Nepal has announced a ban on solo trekking from April 1, 2023, in a move aimed to increase hiker safety and create more jobs for local guides and porters. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) says it will not issue Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) cards to unaccompanied trekkers and those who plan to hike individually with a guide will have to pay double the current $15 USD price for their TIMS card. The move comes after close to a dozen hikers went missing in the country last year, with safety concerns and the costs associated with rescue efforts driving the initiative. Many hope the new rules will generate more jobs for licensed guides and porters who know Nepal’s terrain well. Some ambiguity remains regarding how the decision will be applied throughout the country, and some solo hikers are hesitant about trekking with a stranger. This has led to concerns that Nepal could lose visitors to neighboring countries where such restrictions are not in place. Tourism companies such as Snow Cat Travel, Community Homestays, and Responsible Treks offer bespoke hiking tours with experienced guides to explore Nepal’s outdoors.