Nepal is the gateway to some of the world’s most famous trekking routes — Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and countless others. Tipping in cities is relaxed, but trekking guides and porters have their own customs that make a real difference to the people who make these journeys possible.
The Nepalese rupee is the local currency. USD has limited acceptance — carry rupees for most everyday tipping, though some trekking agencies accept USD for guide and porter tips.
Tipping at Restaurants
10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara if a service charge isn’t already included. Many tourist-area restaurants add a service charge automatically — check your bill first.
At casual local spots and teahouses along trekking routes, tipping is not expected for individual meals but the overall trekking tip (below) covers this.
Tipping Trekking Guides and Porters
This is the most important tipping situation for visitors trekking in Nepal — whether on Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, or shorter routes. The standard guideline:
- Trekking guide — $10–15 USD per day, per guest
- Porter — $6–8 USD per day, per guest
- Assistant guide (if applicable) — $8–10 USD per day, per guest
Porters carry the heaviest loads — often 25–30kg of gear — and are frequently tipped less than guides despite the demanding physical work. Many trekkers choose to tip porters at the higher end of the range or split the difference more evenly between guide and porter.
Tips are typically given as a lump sum at the end of the trek, often during a small ceremony with the whole crew. Bring enough cash — Nepalese rupees or USD depending on what your trekking agency advises — for the full trek duration.
Tipping Taxis and Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Agree on a fare before getting in or confirm the meter is running, as negotiation is common in Kathmandu.
Tipping Hotel Staff
- Housekeeping — 100–200 NPR per night (~$0.75–1.50 USD), left daily
- Porter / bellhop — 50–100 NPR per bag
- Concierge — 200–500 NPR for meaningful assistance
Cultural Notes
Tipping culture in Nepal’s cities is relaxed and not deeply embedded the way it is in Western countries. However, for trekking — especially multi-day routes like Everest Base Camp — tipping guides and porters is considered an essential part of the experience and a meaningful part of their income.
Carry Nepalese rupees in small denominations for everyday use. For trekking tips, ask your agency in advance whether USD or rupees is preferred, and bring enough cash for the full crew before you start.
Nepal Tipping — Quick Reference
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Trekking guide | $10–15 USD per day, per guest |
| Trekking porter | $6–8 USD per day, per guest |
| Assistant guide | $8–10 USD per day, per guest |
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10% |
| Hotel housekeeping | 100–200 NPR per night |
| Hotel porter / bellhop | 50–100 NPR per bag |
| Taxi | Round up |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I tip my Everest Base Camp guide and porter?
Guides typically receive $10–15 USD per day, per guest, and porters $6–8 USD per day, per guest. Tips are usually given as a lump sum at the end of the trek.
Should I tip in USD or Nepalese rupees?
Rupees are preferred for everyday tipping in cities. For trekking tips, check with your agency — some accept USD, others prefer rupees. Bring enough cash for your full crew before starting the trek.
Is tipping expected at restaurants in Kathmandu?
It’s appreciated but not strictly required — 10% if a service charge isn’t already included. Many tourist-area restaurants add one automatically, so check your bill.
Do porters get tipped less than guides in Nepal?
Often yes, despite carrying the heaviest loads. Many trekkers choose to tip porters at the higher end of the range ($8 USD per day) to better reflect the physical demands of the work.