In this episode, we dive deep into the recent controversy surrounding Nepal's trekking trails. The Ministry of Tourism just introduced a brand new three-category classification system: Hiking, Easy, and Adventure, but its definitions would cause chaos, instantly labeling the accessible Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as 'Adventure' alongside the extreme Three High Passes. 🤦
Is this a sincere push for modernization, or a classic case of bureaucratic fantasy?🚧
We break down the absurd details: the impractical 3,000-meter altitude cut-off, the jaw-dropping requirement for perfectly measured 16-centimeter steps on remote mountain trails, and the ridiculous rule demanding a 5-kilometer separation between tea houses, which threatens to destroy the entire foundation of Nepal's trekking economy. ⛰️
Plus, we examine the renewed push for mandatory TIMS cards and guides by TAAN. Where does the money actually go? And why are mandatory fees being imposed primarily on foreign trekkers when Nepali citizens make up the majority of victims in many incidents?
Tune in to understand:
Why the new classifications fail to reflect the reality on the ground.
How bureaucratic gridlock and revenue focus trump practical safety improvements.
What actually would help improve trekking safety in Nepal (clue: it's not helipads or paperwork).