15, Jul 2019 at 10:00 am
Many people worry about whether it is exploitative , cruel or insensitive to hire a porter in a package trip. Portering is not an easy job, nor is it at all prestigious. Most of the porters in the hills are villagers, in fact farmers who turn to portering during trek season to generate cash income. Some think it is immoral or a sign of weakness to hire a porter but believe me back packing by oneself is not a cup of tea for most individuals. Having a porter along with your main Guide and assistants will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the trek and will help the livelihood of one man, his family and therefore the village. For most porters, their economic burden is heavier than the baggage weight they carry for the tourist. Working manual labor is not derogatory by any means.
Portering for trekking company pays relatively well therefore, some of them have a long service relationship with respective companies. They benefit from health insurance and incentives. Lastly, the good side of the story is that many of the Nepalese who own trekking companies today worked as porters themselves 20 years ago. So come with an open mind, and try to understand a hardcore reality of Nepalese life and culture especially in the mountainous village.
- Mystical Nepal Treks