Finding a Trekking Guide in Nepal

Booking In Advance

For travelers booking a guide beforehand, there is a wide range of trekking operators to choose from. Important considerations include group size (do you prefer to trek solo, in a small group, or a large group?), expense, the type of company (local vs. international), and reputation (including references from a past trek). In addition to searching the internet, a number of organizations such as REI and the Sierra Club organize treks in Nepal.

Finding a Guide Upon Arrival in Kathmandu

For those hiring a guide in Kathmandu, there are literally hundreds of guiding services based in Thamel. More than a few days lead time is not required in Kathmandu even during the high seasons. The government has tightened the regulations on the trekking industry and all those based in the tourist district should be fully licensed. A good strategy is to shop around and speak with numerous operators before making a decision. First find a guide you like, and then ask specific questions about the trek (how many times he has completed the trek, details about transportation on both ends, permits, equipment, how many porters will be needed, etc.). If you feel confident about the guide and the operation, you will most likely have a great carefree trek.

Local vs. Western Companies

An important distinction when hiring a guide is between smaller, Nepalese-run organizations and bigger companies based out of western countries. The latter are generally more expensive, take bigger groups, and tend to be more organized. The equipment of the western companies is likely to be uniform and newer, while the local operators have more of a mishmash of gear (which is generally fine). Some of the bigger companies are able to reserve campsites or teahouses ahead based on repeated business, which is difficult for smaller, local guides.

One of the great luxuries in Nepal is hiring your own local guide—this is the most flexible, rewarding, and fun option, and also keeps all of the money spent directly in the local economy. In fact, hiring your own local guide is usually cheaper than trekking in a big group with a western company, but it also requires some legwork to ensure that you are able to find a great guide.