Nepal has made it mandatory to hire a local trekking guide for tourist hikers.
The rule comes into effect from April 1.
Nepal Tourism Board says it will improve traveler safety and create extra jobs at the same time.
They must hire a Nepal trekking guide or porter via a registered tour operator.
It applies to established trekking routes in the Trekkers’ Information Management System.
The rule doesn’t impact mountain climbing tourism which has its own strict protocols already.
“It will help ensure a safe trekking experience and allow us to keep track of trekkers,” said NTB spokesperson Mani Raj Lamichhane.
The Trekking Agencies’ Association says most tourists who go missing are those who trek without a guide.
