You’ve booked the trek, bought the gear, and mentally prepared for 12 days of sweat, blisters, breathtaking views, and dal bhat. But there’s one last thing nagging at you:
“How much should I tip my guide and porter?”
“In what currency? USD or NPR?”
“Do I give it daily or all at once?”
“Wait—do I tip the porter in Lukla and the guide in Kathmandu??”
We get it. Tipping in Nepal can feel like solving a math problem at altitude. So let’s break it down clearly—and kindly.
When Should You Tip?
There’s no hard rule here, but here’s what’s considered respectful and customary on the Everest trail:
- Salary or partial payment is often handed at the beginning of the trek (especially if you’ve hired independently). This helps your guide/porter cover expenses along the trail.
- Tips are always given at the end of the trek—think of it as a farewell and a thank you.
- For porters, this usually happens in Lukla before they return down to the lower villages.
- For guides, many trekkers wait until Kathmandu if you’ll see them there again—but it’s also perfectly fine to tip them in Lukla if your trip ends there.
- If you’re trekking in a group tour, there’s often a group collection on the final evening in Lukla or at the farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Your tour leader will guide this.
Bonus Thought: Want to go beyond the envelope? Many trekkers share snacks along the way or gift gear like hiking poles, buffs, or knee braces at the end. These little gestures are appreciated more than you know.
How Much Should You Tip?
Let’s keep it simple:
General Rule of Thumb:
- Tip around 10% of your total trek cost
Suggested Daily Rates (Per Staff):
| Role | Daily Tip Range (NPR) | Daily Tip Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Porter | NPR 1,500–2,000 | ~$12–$15 |
| Guide | NPR 2,500–3,000 | ~$18–$25 |
Split Suggestion (if no group pooling):
- 60% to the guide
- 40% to the porter
(Unless your porter climbed 5,000m while carrying 25kg of your “minimalist” gear—then maybe flip that ratio.)
What If I Have a Guide-Porter?
If your Sherpa superstar is doing both guiding and carrying, tip accordingly—$15–$20/day minimum, and more if they went above and beyond. If they got you safely across Cho La Pass in a whiteout? That’s a full tip and a chocolate bar.
What Currency Should I Use?
Both USD and NPR are appreciated and commonly accepted. Just make sure:
- If paying in USD, use clean, undamaged bills (Nepali banks can be picky).
- Avoid coins—they can’t be exchanged easily.
🔍 Pro Tip: If in doubt, ask your guide what’s preferred. Some prefer cash in hand; others might appreciate the local NPR for easier spending.
Real Trekker Tips (From the Trail)
“We tipped $100 each to porters, and $150 to our guide for a two-week trek. Worth every cent.”
“I gave my porter my hiking pole and snacks during the trek—they loved the ginger candies!”
“Standard is one day’s wage per week of trekking. But go higher if you can. They work HARD.”
“I paid some salary up front, then topped up with tips in Lukla. Our group also pooled for a farewell bonus.”
Tipping Is More Than a Transaction
Your tip isn’t just a line item—it’s a thank you, a way to support a hardworking guide or porter, and a piece of ethical trekking.
These incredible humans carry your bags, keep you safe, make sure you acclimatize properly, and sometimes even rescue your camera from a snowdrift. Your generosity goes straight into their pockets—and often supports a family in the foothills of the Himalayas.
So when in doubt? Tip with heart. Tip with respect. Tip with gratitude.
Planning Your Everest Base Camp Trek?
We’ve got all the insider tips on routes, gear, costs, and responsible travel—plus we can connect you with trusted, fair-wage trekking partners.
Because when it comes to Everest, you deserve heaven at high altitude—and your team deserves thanks that truly counts.
🔗 More at trekheaven.com
