How to Find the Best Local Trekking Guide in Nepal for Every Destination

Why Is It Necessary To Hire A Local Trekking Guide In Nepal?

During the trek, a professional guide always plays a vital role and there is no doubt about it. Any outsider travelling a long distance at a high elevation that takes a minimum of 3 to 4 days to complete with a heavy backpack is not an easy task, especially for one new to the world of nature hikes.

All the ideal trekking trails in Nepal are located in its remote parts and anything can happen at any time in such a place. This is because trekking falls under hard adventure and is about leaving your comfort zone to achieve valuable rewards by daring to take risks.

If you are not a local person, it might be difficult to find the right path even though you have already researched your trekking destination before leaving your country. It does not matter how much you are aware of the location, a new place and environment always make your journey challenging at some point.

Asking locals about anything when you feel confused along the way is one of the options and solutions to your problem during the trek. However, the universal language, English is only common in city areas of the country and not in remote parts. For this reason, you may find the issue of a language barrier in such circumstances.

It will be difficult for both you and them to make things understand. You don't only ask locals for the right way. Even if you are already on track, you still need them to communicate.

When you arrive in the beautiful place of your dreams, you will certainly want to learn more about the site, nature, people and their local culture, etc. If there is a language barrier between you and them, then you will only enjoy the stunning landscapes of the destination you visit but not the other things related to it.

Furthermore, the things that are common in your country are not necessarily common here, leading you to mess up things while you are enjoying your journey because of misunderstanding. As a result, focusing on all these issues during trekking, it is necessary to hire a local trekking guide in Nepal to be on the safe side and make your adventure unforgettable.

When you have a guide leading you all the way, you don't need to worry about anything. They will handle and arrange everything for you during your journey, such as:

• Booking rooms early at tea houses along the route during the peak season to avoid the problem of accommodation getting packed.
• Taking responsibility for your life and belongings.
• Assuring you avoid dangerous zones and handling emergencies.
• Providing you with information regarding every natural beauty you witness along the way like peaks, rivers, lakes, villages, ethnic groups, local culture and traditions, etc. and the history of the destinations.
• Making a conversation with locals easy by translating every word and sentence.

Nepal Trekking Guide Cost

No matter which region or trail you choose for a trek, hiring a local trekking guide in Nepal can make your experience even more memorable like an ice on a cake. They won't let you feel bored during the journey by sharing enough information that you will need to know about the destinations that you are embarking on. Thus, it is worth investing in a guide for your adventure and you will not regret it.

Now, you might be so concerned about their cost per day. Actually, there are several aspects that affect the price. It depends on the trekking destination, journey duration, and the guide's experience.

For a beginner or standard guide, it costs between USD 20 and 30. They are suitable for commercial treks like EBC, ABC,Annapurna Circuit Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, etc. They are basically limited to only one or two languages, such as English and Hindi.

Whereas, on the other side, an experienced guide costs higher than the standard, which is between USD 30 and 40. They have detailed knowledge about health and safety and can speak other languages besides English and Hindi, such as Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. They are perfect for challenging treks like Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Upper Doplo Trek, etc.

For your kind information, hiring a guide for your trekking does not only ensure you will have a great experience. It will also create an employment opportunity for a guide, contributing directly to the local economy and sustainable tourism in the country.

Note: Giving tips to local guides is a typical practice in the country. It is a way of thanking them for their humble service. A tip varies depending on their performance. However, USD 5 to 10 per day is appreciated.

Trekking In Nepal With Local Experts

A nature walk is also considered a therapy for your mental health besides obtaining a memorable experience. It will be much better if you plan to go somewhere for a trek at least once a year either with friends or family or alone. Doing a 9 to 5 regular job brings you only money and work experience in your life but not mental health.

You work and get paid but if you don't take leave for some time, where will you spend your earnings? Trekking at high altitudes is one of the best ways to spend money wisely, as there are several benefits to it that lead you to have better mental health. Some few advantages of trekking are as follows:

• You will meet new people and learn about their language, culture, and traditions, making you a clever person and adjust to any community you visit.
• You will also learn how things work outside your comfort zone and experience hardship.
• You will discover the real beauty of our mother nature while trekking in remote sites such as encountering endangered species, rivers, lakes, mountains, and others, which is not possible to find in the cities.
• You will have strong leg muscles, core, respiratory system, and stamina.

Trekking is never a boring thing and in Nepal, there are A-one trekking destinations that surely meet your expectations which we will discuss in any of the below sections. However, meeting expectations doesn't only depend on the natural beauty of the place you are going for an adventure. Additionally, it varies depending on the trekking agencies or local experts that you choose for your journey.

Trekking with local experts makes your journey hassle-free and memorable. There are numerous local trekking agencies in Nepal located in popular cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. They are all available 24/7 to provide you with an exceptional service.

One of the best in this business in the country is Ammonite Adventure & Treks Pvt. Ltd. in Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has always been successful in making tourists happy with their service.

