The rules, region by region
The national rule. Since 1 April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas must trek with a licensed guide, arranged through a registered agency (Kathmandu Post, March 2023).
| Region | Our treks | Guide required? |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area | Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill | Yes, under the 2023 rule (Kathmandu Post, February 2025) |
| Langtang National Park | Langtang Valley | Yes, under the 2023 rule |
| Everest (Khumbu) | Everest Base Camp | The local municipality refused to apply the rule, and the region was still exempt as of February 2025 (Kathmandu Post, March 2023; February 2025) |
In March 2026, Nepal also eased rules for solo trekkers in restricted areas, allowing permits for guided solo trekkers booked through an agency (Kathmandu Post, March 2026). None of our current treks is in a restricted area.
Rules change. This page was last checked on 1 October 2026. We confirm the current rules for your route when you book.
What a good guide actually does
- Keeps you safe at altitude. Watches for symptoms, checks how you’re doing every evening, and knows when to stop or turn back.
- Handles the logistics. Permits, checkpoints, teahouse rooms in busy season, and what to do when a flight is cancelled.
- Knows the trail. Which path is safer after rain, where the best rest stop is, and when to start to beat the weather on a pass.
- Opens the door to the culture. Explains what you’re seeing, helps you talk to people, and makes sure you’re welcome.
How to check a guide or agency
- Ask for the agency’s Department of Tourism licence and TAAN membership numbers, and check them.
- Ask who your guide will be, by name, and whether they’ve walked your route recently.
- Get every inclusion, the deposit and the refund rules in writing before you pay.
- Ask how they handle altitude sickness, and whether they take commissions on helicopter rescues.
- Ask how porters are paid, insured and equipped.
We answer every one of these on our promises page.
