How to Hire the Best Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal

While many hikers visiting Nepal for trekking pre plan and arrange their trip before reaching the country, those on a lower budget or who wish to experience everything instantly on hand plan on arranging their trip once they are in Nepal. 

Arranging your trip once you are in Nepal is not at all a difficult task, as depending on the route you plan to trek on, you can find lots of trekking companies offering their services in Kathmandu and Pokhara. However if you plan to manage the whole experience on your own, I will still recommend finding an independent trekking guide in Nepal.

There can be several reasons why people often hire independent guides. The main reasons however are either to save money (and by saving I mean lots of it) or to experience survival and endurance skills throughout the trip and manage it as it comes along. Often when trekking companies offer services, people are required to amend their plans according to the settings they have offered or arranged.

Also trekking companies though may even arrange a single guide per trekker, however most of the time; one guide is often seen accompanying a group of maximum 5 trekkers as well. Though many may enjoy the company this grouping offers, however still for a solo experience you can always find an independent trekking guide in Nepal.

If you are planning on hiring an independent trekking guide in Kathmandu or Pokhara, here are some things to consider so that you are better prepared and do not face any problem in the midst of your adventure.

Know That

1  Hiring a guide via your hotel or an agency will always cost more as they charge commissions for arranging their services, however it is recommended to hire a Nepal independent trekking guide through agencies as they can validate their experience, skills, certifications and registrations.

2 Averagely a guide will cost from USD $15 to $30, depending on where you are trekking. Hiring through an agency may hike the price to $30, while finding an independent one may help you find a guide ready to offer services in only $15 a day.

3  Always discuss before hand on either you will be the only trekker with the guide or will there be others as well. Remember more trekkers, means further splitting down the cost of the guide. For example a $30 per day guide will cost you only $10 if two more trekkers go along. However make sure that the guide’s services are limited to 5 trekkers at most only.

4  Make sure the Nepal travel guide you choose is experienced and have travelled the route several times. Also check if he has insurance. This will help in case any unfortunate accident is met along the way.

5  Confirm with trekking permits are included in the package price of a trip spread over days. 

Best Place to Find an Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal

Find trekking guides from places close to your trek trail not only saves you  money of the extra travelling but also makes it easy to find a guide that knows the place better. For example if you are planning to trek to Everest Base camp or the Langtang region, finding a trekking guide in Kathmandu  is a good idea, as treks in these regions start from the capital.

Likewise, if you plan to trek the other trek regions in Nepal including the Annapurna region, looking for a trekking guide in Pokhara is better, as all other trek routes, except Everest and Langtang region start close to this city.