We have designated trekking packages for every region available at an unbeatable price. In addition, we also provide you with the service of booking only transportation, a porter, and a professional guide if you prefer to spend your money on your own during the trek over the package.

However, the package system is the best option for all, as it includes everything except your personal expenses, a guide and porter tips, travel insurance, and international flight tickets. If you only hire a guide or porter or both for the trek to any destination, you will need to spend the money according to you, which may make your journey costly.

Hence, it will always be wise to go on a trek with a designated package. Doing so will reduce other pressures like hotel booking, vehicle reserving, etc. Especially, in a peak trekking season, it is hard to find proper accommodation along the trail and transportation, which you definitely don't want to face.

Custom Trekking Packages in Nepal

While Nepal is a paradise for trekkers with some of the most breathtaking trails in the world, pre-designed trekking packages offer just one option. A custom trekking package enables a journey of your own interest, relating to your fitness level, and that's perfect for any day of the year.

Whether you are going by yourself, with a group of friends, or with your family, a custom package ensures that your trekking experience is tailored just for you. With a custom trekking package, you can choose your own destination, duration, and difficulty level. You probably want to explore EBC with a few extra rest days or combine the Annapurna Circuit with a visit to the peaceful Tilicho Lake (4,949 m/16,237 ft), the world's highest lake.

There are just too many combinations. You can also decide the type of accommodations based on your budget and desires, namely teahouses for an authentic experience or luxury lodges for ultimate comfort.

Local trekking agencies in Nepal like Ammonite Adventure & Treks have a big role in helping you write a package. They know everything about the trek and can suggest routes according to your interests, like cultural immersion, wildlife spotting, and high-altitude adventures. Moreover, they can help arrange permits, transportation, and porters, making your trip a whole lot easier.

Custom trekking packages are ideal for those wanting a unique and personalized adventure in the Himalayas. Therefore, if your dream of a trek tailored only for you is fulfilled, Nepal will be your destination!

What Do Custom Trekking Packages Include?

Trekking packages customised by us provide various inclusions based on your wish list. Here are some of the more common inclusions:

Accommodation

Counting on your budget and convenience level, this could be teahouses, lodges, or luxury hotels, while some packages even include camping in the middle of nowhere.

Meals

Most packages include meals during the trek, which usually imply local Nepali dishes along with some international cuisine. Special dietary requirements can also be accommodated.

Transportation

Custom packages will often include some form of transportation to and from the trekking trailhead, including domestic flights, private vehicles, or public buses.

Permits And Fees

Trekking in Nepal traditionally necessitates certain permits, including a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS ) card and national park entry fees; these are customarily arranged by the trekking agency like us within the package.

Guides And Porters

Experienced local guides and porters are an essential part of all trekking packages. Besides ensuring your safety, they add much value to your overall experience through their knowledge and expertise.

Optional Activities

Due to the custom nature of many packages, optional activities like sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara, wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, or even paragliding and rafting adventures are often included.

What Are The Top Trekking Destinations In Nepal?

Since Nepal is considered heaven for trekking, there are several destinations available to improve your mental health, enhance your body strength, and make memories. Some top trekking destinations in the country are listed below:

Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal is a peak under the shadow of Nepal's world-famous Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain in the Annapurna region. It towers above sea level with an elevation of 5,587 m (18330.05 ft) and is located in the Kaski district of Gandaki Province in the western development region.

It is an amazing trekking trail leading to Mardi Base Camp with plenty of tea houses on the route to offer accommodation to trekkers. On this journey, an encounter with the Gurung community will present the opportunity to enjoy their diversified culture. The trek is moderately difficult and might take 4-5 days to conclude, depending on the individual pace.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most commercial trekking trails in Nepal, with the world's highest pass as its main point, the Thorong La Pass in the Manang district, falling at an elevation of 5,416 m (17769.03 ft) above sea level. It weaves through three districts in the country: Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang. All three districts are situated in Gandaki Province in the western development region.

Since most trekkers start the trek from Lamjung, it can actually begin in either Lamjung or Manang, ending in Mustang. It is considered moderately difficult. Along this route, tea houses provide accommodation facilities with amenities like hot showers, electricity, a variety of cuisines on the menu, and Wi-Fi.

The trek can take anywhere from 10 to 14 days to complete. The trekkers can explore the famous apple farms in Bhrathang, Manang, and also absorb the scenic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Plus, the trek crosses Gurung communities for interaction.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best substitute for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, passing over the highest Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,106 m (16752 ft). From this point, amazing views of Manaslu (8,163 m/26,782 ft), Manaslu North (7,157 m/23,481), Nagadichuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft), and Himalchuli (7,193 m/23,599 ft) can be enjoyed by any traveller.

The Manaslu, along with the world's other 14 highest peaks, lies in the Gorkha district of the Gandaki Province in the western development region and belongs to the Mansiri Mountain range. The trek typically begins at Soti Khola (710 m/2,329 ft) in Gorkha and ends at Dharapani (1,860 m/6,102 ft) in Manang.

