Group trekking tours in Nepal might seem like a bargain—until you actually join one
Everyone loves a good deal, but as we all know, cheaper options often come with hidden costs. Trekking in Nepal is no exception. The internet is full of booking agents and trekking companies offering group treks at seemingly great prices. I get emails from people asking about them all the time. After the latest inquiry, I set up an auto-reply because the answer is almost always disappointing.
It’s never easy to tell someone that what they’re excited about is likely to be a bad idea, but that’s often the case with online group treks in Nepal. It usually starts with a too-good-to-be-true ad or search result that leads you to a website asking for all your details. As you fill out the form, the price might change or remain suspiciously low, even after adding extras like porters. If that doesn’t raise a red flag, what will?
Some sites will ask for your credit card details upfront to secure a deposit. You frantically review the itinerary, comparing it to other companies offering similar tours with confusingly different prices. It’s all designed to trap you in a web of uncertainty. And once you’ve entered your details, expect a sales rep to contact you soon. Welcome to the rabbit hole of online group trekking in Nepal. The worst part? The real problems often start when you actually arrive in Nepal.
What are group trekking booking websites?
Most of these sites are run by online tour companies based outside of Nepal. They take a commission and pass your booking on to a random trekking agency in Nepal—the one that offered the lowest price or the highest commission. That’s it. The booking website takes your money, and you’re left dealing with an anonymous trekking company and whatever terms and conditions you unknowingly agreed to. If something goes wrong, you have little recourse.
Yes, in some case the website will make out like you will know the name of the trekking company. But as you can read here, the reality is these “trekking companies” are the very ones that mix and match clients on cheap tours to make up larger numbers which equals better money for them. Read on to get a better understanding on how this works.
How does booking a group trek like this affect you so badly?
Both the low price the Nepali trekking company offers, and or the high commision offered to the booking company, mean that a solo person or double trekking couples money is not enjoy to turn a profit for the trekking company alone. So why are they offering it? Because, if they get 10 or 20 people going in the same group then they can start making some money.
You’ll see this on some group trek booking websites. You are asked how many of you are going. The more going, the cheaper the price per person. Sounds good. Only it’s not when you consider the size of the group, the financial shortcuts taken to make a profit. For example if you are one of these trekking companies advertising on a booking tour website and you only get four bookings you know that’s you’ll still be making a loss based on your cheap price. But you take them anyway. What happens next is that this trekking company actually adds you to another companies group tour who adds that group to another group and so on until they have enough to turn a profit or raise suspicions.
Many a time the solo or couple who booked to join a group trek have no idea and only discover this when they arrive in Nepal. If the trekking groups are good, they’ll keep people in the dark until the first day of the trek. You’ll think everything is great after the long bus or jeep ride with your guide. Only to hop off the bus and be standing there will a group of 20 others all looking at each other. That’s when five of you (if you are lucky) get your own personal guide. Only they are not a guide and are indeed a porter with little to no English. Get it? Yes, a porter is cheaper to hire than a guide. The guide will of course be going, but they’ll be assigned to the people who paid more or are likely to tip more while you get stuck with the ever smiling porter who can just nod in agreement with everything you say.
How do these group treks actually work when trekking?
Let’s say you are lumped in a group of twenty tourists. There will be 3 or 4 porters as the trekking companies don’t want to run foul of National Parks, TAAN or NTB who all state that there’s a 5:1 ratio of trekkers to a fully qualified guide. So at checkpoints the lead guide deals with all the paperwork for all twenty trekkers as the porters sit around eating with you at lunch time. If bribes needed to be paid to checkpoints, they are. It’s not much and is less hassle than paperwork.
So yes, you clicked it. Your porter is disguised as your guide. You’ll probably also notice in the sign-up webpage they offered free porters too …. hmmm. So, things are really sinking in now as you trek on. When it comes to accommodation the lead guide will have a set of instructions. The trekkers who paid more, get the better accommodation. They don’t like to tell the other trekkers that. The cheapest usually get shared accommodation or dorms in lodge that has a deal with them. Don’t worry, you’ll all be getting the cheap dinner later so don’t feel too bad.
