fbpx

Hire a Guide and a Porter for The Kanchenjunga Trek

Hire Guide and Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek

The Kanchenjunga trek caters mainly to those looking for pristine trekking routes paired with rich landscapes and culture. Apart from the high Himalayas, there is a diverse diversity of plants, birds, mammals, ethnic groups, religions, and cultures. Kanchenjunga people and culture, vegetation, and occupation differ depending on topography. It is the same as it is throughout the country.

You can experience both subtropical and alpine zones in this region. You will be able to experience diversity in every sector, from subtropical terrain to high land. Trekking through such recent trails with diverse lands will require you to hire a guide and a porter for the Kanchenjunga trek.

If you are planning to do the Kanchenjunga base camp trek and are stuck with the question of hiring guides and porters, do not panic. We’ve covered everything you need to know about hiring guides and porters for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Is it possible to do the Kanchenjunga trek without guide or porter?

Hire Guide and Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek

No, you cannot do the Kanchenjunga trek without hiring a guide. The government of Nepal has made it compulsory for trekkers to hire a guide for Kanchenjunga trek. The government has imposed this rule due to possible mishaps and accidents on the trekking trails. Whether you are going on a group or solo excursion, you will require guides. Hence, you must hire a guide for the Kanchenjunga trek, through an agency.

Hiring guides may seem useless, but they are quite beneficial. The government has implemented this law to guarantee the safety of tourists. Several deaths have occurred during remote area excursions due to many unprecedented accidents. Guides are required to reduce such incidents and ensure a safe hike.

Porters, on the other hand, are not compulsory. But doing remote area treks is very tough by carrying your own luggage. You might need luggage about 20 kgs. Carrying such a heavy load, even for a regular gym rat, is tough. Only experienced porters of the Himalayas have the strength to do that. So, we highly recommend you hire a porter for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Varieties of guides and porters available for the Kanchenjunga trek

Hire Guide and Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek

You can find various guides and porters to assist you on the Kanchenjunga trek. The services provided by these guides and porters differ according to your needs and priorities, and the cost of their services varies accordingly.

Although the porters and guides are paid differently, you will be responsible for their food and lodging. You should budget between USD 10 and USD 15 per day for each guide’s food and lodging. Apart from this basic coverage, their abilities primarily determine the rate. The guides and porters will also expect tips from you, so be sure to tip the guides and porters you bring with you. They are all very diligent and excellent helpers.

The entire cost varies depending on their skills. During your hikes in Nepal, you will encounter different types of guides and porters.

Licensed / Certified guides:

License/certified guides are among the best guides available for hikes around Nepal. The Nepalese government has trained and certified these guides, and they are knowledgeable about the culture, geography, history, weather, and people of the destinations you visit. In addition, they are excellent interpreters. Most of them are fluent in a variety of languages, including English, German, French, Chinese, and others.

Employing at least one licensed guide in your trekking group could save your life. You can hire licensed guides on your own or through a trekking company, but finding guides on your own in a foreign place can be extremely difficult. Therefore, we strongly advise you to seek the assistance of a trekking agency.

These guides will cost you between USD 40 and USD 50, including the cost of their basic amenities.

Guide cum porters:

These are second-tier guides who primarily function as guides. However, they will also serve as porters and assist you with your bags. This implies that they’ll be carrying some bags and trekking gear. Their main role, however, is to lead you through the trek by providing navigation, translation, and other necessary guidance.

They will not be able to assist you in the same way that independent porters can. However, they will be the ideal alternative if you only require assistance with a few pieces of luggage.

They have a basic grasp and fluency in English, and therefore will be adequate translators. Throughout the trek, they will assist you with adequate navigation, translation, education, and more.

These guides are less expensive than certified professional guides but are still quite competent.

With minimal amenities, guide cum porters charge between between USD 30 and USD 35 per day.

Porter Cum guides:

These trekking companions serve as both guides and porters. They can also be regarded as independent porters. Many of these porters have been trained and are pursuing official certification as government-qualified guides. As a result, they have outstanding communication, translation, navigation, and other skills. Despite their expertise and workload, they are far less expensive than professional guides.