It is quite similar in difficulty, while the duration is longer than the Annapurna circuit, which generally takes 14 days to complete. Travelers on the trek will also experience rich Tibetan-influenced culture along the way.

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is one of the most famous and commercial trekking routes in Nepal. Numerous international tourists visit this trail to enjoy the stunning view of Annapurna I from close quarters.

French mountaineer Maurice Herzog and his expedition team were the first to identify this route on the 1950 French Expedition to Annapurna. He made history on June 3, 1950, climbing the world's first peak over 8,000 meters, and bringing the expedition to the world fore.

The trek is situated in the Kaski district of the same province in the same development region as the above three treks. It sits at 4,130 meters above sea level, and physically trekkers have a few options to start from Jhinu, Ghandruk, and Poon Hill to be flexible in planning the trek route. It is moderate in difficulty and typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete.

ABC is a well-established commercial trek meaning that many tea houses can be found along the main trail offering a comfortable night's stay with hot showers and internet service. Trekking along the way gives experiences of the Gurung community which provides experiences of their culture and cuisine mostly related to the experiences from the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Circuit Treks.

Everest Base Camp Trekking

The quite famous Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek lies on one of Nepal's very famous trekking routes that reaches an altitude of 5,364 m (17,598 ft) above sea level. The dangerous nature of the entire trek makes its completion between 14 to 16 days or even longer.

The final destination is Kala Patthar, at an altitude of 5,555 m (18,225 ft), from which one gets a fantastic view of the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest, soaring at an altitude of 8,848.86 m. It is located in the Mahalangur Range of the mighty Himalayas, and from here, trekkers can watch other high peaks such as Lhotse at 8,516 m, Makalu at 8,485 m, and Cho Oyu at 8,188 m, all from the vantage point of Kala Patthar.

The journey is all located within the Solukhumbu district of Koshi Province. The trekkers will interact with the Sherpa community and experience their culture and traditions.

What Are The Best Trekking Seasons in Nepal?

The best trekking seasons in Nepal are spring and autumn (fall). Spring ranges from March to May and autumn from September to November. These are considered the best time for the reasons and they are listed below:

• The weather is often stable with clear skies, allowing you to witness the stunning views of the Himalayas.
• Days are warm and nights are cool.
• Days are longer than the winter, making you travel comfortably without fear of getting dark early.
• The probability of encountering nature-related problems, such as landslides, floods, heavy snowfall, and heavy rain is very low.
• Offer you the views of glowing wildflowers during spring and lush green landscapes during fall.
• Offer you the chance to learn about the culture and traditions by celebrating together with the locals along the trail. Festivals such as Holi (festival of colour), Nepali New Year, and Buddha Jayanti (Lord Buddha's Birthday) fall in spring, whilst Janai Purnima and the country's biggest festivals (Dashain and Tihar) fall in autumn.
• All the tea houses along the route are open to provide you with the best service in a remote location.

Is It Possible To Trek During Off Season In Nepal?

Winter and Monsoon are considered off-season for trekking in Nepal with December to February falling in Winter and June to August in Monsoon. It is quite unusual to go on a trek to any Himalayan region of the country during these months, due to unstable weather conditions. Below is the breakdown of the off-season and the possibility of trekking in such time:

Monsoon Trekking In Nepal

Nepal faces frequent heavy rainfall during monsoon in most parts of the country with skies mostly remaining unclear, which causes floods in the Terai Region and landslides in the Hilly and Himalayan Regions. Many people lose their lives and property during the rainy season, especially in remote areas.

Additionally, almost all hotel businesses along the trail in any trekking destination also stay close. As a result, even if the route is easy and not that much technical, it will be challenging for you to do an adventure.

The only positive aspect of the rainy season is you will have the opportunity to enjoy the green-lush landscapes. But still, it is not appropriate to go for a trek in remote locations during this time. Plus, you will suffer from leech bites in most parts of the trail while hiking.

All these factors make your journey unnecessarily tough even if it is actually moderate in difficulty. Some extreme adventure seekers dare to trek; however, monsoon trekking in Nepal is almost impossible, especially for first-timers and inexperienced hikers neither we suggest you.

Winter Treks In Nepal

During winter, the temperature is mostly freezing, especially in the morning and at night. In the daytime, the sun is bright most of the time, providing warm rays. Peaks in the Himalayas are also covered with snow, displaying the real view of them.

The only issue is with the cold temperature in the morning and nighttime and sometimes avalanches could also occur at high-altitude locations, but that is the rare case scenario. It doesn't happen most of the time.

Overall, winter treks in Nepal are possible for everyone, even for beginners. All you have to be very concerned about is your clothing, drinking enough water, eating high-calorie foods, taking frequent rest while hiking, and walking pace during trekking in the cold season.

Note: Although the sun often stays up and bright, it's significant to check the weather forecast while mapping out the trek to any region in the country in order to be on the safe side of heaven. It's critical to check even if you're going on a trek during spring and fall, as the weather is unpredictable and can turn bad at any time.