Independent trekking is set to be banned in Nepal’s protected mountain regions and national parks from April. All foreign trekkers, whether solo or in a group, must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Cyclists will also be required to use a guide. The move is designed to improve the safety of visitors and boost tourism economy. Trekkers will need to source guides through trekking agencies registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (Taan). They will also need to obtain a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card through their company. The card will cost 2,000 Nepalese rupees for most international visitors. In 2019, over 171,000 visitors went trekking in the country, with 27% of them deciding not to hire a guide.