If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, you’ve probably encountered conflicting information about whether hiring a guide is mandatory. Ever since a major change in trekking regulations in 2023, this question has become a common point of confusion among travelers.
So what’s the real story in 2025?
Based on my personal experience trekking in Nepal in the spring of 2025, this post aims to break things down clearly and factually—so you can plan your adventure with confidence.
What Changed in 2023?
In early 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) announced a major policy shift: all trekkers in national parks and conservation areas would be required to hire a licensed guide. The new rule came into effect on April 1, 2023, and its stated goals were:
- Enhancing trekker safety
- Reducing search-and-rescue operations
- Providing accurate route information
- Supporting local employment in the trekking industry
This change applied primarily to popular trekking routes, not to city travel or general tourism. Independent trekking (i.e., without a guide) became technically prohibited in most areas managed by NTB or national park authorities.
You can read the official notice on the Nepal Tourism Board website:
👉 ntb.gov.np – TIMS Information
What Areas Require a Guide in 2025?
As of this year, the following trekking areas are officially subject to the mandatory guide rule:
- Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA)
- Manaslu Conservation Area
- Langtang National Park
- Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park
- Makalu-Barun and Kanchenjunga regions
- Restricted areas (e.g., Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Nar-Phu) — which have always required both a guide and special permits
The rule applies regardless of whether you’re trekking solo or with a partner or friend. However, as you’ll see below, the reality on the ground can differ.
So… Is It Enforced?
No—at least not in the regions where independent trekking was allowed before 2023.
In Spring 2025, I completed treks through the Langtang and Annapurna regions without a guide. We weren’t asked about it at any checkpoint. Even the staff at the NTB office in Pokhara issued permits without inquiring about our guide status.
That said, restricted areas like Manaslu, Upper Mustang, and Nar-Phu are a different story. These zones do actively enforce the rules, and you’ll need a licensed guide, travel through a registered agency, and obtain special permits to gain entry.
So yes—guides are technically required almost everywhere, but in many places, that rule is not enforced.
Is the TIMS Card Still Required?
Not if you’re trekking independently.
The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card used to be required for all trekkers—solo or guided. But since the 2023 rule change, TIMS cards are now only issued to trekkers who are part of a registered, guided group.
If you’re hiring a licensed guide through an agency, they’ll arrange your TIMS card. But if you’re trekking independently (and it’s allowed in the area), you only need to purchase the appropriate entry permits for that region. More on that below.
Should I Hire a Guide?
That depends on your level of experience, comfort with self-navigation, and how much planning you want to do.
You should strongly consider hiring a guide if:
- It’s your first trek in Nepal
- You’re unfamiliar with mountain trekking or high altitude
- You prefer not to deal with logistics, maps, or language barriers
- You want cultural insights and companionship
Nepali guides are, for the most part, well-trained, kind, and helpful professionals. They speak English, and often other languages like German, French, or Japanese. I met quite a few of them on my treks and they were always very kind, helpful and simply very nice people (even though I wasn’t their client).
But if you’re an experienced trekker, comfortable with independent travel, you can probably manage on your own.
Should I Feel Bad About Trekking Without a Guide?
This is a fair question, and one I’ve thought about myself.
One of the justifications for the mandatory guide rule is to support local communities. That’s a valid goal—but in practice, the money mostly flows through registered agencies. Guides do benefit, but so do larger businesses and permit processors.
What’s rarely mentioned is that independent trekkers often support smaller lodges and teahouses that guided groups skip. Without a guide steering your itinerary, you’re more likely to eat, sleep, and spend your money in less-traveled areas—places that benefit more from direct tourism.
So no, I don’t think you should feel guilty if you trek without a guide—as long as you’re respectful, prepared, and safe.
Annapurna Conservation Area Without a Guide
Here’s how it worked for us in 2025:
You only need an ACAP permit (₨3000), which you can get at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. I recommend Pokhara: the office is friendly, fast, and conveniently located for trekkers heading into the Annapurna region.
Once you’ve got your permit, you’re free to go. Just show it at checkpoints along the way. No TIMS card, no guide required—at least for now.
Langtang National Park Without a Guide
Even easier.
You don’t need to pre-arrange anything. Just travel to Syabrubesi (by bus or jeep, more about it soon, in another post), and you’ll purchase your Langtang National Park entry permit along the way for ₨3000. It’s checked at a checkpoint after you’ve started your hike.
Everest Base Camp Without a Guide
I haven’t done this trek myself (yet), but based on reports from other hikers, it’s similar to Annapurna.
You’ll need two permits:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (₨3000)
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee (₨2000)
These can be purchased in Kathmandu or along the way. No guide or TIMS required—though that could change in the future, so check before you go.
Manaslu, Nar-Phu, and Other Restricted Areas
Some regions have always had strict rules—and they still do.
You absolutely need a licensed guide and a registered agency to trek in:
- Manaslu Conservation Area
- Upper Mustang
- Nar-Phu Valley
- Dolpo
- Tsum Valley
You’ll also need special permits that are more expensive than the standard park fees. These treks are incredible, but come with more red tape.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helped you decide whether or not to hire a guide. Whichever way you choose, Nepal is a beautiful country, its people are warm and welcoming, and a trek there will leave you with unforgettable memories and photos to match!
Got questions about hiring guides or choosing the right trek? Drop them in the comments below—I’ll be happy to help!