Everest base camp trekking is shifting, and the role of the guide, now more than ever, is crucial. Independent hiking is no longer allowed under the newer government regulations;s, you must have a guide. This has, in part, just made the notion of a “porter-guide” an attractive alternative for those who want something a bit simpler and more affordable. It’s when the porter guide is a two-in-one of a bag carrier and an official guide. Here is an entire Everest Base Camp trek itinerary with a porter guide.
The Role of a Porter-Guide
The porter guide is a great asset on the trail to Everest Base Camp. In that instance, instead of hiring them individually as a guide and as a porter, you can have both in one as a porter-guide. Normally, they are official guides who have to have first aid training, and they also have a lighter backpack (in general, 10-15 kilos) than porters (they legally can carry a maximum of 25 kilos). As well as our guides, they are also your single point of contact for assistance with any aspect of the job. They will not only help you find your way, but also assist with logistics, customs, and your well-being.”
The Benefits of a Porter-Guide
Having a porter-guide along with you on your trek to Mount Everest Base Camp comes with a lot of benefits. The Pros The biggest pros would be the savings in cost. A porter-guide is more affordable than a guide and a porter when you factor in that you only have one person’s daily wage to be concerned with, rather than two. All of this can really add up when it comes to your EBC Trek Cost, including everything you have to spend. It’s also more one-on-one: With just one person to talk to (and to help carry gear), communication is simpler, and developing a relationship is quicker. Great porters aren’t just porters – their skills will be astonishingly varied and you can be sure that the guy you’re asking to climb the mountain is as experienced at trekking as rescuing — and, crucially, providing some cultural context.) (Yes, if you’re on a budget, it’s possible to get your transportation, porters, guide, and everything else in one basket in a cheaper package.
The Cost of a Porter-Guide
With the going rate being $25 to $40USD for a day porter-guide on the Everest Base Camp trek, it is a fabulous rate considering they are doing the work of two people. Their daily rate usually includes their salary as well as meals and housing. Are you covered for the compulsory trekking insurance with your agency? And don’t forget, you will also have to pay for their round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, so that’s an additional charge. But adding in the daily wages of an extra guide and a porter, it remains attractive to budget trekkers.
Where and How to Hire a Porter-Guide
The safest place to hire a porter-guide is from one of the trekking agents in Kathmandu who is registered. There should be good licensed and knowledgeable porter-guides, if not the owner. This ensures your guide is vetted and insured and has the required permits to work in the area. Guides and porters can be hired in Lukla, too, but that is riskier. Using an agency is a contract, and the company does have SOME responsibility to their employees, and is at least not egregiously screwingthemm over when it comes to labor practices and how much the porter guide will actually work.
The Porter-Guide in Action
Your porter guide will accompany you from the day you land in Lukla until the day you leave. They’ll take care of all the logistics, together with checking you in daily teahouses, supporting with meals, and guiding you through the permit process. That they had been a good preference in your Everest base camp trekking in terms of time from flight and altitude illness. Their superior expertise of the terrain, indigenous cultures, and trail lore will increase your enjoyment and offer you a good amount of statistics about the Sherpa people, their cusevery dayms, and the breathtaking environmental backdrop through which you are journeying. They’re also the first everyday reply to everyday medical emergencies, educated as the primary first resource, with the capacity to coordinate immediate helicopter evacuation if needed.
Your Responsibilities with a Porter-Guide
Trek with Porter Guideism teamwork, so you have to have some responsibilities for taking care of your guide, too. First of all, you have to honor their carrying capacity. You’re porter-guide will be able to carry up to 15kgs, but that doesn’t mean you can pack more than 15kgs – you need to pack not just according to, but you need to pack with this in mind! You also need to look after them, feeding them and ensuring they have adequate rest. You should tip at the end of the trip, as it is a significant part of their income. It’s a pretty good rule of thumb to tip between 10-15% on the daily wage total.
Conclusion on Trek with a porter-guide
For those trekkers who want a licensed guide and who want security, but also want a bit more personal interaction with their guide at a budget price, a Pokhara porter-guide is perfect. They are something besides what you are looking for – a companion in your run across to the lands in the depths of the Himalayas; a man who adds to what you know and your trust a little. Choosing a reputable agency and showing respect and gratitude to your porter-come-guide to give you a truly safe experience of the EBC Trek.