Should I carry cash in rupees or dollars?
Rupees are best on the trail, since they are accepted everywhere and avoid exchange losses. Dollars can be useful for paying your operator or for emergencies.
Can I use a credit card in Kathmandu?
Some places accept cards, but operators may add a surcharge, so ask before paying your balance by card.
Are there ATMs on the trail?
There may be one near Namche, but it is often out of order. Take enough cash from Kathmandu.
What is a sensible daily spending budget?
Many trekkers set aside around USD 15 to 20 a day for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and a little more if they want wifi.
Is tipping expected?
It is customary. A guideline is about ten percent of the trek price, shared between the guide and the porters.
When do I give the tip?
On the last night of the trek, often in Lukla, when the whole team is together.
Do I pay extra as a solo traveller?
On group departures, many operators do not add a single supplement. Private trips and changed dates may cost more, so ask for a written quote.
What if I finish early or leave the trek?
Operators generally cannot refund unused days because guide and porter wages are committed. Ask about the policy before paying.
What does a delayed Lukla flight cost me?
Extra hotel nights and meals are often your responsibility, so keep a spare budget. A package should tell you exactly what is covered.
Can I change my dates?
Some operators allow changes without a fee and charge only for a full cancellation. Read the cancellation terms before booking.
Are prices the same in every village?
No. Prices rise with altitude and distance from the road, so a bottle of water, a hot drink or a charge for your phone costs more at higher villages. Menus in many lodges are similar, but each owner sets prices, and some lodges agree set rates in the main season. Check menu boards before ordering, and ask your guide about typical prices so you can budget realistically.
Can I pay for part of the trek in advance and the rest later?
Most operators ask for a deposit when you confirm and the balance before or on arrival in Kathmandu. Terms vary, so read them carefully and ask what each payment covers. Pay through traceable methods and keep receipts. Be cautious about paying the full amount far in advance to an operator you do not know well, and check reviews, registration and references.
Is it cheaper to arrange everything myself in Kathmandu?
It can look cheaper, but you need to consider time, risk and flexibility. A registered agency must arrange the permits and guide, and buying services piecemeal on arrival may leave gaps in insurance, safety and communication. Booking in advance with a reputable operator gives you time to compare quotes and prepare. If you choose to arrange things in Kathmandu, deal only with licensed agencies and avoid street offers.
What happens to my money if the trek is cancelled?
The outcome depends on the operator's policy and the reason for the cancellation. Some refund part of the payment if the trek is cancelled because of events beyond anyone's control, while others offer a credit for a future date. Travel insurance may help with certain costs. Ask for the written cancellation policy before you pay, and keep records of all messages.
Should I tip separately in cash or include it in the booking?
Tips are usually given in cash at the end of the trek, directly to the guide and porters, which ensures that the money reaches them. Some operators include a service charge in the price, so ask whether tipping is additional. Carry enough rupees for the tip in small notes, and keep it separate from your spending money.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek.”
