A Melbourne Man Is Missing After Trekking Alone in Peru, Here's Why We Never Let a Client Do That in Nepal

Breaking · Safety & Advisories Jordan Yap, 30, hasn’t been heard from since he set off solo into Peru’s Huayhuash range on 14 September — Nepal’s guide rule exists for this. By Laxman Rawal · Sep 26, 2026 Read the full story

Jordan Yap, a 30-year-old from Melbourne, hasn't been heard from since he set off alone into Peru's remote Cordillera Huayhuash on September 14 for what was meant to be a 10-day solo trek — and his family says Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What happened to Jordan Yap in Peru

Yap left his hostel in the trailhead town of Huaraz on September 14 to walk the Huayhuash Circuit alone, telling his family in Melbourne he would be unreachable for the full 10 days. He was due back in time to check into a Huaraz hotel on September 23 and… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Does Peru require a guide for a trek like the Huayhuash Circuit

No. Unlike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which requires a licensed guide and a permit booked months ahead, the Huayhuash Circuit is unregulated high-altitude backcountry — there is no checkpoint, no permit system and no rule stopping a foreign trekker from… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What Nepal requires that Peru doesn't

Nepal moved the other way. Since 2023, independent foreign trekkers have not been permitted into Nepal's trekking regions without a licensed guide, and restricted areas such as Manaslu , Upper Mustang and Nar Phu have required a registered guide for even… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What this means if you're planning a solo trek anywhere

What this means for you A solo trek isn't reckless by itself — plenty of experienced hikers do them safely every year. What actually protects you is a dated itinerary held by someone who will act on it, not a single "I'll be off-grid for 10 days" message… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What to do if a family member goes missing on a trek abroad

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate immediately — DFAT, the FCDO or the State Department, depending on nationality — and file a report with local police in that country at the same time, not one after the other. Ask the embassy directly whether it can… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Manaslu Circuit Trek — 16 Days

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