I’m planning my trek for next May, does anyone know if its worth waiting until I reach Kathmandu to find a tour companies?
Booking before from the UK is giving me crazy prices!
How easy would it be to find a decent one if I just go there. Also, could anyone recommend any?
Thank you!
You can probably find trekking guides in Thamel. It should be cheaper than booking from there. Are you a Nepalese national or foreigner.
As a Freelance Trekking Guide, there are couple of ways you could go through it.
1. Vet for a Guide to manage the Local Transfers, Permits and Guiding services only and Take care of the Food and Accomodation by yourselves.
2. Ask for the Guide to create a budget itinerary of full board package of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
3. Go with a Trekking Agency for all inclusive package.
To give you a brief idea, Annapurna Circuit can be completed in 12-14 days. You can budget around 30 USD per day for Food and Accomodation, approx 50 USD for TIMS and Permits, 50 USD for local bus/jeep transfer and about 25 – 30 USD per day for Guide Fees.
Your best budget itinerary should come around 800 – 900 USD for the entirety of the trek. If you can find one more trekker to join the trek, that figure would come down to about 700 USD where you share the Accomodation and Guide Fees with other traveller.
In the UK, it’s about £700 or US$899! I’m thinking of either going there and seeking a tour company or hiring a guide and porter. There’s is just so many options, can get overwhelming as I’ll need help with the permits.