Hiring Guides Porters in Lukla

Hire Guide and Porter from Lukla for Local Empowerment and Sustainable Eco Tourism!

Hiring trekking Guides and Porters in Lukla for Everest Base Camp is a safe, cost-efficient, and flexible way of making your journey. The Guide not only leads you on the trekking trail but also arranges accommodation and food for you. Moreover, he/she is a good friend of yours in the Himalayas and acts as a guardian; interacts with local people regarding weather forecasts, and makes sure of the current condition of the trail. We at Nepal Mother House Treks insure well-equipped Guides and Porters while you hire them from Lukla and they are insured according to Nepal’s Government rules. recently, the Tourism Board of Nepal informed the press, "Trekkers no Longer Trek in Nepal without a Guide", It believes that the new provision will help to create more jobs for the Guide and porters, which will indirectly help to run their families and great support for the School Children's bright future. Likewise, the trekkers are safer while trekking in such high Himalayas and get the right information about culture, people's livelihood, and trekking trails.

However, according to the Local Government of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; the New provision of NTB is not implemented in the Everest Region Trek. Trekkers can go without a Guide and porter on Everest Base Camp Trek, and other treks although, they may hire a Guide and porter for their safety and more pleasant.

A Guide usually carries his bag pack and carries your belongings things by the porter. Besides that, the guide will tell you about religious faith, tales, information about temples/monasteries, geography, vegetation, and wildlife, teach you the Nepali language, and share culture and festival values. For more the ten people in a group will provide an assistant guide who is job title known as SHERPA; during the peak season if a phone network is not available, he will run ahead in the morning to secure accommodation and will assist you in carrying your day pack while struggling, and any needy situation. The assistant Guide/Sherpa looks after logistics; registers your name details in each check post, reconfirms and organizes your all transport whether go by bus or plane, orders meals liaises directs the porter, etc. For the small group below eight to ten people, all the work will be done by the Guide.

Hiring Trekking Guide Vs. Porter-Guide Vs. Porter in Lukla

While trekking in Khumbu Region, if you already visited Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek would be best for the next adventure test in the high Himalayas, or you may visit the Gokyo Valley to enchant your soul in the tranquil lakes and surrounded nature harmony. Before making a decision either hire a Guide or Porter or Porter-Guide; it is best to understand the difference between their job titles.

Trekking Guide Hire from Lukla

A trekking guide is only qualified when they have participated 5 weeks-long theoretical and practical training courses organized by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), and he or she should be 10+2 academic level or equivalent with 2 years of working experience in a registered trekking agency or S.E.E. academic level graduation with 3 years field experience from the registered trekking agency of Nepal or if his academic qualification does not meet the standard then he/she should be complete Trekking Porter Guide Training from NATHM with 4 years experience in Nepal’s trekking agency. A certified professional Trekking Guide has good communication skills and tackles every condition occurring in the mountains. As they are experts in the region, they have good relations with tea houses, hotels, air ticketing agencies, transportation agencies, and porters to manage things. The Guide will give you more information they can about trekking trails, local culture, lifestyle, norms, and values, he describes the main attraction of tourists in the town and introduces the mountain peaks. He/She helps to get in the permits line for you, ensure safety, and handle crises.

A guide will also help you to acclimatize your body and educate you on how to avoid altitude sickness using his first aid skills. If you are interested in learning some of the most important Nepalese words and phrases then the guide will teach you some sentences of words that would be useful for every day. Nowadays, you can get various Guides who specialize in culture, climbing, wildlife, food, bird watching, etc. But you need to inform them a couple of months before hiring them, as they are just a few, and guides can be expensive and hard to find at once.

The cost of the Guide hired from Lukla for the Everest Base Camp Trek will be dissimilar according to their experience, expertise, and language skills.

