The short answer
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. Tip guides, drivers and porters according to service and group size, and give small amounts to hotel and restaurant staff for good service.
In the tourism industry, tips are a significant part of many workers' income, so a fair tip is a real thank you. There is no strict rule, and people tip according to how well the trip went.
Key facts
- Guide and driver
- At the end of the tour
- Hotel and restaurant staff
- Small amounts
How it works
- Tip guides and drivers at the endBased on service and group size. Ask your operator for a guideline.
- Tip porters fairlyThey carry heavy loads for modest pay.
- Tip hotel staff modestlySmall amounts in rupees.
Who to tip and how
On a tour, tip your guide and driver at the end of the trip, ideally in a short farewell and in an envelope. On a trek, groups often pool a tip for the guide, assistants and porters and hand it over together at the end, with a short thanks.
In restaurants, check whether a service charge is already added. If not, a small tip for good service is appreciated. For hotel staff, small amounts for porters and housekeeping are normal.
Manners around tipping
Tip in the local currency and in clean notes. Hand the tip directly and discreetly, with a thank you, rather than in front of a whole group if that would feel awkward. Do not feel obliged to tip for poor service.
If you are unsure what is fair, ask your operator for a guideline for your group and route. Tips are separate from the trip cost unless your package says otherwise. Remember that a sincere thank you and a good review also mean a great deal.
Insider tip
Ask us for a guideline for your group.
Avoid this
Do not tip in front of the whole group if it makes people uncomfortable.
Related questions
Is a service charge added?
Many restaurants add one. Tipping beyond that is optional.
Should I tip in rupees?
Yes, in Nepalese rupees.
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