If you are trekking with a small group, porters/guides like these are the best options. They will be there to carry your bags and serve as your guide at the same time. For your trek, most porters carry up to 20 kg per day. Hence, if your group is small, one porter will suffice. A larger group, on the other hand, may require more than one. You must calculate and predict these needs ahead of time and curate a list of these necessities according to your needs.

Such porters will cost you between USD 25 and USD 30 per day, including food and lodging.

See also: Trekking in Nepal Cost | Best Time to Visit Nepal | Trekking in Nepal

Why should you hire a guide and a porter for the Kanchenjunga trek?

Hire Guide and Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek

To navigate your way:

Doing any type of trek requires you to learn the routes of the trails. Remote places are not well-organized or constructed regularly. Hence, you must use your maps, mind, and navigation tools to find your way. To finish the Kanchenjunga trek, you must also learn to navigate specific paths.

It is impossible to remember every nook and cranny of these pathways, but it is required if you wish to complete the trek safely. That’s why guides are necessary to assist you in navigating your route. This is one of the primary reasons why the government has prohibited solo trail travel. To hire a guide for Kanchenjunga is to ensure your safety.

When traveling the isolated trails, you will see unusual landscapes and modes of transportation. The many landforms include steep roads, hills, glaciers, puddles, etc. You may need to walk across suspension bridges or use horses and mules for transportation. Guides will be with you every step of the journey to help you negotiate such terrain and modes of transportation.

The guides are acquainted with the geography and courses of the trails. They are always traveling along these trails because it is their work. The guide’s experience and trail knowledge allow them to simplify your travel. They not only show you the way but also plan your schedule. Guides will make preparations and arrangements depending on the best outcome to keep you safe.

Guides are also in charge of making last-minute alterations to your schedule. Unprecedented blockades or weather concerns are possible. Such circumstances need a deviation from the usual course of action. Guides identify an excellent approach to modify and simplify your everyday trips.

First-hand healthcare:

Long, rigorous journeys up Himalayan trails are likely to cause some diseases. On your journey, you may sustain injuries or experience minor health issues. In such cases, guides will serve as your primary caregiver.

Altitude sickness is one of the most common health conditions encountered on hikes. It poses a variety of potential health dangers. The frigid temperatures may also cause health problems. Trekking, by definition, carries the risk of falls and mishaps. As a result, you could sustain an open wound injury, shattered bones, a muscle tear or sprain, and so on.

The Kanchenjunga trek’s rural trails do not often have immediate healthcare facilities. If you are sick in one of the hamlets with limited supplies, you’ll have to travel a long distance to get help. As a result, your guides will most likely have to act as your doctor or nurse. Guides are well-versed in the diseases that arise during long-distance, high-altitude treks. They know how to restore your health. Therefore, they will be your lifesaver in terms of medical necessities during your journey.

Planning and coordinating your logistics:

When planning the Kanchenjunga trek, there are numerous aspects to consider, such as transportation, permits, lodging, food, and tickets that must be coordinated. Guides handle all of these details.

If you choose to manage these logistics on your own, the guides are better equipped to handle such logistics and their process. They travel extensively and guide other travelers, so they know the sites of the Kanchenjunga trails like the back of their hand. Therefore, they will know exactly what is appropriate for you for the walk and will handle it for you.

Guides understand the appropriate mode of transportation for your needs and timing. They are also highly familiar with local tea house owners and may negotiate special rates and arrangements for you. In addition, guides are well-versed in the process of obtaining permits. You simply hand them the relevant paperwork, and then they will obtain permits on your behalf. Keeping track of the application procedure or locating offices to obtain the permit will be optional. You can just hire a guide for the Kanchenjunga trek and leave these details to them.

