How can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate?

Scammers are everywhere especially there are many swindlers and hustlers in the tourism industry. Luckily, Nepal hardly has these street swindlers, scammers, and hustlers. Therefore, it is considered as the safest country to spend quality holiday times. Despite all these safety guarantees, there are many frauds especially in an internet. Recently, many trekking companies are unregistered and they operate solely on internet. How can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate? Today’s blog is all about answering this question. It is a legit question which you must consider to do the hassle – free treks in Nepal.

Nepal Trekking Company

Nepal is a heaven for trekking activities due to the presence of diverse landscapes and vegetation. Moreover, the country has more than 125 ethnic groups with their own traditions and culture. People and nature combine makes Nepal the number one trekking destination. The Trekking Companies of Nepal are facilitator to the trekkers from across the globe. These companies knit itinerary and offer services to trekkers. Logistic management is important alongside the authentic information and momentous journey. Travel companies can help you get back the worth of every penny that you spend on a trip.

Do I need a trekking company to manage treks in Nepal? Reasons to choose trekking company

Yes, it is highly recommended. This blogger strongly advises you to choose the trekking company to manage your treks in Nepal. The company will help you get the permits, lodging, meals, transportations, and guide services. Trekking trails of Nepal traverses through wilderness areas, diverse landscapes, and multi – ethnic villages and these trails require proper guide services. Only the licensed trekking company can provide assurances of safety. On this blog titled “how can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate?” can surely help you understand the need for an agency.

How can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate?

Before you book a trek in Nepal, you must find the authenticity of the trekking company. Yes, it is important to know the credentials of the agency that you are booking a trek with. The best way to find out the authenticity or legitimacy of the trekking company in Nepal is by asking the certificates of their licenses. A company requires lots of certificates from the Nepal Government. Company Registration Certificate issued under the Industry Act, Nepal Tourism Board License, Tax Office license, foreign currency permit, etc. are needed for a legal proof.

So, how can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate? Let’s find out the answers. Ask these certificates from the company and if they can provide you these documents, then they are genuinely legitimate company. If not, avoid these companies. They stoop to the level where they promise you more services in lesser price. For example, avoid companies that offer you the Everest Base Camp Trek package in less than 1330 $ per person. Lowly priced packages are the biggest red flag.

Certificate of Company Registration under Nepal Government

The first thing a company must do to become legal is the company registration certificate. Lawyers of the company must register the company under the Nepal Industry Act and get certificate from the Company Registration Office. An agency must have their own rules and they must provide deposits required to obtain the certificate. As for example, the company registration number of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is 170458/73/074.

Tourism Board License Certificate

Another license is the Nepal Tourism Board certificate. After depositing certain amount, you can register at the Board Office. Remember that you need the Nepal Tourism Board license to access the system to book the permits of various trekking regions. For example, you must log into the system with the credentials provided by the tourism board to book permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In short, you can’t get the legitimate permits unless you are registered in the Nepal Tourism Board office. 2358/074 is the Nepal Tourism Board license number of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration Certificate

Tax office registration is another important document that a legitimate company must have. Permanent Account Number must be issued by the local tax office. The PAN number of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is 605931031. Regular auditing must be done and they must be cleared by the tax office.

Foreign Currency Transaction Permit License

Operators can’t do transactions of the foreign currencies without the license from the central bank of Nepal. The Rastra Bank (Central Bank) issues the license to do transactions especially the acceptance permit. Normally, acceptance of foreign currency is allowed to trekking company and they are not given permission to sell it. The Foreign Currency Permit of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is 96/1/074.

Affiliations Certificate of Tourism Authorities

Four certificates mentioned above are mandatory for a legal trekking company. Besides these legal requirements, the company must be affiliated with various tourism associations to carry out various trekking and peak climbing activities in Nepal. Trekkers’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) are the crucial trekking authorities recognized by Nepal Government. Make sure to ask the certificates of affiliation with these organizations from the trekking company.

Trekking Guide License issued by Nepal Government

Even if the company is legit, you must also ask the authentic trekking guide license of your guide. Porter and Sherpa (Assistant Guide) don’t need the license to practice or work. However, a trekking guide must have the guide license issued by the Nepal Government. Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management conducts the official training classes. After months of studying and passing the examination, a person can get the trekking guide license.

I hope that your question “how can I tell if a Nepal trekking company is government licensed and legitimate?” has been answered via this blog. If not, you are free to contact us anytime.