Guide and porter
Mandatory guide in Nepal: what actually applies
Since 2023, foreigners are in principle required to trek with a licensed guide. In practice, it all depends on the region.
The 2023 rule
Since 1 April 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board has required foreign trekkers in national parks and protected areas to be accompanied by a licensed guide; the TIMS card is now issued only by a licensed agency. This is a Nepal Tourism Board decision, not a law, and no official fine has been published.
Some agencies claim there are fines and systematic electronic checks: we found no official source for either.
Region by region
| Region | Rule | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| Everest (Khumbu) | Guide not required | Khumbu Municipality refused to apply the rule as early as March 2023. Independent trekkers are common there. |
| Annapurna | Mandatory in theory | Uneven enforcement: some get through without a guide, others are turned back at a checkpoint. The Annapurna Circuit still broke its record in 2024 (over 30,000 trekkers). |
| Langtang | Mandatory and enforced | Imposed by the national park since 15 February 2025; solo trekkers have been stopped at the Dhunche checkpoint. |
| Manaslu (restricted area) | Agency and guide mandatory | The special permit can only be requested through an agency. Since 22 March 2026, you no longer need to be a group of at least two. |
What it costs
| Service | Price per day | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed guide | 25 to 50 USD (≈ €22 to €45) | More expensive in restricted areas (up to 60 USD (≈ €54)). |
| Porter | 15 to 30 USD (≈ €13 to €27) | Usually carries 20 to 25 kg, often for two trekkers. |
| Porter-guide | 25 to 45 USD (≈ €22 to €40) | A single companion who guides and carries some of your gear. |
Through an agency, the guide's meals, accommodation and insurance are usually included; if you hire directly, get it spelled out. Usual tip: about 10 to 15% of the total cost, shared between guide and porter.
Choosing well
- The licence: a guide has an official card with photo and number; ask to see it.
- The agency: check it's registered (Department of Tourism, TAAN); only an agency can provide the TIMS card and the special permit.
- Insurance: a guide or porter registered through an agency is insured; an unregistered guide isn't.
- Porters: avoid excessive loads (over 20 to 25 kg), and check they have shoes and warm clothes for the passes.
What about the visa? A two-week trek plus a few days in Kathmandu and Pokhara quickly adds up to more than 15 days: get the 30-day visa. The calculator on our sister site Visa Nepal shows the cheapest length.
Which visa length?Comments
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