In reply to Wiles: In early 2023 the Nepal Ministry of Tourism introduced new rules which meant that all trekkers needed a) a trekkers card TIMS issued in KTM plus b) to be accompanied by a guide or porter. However the Everest region (Sagamartha National Park) decided not to follow those rules and a) issues its own Sagamartha Trek permit which you can get for 3000 NRP on the trail (at an Lukla office just as you leave Lukla on Day 1 or in Monjo on Day 2 for those who came via Surkye either by jeep or foot) plus b) allows both solo trekkers or accompanied trekkers. They ask you when you buy the Trek permit if you are solo or accompanied. If you are accompanied eg Porter or guide they’ll record their details in their database as well as yours.
Rules haven’t changed since early 2023. There are lots of solo trekkers for the standard EBC route and some variations eg Three Passes route, and your friend won’t have any issues from Sagamartha authorities but, as was mentioned on earlier UKC threads on this topic 1. The UK FCDO website says that trekkers in Nepal should have a TIMS and should be accompanied so there’s a always a chance that your UK insurer might not pay out in event of a high claim from a solo trekkers.
My personal advice especially first time trekkers for high altitude is always to take a Porter - that gets around the Ministry of Tourism new rules, and the Porter will be useful help in event of illness, altitude sickness / other accident.
Regards Andrew