Cost of hiring a guide from Lukla: USD 25 to 30 (Includes wages, food, and lodging)

Porter-Guide / Assistant Guide Hire from Lukla

A Porter Guide is someone who will help to carry your bag up to 10 kg and lead you along the trails in the mountains. Sometimes, Porter-Guide is known as the Porter Come Guides or Guide Come Porter. Normally, they are joining with you at the trailheads as they are from the local area. All Porter Guides have not achieved certificates and training from Government authorities due to a lack of academic qualifications however, they are very experienced in finding trekking trails. They can help you to get trekking permits and check in and out the permits. The Porter Guide has inefficient communication ability and limited first-aid skills although they have a well-mannered guiding capacity. Nevertheless, in any emergency cases and any injuries or arranging a rescue, they will be ready to help you. Trekkers who are enthusiastic to see nature's beauty without losing the trekking trail and don’t care widely information can be hiring Porter-Guide from Lukla for your Trip to Everest. To fulfill various trekkers’ requirements, the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) provides training courses for the Porter-Guide. Those who have basic communication skills in any one international language with 2 years of working experience in the trekking field as a porter or S.E.E. Pass academically qualified candidate can participate Porter-Guide fifteen-day course.

Here is the Cost of hiring a Porter-Guide in Lukla: USD 25 to 30 per day (Includes wages, food, and lodging)

Hiring a Porter in Lukla

Porters are very essential for the trekking industry; the journey cannot be complete without their support. They are responsible for carrying food and supplies in the mountains. Mostly, the Porters speak only their mother tongue as well as the Nepali Language. Some porters can communicate in English very limited but they are professional to carry your luggage the entire trek. A porter is hired not just to carry your loads; although he will be a paired partner during the needy situation.

While hiring a porter, you are not just supporting a person porter; you will also increase the number of children going to school. Providing jobs a Porter is a great contribution to the local economy and empowers the locals. Normally, in the tea house basic trek mode, a porter will carry up to 25 kilograms plus his gear almost 30 Kg carrying the load from one place to another place for the night stop on the track. A porter generally carries backpacks of two trekkers in baskets or tight together by rope and strap on his head. As they carry heavy loads, usually walk at their own pace without communication with the trekkers, and live overnight at porter shelters. Usually, the Guide arranges the porter and manages the bags.

Mostly, the independent porters at Lukla are not well equipped nor get insurance. So, we do not recommend you hire porters on your own in Lukla. If in case you need to hire them, you may contact the hotel's owner in Lukla talk to your Guide, or email us at Nepal Mother House Treks.

Cost of hiring a Porter from Lukla: USD 20 to 25 per day (Includes wages, food, and lodging) except Everest Three Passes Trek. 23 to 25 USD Per day Charge for the Everest 3 Passes Trek.

5 Most Popular Treks in the Everest Region

1. Everest Base Camp Trek -14 Days
2. Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back Helicopter -9 Days
3. Everest 3 Passes Trek -21 Days
4. Everest Base Camp Trek -8 Days
5. Gokyo Chola Pass Trek -19 Days

Cost Detail to Hire a Guide and Porter in Everest Trek

Find the cost of hiring professional a guide, Guide cum Porter and experienced Porter in Everest Regions for various Trekking Routes.

*Note: Government VAT, Tax, Office service charge, Guide, and Porter Insurance are Subject to the cost.

Some FAQ

Q. Will Our Guide and Porter Speak Fluent English?

# As we are a trekking tour agency based in Nepal, we have fluent English-speaking experienced Guides, most of whom are from the local area. To be a Guide, they need to participate in a weeks-long Trekking Guide training organized by the Nepal Government. During this training; they study theoretical and practical courses about Culture, History, sociology, anthropology, tourism, hospitality, Language, hiking, climbing, environment, etc. I mean they are experienced in any trekking area in Nepal and able to tackle any circumstance.

Q. What Will be The Price if We Only Hire a Guide and Porter But Arrange Our Own Transport?

# Sure! You can organize your transport and Guide and Porter Hire Service can get from Lukla. Normally the porter cost is 23 to 25 per day, but we can offer you 23 USD per day. And Guide for just 30 USD per day.

Q. Guide English - How Well Does the Guide Speak English?

# Well! Our Guides are Government license holders (completed 5 weeks long training provided by the Government of Nepal), so he/ she is good enough English for the Guiding and can solve all problems during trekking. They know high altitude sickness symptoms, mediation uses, how to prevent AMS, and others about culture, history, religion, locals, etc. The guides can tackle the problem on the trip and other necessities. If we back on their history, our clients are fully satisfied with them.

