25 Questions to Ask a Nepal Trekking Agency Before Booking

Booking a trek in Nepal is one of the most exciting travel decisions you will ever make. It can also be one of the most consequential. The agency you choose determines everything: the quality of your guide, the safety protocols protecting you at altitude, the ethical treatment of the porters carrying your gear, and ultimately whether your Himalayan experience becomes the trip of a lifetime or a cautionary tale.

With more than 2,500 registered trekking agencies in Nepal -- and an unknown number of unregistered ones -- separating excellent operators from mediocre or even dangerous ones requires due diligence. The single most effective due diligence tool at your disposal is asking the right questions.

This guide provides 25 essential questions organized into five critical categories, along with guidance on what constitutes a good answer, what constitutes a red flag, and when you should walk away entirely. Whether you are planning your first trek to Poon Hill or an ambitious expedition on the Manaslu Circuit, these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Many trekkers, especially first-timers, feel awkward interrogating a company they might hire. They worry about seeming distrustful or demanding. This is a mistake. A legitimate, high-quality trekking agency will welcome your questions. They have heard all of them before, and they know that informed clients become satisfied clients.

Here is the reality: agencies that become evasive, impatient, or vague when asked direct questions are telling you something important about how they will treat you on the trail. If they cannot provide clear answers from their office in Kathmandu, they will not provide clear answers at 4,500 meters when something goes wrong.

Category 1: About the Company (Questions 1-5)

These questions establish the agency's legitimacy, experience, and organizational foundation. They are the baseline -- if an agency cannot answer these clearly, there is no reason to proceed to the other categories.

Question 1: "What is your TAAN registration number, and can you provide proof of current registration?"

Why this matters: The Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) is the primary regulatory body for trekking companies. Registration requires meeting minimum safety, financial, and operational standards. Operating without TAAN registration is technically illegal for agencies organizing trekking services.

Good answer: The agency provides a specific registration number immediately and offers to share documentation. They may also mention their Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) license number.

Red flag: Hesitation, claims that registration is "in process," or insistence that TAAN registration is not important. Some agencies will name-drop TAAN without actually being registered.

Verification step: Check the TAAN member directory directly. You can also verify through our TAAN verification guide.

Question 2: "How long have you been operating, and how many treks do you organize per year?"

Why this matters: Experience matters enormously in the trekking industry. An agency that has been operating for 10+ years has survived monsoon emergencies, political disruptions, earthquakes, and the COVID pandemic. They have institutional knowledge that newer operators lack.

Good answer: Specific founding year, clear numbers (e.g., "We run approximately 150 treks per year across 12 routes"), and willingness to provide context about their growth and history.

Red flag: Vague answers like "many years" or "lots of treks." Also watch for agencies that claim decades of experience but have a website domain registered only last year.

What to look for: Agencies with fewer than five years of operation are not necessarily bad, but they should compensate with experienced staff. A newer agency run by guides with 15 years of personal experience can be excellent.

Question 3: "Who owns the company, and what is their trekking background?"

Why this matters: The best trekking agencies in Nepal are typically founded and run by experienced trekking guides or mountaineers who built companies around their expertise. Owner-operated agencies tend to have higher standards because the owner's reputation is directly on the line.

Good answer: The owner has a trekking or mountaineering background, is actively involved in operations, and may still lead treks personally on occasion.

Red flag: The owner is purely a business investor with no trekking experience, or the agency is evasive about ownership structure. This is not automatically disqualifying, but it means you should scrutinize guide quality even more carefully.

Question 4: "How many full-time staff do you employ, and what is the ratio of full-time guides to freelance guides?"

Why this matters: Agencies that rely primarily on freelance guides hired on a per-trek basis have less control over quality and consistency. Full-time guides are typically better trained, more invested in the company's reputation, and more experienced.

Good answer: The agency employs a core team of full-time guides (ideally at least 5-10) and supplements with vetted freelancers during peak season. They should be transparent about this mix.

Red flag: All guides are freelancers hired last-minute based on availability. This is common among budget operators and can result in being assigned a guide who has never done your specific route.

Question 5: "Can you provide references from recent clients, specifically for the trek I am planning?"