Meal times on these cheap treks are special. The lodge owner will have have a seperate menu for you compared to independent trekkers (they might be scarce in your accommodation as they tend to avoid big groups). Usually the group treks are given a fixed meal. In some they’ll go to the effort of adding some variety of noodle meals, dal bhat or some form of pasta. The more of you that order the same, the better and cheaper for the kitchen and trekking company. Tea or coffee, extra. Hot shower, extra. Battery charging, extra. You get the point as you lay your head down on the razor thin pillow listing to the bellowing snores of the porters room next to you.
“I have not been screwed over” … is the real mantra in group trekkers heads during a trek
Nobody wants to believe they’ve been scammed, especially after flying halfway around the world and spending a significant amount of money. Group trekkers often convince themselves that “this is just how Nepal is.” But when you see other trekkers being treated like royalty or getting better accommodations, it’s hard not to feel a pang of regret.
When the two couples with the lead guide are treated like royalty as you arrive into another village and they get attached bathrooms you kick and blame yourself for missing that option on the website form (it was never there in the first place, remember they group you altogether from different companies with different prices). When the lead guide spares you two minutes of his time you feel so happy that he was able to offer you an “upgrade” to your room for only $20.
That poor couple who got sick last night and had to be helicopter evacuated? Let’s not even go there. But at least they guide will make a nice $500 out of each person’s travel insurance policy. It also means that your trekking group can finally trek a bit fast now the numbers have been reduced …
Even the good group treks have serious problems most people choose to ignore until it’s too late
Okay, let’s say you got lucky and in the first two days a few people were carted away in rescue helicopters or the trekking companies involved in this group trek couldn’t get a big number and you are only a group of 10 plus the guide, and one porter who’d still being deemed a guide to everyone. Sounds reasonable right? Well, if you were all from the same family it would be alright. But you are not. You’ll all be different people, of different ages, abilities, cultures, nationalities and speak different languages. Herein lies the next problem with cheap online group treks to Nepal.
Let’s look at the best case scenario. You are five couples. You all start off the trek together, getting by on limited English (the common language) aside from the older chain smoking Chinese couple who refuse to speak to anyone. The tall middle aged Dutch couple have taken the lead and are out of visual range within the first 30 minutes of trekking. The young American backpackers are so far behind looking at hidden trails and where to buy cheap noodles you rarely get to see them for the day. That’s not true for the French couple who insist on hogging the lead guide all throughout the day and get him to repeat everything as they can’t understand his accent. That just leaves you and the overweight couple from Spain who are having difficult breathing and you fear they might not make it until dinner.
That’s not bad. Not bad until you are ready to go trekking at the agreed time of 7.30am the next morning after breakfast. The French are ready too, thumbs up! But the backpackers are not even out of bed yet. The Chinese couple begin their morning ritual of hacking up half a lung and then lighting up some chemically infused cigarettes.. The Spanish couple are trying to call home to see if they brought the right medicine with them, and the American couple are ordering a second breakfast out of their own pocket because the cheap assed tour company didn’t feed them enough. You all finally leave at 9.30am. It’s only an hour to Nepali lunch time anyway where the whole process starts again. But now you are behind in time and you won’t make it to the village on the itinerary on time for dinner and miss the much anticipated mountain sunset.
Yes, you’ve all this to look forward to, everyday, for the entire trek. At least you get some respite on day 4 when you meet a nice Bosnian couple trekking with their own guide who tell you all about how to avoid this type of scam in Nepal.
Booking your own private guide is the way to get the best out of your once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Hiring your own private guide is by far the best way to get the most out of your trek in Nepal. You’ll have a dedicated guide to yourself. You can stop and start anywhere along the trail. Take side treks. Choose your own accommodation and meals.
This type of private guide trek also gives you one of the unspoken benefits of trekking in Nepal, making a local friend. Yes, you are paying them to learn about trekking, mountains and Nepal. But you are also talking to them about day to day things in life. And this is where the magic happens. You learn about the country from a genuine local person. About their family, school, work, life in Nepal and how they view the rest of the world. It’s a rare thing to discover today. For me, it’s one of the top highlights of trekking in Nepal.
