GPS Trackers Required by all Trekkers
In an recent article by the Associated Press, Himalayan Trekkers might be required to rent out a GPS tracker if they plan to continue trekking through the mountains. Officials from the Nepal Tourist Department are thinking of implementing this new requirement after an avalanche left dozens of hikers dead.
In addition to the new GPS tracking requirement, tourists will be required to take with them a trained local guide and must register at check posts during their trekking. The article can be read here
GPS trackers help save lives, this has been proven time and time again. They serve many purposes that range from helping medical patients to small children playing at the park and are also a key tool for the adventurous crowd. Having to rent out a GPS tracker will have added security and give officials peace of mind as to where trekkers are located at all times during their journey.
On a recent weekend trip to the local mountain trails, there was the fire department and the EMT vehicles racing up the road, that is where the search and rescue team was getting ready to go looking for a missing hiker. It seems like there is always someone getting air lifted or injured every time I venture on a hiking trip.
Search and rescue operations take time and man power which can put more people at risk. Since the popularity of hiking has been going up and more and more people are hitting the trails, one must think as to if GPS trackers would be made a requirement before people attempt to go on average hikes.
