Hire a Guide and Porter while Trekking in Nepal | Guide and Porter Cost 2024-2025
Hire a Guide and Porter while Trekking in Nepal | Guide and Porter Cost 2024-2025
Trek with a registered guide to make your Himalayan journey a safer destination...
Updated on Mar 15, 2024
Planning for NEPAL TREKS AND TOURS, but worried about how to hire a Trekking Guide and Porter. This blog will help you to know how to choose your perfect destination and how to make your trip risk-free while being in Nepal.
Trekking to Nepal is an adventurous journey, as the country covers 76% of its land with hills and the Himalayas. With the magnificent view of snow-capped mountains, Nepal holds the highest 8 Peaks above 8000+ Meters, out of 14.
Now, the questions arise, how to trek the Himalayas. The Himalayas of Nepal are the least populated areas and trekking without a guide or porter is one of the main risk-oriented ideas trekkers hold.
Every year number of trekkers are found missing when they choose to trek independently, This is mainly due to unpredictable weather conditions, selection of the wrong trail, communication barrier with the locals, lack of communication with the rescue operation team, etc.
Hence, it is highly recommended to trek with an authorized trekking and tour operating agency to make your trek successful.
Table of Contents
WHY HIRE A GUIDE AND PORTER IN NEPAL
Guide and Porter are the backbones for the Himalayan treks, they are the ones who help travelers with navigation. Their assistance throughout the trek helps you to understand the real Himalayas. There are numerous benefits for trekkers while heading with a guide.
The expertise of Guide:
Your Guide will help you to know about the local culture, customs, lifestyle, and history of a particular region. They will take you to places and areas where you would have missed trekking independently.
They are the ones who are familiar with the areas and locals, and their expertise will make your trip a memorable one. Every day hiking with someone who assists you with the local culture and history will be awesome.
Safety and Security:
The second most important benefit of having a guide is related to your safety. Trekking with a registered guide helps you throughout the trek. They will help you to reserve a room at a high altitude along with guiding you through the right trail.
In times of landslide or blockage of the trail due to unforeseen circumstances, they will guide you through the alternative trail.
Trekking is always a difficult task, there may be many unforeseen incidents waiting, this could be altitude sickness, bad weather, and difficult terrain. A guide can help you to overcome this, they are well-trained and can handle any situation if it arises. Additionally, they can work with the locals in times of emergency rescue. Hence, a professional guide will ensure your protection.
Handling logistic support:
Numerous factors support an easy way to trek in the Himalayas. Apart from the guide, you will need to manage Transportation, Permits, Tickets, Accommodation, Food, etc.
Professional trekking guides have contacts with the tea house and hotels on the trail and are familiar with them. During the trekking season, finding a room to spend a night will be a nightmare. They are the ones who will help with booking accommodation during the trek and figure out the right distance between the camps.
Navigation through the right trail:
Trekking in the Himalayas needs much carefulness, as the higher altitude is an open area, and trails are diverted to different routes. Villages rarely do exist and finding someone to ask about the trail is difficult.
This is the reason why every year numerous trekkers lose the right trail and their safety is endangered. Thus, the government of Nepal has restricted and does not recommend solo trekkers in the Himalayas. This is for safety reasons.
Having a guide will help you to navigate through the right trail, they know the areas and are familiar with the alternative routes in time of need. This helps trekkers to reach their destination safely
Helps to communicate with locals:
Although Nepal is a small country in terms of area, 140 different ethnic communities are living together and 123 different languages are spoken throughout. This makes Nepal a diverse land.
Every ethnic community has its area of origin, which makes it difficult for trekkers to communicate with the locals.
Having a guide will assist in communicating with the locals and will let you know how to show respect towards their culture. They will help you to be close to the locals to understand their culture and tradition and work as a bridge to cope with the language barrier.
Exploration:
Trekking in the mountain is not a mere hike, it is an exploration and excursion of the nature, culture, and customs of locals as well. Independent trekkers miss lots of beautiful palaces and they rarely explore the tradition.
A guide will help you to know about the locals and their culture. They will take you to those places that a solo trekker will miss.