Why this matters: General reviews are helpful, but references specific to your trek are invaluable. An agency might excel at Everest Base Camp treks but have limited experience on the Manaslu Circuit.

Good answer: They offer to connect you with 2-3 recent clients (within the last 6-12 months) who completed the same trek you are planning. Some agencies maintain a list of willing references.

Red flag: Refusal to provide references, or offering only references from years ago. Also be cautious if every reference is from the same nationality or seems scripted.

Category 2: About the Trek (Questions 6-10)

These questions assess the agency's operational quality and how they will manage your specific trekking experience.

Question 6: "What is your maximum group size for this trek, and how many are currently signed up for my dates?"

Why this matters: Group size dramatically affects your experience. Larger groups move slower, have less flexibility, create longer queues at checkpoints and tea houses, and make it harder for guides to monitor individual trekkers for altitude sickness symptoms.

Good answer: A clear maximum (ideally 12 or fewer for most treks, 8 or fewer for challenging routes), with an honest update on current bookings for your dates.

Red flag: No stated maximum, or a maximum above 16. Also concerning: agencies that merge multiple bookings into one large group without informing clients. For more on this decision, see our group vs. private trek guide.

Question 7: "Can you walk me through the day-by-day itinerary, including acclimatization days?"

Why this matters: The itinerary reveals whether the agency prioritizes your safety and experience or is trying to rush you through on a budget. Adequate acclimatization days are non-negotiable on any trek above 3,500 meters.

Good answer: A detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific overnight locations, elevation gains, walking times, and clearly marked acclimatization days. The Everest Base Camp trek, for example, should include at least 2 acclimatization days (typically at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche or Pheriche).

Red flag: An itinerary that is significantly shorter than standard recommendations for the route. An 8-day EBC itinerary, for example, is dangerously compressed. Similarly, agencies that list acclimatization days but then describe them as "optional rest days" that the group may skip.

Question 8: "What are the qualifications of the guide who will lead my trek?"

Why this matters: Your guide is the single most important factor in your trek's safety and quality. A knowledgeable, experienced guide transforms a walk into an education. An unqualified guide can put your life at risk.

Good answer: The agency provides specific information: the guide's name, years of experience, number of times they have completed this specific route, training certifications (Nepal Mountaineering Association training, wilderness first aid, altitude medicine), and language abilities.

Red flag: "We will assign a guide closer to the date." This often means the agency does not have dedicated guides and will hire whoever is available. Also concerning: guides described only by language ability ("English-speaking guide") with no mention of experience or training.

Question 9: "What is the guide-to-trekker ratio, and will there be an assistant guide?"

Why this matters: On any trek above 3,500 meters, a single guide cannot adequately monitor a group of more than 6-8 trekkers for altitude sickness symptoms. If one trekker needs to descend, the rest of the group should not be left without a guide.

Good answer: One guide for every 4-6 trekkers, with an assistant guide for groups larger than 4. For high-altitude or technically challenging treks, the ratio should be even lower.

Red flag: One guide for 10+ trekkers with no assistant. This is unfortunately common with budget operators. It means if one person gets sick, the guide faces an impossible choice between staying with the group and escorting the sick trekker down.

Question 10: "How flexible is the itinerary if weather or health issues arise?"

Why this matters: No trek goes exactly according to plan. Weather windows close, trekkers develop altitude symptoms, trails become impassable. How an agency handles deviations reveals their true quality.

Good answer: The agency describes specific contingency protocols: alternative routes, extra buffer days built into the itinerary, clear decision-making processes for when to turn back, and examples of how they have handled similar situations in the past.

Red flag: "We always complete the itinerary as planned." No legitimate high-altitude operator can guarantee this. Agencies that promise you will reach your destination regardless of conditions are either lying or reckless.

Category 3: About Costs (Questions 11-17)

Financial transparency is where legitimate agencies and questionable ones diverge most sharply. These questions protect you from hidden fees, bait-and-switch pricing, and paying for things that should be included.

Question 11: "Can you provide a complete written breakdown of what is included and what is excluded?"

