Travel

Hi Cliff

I've trekked in Nepal several times (probably because the hills thereabouts are quite good) but not used an agency. There are hundreds of agencies in Kathmandhu and Pokhara and it does seem difficult to differentiate. If nobody on OM comes along to answer your question (and welcome btw) you could try other sources of information and advice.

I'm thinking particularly of Lonely Planet's thorn tree forums - your question is a common one on the Nepal branch - any info from into-thin-air and stilltrekkin can be relied on (in my opinion).

May I ask why you are interested in using an agency? If you intend to do a classic tea house trek e.g. EBC, ABC, Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom or Poon Hill then these can be done independently with a little research much more cheaply (and enjoyably) than using a commercial agency (you can still use a guide/porter). If you plan to do a more off the beaten track trek such as Dhaulagiri or Kangchenjunga (fully supported camping expeditions) then an agency is required.

Anyhoo - good luck and feel free to come back with more questions.

I don't know if they are still operating but Summit Trekking (run from the Summit Hotel in Pathan) were good a long time ago! Kit Spencer was in charge and knew what was he was doing... if you want the 'full monty' they were faultless. In my case I didn't have the choice as I was 16 when I used them and it was a UK based organisation that used them.

[edit to add link as it seems they are still operating...]

http://www.summit-nepal.com/index.php?page=4

The second time I went I got some help from a guide I met in Pokhara. He did a good job for us but, apparently, stiffed the two lads he hired to carry some of our kit.

If I was going now, though, I probably wouldn't bother. My base pack weight is a lot lighter; I know what to leave behind and most of the classic treks are easy enough as an independent trekker. My only hesitation on that front would be that I could afford to pay for a bit of help so really should be contributing to the local economy. Don't forget if you pay an agency based in the UK then most of the money will be spent in the UK! Perhaps that's what you want... but personally I'd rather see more of it get to the folk who do the back breaking stuff!

John 

Hi Cliff,

Just a thought - if you do use a company you might like to consider whether they implement the  International Porter protection Group recommendations. Cutting the price often means that the porters simply come off worst.

We used CAT (Community Action Treks) - Doug Scotts company which is used to fund his CAN charity. Maybe not what you are after from your initial post, but virtully everything they do in Nepal is Kathmandu based and profits all go to help the charity.

Somewhere on the web there's a site where people have reviewed guides and porters they've used for trekking in Nepal, if it's still around, google should find it.

If you want to go solo, it's straightforward, the Trailblazer guidebook series is excellent and staying in tea houses keeps your pack size down.

Having said that, a good guide will really enhance your trip by being able to tell you more about the local culture, pointing out interesting stuff you might otherwise miss and generally making it a smoother experience. You're also helping to put money into the local economy.

If you want an individual contact, I have a Sherpa friend who I met out there a few years back who I'd totally recommend as a lovely guy with good English and great local knowledge. Drop me a line if you want a contact for him via jon@outdoorsmagic.com.

There's also an article here on the site about independent trekking in Nepal which you might find useful. Independent Trekking In Nepal.

Whatever you choose to do, I'm sure you'll have a great time, it's an amazing place with fantastic people