It’s also not that expensive when you add up the costs. A trekking guide costs around USD $30-40 per day. Less if you go with some of the tips I give you here on how to find a trekking guide in Nepal. For accommodation, transport, and meals take a look at how much does it cost to trek in Nepal. Don’t forget to do the math and ROI (Return On Investment). If a meal of Dal Bhat costs USD $8 on average in the mountains, then work out the average meal cost per day. Add in accommodation. Now add up the guides rate. Compare that to the super cheap group trek … Where are they cutting corners to offer such cheap prices? It’s the first thing that a savvy trekker would be asking.
Independent Information: The Key to Avoiding Underpriced or Overpriced Treks
When planning a trek in Nepal, relying on independent information is crucial for avoiding both underpriced and overpriced treks. Underpriced treks often come with hidden costs, poor service, and compromised safety, as trekking companies cut corners to make a profit. Conversely, overpriced treks rarely provide any additional value, despite the higher price tag. Independent sources—such as unbiased travel blogs, forums, and firsthand reviews from experienced trekkers—offer invaluable insights into fair pricing, reputable companies, and what to expect on your trek. By conducting thorough research, you can make informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and safety, ensuring a rewarding and stress-free trekking experience.
However, it’s important to be cautious. Avoid “influencers” or blogs, websites, and YouTubers that only recommend one company or engage in sponsored posts. These creators often receive free or discounted treks in exchange for writing favorable reviews, leading to biased reports. The saying “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” applies here. While it may take time to sift through such content, identifying impartial views is essential for finding reliable information. Practicing due diligence pays off, as it helps you secure a better trekking experience.
I’ve been writing independent guides for nearly two decades without accepting free treks, hotel stays, meals, or tours, despite being offered attractive incentives. For me, it’s about ethics. I have no issue saying if something isn’t worth it, especially when it comes to Nepal, so that travelers can get the most out of their trip. In today’s world, it’s rare to find 100% honest and independent service information—from plumbers and roofers to treks and accommodations. That’s why I write independent guidebooks to Nepal where you can find my own personal independent reviews of local trekking agencies for yourself or if you prefer I offer a service to help people find a trustworthy trekking guide/agency specific to their trek. I also specialize in matching trekkers with their ideal Nepali trek based on personal preferences, expectations, and fitness levels. When you come across genuinely independent advice, you’ll realize the true value it brings to your journey.
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I appreciate your honesty about group treks. However, I’m curious about the cost comparison between group tours and private guides. Could you elaborate on that?
Great question. While group tours appear cheaper initially, the overall experience often suffers as do the services. Getting a porter instead of a guide, low quality food etc With a private guide, you have more flexibility and quality service. The cost difference isn’t always significant when you factor in what you’re getting. There’s another comment that is asking with quotes, so have a look at that and you’ll see the break down.
I think it’s important to include the environmental impact of large group treks. Do you have any insights on how these large tours affect local ecosystems?
Hans, thank you for your thoughtful comment! You’re right to consider the environmental impact and I should have included that in the article above. Large groups can indeed strain local resources and infrastructure. This has been apparent in recent years. Gorak Shep for example gets overloaded with human waste which can’t be disposed of in time. Likewise, large groups have a massive impact on water supplies which are often hand fetched or gravity fed with fresh water often running out.
The impact is more sudden, immediate, and abrupt with these large group tours compared to going with a private guide or company. Likewise, these large groups impact local companies as many come from international booking companies. Local direct companies and guides lose out to bulk booking companies.
I think from what we can see on the news these days and the negative impacts of tourism in many other countries applies to Nepal. Unfortunately the mentality in Nepal is “make more money, faster” so the environment suffers along with those doing an honest job. Nepal can certainly handle more tourists, but large groups all arriving at once is not the way to go.
This was really interesting, but I’m curious about safety concerns. How do private guides compare to group tours in terms of emergency preparedness?
