destinations that require a mandatory Guide.

However, foreign tourists visiting the Everest region will be exempt from this new law.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has issued a notice stating that solo trekkers in the Everest area do not need to hire a trekking guide. 

Trekkers can now go on a solo journey on the Phading trail by obtaining a trekking card from the permit office and showing it at the checkpoint. The trek card costs Rs 2,000, in addition to the entry fee for Sagarmatha National Park (SNP). 

Manoj Kumar, information officer at SNP, said that the national park has already welcomed solo travelers and has not received any official notice regarding entry restrictions for solo travelers who have not hired a trekking guide.

From April, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has resolved to suspend issuing Free Individual Trekker (FIT) cards, aiming to improve safety, streamline the trekking sector, and generate more employment opportunities within the nation.

Independent trekkers who wish to explore the Everest region can acquire the necessary permits from the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) and the local government's trek card in order to access and trek in the designated areas.

The TREK CARD, an updated version of the digital entry pass for the Everest Region, will be implemented by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and Sagarrnatha National Park starting on April 14, 2023, Nepali New Year 2080. 

This new system will offer convenience and ease to Free Independent Travelers (FITs) wishing to explore the region. The TREK CARD can be easily obtained at the Lukla counter for those traveling by air or in Jorsale for those traveling by land. 

The combined entry fees for the National Park and Local Government are Rs. 5,000 (2000 Municipality Fee and 3000 National Park Fee) Nepali rupees for international visitors, and 3,500 rupees for citizens of SAARC countries (2000 Municipality Fee and 1500 National Park Fee).

The TREK CARD will provide a number of benefits, including a more efficient and cost-effective entry process. It will also facilitate the creation of an online registration system to enable trekkers to submit their details and pay the fees online easily. 

Furthermore, the card will provide a secure and convenient way to access the region, as it will validate and authenticate the trekker’s identity and travel.