There are hundreds of trekking companies in Nepal, from one-person agencies in Thamel to large international operators. Most are honest, hard-working businesses, but quality varies enormously, and the cheapest price is rarely the best deal. The company you choose affects your safety, your comfort, and the lives of the guides and porters who look after you. Here are the questions we think every trekker should ask, including about us.
Quick answer: choose a company that is registered with the government and a member of TAAN, uses licensed guides, treats and insures porters fairly, has clear safety and rescue policies, gives transparent prices, and has consistent recent reviews. Be wary of prices far below the rest, vague itineraries and pressure to book immediately.
12 questions to ask
1. Are you a registered company?
Trekking agencies in Nepal must be registered with the government, and most reputable ones are members of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). Since 2023, trekkers in national parks and conservation areas must book through a registered agency with a licensed guide, and restricted area permits can only be issued through one.
2. Are your guides licensed and experienced?
Ask about your guide's licence, years of experience, first-aid training and experience on your specific route. A good guide makes the biggest difference to your trek.
3. How do you treat porters?
Ask about porter wages, maximum loads (around 20–25 kg), insurance, warm clothing and equipment, and accommodation on the trail. Good companies follow porter welfare guidelines and equip porters for high passes.
4. What is your altitude and safety policy?
Does the itinerary include acclimatisation days? What happens if you get sick? Do guides carry first-aid kits, and on remote routes, satellite communication?
5. How do you handle helicopter rescues?
Given the fake rescue scandal charged in 2026, ask directly: does the company take commissions on rescues? Does it coordinate with your insurer before evacuations? See our news report.
6. What exactly is included?
Ask for a full list: permits, transport, flights, accommodation, meals, guide, porters, equipment. Check what is excluded too: drinks, hot showers, tips and insurance are usually extra.
7. Is the itinerary realistic?
Beware of itineraries that cut acclimatisation days or have no buffer for flight delays. A day or two longer is usually safer and more enjoyable.
8. How big are your groups?
Small groups or private treks are more flexible. Ask how many trekkers per guide and per porter.
9. Can you show recent reviews?
Look at several review sites, focusing on recent reviews and how the company responds to problems.
10. What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Ask about deposits, cancellation fees, and what happens if a trek is disrupted by weather, flight cancellations or events beyond anyone's control.
11. Do you support local communities and the environment?
Do they use locally owned lodges, hire local staff, minimise waste and follow responsible trekking practices? See our responsible trekking guide.
12. Who will I talk to when I'm in Nepal?
A reliable company has an office in Kathmandu and someone who answers the phone 24 hours a day while you're on the trail.
Red flags
- Prices far below everyone else's.
- Vague itineraries or unclear inclusions.
- Pressure to pay in full immediately.
- No physical office or registration details.
- Promises that skip acclimatisation or guarantee summits.
- Suggestions to trek without a guide in areas where guides are required.
Booking online vs in Kathmandu
Booking in advance lets you plan, secure Lukla flights and lodges in peak season, and compare companies carefully. Booking in Kathmandu can sometimes be cheaper, but in peak season you may lose days waiting for permits, flights or guides. For restricted areas and peak climbing, book ahead.
How we answer these questions
We're a registered Kathmandu company. Our guides are licensed, first-aid trained and experienced on the routes they lead. Porters are paid fairly, insured and equipped, and carry reasonable loads. Our itineraries include acclimatisation and buffer days. On rescues, descent comes first; when a helicopter is needed, we coordinate directly with your insurer and take no commissions. And someone in our office is always reachable while you're trekking. Ask us anything.
See also our guide to hiring guides and porters and first-time trekking mistakes.