Q. If We Get Stuck in Lukla Due to Bad Weather, Do We Need to Pay For a Guide and Porter for The Delayed Days?

# I am sure, you will choose one of the best trekking times, normally September to November in the autumn, and mid-March, April, and May in the Spring season is one of the best seasons for the EBC Trek. However, if we flashback to the last few years, the first week of October remains rainy due to post monsoon effect. The weather system has been changing due to the global warming effect. So, we at Nepal Mother House would like to recommend the second week of October and later on till December. Hope you won’t be facing this kind of situation, if in case you are stuck in Lukla, then you do not have to pay them extra. When the trek ends, their duty is over, and ready to do some other jobs.

The good thing for you is, nowadays you don't need to wait and wait for several days for the weather to fly back to Kathmandu. For a 4 to 5-hour walk from Lukla, you will get to Thamdanda, from where you can get the regular jeep drive back to Kathmandu. Drive Thamdanda to Kathmandu by Jeep very long drive 12 to 14 hours or more depending on road conditions. Although, it is the best way to get back to Kathmandu. Likewise, if the weather is not favorable then you can drive by jeep from Kathmandu to Lukla (Thamdanda).

Q. What is The Tipping Practice for Guides and Porters after the Trek?

# Well, the Tips are not things that are fixed, it depends on every trekker and according to the trekking region. How much you are impressed by the Guide and Porter’s services and their behavior? Normally, it says 15 % of your total payments. You can give them from your inner heart. But for an idea, you can give them approximately 90-100 USD or above for a porter and 100- above USD for a Guide depending on how much you are pleased with services during your Everest Base Camp Trek.

Q. Can we get Extra Porters from Lukla to EBC and back to Lukla to Carry Personal Gear? How Much Is The Payment For This Personal Porter?

# Regarding the extra porter; at this cost, I will provide a porter between two people. A porter will carry 25 to 30 Kg max, including his 3 to 5 kg own gear. Normally, 1 porter for 2 people will be sufficient for the Everest Base Camp Trek. But, If you would like to hire an extra porter, then I am pleased to organize it for you, The cost will be USD 20 per day for each porter.

Q. Do we have to Pay for Guide/Porter Flight Tickets to Lukla?

# No, you don’t have to pay, since our porters and guides are already in Lukla, they are local from the Khumbu region. As your trek begins from Lukla and is again completed in Lukla Airport, as soon as finish the trek, our Guides and porters are ready to go with other Guests. But, if you choose the Everest Base Camp Trek Package to include a Guide and porters, then a Guide comes from Kathmandu, and the flight cost is already covered in the package.

Q. How do we Find Guide and Porter in Lukla?

# After you sign up for your trip with us at Nepal Mother House Treks, we provide your details information (Name, Country, Contact Number) to our guide and porter. They will be holding your nameplate on paper at the Lukla airport arrival terminal to pick you up. Likewise, we will provide you name details of our Guide and porters and contact numbers as well.

Q. Is it true that solo trekking is banned in Nepal? The news said that it's effective from April 1st-2023. So what about trekkers wanting to trek solo before April 1st, Are they banned too?

# Well, Solo Trek is not a band in Nepal but it is mandatory to take a Guide in a group. If you start trekking before the 1st of April, you can go without a Guide. However, this rule gives you authentic information regarding culture, tradition, and updated information on trails, which makes you more safety during the trek, and indirectly you support the children to go to school and make their bright future provide the job for the Guide and porters. For more details kindly, go through trekkers who are no longer allowed to trek without a guide in Nepal.

Q. When do you need to book Guide and Porter? Is it possible to book on the same day?

# Well, as we are a local trekking company, it is possible to book Guide and Porter on the same day whereas possible. However, we are always concerned about making your trip a lifetime experience with an experienced local porter and professional Guide per your requirements, so it would be best to book Guige and a porter from Lukla a few days before than trip on your departure date. Sometimes, during the trekking peak time, they might already be fixed to the trek with other groups and some guides do the trekking as a seasonal job only for the trekking main season, so Guide and porter need to walk for one day to few days to get to Lukla from their home place. So, you are suggested to book a Guide and porter as soon as early.

