License Holder Trekking Guide must be hired to Trek in Nepal

License Holder Trekking Guide must be hired to Trek in Nepal

Effective April 1, 2023, new requirements established by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and more than a dozen trekking organizations, with the support of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, will require solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a licence Holder Trekking Guide while trekking in Himalayas of Nepal, so that It is mandatory to hire a licensed guide for trekkers in Nepal from April 1st and buy a digital TIMS permit from a local agency. The new rule applies to all trekkers, including individual trekkers and those traveling in groups.

See the Nepal Tourism Board’s Travel Updates for further information: https://ntb.gov.np/en/latest-travel-updates .

Updates about latest rules and standard protocol for traveling and trekking in Nepal.

New Provision for Trekking in Nepal


FAQs about the new provision

What if I take permits before April 1st ?

The new rule will come into effect from April 1st, 2023. The trekkers who get the permits and start the trek before April 1st will not require a guide. But they'll need to have entered the trekking area before April 1st.

What if I want to do ACT or similar treks in mountain bikes?

All the treks need to comply with the new rule. You can contact a trekking agency in Nepal for the guide to accompany you in mountain bikes.

Trekking Agencies in Nepal

What if I an experienced trekker and associated to a trekking/mountaineering association in home country?

The rule is applicable for all the foreign national trekkers.

What about the areas such as Chame, Muktinath etc that require TIMS card just because they lie inside a National Park or conservation area?
Yes, all the areas need a guide and permits taken from an agency.

Is this rule also applicable when I hike around Kathmandu? Or to Sarangkot? Where all are these rules applicable?

The Revised Provision for Trekking in Nepal must be followed only while trekking to areas where TIMS is applicable. It is applicable in all national park areas in the mountains. It is not applicable in Kathmandu Valley outskirts, Pokhara outskirts, and hiking areas in and around major cities.

Do I have to go via a trekking agency? Or is it OK so long as I have a guide?

It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered trekking agency.

How can I find that out if the trekking agency is legit?

Trekking guide must be hired through government-registered trekking agency. You can verify information on the trekking agency from Department of Tourism and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.

What are the consequences if I do not follow this rule?

Not following the rule is a punishable offense.

I am a trail runner and fast packer, no agency specifically provided guides that can keep up with me. What should I do?

It is applicable to all. You must ascertain that the trekking agency can provide guide who matches your specific requirement.

I am an expat living in Nepal. Does this rule also apply to me?

Yes, the rule is applicable to Diplomats as well as Expats.

I am Nepali. Does this rule apply to me?

The rule is not applicable to Nepali citizens.

What if I go on a motorcycle ride to Muktinath?

The rule does not apply to motorcycle ride or the bus ride to Muktinath. TIMS and Annapurna area permit are required.

What are the areas requiring TIMS and permits?

Trekking Region Name of the Trek
Kanchenjunga Region 1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp via Sele La Pass Trek
2. Kanchenjunga Basecamp Trek
3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Nango Pass Trek
4. Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
 
Makalu Barun Area 1. Makalu Basecamp Trek
2. Sherpeni Cole Pass Trek
Everest Region 1. Everest Basecamp Trek
2. Gokyo Trek
3. Chho La Pass Trek
4. Gokyo Renjo La Pass Trek
5. Three Passes Trek
6. Everest View trek
7. Mera Peak Trek
8. Amphu Labtsha Pass
Rolwaling Region 1. Rolwaling Trek
2. Tashi Labtsha Pass Trek
Panchpokhari Bhairabkunda Area Panchpokhari Trek
Helambu Region 1. Helambu Trek
2. Goshaikunda Trek
Langtang Region 1. Langtang Trek
2. Langtang Gosaikund Trek
3. Tamang Heritage Trek
4. Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek
5. Ganja La pass Trek
6. Till Man Pass
Ganesh Himal-Ruby Valley Area Ganesh Himal - Ruby Valley Trek
Manaslu Region 1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
2. Manaslu - Tsum Valley Trek
3. Tsum Valley Trek
Annapurna Region 1. Annapurna Circuit Trek
2. Nar Phu Annapurna Circuit Trek
3. Mesokanto / Tilicho Pass Trek
4. Poon Hill-ABC Trek
5. Khopra Trek
6. Mardi Himal Trek
7. Sikleh Tara Hill Trek
Mustang Region 1. Upper Mustang Trek
2. Sarebung Pass Trek
 
Dhaulagiri Region Round Dhaulagiri
Dolpo Region 1. Upper Dolpo - Jomsom Trek
2. Upper Dolpo Trek
3. Lower Dolpo Trek
4. Kagmara Pass Trek
Humla Region Humla Limi Valley Trek