Why this matters: The total price means nothing without understanding what it covers. A $900 trek that excludes meals, permits, accommodation, and tips is actually more expensive than a $1,400 trek that includes everything.

Good answer: A detailed, itemized list covering: accommodation, meals (specify which), permits (specify which), transportation (airport transfers, domestic flights, ground transport), guide and porter fees, equipment provided, entry fees, and any other inclusions. Exclusions should be equally specific.

Red flag: A single lump price with "everything included" and no breakdown. Also concerning: the phrase "standard inclusions apply" without specifying what those are.

Question 12: "Are there any additional costs that are not listed in the package price?"

Why this matters: Hidden costs are the most common complaint in the Nepal trekking industry. They can add 20-40% to your expected budget if you are not prepared.

Good answer: An honest, upfront list of common extras: hot showers at tea houses (NPR 300-500 each), charging devices (NPR 200-400), snacks and drinks beyond meals, tips for guides and porters, personal gear purchases, travel insurance, visa fees, and any optional activities.

Red flag: "There are no additional costs" (there always are). Or extreme vagueness about extras.

Question 13: "What is your payment schedule, and what methods do you accept?"

Why this matters: Payment structure reveals both the agency's financial stability and your level of protection. Agencies that demand full payment months in advance with no refund provisions are higher risk.

Good answer: A typical legitimate structure: 20-30% deposit upon booking, with the balance due upon arrival in Kathmandu (or 2-4 weeks before departure). They accept bank transfer and possibly credit card (noting any processing surcharge). They provide a receipt for all payments.

Red flag: Demand for 100% payment via Western Union or cryptocurrency. No receipts. Cash-only policies. Deposits exceeding 50% of the total cost.

Question 14: "What is your cancellation and refund policy?"

Why this matters: Plans change. Flights get cancelled. Emergencies happen. A clear cancellation policy protects both you and the agency. The absence of one protects only the agency.

Good answer: A written policy with specific timelines and refund percentages. A typical fair policy: full refund (minus deposit) for cancellations more than 30 days before departure, 50% refund for 15-30 days, no refund for fewer than 15 days. Some agencies offer credit toward future treks instead of cash refunds.

Red flag: No written policy. "We handle it case by case" (which means they will keep your money). Or a policy with zero refund at any point after booking.

Question 15: "What happens financially if you (the agency) cancel the trek?"

Why this matters: Agencies sometimes cancel treks due to insufficient bookings, guide unavailability, or other operational reasons. You need to know your rights in this scenario.

Good answer: Full refund if the agency cancels for any reason, or rebooking on alternative dates at no extra cost. This should be in the contract.

Red flag: No mention of this scenario, or policies that allow the agency to cancel without compensation.

Question 16: "Is travel insurance required, and what minimum coverage do you recommend?"

Why this matters: This question tests whether the agency genuinely cares about your safety. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is not optional for high-altitude trekking -- it is essential.

Good answer: "Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all our clients. We require a minimum of $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage, including helicopter rescue up to the maximum altitude of your trek." They may recommend specific providers experienced with Nepal claims.

Red flag: "Insurance is optional but recommended." An agency that does not require insurance is either negligent about safety or planning to pressure you into unnecessary evacuations for insurance fraud kickbacks. For detailed insurance guidance, see our travel insurance guide.

Question 17: "What is your tipping policy, and what amount is customary?"

Why this matters: Tips for guides and porters are an important part of their income and a significant expense for trekkers. Transparency about expectations prevents awkward situations on the trail.

Good answer: Specific guidance on customary amounts (e.g., $15-25 per day for a lead guide, $10-15 per day for an assistant guide, $8-12 per day per porter, divided among trekkers). The agency makes clear that tips are appreciated but voluntary.

Red flag: "Tips are not expected" (which means guides are either extremely well-paid, which is unlikely, or the agency does not want you thinking about staff compensation). Also problematic: agencies that include a mandatory "service charge" that is not actually passed on to staff.

Category 4: About Safety (Questions 18-22)

Safety questions are arguably the most important in this list. At high altitude in remote areas, the difference between a well-prepared agency and a poorly prepared one can be the difference between life and death.

