So, is it true that you can travel through Nepal without using guides? The answer is yes, you can. However, we always recommend that you take a guide along. They act as a liaison between you and the people and without the guide you will never get in touch with the people. You will visit the place but not interact with the culture and learn from it. The guides get their licenses from the Government organization called NATHM (National Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management) and are officially recognized by the government. They are trained from time to time on issues such as first aid, Acute Mountain Sickness, rescue methods etc. Travelling in Nepal is not like in other countries where the altitudes are low. Once you cross the altitude of 3000m (and you will in almost every trek) you have to be extremely cautious. The guides are knowledgeable in methods to reduce your impact in the environment and culture of Nepal. They will help you minimize the negative impacts of your travels. They will also inform you on how to not be offending to the culture of the people. Finally, they also have a wealth of information about the area you are travelling in and about Nepal in general.