How to choose a trekking tour in Nepal?
One of the most popular questions I get asked is where to book a trek in Nepal from. The second question is why are they so expensive?
I've spent a lot of time going through the following online agencies and tour operators selecting the best trekking tours both in terms of experience and price.
I've listed and given a summary on each one here to help give you the pro's and con's before selecting one. Personally I think trekkers will get better deals via local trekking agents. It is getting harder to find them though as larger spammy websites flood the internet. Two places you can try: my Trekking in Nepal guidebook has a list of local trekking agents. You can also try my Find a Trekking Guide Service.
Do please read my pages on trekking in Nepal, my list of treks in Nepal and how to choose a trekking guide in Nepal - they contain very important information that will help you.
Do try my Find A Guide Service. I personally evaluate all trekking companies to find you the best fully qualified local trekking guide for your trek.
Some Tips when Booking a Trekking Tour
- Be sure to note if you are trekking with a group or alone with a guide (some cheaper treks put you in with a large group)
- Check to see if accommodation, permits & or flights are included in the price
- Check to see if the accommodation provided is with a bathroom or not
- Is your food included? Some cheaper packages don't include food
- Are all the correct permits included? (some companies leave out a few)
- Are porters included or not?
- Always check the small print
- Always make sure you have your own travel insurance for trekking
Trekking tour packages
The following lists are from a variety of trekking tour operators, agencies and organizations. I've spent a lot of time choosing the best deals they have and have provided a pro and con summary of each to help you choose.
Prices are subject to change and often include discounts so do check back here regularly! If you don't see what you like or are unsure, then do use my find a trekking guide service.
Nepal trekking tours with Get Your Guide: Offering locally sourced trekking agencies keeps the cost of trekking packages low here. New treks often appear frequently so do check back here to see if there's anything new.
Pros: Costs are usually lower than other online agencies, however, see below for more.
Cons: Communication issues with trekking companies. Low selection of treks. Too good to be true prices often cost more in the long run. New companies with high ratings keep appearing despite no records.
Nepal trekking tours with BookMundi: A large and detailed variety of treks on offer using a wide number of both international tour and local trekking companies. Do be careful of too good to be true prices as not all trekking companies are reputable.
You should also click under "See Group Discount" to view the real trekking price per person!
Pros: A wide range of trekking tours from a large number of companies eg.
Cons: The first price you see listed is not the final price!
Nepal trekking tours with TripAdvisor: A large variety of treks on offer using a wide variety of both international tour and local trekking companies.
 |
Everest Base Camp trek (12 days): price USD $1,223) Book here |
|---|---|
 |
Everest Base Camp trek (14 days): price USD $1400) Book here |
 |
Annapurna Circuit (14 days): price USD $1,115) Book here |
 |
Pros: A wide range of trekking tours from a variety of companies.
Cons: All treks are dealt with by 3rd parties. Do read the small print as it is not often clear.
How to Find Trekking Partners
Do be extremely cautious with online forums or sites listing people that are looking to join up and share costs with other trekkers. These sites are completely unregulated and are often filled with very dubious people from all walks of life. Some are predators while others are individuals from tour companies trying to bring in more people with false promises that usually end in bad treks or last minute cancellations.
These sites look great on the outside but I've come across many disappointed people and sadly some very serious situations. Yes, there are some genuine people out there, but unfortunately it's not possible to vet them. These days there are dedicated con-artists well adapted at falsifying online identities just to make a buck.
If you really are wanting to meet up with others to trek in a group the best option is to wait until you arrive in Nepal and meet people at a popular guesthouse or hostel. It's easier than it seems and you at least get to meet them in person first.
Another option is to get your own guide and ask them if they have some others around the same date and if they'd be interested in joining in. For more, do read my guide on traveling solo in Nepal.
Hiring your own guide in Nepal
The final option open to you is to hire your own guide in Nepal either online or when you get there. Do please refer to my page on how to hire a guide in Nepal for more information.
If you'd like to hire the guide I used in Nepal then do feel free to contact me. However, I would appreciate it if you bought my guidebook on trekking in Nepal. My guides details and a host of other local trekking agencies along with all their contact details and maps are listed in it.
If you find all of the options above overwhelming then I also offer a find a local guide service where I use my extensive list of local guides and find you the best guide and price for your trek.. The benefit here is you are using trusted well reviewed local guides, you can customize your own trek and I will get you the best price.
If you are looking for a good guide, don't leave it too late. Try to book as far as possible in advance as last minute treks often cost more with less experienced guides.
Get your own travel insurance specifically for trekking!
No matter what option you choose to go trekking in Nepal I can't emphasise enough how important it is to have the right travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
It is essential your travel insurance policy covers you up to the altitude you are trekking to. Many don't!
For more (and a solution), please read page on travel insurance for trekking in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking Tours in Nepal
Choose a trekking company registered with the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and check reviews on trusted platforms. Local agencies often offer better value than international ones, but avoid deals that seem too cheap, as they may exclude permits, food, or accommodation. Using a vetted service like The Longest Way Home’s Find a Trekking Guide Service can ensure reliable guides.
Trekking tour costs vary widely. For example, a 12-day Everest Base Camp trek costs around USD $1,223–$1,400, while a 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek is about USD $1,115. Prices depend on inclusions like permits, accommodation, food, and porters. Local agencies may offer lower rates, but always check the fine print for hidden costs.
Group treks are often cheaper but less flexible, with fixed itineraries and larger groups (up to 15 people). Hiring a private guide offers a customized experience and more flexibility but costs more. For restricted areas like Upper Mustang, a guide is mandatory, and solo trekkers may need to join a group or pay extra to meet permit requirements.
Before booking, confirm if permits, accommodation, food, and porters are included. Check if accommodation has private bathrooms and verify the guide’s credentials. Read the fine print for cancellation policies and ensure your travel insurance covers trekking up to the planned altitude.
Travel insurance is essential for trekking in Nepal to cover medical emergencies, altitude sickness, and evacuation costs, especially at high altitudes (e.g., 5,500m for Everest Base Camp). Ensure your policy covers the specific altitude of your trek, as many standard policies do not.
Avoid unregulated online forums due to risks of scams or unreliable partners. Instead, meet potential trekking partners at guesthouses or hostels in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or ask your trekking agency to connect you with others trekking on similar dates. A trusted service like The Longest Way Home’s Find a Trekking Guide Service can also help.
Take the Guesswork Out of Your Nepal Trek
This article covers the essentials, but the trail is always changing. For the most reliable experience, I’ve compiled my years of on-the-ground research into the Trekking in Nepal Guidebook.
- Choose Your Format: High-resolution Digital for your phone or a Print edition for your backpack.
- Scalable Trail Maps: Detailed views that don't require a data connection or GPS.
- Real-World Logistics: Accurate trekking costs and safety protocols updated for the current season.
Includes this trek plus 28 other routes across Nepal.
See Guidebook & Print Options →Was this page helpful to you? If so please tell others!
