Drifting style of traveling can be fun for some but it may not guarantee safety! The biggest concern an individual must have while traveling is definitely safety. Furthermore, majority of trekking holiday destinations of Nepal are located in the higher elevations. There is no option of drifting or going away from the planned schedule or itinerary. This doesn’t mean that Nepal is unsafe without a guide. Interestingly, everyone can feel safe while traveling to any parts of this country regardless of group size, gender, color, and age. The concern is the geographical terrain, climate, and wilderness areas. Therefore, today’s blog is about finding out the pros and cons of trekking in Nepal without Guide.
Can I do trekking in Nepal without Guide?
The answer is yes and no! Clearly the quote may seem funny but it is the reality. If you consider the safety of tourists in Nepal, then you can do trekking in Nepal without guide. However, there are some regions where you are not allowed to trek unless you are traveling with a trekking guide. The Nepal Government has not made any rule that states that you must hire a trekking guide. Therefore, you can trek freely on your own but you are not allowed to hamper the natural and cultural heritages of the country. As long as you are a law abiding tourists, you can freely roam around this country. Remember that a trekking guide can help you enhance the overall trekking experiences with safety. We will discuss on this in detail later.
Let’s find out the various trekking regions where you must hire a trekking guide in order to get permit and travel.
Which are the trekking regions where hiring a guide is mandatory?
Nepal has few restricted areas which require special permits to trek or enter. Trekking in these places must be done following the strict rules and regulations. Solo trekking is not allowed and you must trek in a group of at least 2 trekkers. The journey must be planned by Nepal Government registered trekking agency and guided by licensed trekking guide. There is no rule regarding the hiring of porter for the trek. Nar Phu Valley, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga Area, Manaslu region, and Upper Dolpo region are the restricted regions where you must hire a guide. Besides these restricted areas, you must also hire a guide to trek in the Langtang region of Nepal. The rule was implemented since 2024 by the Nepal Government and the Langtang National Park authority to ensure guest’s safety.
Why should I hire trekking guide for Nepal Trekking?
Now, let’s analyze the reasons to hire a trekking guide for Nepal Trekking. From safety to increase the overall trekking experiences, the need of guide is compelling.
Safety:
As mentioned above, the biggest concern is safety. If you are trekking with a trekking guide, then he or she ensures your safety even in the harsh weather conditions. Navigation in the wilderness trails also becomes easy with a guide. You may drift away from the trail if you are not careful but the guide ensures that you are right on track. Higher elevation places have more risk of altitude sickness. During such event, guide acts promptly and search for the immediate health care options. In severe conditions, guide can facilitate to lift you by helicopter or take you to the safe place.
High Success Rate
The job of a trekking guide is to successfully take you to the destination and bring you back from arrival to departure. His or her core focus always remain in achieving the success in the trip. Therefore, the guide put in mind and soul ensuring quality services and impeccable hospitality while operating a trek for you.
Efficient Communication between Local and Trekker
Trekking is not always about exploring mountains, high – passes, glaciers, lakes, and moraines. It is also about immersing into the local culture and traditions. To know about the local culture and lifestyle, you need to interact with the locals. People may feel shy to talk with the foreigners but a guide can facilitate communication between you and locals. Therefore, trekking in Nepal without guide may not provide proper experience with the locals.
Logistics Management
The arrangement of transportation, permits, accommodation booking, and meals planning are the basic logistics things that you must do by yourself if you trek alone. Therefore, leave all the logistic management hassles to your trekking guide. Enjoy the trek without any tensions of managing your trip.
Boost to Local Economy
Tourism is one of the major source of national revenue of Nepal along side Remittance. Arrival of tourists in local areas means that the local resources get mobilized. People’s living standard increases. Majority of the guides are locals and they know about the trail inside out. Hiring these people means employment opportunities to these locals. It can help in their health and education indirectly. So, hire a trekking guide to boost the local economy.
Enhance Overall Trekking Experiences
The information about the host destination becomes authentic and safety is guaranteed while trekking with a guide. You don’t have to worry about logistics and the trek success rate is also high. Therefore, the overall trekking experiences becomes momentous. In fact, it can provide you the worth of the investment that you make for the trip.
How much is the salary of trekking guide in Nepal?
Please consider hiring a trekking guide for Nepal Trekking. The salary of a trekking guide ranges from 30 $ to 55 $ per day depending upon the experience and language proficiency of a guide. Specific language speaking guide can charge you more than the regular English speaking guide. Don’t do trekking in Nepal without guide for various reasons like mentioned above.
I am sure that you will consider to not do trekking in Nepal without guide! There are more advantages of having a trekking guide than not having a guide. Do the hassle free trekking in Nepal!
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