Hire Guide And Porter For Trekking In Nepal

Hire Guide and Porter for Trekking in Nepal

In this blog, we will discuss the details about the importance of hiring a Guide and Porter in Nepal. Also, we will delve into the qualifications and responsibilities of guides and porters, the process of hiring them, and the benefits they bring to trekkers.

Effective from 31 March 2023, the government of Nepal has made it mandatory to hire a licensed Guide for trekking in the mountain region. If the trek requires a permit and a TIMS Card, you can get the permit only through a registered trekking agency. 

This new rule has been implemented for the safety of the trekkers. In case of any mishaps during the trek, immediate rescue operations and medical assistance can be provided with the help of your guide.

Please be aware that under the new rules, any trekker found trekking solo without hiring a licensed guide or without possessing the TIMS card and necessary permits will face punishment and hefty fines. Also, for the trekking agencies that do not provide a Guide and the TIMS card for the trekkers, they will get punishment and hefty fines.

Importance Of a Trekking Guide

While hiring a Guide in Nepal, trekkers believe that the role of the Guide is only to show the navigation. But in reality, the role of the guide is far more than you can imagine. The guide will not only show the navigation but also their role in managing the team, and tea house reservation, explaining cultural nuances, enforcing safety rules, providing emergency assistance if needed, and many more.

The Guide is like a boss when trekking in the Mountain Region. They will be responsible for the smooth and safe journey of the trekkers by equally providing an adventurous experience.

When you see the record of fatalities and injuries, and other kinds of incidents occurring during the trek, the main reasons are solo trekking and not following the safety protocols. Therefore, for the safety of your life and health, it is compulsory to hire a Guide.

In restricted trekking areas like the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley, Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga, or Nar Phu Valley, hiring a guide is not only recommended but also a mandatory requirement for ensuring safety.

Also, in the world-famous trekking destinations like Everest base camp, Annapurna, and Langtang, we suggest you hire a Guide. The incidents of losing a life while trekking with a Guide are very few. So to make your trekking journey safer, comfortable, and adventurous, we strongly recommend you hire both a Guide and trekkers with you.

Importance Of Trekking Porters

Trekking porters are not only porters, but they are the backbone of the tourism industry. Their hard work and unimaginable strength to carry the weight in the difficult terrain are essential for the success of trekking expeditions. No trekking or mountain expedition is possible without a porter. 

Sometimes you can also find the porter who does the job of both porter and the Guide. But during the peak season, it is hard to find the Porter Guide. Porter also has vast knowledge of the terrain, but their English is not as good compared to that professional Guide. 

Hiring the porter will not only help to carry the logistics but also help contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities in remote areas. 

Note: During our tea house trek, our porters normally carry between 20 to 25 kilograms of weight. Each pair of trekkers and one porter will be shared. The porter will carry most of the equipment, but you will need to carry your valuables by yourself.

Also worth reading: Top Short Treks in Nepal

How To Hire a Guide and Porter In Nepal?

Through Trekking Agencies:

Numerous trekking agencies in Nepal provide trekking, sightseeing, climbing, and other services to customers. The trekking agency will provide the full package, which will include a Guide and a porter for you. Therefore, while you go trekking through a travel agency in Nepal, you don’t need to worry about hiring a Guide and a porter. They will manage for you. 

But the main thing you need to know is the right trekking agency. You should not travel through travel agencies that are not registered with the Nepal Tourism Board(NTB). Travel agencies must have a license and active business documents like PAN and VAT.

Independent Guide:

After you land at the Kathmandu International Airport, you may wonder where to find the Guides on your own. The easiest and most suitable place to hire a Guide and Porter is in Thamel. They will be walking on Thamel Street. The main thing that you need to understand while hiring a Guide on your own is not to get into scams.

There is a high chance because many scammers are in Thamel. So, to avoid the risk of getting scammed, always travel through a registered travel agency for your safety and security. Moreover, only hire the independent Guide and the porter if you have known them from the previous trek.

Further Reading: Hiring a Guide and Porter in Nepal

Cost of Hiring a Guide and Porter in Nepal

• Cost of hiring the trekking Guide – USD 25 to 33 per day
• Cost of hiring the expedition Guide – USD 30 to 50 per day(The more challenging and more experienced the guide, the higher the fee may be.)
• Cost of hiring a Potter – USD 20 to 25 per day

Further Reading: Guide and Porter Cost for Trekking in Nepal

How To Choose A Trekking Agency When Hiring a Guide and Porter in Nepal?

• Check for Government Registration
• Read Reviews and Recommendations
• Verify Licences and Permits
• Inquire About Experience
• Inquire about the safety protocols and measures 
• Compare Itineraries and Prices
• Evaluate the agency’s communication and responsiveness to your inquiries
• If possible, visit the trekking agency’s office in person.
• Inquire about the agency’s environmental practices
• If you have any doubts about the agency’s credibility, consider exploring other options.
• Research

What Is Included When Hiring a Guide and Porter From Eco Nepal Trekkers?

Guide Wages:

The package cost covers the guides’ salary for their services throughout the trek. No matter how long your trekking itinerary is you don’t have to pay for the wages of a trekking guide if you hire with us. Also, this service is available in all the trekking places inside Nepal.

Insurance:

Our guides are covered by insurance, providing them with necessary protection in case of accidents or emergencies during the trek. So while hiring the guide and the porter with the Eco Nepal Trekkers, you don’t have to worry about their insurance.

Accommodation and Meals for Guide and Porter:

The package includes provisions for the guide and porter’s accommodation and meals during the trek. Trekkers don’t need to pay anything extra except what is included in the package.

Permits and Fees:

The package may cover permits and fees required for trekking in certain regions or national parks.

What Is Excluded When Hiring a Guide and Porter From Eco Nepal Trekkers?

Tips:

Guide and porter hiring from Eco Nepal Trekkers will not include tips. The appreciation after completing the trek is entirely dependent on the trekkers. Trekkers are responsible for providing tips based on their level of service and your interests. Even though after completing the trek, it is not mandatory to provide tips to the guide and porter, we suggest you give some tips.

Transportation or flight fare to and from the trailhead (if required):

Depending upon the situation and the conditions, the transportation and flight fare must be paid by the trekkers. To confirm you can check with us.

Why Hire a Guide And Porter With Eco Nepal Trekkers?

We, Eco Nepal Trekkers, are a recognized trekking agency in Nepal with extensive experience in this industry. We ensure that all of our guides hold Nepalese government licenses. They have received extensive training to improve their skills and prepare them for a variety of trekking obstacles.

Our Guide has a deeper knowledge of the terrain, weather, and local people living in the mountain region. We strive to give all our clients a memorable trip during their visit to Nepal. Our guides are not only friendly but also proficient in the English language, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout your trekking journey.

By choosing our trekking agency, you will be in safe hands. Your safety and happiness matter to us. Additionally, our guide and porter work as a team and are committed to making your trekking experience in Nepal unforgettable.

Read Related article:

• Hire a Guide and Porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Hire a Guide and Porter for Langtang Valley Trek: Know Everything
• Hire a Guide and Porter for the Everest Base Camp Trek
• Guide and Porter Hire for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Conclusion

Hiring a Guide and porter for your trekking adventure provides invaluable support, ensuring safety, convenience, and the opportunity to fully enjoy the journey. A guide and porter will help you make your journey successful and without the burden of carrying heavy loads. 

Their assistance enhances the overall experience, allowing trekkers to focus on the breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion while navigating the trails with ease. Also, while trekking through the national park areas and restricted areas, it is compulsory to hire a Guide not only for safety but also to avoid the punishment and hefty fines.