Question 18: "What emergency communication equipment do your guides carry?"

Why this matters: Cell phone coverage is unreliable or nonexistent on many trekking routes. In an emergency, your guide needs to be able to contact rescue services, the agency office, and medical professionals regardless of location.

Good answer: Satellite phone (Thuraya or Iridium) carried by the lead guide on every trek, plus a backup communication method (satellite messenger like Garmin inReach or SPOT device). Some agencies also provide personal locator beacons.

Red flag: "Our guides carry mobile phones." Cell phones are not reliable above Namche Bazaar on the EBC route or above Manang on the Annapurna Circuit. If the guide's only communication device is a mobile phone, you are inadequately protected in an emergency.

Question 19: "What altitude sickness protocols does your team follow?"

Why this matters: Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, HACE, HAPE) is the most common serious health threat on Nepal treks. A professional agency has clear, non-negotiable protocols.

Good answer: Specific protocols: twice-daily pulse oximetry checks, Lake Louise Score assessments, clear thresholds for descent (e.g., SpO2 consistently below 80%, Lake Louise score above 5, any symptoms of HACE or HAPE), a strict "descend immediately" policy for severe symptoms, Gamow bag availability on treks above 5,000m, and the guide carries basic altitude medications (acetazolamide, dexamethasone, nifedipine).

Red flag: "Our guides are experienced and can tell if someone has altitude sickness." Experience is important, but it is not a substitute for systematic monitoring with actual equipment and clear decision protocols. Also concerning: agencies that say they have "never had an altitude sickness case" (which is either a lie or means they do very few high-altitude treks).

Question 20: "What first aid training do your guides have, and when was it last renewed?"

Why this matters: First aid certifications expire and should be regularly renewed. A guide with an expired certificate from a weekend course eight years ago is not adequately trained.

Good answer: Guides hold current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification, renewed within the last 2-3 years. Some will have additional training from the Himalayan Rescue Association or Nepal Mountaineering Association. The agency should be able to tell you the specific certifications held by the guide assigned to your trek.

Red flag: "All our guides are first aid trained" with no specifics on what training, from whom, or when. Basic Red Cross first aid is better than nothing but insufficient for high-altitude trekking environments. For comprehensive information, see our guide hiring resource.

Question 21: "What is your emergency evacuation procedure?"

Why this matters: When a trekker needs emergency evacuation, every minute counts. The agency should have a rehearsed, well-established procedure -- not one they improvise in the moment.

Good answer: A clear step-by-step process: guide assesses the situation, contacts the agency office via satellite phone, the office coordinates with helicopter companies and your insurance provider, the nearest helicopter landing zone is identified, the trekker is stabilized and prepared for evacuation, and a specific hospital in Kathmandu is designated for receiving the patient. The agency has pre-established relationships with helicopter companies and hospitals.

Red flag: Vague answers or exclusive reliance on a single helicopter company (which can suggest a kickback arrangement). For detailed information on helicopter rescues, see our helicopter rescue guide.

Question 22: "What happens to the rest of the group if one person needs to be evacuated?"

Why this matters: This question reveals the agency's operational depth. If the lead guide accompanies an evacuated trekker, who leads the remaining group?

Good answer: "The assistant guide continues leading the group while the lead guide accompanies the evacuated trekker. Our agency office coordinates additional support if needed. We have backup guides available in the region who can join the group within hours if necessary."

Red flag: "The guide stays with the group and we arrange for the sick person to be evacuated alone." A seriously ill trekker should never be left without a qualified accompanying person during evacuation.

Category 5: About Ethics (Questions 23-25)

These questions address the human and environmental impact of your trek. Ethical trekking is not just a feel-good concept -- it directly correlates with safety and quality.

Question 23: "What are your porter weight limits, and how do you enforce them?"

Why this matters: Porter exploitation remains a serious issue in Nepal's trekking industry. Overloaded porters suffer injuries, altitude sickness, and in worst cases, death. The industry standard maximum is 25 kg per porter (including their own belongings), though some responsible agencies set the limit at 20 kg.

