Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country due to cost of rescues

[Demovictory9]

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/nepal-solo-trekking-ban-intl-hnk/index.html

Five years after banning solo adventurers from climbing Mount Everest, Nepal’s government has extended the restriction to the whole country.

Nepal is home to eight of the world’s tallest mountains, but it is also known for its beautiful rural trekking regions. From now on, travelers who hope to trek in remote regions must hire a government-licensed guide or join a group.

While the trekking industry is one of the country’s biggest moneymakers, the cost of search and rescue missions for solo hikers who get lost is significant.

“When you are traveling solo, in case of emergencies there is no one to help you,” Mani R. Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, tells CNN. “It is fine if they are traveling in the cities, but in the remote mountains, the infrastructure is not adequate.”

[3Hotdogs]

1. Also interesting.... iPhone 14 has satellite emergency contact.

How many frivolous calls will be made?

[ret5hd]

3. I don't have a good feel for that answer...

I will say this:

I bought a satellite emergency beacon for $250…absolutely no subscription fees, lifetime “coverage”. No maps, no satellite texting…just open, push the button, and wait for help.


There are others with maps, satellite texting, AND monthly subscription fees.

No one except an absolute complete fool would go to regions like that without an emergency beacon.

My point is…
These are already out there, and those going to such places already have them. And a cellphone has a battery life of…what? I dunno. Mine lasts a day or so if I don’t use it much. The emergency beacon I bought has a battery life if 5+ yrs (unopened) and over 24 hrs once activated.

So I don’t think very many will really be depending on their iPhone.

[3Hotdogs]

4. I have one of those. McMurdo. I used it once.

I was on a hike and encountered a guy, flat on his back. I was walking over a bridge and he was on the ground, next to a stream. I called and he didn't respond. Possible heart attack?

There was no cell service. So I deployed the beacon and sent my friend to walk a mile or so to where there would be cell service. Meanwhile, I climbed down to the riverbed, stood over him and called loudly to him.

He woke up. He was elderly and said he needed to lie down to rest.

Ok. Back up to the hiking trail to find my friend. On the way, I came to a part of the trail that had cell service. A call came into my phone. It was Pensacola Naval Air base, contacting my about the emergency alert. I explained the situation and that all was good.

So it does work.

[Demovictory9]

5. Good to know

[PJMcK]

2. Good

It’s irresponsible to put one’s self if a dangerous situation then expect the government to save them.

Self-sufficiency is vital but so is common sense.