Great question. Personally, I’d much rather be with a dedicated private guide if a medical emergency occurs than be with a large group.
On many occasions I’ve seen large groups leave a sick person behind either alone, or with a porter. It’s pretty brutal. You could also be in a group and feel the peer pressure to continue on and not hold everyone up – thusly putting your own life in danger. Worse yet, and more commonly is the helicopter rescue option which means the company will be cashing in on your travel insurance as a priority vs taking personal good care of you. Again, I’d rather have a dedicated guide in the event of an emergency than to get lost in the shuffle.
This opened my eyes about group treks. Thanks for sharing your honest opinion!
Glad it helped!
I must say, I’m both surprised and grateful for your honesty about group treks. As someone who’s been considering trekking in Nepal for years, this information is invaluable. One thing I’d love to hear more about is the cultural aspect of having a private guide. How does it compare to being part of a larger group?
One on one with a guide throughout the whole trek vs being one of 20 or so looking for information or that unique insight.
With many large groups porter are used as guides, they can be nice, but with limited language or learning you will be losing out on learning about the place.
Likewise, with big groups, teahouses and lodges have more to cater to and you’ll lose out on interacting with many locals. With a private guide you get to pick and choose where you want to stay.
Could you elaborate on what the difference is with restricted areas and how they differ from other treks?
Sure. Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang or Manaslu need a separate permit from the department of immigration which have a list of specific requirements you must meet eg, have two people, be with a registered guide etc. Restricted areas are usually mountain regions that border another country.
With the additional requirements comes fewer people visiting it, and the trek is generally less touristy. It’s a chance to see a part of Nepal fewer people get to see.
Thank you. Upper Mustang is what I am looking at. I don’t want to go in a group. But group trekking seems the only way to visit?
The requirements for Upper Mustang is for a minimum of two non-Nepali trekkers and your guide. Most people manage very well with two people. However, it’s also possible to visit Upper Mustang with two guides and simply go your own way once you reach the checkpoint. There’s no need whatsoever to go with a large group.
Upper Mustang Permit Details
I appreciate your honesty about group treks. What advice would you give to someone who wants to trek independently but lacks experience?
Hire a guide! If it’s your first time in Nepal and you lack experience I can only advise you to hire a guide.
There are short day hikes and the like where you don’t need a guide, but again if you are planning EBC or other high altitude treks with no experience then I would advise you to hire a guide not only for your safety but also to learn about trekking in Nepal!
How to hire a guide in Nepal
Find a trekking guide in Nepal
How can you say that independent guides are cheaper when booking with a group trek is clearly cheaper when you look online? $800 for an Everest Base Camp trek is what I’ve been quoted to join a group. For a private trek I was quoted 1500!!
Let’s take a look at your $800 quote for a group trek and break it down quickly.
Your Lukla return flights will cost $460 alone leaving you with $340. Take out $60 for permits. The company now has $280 to spend on you over a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek. That means food, accommodation, airport transfer, guide payments etc. That’s $23 per day. The average plate of Dal Bhat in that region is $8. So that’s $16 for lunch and dinner. Let’s say $5 for breakfast. So that leaves $2 left to … pay for accommodation, the guide, airport transfers etc … Sorry, but it literally does not add up!
For an $800 USD 12 day Everest Base Camp trek I’d likely be suspecting that one or more of the group will “get sick” and the company will be cashing in on the travel insurance to make up the difference. Average rescue with insurance costs $10,000. Average handout to the guide (not the company) is $500 per person who needs to be evacuated. That’s the reality of it.
Now, you could get lucky and be the one who does not get sick. Yes, there have been many cases of bicarbonate of soda in meals by disreputable trekking companies looking to cash in. Maybe you escape this, and complete the trek with the remaining trekkers. Sorry, but it really is not good, better or cheaper to take this option.
1500 for a 12 Day Everest Base Camp trek is about average these days. At the moment I know a few genuine fully registered local trekking companies who offer less than that for a private guide to EBC. You’ll see them in my guidebooks, or indeed by using my Find a trekking guide service.