How Tipping Works

There's no fixed tipping rate for guided tours or treks in Nepal. Nevertheless, tipping is expected—if the service merits it—and it's a nice way to show your appreciation. After all, the guides and porters have ushered you and your belongings across mountain passes and have been your only lifeline (and perhaps a source of entertainment) in remote areas. Your guide and porters are also the people who will ensure you have a memorable experience. 

How Much to Tip?

In theory, you should give what you think the guides and porters deserve, and only if they have provided you with good service. In practice, most trekkers don't know how much to give and are afraid of either giving too little or too much. Below, we've provided reasonable guidelines for how much you should top should you be in doubt.

Preferred Currency

You can either tip in Nepali Rupees (NPR) or US Dollars. Withdraw rupees from ATMs when you're in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You might find that ATMs can be finicky in Nepal, and sometimes you'll have to try a few machines before finding one that works. Alternatively, you can exchange cash or traveler's checks at a bank. 

When to Give the Tip

Tips are generally given on the last night of the trek after dinner. If you're traveling with a group, you should all chip in money to give to the entire team, and then each trekker can separately give a little extra to their own porter and/or guide, especially if a special connection was forged.