Good answer: A specific weight limit (20-25 kg maximum), weighed at the start of the trek with a spring scale, regular checks during the trek, and a clear explanation of what happens if loads exceed the limit (additional porters are hired at the agency's expense). The agency should also confirm that porters carry their own sleeping bag, warm clothing, and sunglasses -- provided by the agency if the porter does not own them.

Red flag: "Our porters are very strong, they can carry more." No weight limit mentioned. Reluctance to discuss porter conditions. Also problematic: agencies that promise you can bring unlimited luggage without hiring additional porters. For more on this critical issue, see our porter ethics guide.

Question 24: "What wages do your guides and porters receive, and do they receive insurance?"

Why this matters: Fair wages and insurance for staff indicate an ethical, sustainable operation. Agencies that underpay staff attract less experienced workers and create incentives for unsafe behavior (like porters rushing to take on multiple loads).

Good answer: Transparency about daily rates. In 2026, fair daily wages are approximately NPR 3,500-5,000+ for experienced guides and NPR 1,800-2,500+ for porters, plus meals and accommodation. All staff should have accident insurance and equipment appropriate for the conditions they will encounter.

Red flag: Refusal to discuss wages ("that is internal information"). Claims that wages "meet industry standards" without specifying amounts. Wages significantly below the ranges listed above.

Question 25: "What environmental practices does your company follow?"

Why this matters: Nepal's trekking trails are under enormous environmental pressure. Responsible agencies actively mitigate their impact rather than contributing to the problem.

Good answer: Specific practices: pack-in/pack-out waste policy, use of reusable water containers (avoiding single-use plastic bottles), proper human waste management on remote routes, support for trail maintenance programs, carbon offset programs, or contributions to organizations like the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee or Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

Red flag: Generic claims about "loving nature" with no specific practices. An agency that cannot name a single concrete environmental initiative it participates in is likely not participating in any. For more information, see our environmental impact guide.

How to Interpret the Answers: Green Flags and Red Flags

After asking these 25 questions to multiple agencies, you will have a substantial amount of information. Here is how to interpret it.

Green Flags (Signs of a Quality Agency)

• Detailed, specific answers rather than vague generalizations
• Written documentation (contracts, itineraries, emergency protocols) provided proactively
• Willingness to connect you with references and transparency about past problems
• TAAN and NTB registration verified independently
• Clear separation of inclusions and exclusions in pricing
• Genuine enthusiasm for your questions -- they see your diligence as a sign of a serious client
• Proactive information sharing -- they tell you things you did not even think to ask
• Consistent information across email, phone, and in-person conversations
• A physical office you can visit in Kathmandu or Pokhara
• Staff continuity -- the same person handles your inquiry from start to finish

Red Flags (Walk Away Warning Signs)

• Evasion or irritation when asked specific questions
• Pressure tactics -- "this price is only available today" or "we only have one spot left"
• No written contract or reluctance to provide one
• Unverifiable TAAN registration or no registration at all
• Communication only via WhatsApp with no email, phone, or office address
• Prices dramatically lower than other agencies for the same trek (they are cutting corners somewhere)
• No cancellation policy or an unreasonable one
• Guaranteed summit/destination promises (no legitimate operator can guarantee this)
• Refusal to discuss guide qualifications or porter treatment
• Inconsistent information between different conversations or team members
• No insurance requirement for high-altitude treks
• Only positive reviews (every legitimate business has some mixed or negative reviews)

For a comprehensive guide to scams and red flags, see our trekking agency red flags guide.

Sample Email Template

Use this template as a starting point for your initial inquiry. Customize it based on your specific trek and concerns.

