Trekking landscape in Nepal is about to change – hikers will need to go with a registered travel company

Adventure travel specialist World Expeditions has seen Nepal's tourism evolution firsthand since its first expedition-style trek in the Himalaya in 1975. The most recent announcement by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to improve safety on its trails is welcome news for the tourism industry with a far-reaching impact. As of April 1st, 2023, independent travellers will only be allowed to go on the trails in Nepal's national parks with a recognized trekking organization. 

Trail tourism has been booming in the past few years, with more people attracted to the slow pace of walking holidays. It's a fantastic way to explore remote destinations but requires good preparation and solid safety measures in case of emergency. Nepal counts on the expertise of trekking companies such as World Expeditions to ensure solid safety protocols and minimize regrettable incidents on the trails.

For travellers who prefer walking independently and are comfortable enough on trails to do so, the new regulation means they won't be allowed to go on their own. However, there is an alternative if you want to marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the world's highest mountains without joining a group tour; World Expeditions' 12 days self-guided Everest Trek.

According to World Expeditions' North American Manager Nathalie Gauthier, a supported self-guided adventure is the best option for friends, couples and families who prefer to travel more independently while still benefiting from the support services and logistics for their trip.

"A clear attraction of a self-guided trip is that it offers the peace of mind of knowing that World Expeditions' support and expertise is available if the need arises," says Gauthier, "and the fact that we follow strict principles of responsible travel and have solid safety measures in place is paramount, especially when travelling at high altitude to one of the world's wildest regions."

World Expeditions provides detailed trail route maps linking with its exclusive network of eco camps and hand-picked eco-lodges up to Thyangboche. Clients' luggage will be carried by porters in readiness for their arrival each afternoon at the various camps and lodges. Plus, you can choose your departure date as World Expedition's 12-day self-guided Everest Trek can depart daily from October until mid-May. 

If you prefer travelling with a small group of like-minded mountain lovers, World Expeditions can take you to some of the most iconic base camps across the Himalayan range. Whether you dream of sleeping in the shadow of the sacred Kanchenjunga, the mystical Machapuchare, the pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam or the legendary Everest, you'll be in expert hands for your adventure of a lifetime.

For more information about World Expeditions' exciting range of adventures in the Himalaya and to book your trek, please visit worldexpeditions.com/Nepal or call 1-800-567-2216. 

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For more details and images, please don't hesitate to contact me: Caroline Mongrain via email at caroline@worldexpeditions.com  

About World Expeditions

World Expeditions is one of the world's original adventure travel companies. Starting as a Himalayan trekking company in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as a world leader in quality small group trekking and active adventures.

Always innovative, it was the first company to offer commercial cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980) and Tibet (1981). In 2011, it became the first (and remains the only) company to offer the newly mapped Great Himalaya Trail. It is an independently owned and truly global company with seven offices worldwide, including Ottawa, London and Sydney. It was named Best Adventure Travel Wholesaler in the Travel Industry Awards 2019.