Nepal has extended the ban on solo trekking and climbing to the entire country, five years after banning solo adventurists from climbing Mount Everest. Travelers who want to trek in remote areas must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group. The trekking industry is one of the country’s largest money-making industries, but the cost of search and rescue missions for solo hikers who get lost is significant. Nepal is home to eight of the world’s tallest mountains and is known for its beautiful rural trekking regions, but the infrastructure in these areas is not adequate for solo travelers. Additionally, unlicensed tour guides and companies who do not pay taxes and take jobs away from Nepalis are also an issue. Those in the climbing and trekking community have mixed opinions on the new ruling, but Ian Taylor, owner of a well-regarded guiding company with a long history in Nepal, says the move makes sense as more and more people attempt difficult climbs in Nepal. He adds that the Nepali government does not have the capacity to vet every single visa applicant separately, hence the decision to enact a blanket ban.