Subject: Inquiry for [Trek Name] - [Your Preferred Dates]

Dear [Agency Name] Team,

I am planning a [trek name] for [dates/month] 2026 and am currently
researching agencies. I have a few questions that will help me
make my decision:

1. What is your TAAN registration number?
2. How many times have your guides led this specific trek?
3. What is included in your package price, and what are the
   additional costs I should budget for?
4. What is your maximum group size for this trek?
5. Can you provide 2-3 references from clients who completed
   this trek in the last 12 months?
6. What emergency communication equipment do your guides carry?
7. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

I am comparing several agencies and appreciate detailed responses.
I am happy to schedule a video call to discuss further if that
is more convenient.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

When to Walk Away

Sometimes the answer to your questions is not in the words but in the pattern. Walk away from an agency if:

1. They cannot provide TAAN registration and this cannot be independently verified
2. They refuse to provide a written contract before accepting payment
3. They pressure you to book immediately with urgency tactics
4. They demand full payment upfront via non-reversible methods (Western Union, cryptocurrency)
5. Guide qualifications are vague or unverifiable -- "experienced" is not a qualification
6. They have no emergency communication plan beyond mobile phones
7. They become defensive or hostile when asked about porter treatment
8. Their price is dramatically below market rate without a clear, legitimate explanation
9. They guarantee results ("you will definitely reach Base Camp")
10. Your gut tells you something is wrong -- trust your instincts

Walking away feels difficult when you have invested time in research and correspondence. But the consequences of booking with an unsafe or unethical operator are far worse than the inconvenience of starting your search over.

Additional Verification Steps

Beyond asking questions directly, take these independent verification steps:

Check Online Reviews (But Carefully)

• Google Reviews: Look for detailed, narrative reviews rather than generic 5-star ratings
• TripAdvisor: Filter for reviews of your specific trek, read the 3-star reviews (most balanced)
• Trustpilot: Check for verified purchase reviews
• Trekking forums: Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, Reddit r/Nepal, and TrekBuddy forums have candid discussions

Verify Registrations

• TAAN member directory: taan.org.np
• Nepal Tourism Board licensed operators: ntb.gov.np
• Company registration: Ask for their PAN number (tax identification)

Check Social Media Activity

• Active social media with real trek photos (not stock images) suggests an active operation
• Look for tagged photos from actual clients
• Check if they respond to comments and reviews, including negative ones

Visit Their Office

If you arrive in Kathmandu a day or two early, visit the agency's physical office. A legitimate operation will have:

• A visible office in Thamel or nearby areas
• Staff available during business hours
• Trekking equipment visible (maps, gear, communication devices)
• TAAN and NTB certificates displayed on the wall

For a detailed guide to the Thamel area, see our Thamel district guide.

Questions Specific to Trek Types

For Restricted Area Treks (Manaslu, Upper Mustang, etc.)

Add these questions:

• "Do you handle the restricted area permit directly, or through a sub-agent?"
• "What is the minimum group size required for the permit?"
• "What happens if the minimum group size is not met?"

For Peak Climbing Treks (Island Peak, Mera Peak, etc.)

Add these questions:

• "What climbing equipment is provided vs. what I need to bring?"
• "What is the climbing guide's mountaineering certification?"
• "What is the summit success rate for your groups?"
• "What is the turnaround time/point on summit day?"

For Luxury Treks

Add these questions:

• "What specific lodges or camps will we stay in?"
• "Can I see photos of the actual accommodations (not stock images)?"
• "What makes your luxury service different from your standard service?"

See our luxury trekking agencies guide for more information.

After You Book: Pre-Trek Confirmation Checklist

Once you have selected an agency, confirm these items before your departure:

• [ ] Signed contract with all terms, inclusions, and exclusions
• [ ] Payment receipts for all transactions
• [ ] Confirmed guide name and contact information
• [ ] Day-by-day itinerary with overnight locations
• [ ] List of all permits the agency will arrange
• [ ] Emergency contact number for the agency (24/7)
• [ ] Confirmation of your travel insurance details shared with the agency
• [ ] Pre-trek briefing scheduled (usually the day before departure)
• [ ] Equipment list confirmed (what is provided vs. what you bring)
• [ ] Airport transfer details confirmed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to ask a trekking agency so many questions?

Absolutely not. Professional agencies expect thorough questions from serious clients. An agency that finds your questions annoying is an agency that does not want scrutiny -- which should concern you. Think of it this way: you are trusting them with your safety in a remote, high-altitude environment. Asking 25 questions is the minimum due diligence.

How far in advance should I start contacting agencies?

Start researching 4-6 months before your planned trek date for peak season (October-November or March-May). This gives you time to compare agencies, check references, and complete booking formalities. For popular treks during peak season, 6+ months advance is ideal.

