Solo trekking to be allowed in Everest region

KATHMANDU, March 31:The decision of the 'solo trekking' permit, which was closed by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), is not applicable in the area of the highest peak, Everest.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality issued a notice to hikers stating that a trekking guide is not required in this area. This has brought the NTB and the local level face to face once more.

The NTB has decided not to implement the Free Individual Trekker (FIT) program across the country. According to Maniraj Lamichhane, director of the NTB, this decision will be mandatory for all trekking destinations beginning in April.

The village head of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu, however, stated that it is not required. The rural municipality has requested that people bring a guide with them during the non-mandatory and high-altitude hikes for their own safety. The NTB has also decided to prohibit tourists from going on a single walk, citing increased safety, search, and rescue efforts.

According to the NTB's decision, all trekkers will be required to carry a Tourist Information Management System (TIMS) card at the same price and travel with a trekking guide beginning in April. However, in the Khumbu region, the local level has been providing trek cards worth 2,000 rupees per tourist. In this area, the  Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) also charges a fee of 3,000 rupees per tourist. For a long time, there has been a disagreement between the NTB  and the local level in the Khumbu area.