Apart from this, your guide will explain the diversity of nature and customs and has lots of stories to tell you.
How to hire a trekking guide and porter for the Nepal trek?
Hiring a Guide and Porter in NEPAL FOR TREKS is not a difficult task, however, you need to make sure those are registered under the government of Nepal. Nepal government is the only institution that grants a license to the Trekking and Tour Guide, after months of training.
Upon your arrival in Nepal, there will be many street agents who work on a commission basis and arrange unprofessional trekking guides and porters. These agents can be seen at the airport and also in Thamelor at your hotel, beware of the scammer.
Make sure to have a registered guide and porter for your safety and theirs too, and make sure that they have been to the concerned trek before. They must be registered guides and must have insurance for trekking.
An unprofessional guide will be one of the worst ideas to take for trekking, they might offer you a low price for their service and might make your entire trip a terrible memory.
Thus, to avoid all these scams of street hawkers, always book your entire trip through a REGISTERED TREKKING AGENCY or at least make sure your guide and porters are through a registered agency that takes responsibility for Guides and Porters.
The registered agency works for their reputation, they have huge sums of money deposited to the government for operating their service. This guarantees your safety and security of money and also of your being, and in case any accidental damage occurs to the guide and porter, you will not have to bear the burden of theirs.
Their Guides and Porters are insured and in times of emergency, they act quickly through the government agency. This benefits trekkers in many ways.
Types of Guide and Porter in Nepal
Trekking Guide
Trekking Guides are experts in many ways and are well-trained with the trail, first-aid, high altitude sickness, and locals, and have deep knowledge about the areas/region you are heading to. They are registered by the government of Nepal and work as full-time guides and are sure to have trekked those areas numerous times.
Moreover, they are good with communication skills and can easily communicate with the trekkers in the language a trekkers prefers to speak. However, ask your agency about any required language you would prefer a guide to speak, apart from English.
Normally, all the trekking guides will speak English which is the first language in the tourism industry. Despite this, you will be able to have a guide who can speak other international languages apart from English.
Porter Cum Guide
Porter Cum Guide is the second way to hire an assistant for your trek, they are registered under the government and have basic training in first aid, and altitude symptoms. Apart from this, their language will be comparatively poor, and are not experts in the history, religion, culture, and customs of locals compared to Trekking Guide, so they will guide you through the basic knowledge.
In the context of Nepal, the first way to start the tourism profession is through working as a porter for a couple of years and then being promoted to Porter Cum Guide, when they are familiar with the trail.
Finally, when their barrier in language is broken and gain knowledge about the history, culture, religion, etc. they can apply for the Trekking Guide course. However, when they work as Porter Cum Guide, they will carry the nominal luggage of trekkers as well.
Porter
Porter is the first stage of tourism professionals, they do not need to be license holders and rarely speak international languages. They work to carry the luggage of trekkers while trekking. So, you cannot expect them to know the locals, culture, history, religion, etc.
However, they are familiar with the trail and can handle the logistic support. They carry around 15-18 kg of trekkers.
Trekking Guide and Porter Cost in Nepal
Cost for Trekking Guide, Porter Cum Guide, and Porter and Tour Guide are determined by the TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) and TURGAN (Tourist Guide Association of Nepal) respectively.
They are registered under the Nepal Tourism Board and work for monitoring, guiding, regulating safety and security, and any mischievous activities against the guide and porter. They are the one who regulates nominal remuneration layout guidance to all the agencies and works accordingly.
NOTE: The above Per Day Salary of the TREKKING GUIDE, PORTER CUM GUIDE, and PORTER includes four regions/areas of Nepal, namely ANNAPRUNA, LANGTANG, MANASLU, and EVEREST.
If you want to hire a GUIDE or PORTER to the other regions/areas of Nepal or if you want a language-specific guide apart from English, please contact your authorized agency Discover Altitude.
City Tour Guide Cost in Nepal
City Guides also known as Tour Guides are highly professional academics in their field. They are trained intensively in every field by an authorized government institution NATHM. They have deep knowledge of history, culture, religion, geography, and even trekking trails.
