Is hiring porters allowed and $ vs Rs

[manishmatu]

Hi trekkers,

We are planning an independent trekking for EBC in Oct 2010.

1. As independent trekkers, is it allowed to hire a porter directly at Lukla ?

2. We plan to stay at good tea lodges, whereever available, eg., Camp de Base @ Namche and Eco Lodge @ Lobuche. Do we pay them in $ or Rs ?

3. Recommendations for other good lodges at other locations having rooms with attached bathrooms would be appreciated.

I would prefer to hear from trekkers with personal experience.

Thanx.

cheers,
- manish

[Lars]

Originally Posted by manishmatu

1. As independent trekkers, is it allowed to hire a porter directly at Lukla ?

Yes, sure. But I do not know if it is easy to find in high season.

>2. We plan to stay at good tea lodges, whereever available, eg., Camp de
>Base @ Namche and Eco Lodge @ Lobuche. Do we pay them in $ or Rs ?

Normally you pay in Rs. But if you run short of Rs they can often accept $ or Euro.

>3. Recommendations for other good lodges at other locations having rooms
>with attached bathrooms would be appreciated.

There are so many and standard often change from one year to next. Best
is to ask trekkers who go in the opposite direction.

>I would prefer to hear from trekkers with personal experience.

Five times in Khumbu.