What measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff?

Tourism is one of the vibrant and important industries of the world. It’s same here in Nepal as it is the cornerstone of national economy alongside foreign employment. These touristic activities are possible only with the help of porters, guides, clerks, and tourism services providers. Therefore, the protection of these porters and staffs are highly important. Today’s blog is about answering the common question asked by foreigners. What measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff? We will try to answer as authentic as possible. The blogger has asked more than 10 trekking companies before writing the blog.

Legitimate Trekking Operators vs Unregistered Trekking Company on Internet

Before we delve into the blog, we must know about the legitimate trekking operators and unregistered trekking companies in Nepal. Remember that the registered and legitimate companies can only provide proper protection to porters and staff. There are lots of unregistered trekking companies in the market. Please go through our blog about how to find out the legitimacy of a trekking company. Always ask for the credentials from your trekking company before booking. Ensure that the trekking crew members that you are going are well paid and well looked after.

Trekking Guide and Porters in Nepal

The common trekking staffs are trekking guide, Sherpa (Assistant Guide), and Porters. Comparatively, trekking guides are paid higher than porters. Therefore, lots of tourists are concerned about the safety of porters. Moreover, the porters carry heavy load and they are paid lower than the guide. The reason behind the question “what measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff?” is out of concern to these low paid tourism workers.

A person must have a trekking guide license obtained after attending the formal class whereas you don’t need license to work as a porter.

How trekking helps Nepal’s economy and local development?

As mentioned above, trekking is one of the major touristic activities to do in Nepal. It helps to boost the national economy. Moreover, the trekking activities to the remote areas of Nepal actually help in mobilizing local resources. Similarly, it has also become the livelihood of thousands of people. Many have got jobs and their local products are sold. Directly or indirectly, the trekking activities are boon to the life standard of the locals.

What measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff?

Now, let’s talk about what measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff. The serious trekking operators work towards achieving sustainable development. Therefore, these companies care about its staffs and they protect them with all measures. After researching with 10 reputed companies like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd., the blogger has identified the 6 measures that they are taking to protect porters and staff.

Here is the list of what measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff. Let’s learn in brief about these measures. Next time when you visit Nepal, remember that you are not only spending vacation but also helping the locals to earn their livelihood.

Insurance of Trekking Crew Members

Trekkers must do their insurance before trekking in Nepal. The travel insurance of the porters, trekking guide, and other crew members are done by the trekking operators in Nepal. Most of the trekking routes of Nepal traverse through higher elevation places and remote regions. There’s always a chance of accidents and illness. Therefore, insurance is mandatory. One should note down that the serious trekking operators only provide the insurance to its staff. Make sure that your trekking company has insurance to your trekking crew members.

Guide and Porter Salary in Nepal

Normal trekking guide salary in Nepal starts from 35 $ per day. Specific language speaking trekking guide may charge you around 45 $ to 55 $ per day. Porter salary starts from 25 $ per day to 30 $ per day. Climbing porters charge more than the regular trekking porters.

Minimum Luggage Weight Rule for Porters

Two trekkers are assigned one porter. It’s a normal rule. The maximum weight of the luggage must not exceed above 22 kilograms. If found breaching the rule, the serious trekking operators assign two trekkers if needed. They never force porters to carry the maximum load.

Year round economical support besides peak trekking season

Generally, porters and trekking staffs are paid as per their trip. However, serious trekking operators provide year round economical support even during off season. Some of these crew members are from the marginalized communities. Therefore, they need year round support in order to keep their morale high.

Health and Education Support to Children of Guide & Porters

Besides the salary and insurance, the serious trekking operators perform corporate social responsibility activities. Regular health check of the children of porters and staff are carried out. Educational materials are distributed and needed children are fully funded by the trekking company. For example, the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. has been supporting the local primary school of Kuwapani Dhading where lots of children of its porters and staffs study.

Regular Training and Skill Enhancement Programs (Support Porter to become Guide)

Guides are comparatively paid more and given more respect. Therefore, the serious trekking operators always groom the porters to become a trekking guide. Training of language and hospitality are given periodically to boost the skills of these porters. Providing these trainings help porters to rise above the ranks.

I hope that the blog about what measures do serious trekking operators in Nepal take to protect porters and staff is fruitful. Your concern regarding the health and wellbeing of these low paid porters is understandable. Don’t worry if you are trekking with the reliable trekking company. The Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. cares about its staff and always strive to provide impeccable hospitality to its clients.