Solo hiking has been banned across Nepal, including remote areas and popular trekking routes, in a bid to cut costs and prevent fatalities. According to officials, the Nepal Tourist Board (NTB) made the decision, which will come into effect in April 2020, in order to reduce the costs of search-and-rescue missions, as well as help prevent hikers getting lost or dying. Nepal has eight of the world’s tallest mountains and is especially known for its trekking routes. Under the new ruling, those wishing to trek in remote areas must hire an official guide or join a government-approved group. Around 50,000 hikers chose to trek without guides or porters in 2019, which made up a significant portion of Nepal’s tourism. As part of the new rules, the Nepal government has increased the costs of TIMS hiking permits, and prohibited their use without a guide.