Q. I just have a question regarding hiring porters and guides. Firstly, is it possible to hire porters without guides? 

# Yes, it is possible. You can hire just a porter also. There is a new provision from the Nepal Tourism Board about Trekking in Nepal mandatory a Guide or porter, which is going to be effective on 1st-April-2-23. I am glad to organize a porter and Guide also. For more details kindly, go through the link.

However, according to the Local Government of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality; the new provision of NTB is not implemented in the Everest Region Trek. Trekkers can go without a Guide and porter on Everest Base Camp Trek, and other treks although, they may hire a Guide and porter for their safety and more pleasant.

Q. Also, with the hiring of a guide or porter, is there freedom to do side trails or explore the surrounds or is it a set itinerary - i.e., can we make our own itinerary?

# Yes, The trek itinerary will be flexible according to your requirements; would like a side trip and stay more days in the same place. However, we are not recommending that the isolated are just you due to safety concerns, you need to go with Guide/Porter. They know the trail much better.

Q. Can you explain this more? (step-by-step) For example, is it: Kathmandu Airport to Ramechappa Airport by shuttle/van? , then flight to Lukla?

# Due to the air traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the Lukla Flight will be conducted from Manthali Airport at Ramechhap during Trekking peak season (March, April, May, and October, November) which is 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. For more details kindly go through the link: https://www.nepalmotherhousetreks.com/blog/flight-from-ramechhap-to-lukla
So, the flight cost to Lukla from Ramechhp will be 157 to 165 USD for a single way. And drive to Ramchhap, you can get a local bus or share a bus from Kathmandu, the cost will be about USD 20 to 35 depending on what kind of transport you are using.

Q. Who booked the flight to Lukla?

# Regarding the flight booking; you may find an online search or any travel agency in Nepal. If you need help organizing Lukla's Flight tickets, we are more than happy to organize them for you.

Q. When booking the Lukla flights, which airline would you recommend for the best safety record (and which airline would you avoid)?

# As there are few airline companies, who are operating the Lukla flight. You could book flight tickets a few months before your arrival in Nepal. Regarding the airline's recommendation; all the aircraft will be up-to-date and checked by expert engineers before every flight and the pilot has long experience in this area and is familiar with the weather in this high mountain. Normally, there is not any specific airline recommended, however, according to our experience and our Guest feedback, one of the most reputable airlines for Lukla flights is Tara Air. It has two crafts for Lukla's flight every day. They are known for their commitment to safety and have a good track record.

The good thing about the Lukla flight, the camera was installed on route to Kathmandu to Lukla flight on the first week of September, by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) in coordination with the National Innovation Center. This helps to recognize the Lukla weather before the flight much better for the Lukla flight.

However, the safety records of airlines can change over time, so I recommend checking the most recent information and reviews from fellow trekkers or travel agencies. You can also consult your trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara for their recommendations on safe and reliable airlines for Lukla flights.

Keep in mind that weather conditions in the Himalayan region can be unpredictable, and flights may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons, regardless of the airline you choose. Always prioritize safety over convenience when planning your trek to Lukla.

Q. Is it possible the Trek From Lukla Gokyo Chola Pass and Everest Base Camp together...?

# As you know autumn Mid of September to November and spring (March to May) are the best times for the Nepal trip. However, it can be done in the winter season on good weather days, but as you need to Cross the Pass with 5416 meters at Cho La Pass, our Guide will consult with locals and make a decision. If in case, it is not possible, then you can take an alternative route to visit the Gokyo Valley via Phorche village. But am sure you can do the Everest Base camp trek in winter too.

Q. A permit is also required, can you organize this? 

# Yes, for the Gokyo Lakes Trek, you need 3 different permits;

1.  Local Government fee of Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality
2. TIMS Cards (Trekkers Information Management System) 
3. Sagarmatha National Park Entry permit. 

To make those permits we need your Passport photocopy with a valid visa entire trekking, 1 Copie of passport-size photos, and travel insurance for evacuation cover if in case you need it during the trek.

