question about agency

[Lonely Janet]

Hi there, folks.....

good day to all.....

I have been contacted by a trekking agency via this board..They sound pretty reasonable, but who knows?..The name of the company is Nepal Alternative Treks.....Has anyone had experience with this agency hitherto?.....
Any comments would be welcome.....

go well

LJ

[Michael Sunkist]

Nameste Janet, you will find that lots of people want your rupees to be your guide or porter. Chances are if they come from KTM 50% aren't really that qualified as they live in the big city. I don't use porters or guides but if I did I'd hire some of the ones that hang out at the trailheads and are not only mountain folk but really do know where they are going when you rent their services, and being mountain folk are in good condition to hump your gear for you or trek the high altitude trails guiding you. I've heard one too many stories of a rented guide or porter that was next to worthless once they hit the trail and by that time it was too late. But to be fair there are really good guides and porters to be found in KTM, just be careful, check references if possible. Happy trails

[jmuir]

[QUOTE=Michael Sunkist]Nameste Janet, you will find that lots of people want your rupees to be your guide or porter. Chances are if they come from KTM 50% aren't really that qualified as they live in the big city. I don't use porters or guides but if I did I'd hire some of the ones that hang out at the trailheads and are not only mountain folk but really do know where they are going when you rent their services, and being mountain folk are in good condition to hump your gear for you or trek the high altitude trails guiding you. I've heard one too many stories of a rented guide or porter that was next to worthless once they hit the trail and by that time it was too late. But to be fair there are really good guides and porters to be found in KTM, just be careful, check references if possible. Happy trails[/QUOTE

Good day all:
My squeeze and I are (very)old Canadian newbies to Nepal and are planning to do the EBC late next week. I was planning to hire in KTM as well, but is it better to hire in Lukla?
I would rather pay locals, rather than an agency in KTM ( and certainly not one from offshore), but I am not sure about things like insurance, accomodation and meals for the guide and porter. It seems quite logical as Micheal suggests to get a mountain guy who has just left the trail, but there seem to be some logistics that are best left to the locals to arrange.

Does any one know if there are a fair number of guides/porters who base out of Lukla? Is it worth an extra day there, shopping for a guide rather than KTM? I have often found references are not always 100% and talking to some folks who just got back seems like a good way to be sure.

Its an adventure Eh!
Trekers knees unite.

[Landfall38]

It is not so simple.

I know EXCELLENT guides based in Kathmandu; I've seen terrible "guides" on the trail who are not from Kathmandu (i.e., "local"). And, of course, vice verse.

Going with a guide personally recommended by experienced trekkers makes it more likely things go well. (Though I've also seen many go well with guides not known before but recommended by hotel -- e.g., hotel in Pokhara.)

Personally, I would try to pre-arrange before arriving Lukla, especially as you are going high season and good folks based in Lukla (and elsewhere) may already be booked and then who is left????? Why not start by email before you fly out next week (luck you!)?

There are a number who have been recommended here on trekinfo as well as this other website: http://www.nepal-dia.de/int__England/EV_porter/ev_porter.html


PM me if you want a recommendation (I expect others will also give names)

[Michael Sunkist]

Nameste JMuir, when you leave your airplane at Lukla (I'm guessing you are flying in rather than starting from Jiri) you will be swarmed by locals looking to hump your gear or show you the trail. Really, unless you are blind you don't need a guide, but if you physically can't hump your pack grab a porter at the airport. If he looks physically fit go for it. I'm not sure what the going rate is these days but it is cheap by western standards. Usually your porter knows the trails, especially if you are heading to EBC. If you do use a porter remember these mountain folk are beyond poor. When you are done with his services be way cool and give him your used clothing you no longer need or your boots if they are getting a bit rundown. When in teahouses even though they have an unsaid agreement for food and lodging to bring you there it sure wouldn't hurt for you to make sure he is eating well also. Happy trails