Their intensive knowledge in every sector will broaden in understanding the entire Nepal at a glance for travelers. Thus, they are also known as the true ambassador of the Nepal Tourism Sector.
With a minimum qualification of graduation, Tour Guides speak multiple international languages, and for travelers, this helps in understanding the culture and religion through their native ways. How much a Tour Guide costs in Nepal is also determined by the language and number of travelers.
NOTE: Regardless of No. of Pax and language, Overnight Remuneration of the Tour Guide is USD 35.
Trekking Guide Cost for Annapurna Region Trek
ANNAPURNA REGION is one of the popular trekking destinations for travelers and has always been the best choice for trekkers. Above all, Annapurna is one of the diverse regions with numerous trails leading one to different areas of Annapurna.
Trekking to the Annapurna region mainly starts either from Beshisahar or Pokhara and covers a wide range, till Tibet. However, trekking to the bordering areas of Tibet requires SPECIAL PERMITS.
Regular Guide Salary for Annapurna Region
35 USD for 1-3 Trekkers
40 USD for 4-6 Trekkers
50 USD for 6-10 Trekkers
60 USD for 11 & above
For Porter, it costs USD 25 Per day, and transportation in a public bus will be extra for the Guide and Porter to the starting destination.
EVEREST REGION is yet another dream destination for trekkers but is a challenging trek. Everest is the region from where trekkers will be able to explore the 4 different 8000+ meters peaks including Mount Everest.
Trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest requires stamina and guidance due to its altitude. There are different packages for EVEREST TREK according to the trekkers' choice. However, the most common is the 12-DAY TREK.
Regular Guide Salary for Everest Region Trek
35 USD for 1-3 Trekkers
40 USD for 4-6 Trekkers
50 USD for 6-10 Trekkers
60 USD for 11 & above
For Porter, it costs USD 25 per day and can be arranged from Lukla (Starting Point). However, if you want to have a guide from Kathmandu, it will cost an extra USD 115 for Guide airfare.
CAN WE HIRE A GUIDE OR PORTER FROM LUKLA FOR THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
Hiring a Guide or Porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek or any area of the Everest Region is possible for trekkers from Lukla. However, this has to be selected carefully, following all the measurements and precautions.
Always make sure your Guide or Porter is a professional, has been trekking frequently, is familiar with the trail, and can act accordingly in time of emergency. They need to be familiar with the lodges and tea houses of the trail and can book those.
Their physical condition must be given importance as well because if in case some medical issue arises with the Guide or Porter trekkers who have hired the Guide or Porter are responsible. So, always make sure they are medically insured for the trek.
Figuring all this is not an easy step, thus, always make sure when you hire a Guide or Porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek, always go through the RESPONSIBLE REGISTERED AGENCY. They have Guide and Porter working for them for years and they make sure their trekking staff are insured and are responsible as well.
Having such a Guide or Porter from the Registered Agency will secure trekkers. They will make sure you are safe during the entire trial and will be more responsible for your safety.
Everest Base Camp Trek from LUKLA
Lukla is the gateway to Everest Base Camp and this falls under the Everest Region. The first landing and exit point to the entire Region is Lukla which is a small town mainly inherited by the local Sherpa community following Buddhism as their main religion.
The best, shortest, and easiest way to Trek Everest Base Camp is to follow the trail through the LUKLA and descend through the LUKLA. This makes the trek a 9-day journey to the Base Camp of Mont Everest from Lukla to Lukla (Both Ways) comfortably.
Following this trail will save a couple of days in your schedule. However, if trekkers have a limited number of days an alternative option will be to descend by Helicopter from Gorakshep.
Below is the Itinerary for the Everest Base Camp From LUKLA:
Day 1: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding or Monjo
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Trek to Tengbuche
Day 4: Trek to Dingbuche
Day 5: Trek to Lobuche
Day 6: Trek to Gorakshep and Day Tour to Everest Base Camp
Day 7: Hike to Kalapatthar (Optional) and Descend to Pheriche
Day 8: Descend to Namche Bazaar
Day 9: Descend to Lukla
Day 10: Early morning flight to Kathmandu
COST OF TREKKING GUIDE IN THE LANGTANG REGION TREK
Langtang is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu. Trekkers need to drive to the Starting Point of Sabrubesi or Dhunche and the trek can either end at the starting point making a circuit of the Langtang region or can end up in Sundarijal, Kathmandu.