Q. What difference does it make in terms of price if it is also a carrier/porter?

# Normally, a Porter and Guide cost is 25 USD and 30 USD respectively per day however we would offer you only 23 USD  and 25 USD per day for most of the trekking routes in Everest. This covers Guide, porter wages, Meals, and Accommodation. However, the Everest Cho La ass and Everest 3 Passes Trek charges USD 25- 35 USD and 23 - 30 per day for a Guide and a porter respectively.

Plus, USD 40 for a Guide Insurance and Office Service charge (10%) and VAT (13%) is subject to the cost. ++ will additional cost.

**Note:Regarding the office service charge will be USD 100 for 2 trekkers in a group and 45-100 USD per person if the group size is more than 3 people at one time for up to 10 Days trek, however, it depends on the difficulty level of the trek and trek duration.

Q. Are these different charges? What is the 10% service charge for? Also, what office services do you provide that cost USD100 to do? (this seems like a big extra charge)

# Either 10% +13 %  on it or USD 100. Do not add both.

Q. How much is the transport charge from Kathmandu airport to Ramechahhap Airport, one way?

# It will be USD 180 to 200 from Kathmandu to Lukla including drive transport. 

Q. How much is the transport charge from Kathmandu airport to Ramechahhap Airport, one way?

# It will be USD 180 to 200 from Kathmandu to Lukla including drive transport.

Q. I like your quick replies and good information, so I will recommend your company to my hiker friends.

# Thank you very much for your email and your words to recommend your trekkers friends to us. It will be really helpful for entire our team and our children to send them to the school, you could recommend Nepal Mother  House Treks.

Q. Finally, a separate question but if I didn't hire guides/porters for the three passes trek, how easy is it to pick porters/guides up on the trek - for example if we felt like we needed assistance on one of the three passes, would we be able to find a local porter/guide for those sections?

# Well, it is very difficult to pick up a porter where you need it, sometimes you may find them. However, the cost of a porter will be very expensive from the middle of the trail. You are advised to take a porter /Guide from Lukla. If you need help, we are here to organize for you. 

Q. Why did you hire Guide and Porter from Lukla?

# The locals are ambassadors of the country, they have been practicing indigenous knowledge in various sectors, and they grew up playing with every each part of the territory directly and indirectly, and now they are doing professionally as trekking guides and porters per as their ability. The trail, rivers, streams, Jungle, glaciers, lakes, and mountains recognize their footprint after frequently visiting. The Guide and porter know very well about updating the trail conditions, weather, and temperature every monsoon and winter. They know, which is good hotels and tea house for overnight staying and meals. Likewise, they are capable of explaining their culture, beliefs, and traditions better way than any scholar or writer. The locals are the real source of information about Everest territory.

We at Nepal Mother House Treks focus on local people to Guide in the Everest Base Camp Trek and other related trekking routes to empower the locals through their jobs and direct and indirect to support their families and School children for a bright future. Similarly, while you are using the porter and Guide from Lukla your trip cost is also reduced by not paying for Lukla Air Tickets. So, if you are looking for an Everest Region trek to hire a Guide and porter from Lukla, look at every detail and decide by yourself. If this is your first trek in Nepal then this Top 10 Tips for Beginners in Nepal helps a lot for you. Likewise, a complete Guide for the Everest Base Camp Trek gives some ideas to save the amount of your money during the trek.

*Note: Service charges (10%) and VAT (13%) are subject to the cost. ++

Hence, if you are hiring only a Guide or porter for up to 10 Days of Trek then, the service charges will be USD 100 for 2 trekkers in a group and 45 - 100 USD per person if your group size is more than 3 people at one time depending on the trekking difficulty level and trek duration.

**Note: Insurance of Guide and porter will be an additional charge.

Guide and porter insurance is USD 40 per person one time.

If you need any further information for your Mt. Everest Base camp Trek, Gokyo Chola Pass Trek, Everest 3 Passes Trek, Gokyo Renjo la Pss Trek, Everest View Trek hiring Guide from Lukla or Porter-Guide or Porter from Lukla this Autumn 2023 and next to yours in Spring 2024, feel free to contact us any time. We at Nepal Mother House Trek are ready to organize for you.