Tipping For Guide, Porter in Annapurna Trek

Annapurna region is the epitome when it comes to multi-day trekking and day-long hiking routes. This region offers an outstanding introduction to the Himalayas by traversing the winding paths followed by spectacular lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and verdant meadows.

However, navigating the trails while carrying heavy luggage on the back is a huge task in itself. So guides and porters will become your companions on your entire Annapurna trek. Guides navigate the trails while providing you with necessary information on the history, culture, and tradition of the region. Similarly, porters will carry your luggage and ease out your journey.

With the service they provide, a typical query arises about how much tipping guide and porter is in the Annapurna trek. So, this blog is here to help you out to give some clarity regarding the query along with some general idea of tipping culture in Nepal.

Tipping culture in Nepal

Tipping is not a widespread term in Nepal in comparison with the Western world. With the recent introduction of tipping culture in Nepal, the tourism sector has warmly welcomed this culture.

Usually, guides and porters cannot ask upfront for tips from trekkers; however, tipping guides and porters in the Annapurna trek are usually expected. Tipping shows the gratuity of the work and service they provide by giving them additional money.

Tipping is not just a way of expressing thankfulness but also a way to tell them they are doing a great job and motivate them to enhance their skills and work.

How Much Shall I Tip Guides And Porters In The Annapurna Trek?

Various factors like satisfaction with the services provided, duration of the trek, factors involved in trek difficulty, and nature of the people will determine the amount of tipping.

People use the trick of tipping about 10% to 15% of the total trekking cost. This idea was approved by a majority of the trekkers, and the amount coming out of this rule seems reasonable. Moreover, some people decide on a tipping guide and porter in the Annapurna trek by giving them about 10% of their total salary.

However, many trekkers believe that tipping money should not be a source of income for their livelihood. Tipping money should neither be too high nor too low. They should reciprocate with the actual services they provide.

Tip For Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the mainstream trekking in Nepal that takes you to the dramatic landscapes with the highlight of the trek being Thorung La Pass. Moreover, the warm hospitality from the people inhabiting the region when you are surrounded by picturesque mountains is like a cherry on top of your journey. The moderately challenging trek can be completed within 12 to 22 days, depending on the routes you take and the highlights you choose.

If you choose an itinerary of more than two weeks, then you can consider tipping more than USD 120 for the guide and about USD 80 for the porter each separately. If your itinerary is less than two weeks, then you can adjust your tip accordingly by comparing it with the price mentioned above.

Tip For Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek welcomes you to the wondrous world of snow by providing you with the unparalleled beauty of the mighty Himalayas from the Annapurna base camp. This trek provides you with a wonderful opportunity to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Annapurna region. Being graded as a moderately difficult trek, this exploration can be completed within 7 to 11 days.

So, confusion can surround you on how much you shall tip guides and porters. In that case, you can take reference from the chart below

Guide: $15 to $18 per day

Porter: $10 to $15 per day.

Tip For Poon Hill Trek

Poon hill trek is one of the most popular short trek that will take you to the foothills of the Annapurna massif. It offers you panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains along with a lively stroll in the villages of Gurung and Magar communities. This trek can be considered an easy trek with fewer difficulties that can be completed in 5 to 7 days.

So, for the   Poon hill Trek you can tip about $10 to $15 per day to guide and $8 to $10 per day to each porter. If you think that the guides and porters have done an exceptional job, then you can add some extra amount exceeding the range mentioned above.

Tip For Mardi Himal Trek

The exhilarating ridge line Mardi Himal trek takes you to the untouched and least explored trails in the Annapurna region. The tranquil trails give you solidarity among mountains and allow you to enjoy the beauty of stargazing. Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate-level trek that can be completed within 5 to 7 days.

Despite the fact that the Mardi Himal Trek can be completed in the time range of Poon hill trek but there is a vast difference in terms of difficulty, with the Mardi Himal Trek being moderate level and the Poon hill trek being easily graded trek.

So, you tip about $15 to $18 per day to guide and $10 to $15 per day.to porter while tipping the guide and porter in the Mardi Himal Trek.

In Which Currency Shall I Tip

There is no any specific rule or obligation that you should tip in a certain currency. Whichever currency is feasible and accessible to you, you can tip guides and porters in that currency. But tipping in Nepalese currency or those currencies that are easily convertible, such as dollars, pounds, euros, etc., are usually preferred while tipping.

However, it is better to tip in Nepalese currency to the porters or other staff with whom you are departing from the trekking trails. For instance, in the Annapurna trek, your porters will accompany you only up to Pokhara. Some places may not have readily available ATMs, or some porters may not know how to use them even if they have access to them. Hence, by tipping Nepalese currency, you can make their happiness and motivation double.

So, you can encash the Nepalese currency when you have enough access to use ATMs like in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

When To Give A Tip?

Porters will not accompany you to Kathmandu. They will give your belongings back once you complete walking on the trails of the Annapurna region. So you can tip them while collecting your luggage and equipment before heading back to Kathmandu.

Unlike porters, guides will be part of your journey till you complete your trek. So, you can tip them after the farewell dinner on the last day of your Annapurna trek. Hence, if you are thinking of tipping guides and porters in the Annapurna trek, then you can do it before bidding farewell to them.

Tipping Separately 

Guides and porters equally helped you in your journey but with different services and responsibilities. So it is better if you tip them separately rather than collectively to express your gratitude towards them. Tipping separately will make them feel like they have receiv  ed what they deserve. At the same time, it will cut off unnecessary conflicts between them.

Ideas On How To Tip Perfectly

Nepal has the practice of using the right hand while giving or offering things to others. Additionally, keeping money in an envelope is considered a good gesture. So, if you are tipping them, then why not do it perfectly?

So you can keep the tipping amount in the envelope and use your right hand to hand over it to the porters and guides.

What If You Are Not Satisfied With The Service

Tipping is done to inform guides and porters that you are satisfied with their work. So, being unsatisfied with their service can bring out a huge dilemma for you regarding tipping them.

If you genuinely feel that the dissatisfaction you feel is reasonable and due to lack of effort and negligence, then you can give them polite and constructive feedback directly or indirectly. Since tipping can be considered customary and is usually expected in the tourism business, you can adjust your tip accordingly or even decide not to tip them in case you are not satisfied with their work at all. It’s all up to you.

Things To Remember While Tipping

1. You should not boast about your kindness and generosity. Guides and porters may not feel your gratuity if you flex about tipping them.
2. Do not give worn-out or old clothes or equipment as tips. You may have given them out of gratuity but it can reflect as a sign of disrespect.
3. Avoid tipping too little. Try not to tip less than Nrs 100 or $1
4. Do not delay tipping if you are satisfied with the service. You never know if the guide and porter will be available or not the next day on which you are planning to tip.