The Nepal Tourism Board has imposed mandatory guides and trekking permits in 44 trekking trails, including those in the Everest region. However, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, under whose jurisdiction Everest falls, has disputed the rule, stating that it is not mandatory to hire a guide for trekking in the region. Nepali trekkers are not required to hire a guide and pay the trekking fee. The updated version of the digital entry pass for the Everest region, called the Trek Card, which aims to bring more quality trekkers and will be a decent source of income for guides, will be implemented by the rural municipality from April 14. While the tourism board has introduced the guidelines for the safety of trekkers, entrepreneurs in the tourism industry have questioned the collection of multiple fees from trekkers and the creation of uncertainties.