Nepali sirdars

Have we arrived at overpaying our sirdars? Mine said he only needed to work 6 months a year to have an affluent lifestyle, building himself a house and being something of a local celebrity-affluent businessman. He had few skills - not-quite-adequate English, poor management skills, no care whether clients were well or ill. He had comfy warm accommodation throughout and better food than the clients. His assistant of course had to find independent accommodation and had food only at lunchtime. And nothing to carry except a tiny rucksac. What if there had been an accident or illness? Well, he actually caused a serious accident to myself. He grabbed me and swung me behind him for absolutely no reason except some kind of joke, but it tore my knee meniscus and I am now immobile and have spent a lot of money and suffered two very uncomfortable road journeys to hospitals in Nepal.

In the old days (1978 was my first of many treks) the sirdar was a seriously competent Sherpa and there was often an English leader as well giving first rate care and experience. I shall never again go with a 'local leader' - he is just someone who knows the route and list of lodges and gets hugely overpaid. After my accident the guide never even came to my hotel room (where I was stuck) to see if I had food and drink and whatever else. You have been warned!

I sympathize with your ordeal and also wonder about westerners continuing willingness to overpay as if they were almost at home. Most have no idea of the relative value of goods, services, and money in Nepal and bring inappropriate concepts to Nepal...Of course there are plenty of great sirdars and people attached to the trek industry too but you have to be on your toes and really check things out but sometimes thru no fault of your own you end up as you did.....

ps, where did you go/what were you doing in '78? thanks, Roger

Dear twohumps !

Very sorry to hear those things from You. I can guess that you did Everest base camp trek with that Sirdar. Some time peoples got wrong hand and make whole reputation Bad. You were in same hand who was non professional in that field. I am sorry again and it is better give his name as well. So that peoples here at least know him and be aware.

Thanking You. Get well Soon. All the best