1

Guides and porters (and cook etc.) are usually tipped 15% of their pay. That means that each member of the trek pitches in so that the total purse is 15%. If the guide is deemed to get $75, a lone trekker pays the whole $75, a couple $37.50/each, 2 couples $18.75 each person etc.

It is practically impossible to know the exact pay a person is getting when hired from an agency, but usually tip is calculated from the Agency charge, which means the person is getting somewhat more than 15% in reality. Not bad. Is somebody has done exceptional job, you can tip more. Some people do not realize what the income levels are and tip huge amounts from ignorance and/or bad conscience. Not recommended.

2

I agree with Petrus; 15% for good service and that over-tripping is both inflationary and leads to the being expected rather than discretionary. Arguably, it contributes to a something-for-nothing culture.

Having said that, tipping can be personal and you will know what the right amount is when the time comes.

scoodly

3

Yep, these rates are good. The rule of thumb I use is one day's pay for every week of trek or part thereof, plus a bit extra for that time the guide threw himself on top of me to stop the rock hitting me.....

cheers

Taghairm

4

And I think it's fair to pay an equal amount to guide and porter; the porter is paid less but he has the hardest job...

5

Jep, no argument that physically the Porter has the toughest job. However, the Guide is usually given a little more because in terms of responsibility, your safety and well-being is solely his in the event of an emergency, a complaint and whether or not you are satisfied with the service. He/She has also had to invest time, effort and sometimes his own money in acquiring the necessary preparation, training and study to pass exams and obtain a license. Ultimately, a Porter has the opportunity if he wants it, to acquire the necessary skills to do the Guide's job. Granted some Guides are not as skilled as others and the quality of the service provided should be a factor in determining the tip paid. It's no different in the developed world of trades people - we pay more for a journeyman than an apprentice doing part of the same job.
My personal rule regarding tipping is that whoever is providing a service receives a wage for doing their job. A tip should be based on doing that little extra that says to me, "I am willing to do more than what I am paid for to help make your experience memorable." Tips should be earned - not just expected!

6

@5 I fully agree with that. I must have been very lucky with my guide and porter. I have seen many guides indeed who don't offer good service as they also don't have the skills and know only basic English, and also some porters who don't care (sometimes for a reason...), but others really more than deserve that little extra.

7

An example of "porters who don't care" (#6): A number of years ago while approaching Thorong-La on the Annapurna Circuit, the guide/porter I hired at the trail head got far enough ahead of me during a heavy snowfall that I lost sight of him and he couldn't hear me calling for him at a time when the wind-blown snow made it impossible for me to see where the trail was. It's fortunate that I made some lucky guesses.