For translation aid:

Nepal is a culturally diverse country, and hence various languages are spoken throughout the country. If you are not Nepali, you might not comprehend them. You may learn a few primary mainland languages, such as Nepali, but communicating with natives will be tough. As a result, you will require assistance in communicating with locals on your journey. Most inhabitants in the isolated villages of the Kanchenjunga trails communicate in their original tongue. If you hire a guide for the Kanchenjunga trek, it makes this much easier. They can understand these folks and assist you in communicating with them.

Your trekking experience will only be complete if you get intimate with the people in the locale. Therefore, having someone to bridge the language gap is critical. Most professional guides are fluent in both their native tongue and other foreign languages. They are typically fluent in English, Chinese, Spanish, German, and other languages.

You won’t have to worry about learning a new language for the trek’s sake if you hire a guide. Your guides will gladly assist you with translation during your treks.

Get knowledge about the locales:

The guides will not only assist you but will also educate you. They are well-versed in the areas where you will be trekking. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is an unusual site to visit. The locations of the paths are rich in natural beauty, various cultures, and history. Learning about these aspects of the places you visit is one of the most important aspects of your journey.

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a protected area that is home to a variety of species. Your guides will be knowledgeable about the region’s wildlife and environment. They may not be experts, but they will be familiar with a wide range of happenings in a particular area.

Furthermore, the guides will be an excellent resource for learning about and comprehending the region’s culture. Kanchenjunga, like other trekking areas in Nepal, is culturally rich. It is home to various ethnic groups, including the Lepcha, Sherpa, Tamang, Rai, and Limbu. They all have their own culture, traditions, and occupations. Tibetan culture has also affected most ethnic cultures and traditions. They have their own languages, which are largely Sino-Tibetan in origin. Buddhism is the dominant religion, yet there are also other different practices.

Your guides are very familiar with such culture and lifestyle of the people. Therefore, they will assist you in learning about it and bridging a method to approach the locals effectively. They may also help you participate in local traditions and festivities to enhance your experience.

Lighten your luggage load:

Traveling for an extended period requires carrying a large amount of luggage. However, lugging large bags and traversing isolated, unpleasant routes is quite challenging. You will need a lot of energy to complete your journeys. Heavy luggage is inconvenient and depletes your vitality. You can, however, hire a porter for the Kanchenjunga trek.

You can employ individual porters or the aforementioned types of guides at your leisure. Most porters will carry 20kg per day for you Hence, to conserve your strength, hire a porter for the Kanchenjunga trek.

Remote treks you may like:

Recommendations for Hiring a Guide and a Porter for the Kanchenjunga Trek

Hire Guide and Porter for Kanchenjunga Trek

  • Obtain travel insurance for your trek.
  • Do not hire children to assist you in your trek. Hiring children or minors as guides for your expedition would be considered child labor. Employing children as guides would be both unethical and illegal.
  • Hire guides who can speak the language you are fluent in. Your journey could be disastrous if your assisting hand could not communicate effectively.
  • Make sure to hire a guide and porter for the Kanchenjunga trek through a reputable trekking agency. Trekking agencies offer a variety of guides that they can match with you based on your needs.
  • Ensure you and your guides are on the same page regarding the trekking schedule and other specifics. Treks will be disastrous if you cannot move on the same page.
  • Set aside some money to tip your guides, as usual. You can tip your guides between 20% and 30%, and cash is preferred.

Final Say

The Kanchenjunga trek is one of the best adventures available in the Nepalese Himalayas. The trek will be extremely rewarding but also demanding. Employing guides and porters will allow you to prioritize the benefits of the trek over the obstacles.

Most of the time, hiring guides and porters is fairly affordable. However, there is a risk that you will be cheated and charged unfairly. We strongly advise you to look into reputable trekking companies for it.

Mosaic Adventure is one such service provider with extremely clear pricing. We will supply licensed guides, porters, and other equipment for your Kanchenjunga expedition. If you are planning a hike to Kanchenjunga, keep us in mind. We will create your itinerary, arrange transportation, and connect you with guides and porters according to your needs. For more information or to book your Kanchenjunga trek with Mosaic Adventure, please contact us.

You may also be interested in...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *