Hello, my friend and I are planning to hike the manaslu circuit trek in late October this year. We have been in search of a freelance guide, and everyone that we communicate with wants us to wire them money directly to a bank account. We are trying to avoid going through one of the all inclusive agencies because they are so pricey but are feeling a little uncomfortable with this form of payment. Does anyone have recent experience with this? Any information from trekkers who have recently(after April 1st when the new law went into effect) obtained guides out there that could walk me through their experience or give me any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. I just want a good guide at a decent price!!! Send HALP!!
Related:
Manaslu is a restricted area and it always required a guide and two person to get a permit.
Most agency/guide ask for the certain amount as a booking confirmation. I’m working as a freelance guide and this has happened a lot, client confirms the booking date without any deposits and then at the end they cancelled the booking saying that they found another guide/group, causing agency/guide to loose the same client and other possible clients too. Asking for a certain amount of deposit is to make sure that the booking is confirmed.
When in October are you planning?