Should I book through an international travel agency or directly with a Nepal-based agency?

Booking directly with a reputable Nepal-based agency is almost always less expensive and puts you in direct contact with the people managing your trek. International agencies add a markup (sometimes 30-50%) and serve as intermediaries who may have limited control over on-the-ground operations. The exception is if you value the consumer protection laws of your home country, which may apply to domestically registered travel agencies. See our guide on independent vs. guided trekking for more context.

What if an agency answers most questions well but is evasive on one or two?

It depends on which questions they dodge. Evasion on safety questions (18-22) or ethics questions (23-25) is more concerning than vagueness on, say, exact daily walking times. Use your judgment, but do not ignore the evasion -- follow up specifically on those topics.

Can I negotiate the price with a trekking agency?

Yes, but be thoughtful about it. There is a difference between negotiating fairly and pressuring an agency to cut corners. If you negotiate the price down significantly, something will be reduced -- guide quality, porter numbers, food quality, or safety equipment. Instead of asking for a lower price, ask what additional value they can provide at the stated price.

Should I sign a contract?

Always. A verbal agreement is not sufficient. The contract should specify: dates, itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, payment terms, cancellation policy, emergency procedures, insurance requirements, and guide assignment. Both parties should sign. If an agency will not provide a written contract, do not book with them.

What if I arrive in Nepal and the agency seems different from what was promised?

This is why the pre-trek briefing (usually the day before departure) is critical. If something seems wrong -- different guide than promised, changed itinerary, missing equipment -- address it immediately. You have more leverage before the trek starts than after. In serious cases, you may need to cancel and find an alternative, even at the last minute. Having travel insurance that covers trip interruption helps.

How do I verify online reviews are genuine?

Look for these indicators of authentic reviews: specific details about the trek (dates, guide names, specific incidents), photos uploaded by the reviewer, a reviewer profile with multiple reviews across different businesses, mixed feedback (no trip is 100% perfect), and reviews spread across multiple platforms rather than concentrated on one site. Be suspicious of reviews that all use similar language or were posted in a short time period.

Is a higher price always better?

Not necessarily. The most expensive agency is not automatically the best. However, there is a floor below which quality and safety suffer. If an agency charges significantly less than others for the same trek, investigate why. Sometimes the answer is efficiency and lower overhead. Other times the answer is underpaid staff, skipped safety measures, and cut corners. See our budget trekking guide for finding value without compromising safety.

What if I have a complaint after the trek?

Document everything: dates, specific incidents, names of staff involved, photos, and any relevant communications. Contact the agency first with a formal written complaint. If unresolved, file a complaint with TAAN and/or the Nepal Tourism Board. For serious safety violations, contact your country's embassy in Nepal. Leave honest, detailed reviews on relevant platforms to help future trekkers.

Do these questions apply to shorter, lower-altitude treks like Poon Hill?

Yes, though some questions (particularly around altitude sickness protocols and emergency evacuation) are less critical for treks below 3,500 meters. The questions about company legitimacy, costs, and ethics apply to every trek regardless of altitude or duration.

Can I do all this vetting via email, or should I call or video chat?

Email is excellent for initial screening because it creates a written record. However, a video call or phone call before booking is highly recommended. You can gauge the person's knowledge, professionalism, and communication skills much more effectively in real-time conversation. It also lets you ask follow-up questions spontaneously.

Final Thoughts

Asking these 25 questions requires effort. Comparing responses from multiple agencies takes time. Verifying registrations and checking references adds days to your planning process. But this investment of time before your trek is insignificant compared to the 10-20 days you will spend on the trail, trusting your agency with your safety, comfort, and experience.

The best trekking agencies in Nepal will not just tolerate your questions -- they will respect them. They know that an informed client is a satisfied client, and a satisfied client becomes their best marketing.

Your Himalayan adventure starts not at the trailhead, but at your keyboard, asking the right questions. Take the time to do it right.

For related guidance, see our comprehensive how to choose a trekking agency guide, our independent vs. guided trekking comparison, and our group vs. private trek guide.