LANGTANG TREK is a moderate trek and for first-time hikers, this is the most recommended trail. Apart from breathtaking views of the Himalayas, there are numerous snow-melt lakes, and Goshainkunda Lake is one of the most popular.
Inhabited mainly by the Tamang community, Langtang is famous for its diverse vegetation, flora, and fauna.
Regular Guide Salary for Langtang Region Trek
35 USD for 1-3 Trekkers
40 USD for 4-6 Trekkers
50 USD for 6-10 Trekkers
60 USD for 11 & above
For Porter, it costs USD 25 Per day and transportation in a public bus will cost extra for Guide and Porter.
Documents Required for Langtang Region Trek
TIMS Card: Rs 2000
Langtang National Park Permit: Rs 3000
COST OF TREKKING GUIDE IN THE MANASLU REGION TREK
Manaslu is a popular off-the-beaten trail in Nepal because parts of the trekking trail fall under restricted areas. This makes the trek a bit expensive as compared to other areas in Nepal. Trekkers will need to have a special permit from the Department of Immigration Nepal through an authorized trekking agency only.
As the region is least populated, the trail remains low crowded and fewer trekkers prefer the lonely trail. If you prefer fewer trekkers or a low crowd on the trail, MANASLU TREK will be a perfect choice.
Regular Guide Salary for Manaslu Region Trek
35 USD for 2-3 Trekkers
40 USD for 4-6 Trekkers
50 USD for 6-10 Trekkers
60 USD for 11 & above
For Porter, it costs USD 25 Per day and transportation in a public bus will cost extra for Guide and Porter.
Restricted Area Permits: USD 100 (September-November) for a week-long period and USD 15 for every additional day. USD 75 (December-August) for a week-long period and USD 10 for every additional day.
DO I NEED TO PAY SERVICE CHARGES TO THE AGENCY FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF A GUIDE/PORTER
No, we do not charge any Service Charge for arranging Guide and Porter. Guide and Porter are professional and work for a maximum of 8 months, as this is regarded as the peak tourism season in Nepal.
We as an agency, always want to make sure our Guides and Porters remain busy for this peak season so that they can earn and save something for the rest of the months for themselves and their families.
This helps us to keep them busy with their profession, to ensure that they do not escape the tourism industry due to insecurity in their profession. This we learn after the COVID pandemic.
ARE MY GUIDES AND PORTERS INSURED DURING THE TREK
Yes, all the guides and porters from DISCOVER ALTITUDE TREKS are insured with a sum of almost USD 10,000. This helps them to feel safe while trekking and if any unforeseen incidents occur, they/their family have something to continue their life with some alternative.
We make sure our guide is safe during the trek and help them to participate in numerous trainings organized by the Tourism Board, NMA, TAAN, etc. related to high altitude, rescue, first aid, compass reading, etc.
Guide and Porter official insurance policy
CONCLUSION
We always welcome travelers to Nepal for different activities of their interest. This helps in boosting the economy of our country and also the people. There are thousands of people directly or indirectly related to the Tourism Industry.
Furthermore, we also recommend travelers have a professional Guide and/or Porter for their trek. This helps you to know the real Nepal and also helps for your safety. Apart from this, your small support will be a great asset for a guide and porter who works as a professional.
Moreover, we want you to take a wonderful memory back home and tell your near and dear ones about the beauty of Nepal.
Kumar Lamsal
Kumar is one of the Co-founders and Managing directors of Discover Altitude holding 18 years of experience in the tourism sector of Nepal. He has trekked to almost all the popular regions of Nepal and is an authorized trekking and tour guide.
Started his career as a porter to support his study, now holds MPhil and LLB degree, and is doing his Ph.D. in religious studies. He loves traveling to the Himalayas and has deep knowledge about religion, culture, and history.
Kumar is also involved in the teaching sector as a part-timer to deliver his research related to the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal and is the one who mostly answers your queries giving them his personal touch through his decade-long experience.
