Online Booking
Online Booking
Nepal Freelance Guide – Online Booking
Introduction
My name is Dammaru Prasad Niraula. I am a licensed freelance guide based in Nepal with decades of experience guiding trekkers, climbers, and cultural travelers across the Himalaya. This page explains how my online booking service works, what you can expect when you travel with a freelance guide, the benefits of booking directly, safety and permit support, and practical details that help you plan with confidence. Read on to learn why choosing a local freelance guide offers authenticity, agility, cost-effectiveness, and deep local knowledge.
How Online Booking Works
Booking a freelance guide online is simple. First, you contact me through the booking form or by email. Tell me your preferred dates, group size, fitness level, and the trek or tour you have in mind. I will reply with a clear proposal that includes an itinerary, daily highlights, cost breakdown, required permits, and recommended gear. Once the itinerary is agreed, I will reserve the dates and collect a modest deposit. The remainder is paid either before departure or in person, depending on your preference. I use transparent pricing with no hidden fees. All costs are explained up front so you can budget without surprises.
Logistics and Local Arrangements
Travelers often worry about logistics when booking a freelance guide. I handle all the local details so you do not have to. I arrange permits, lodge and tea-house bookings where necessary, domestic flights, and road transfers. If your trek requires hiring porters, I can arrange this too, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for local staff. For climbing or technical routes, I coordinate with licensed climbing support and arrange specialized equipment and insurance options when needed. My goal is to make your trip smooth, well-planned, and enjoyable while supporting responsible local practices.
Flexibility and Customization
One major benefit of hiring a freelance guide is flexibility. Unlike fixed-group tours, a freelance guide can tailor the pace, itinerary, and services to your needs. Want an extra acclimatization day? No problem. Prefer more cultural stops along the route? I will design the plan. Traveling as a solo hiker or with friends? I can create a private program for you. This flexibility is especially valuable for travelers with limited time or specific interests. It allows for a more intimate, personalized experience of Nepal’s landscapes and cultures.
Cost Benefits of Booking Directly
Choosing a freelance guide also often reduces cost. By booking directly, you cut out the middleman. You will pay only for the services you receive — guiding, permit fees, accommodation, and transport — without agency commissions. This makes high-quality guiding more accessible to budget-conscious travelers. Moreover, because I work directly with local lodges and porters, more of your money stays in the community. That helps sustain the very villages and families that welcome trekkers on the trail.
Authenticity and Local Insights
Authenticity is another compelling reason to book locally. As a Nepali guide who grew up in the region, I know the history, stories, and customs that larger operators may miss. I bring local context to every stop. I can introduce you to traditional hospitality in village teahouses, explain spiritual practices at monasteries, and point out lesser-known botanical and geological features. These local insights turn a scenic walk into a meaningful journey. You will not only see landscapes but also understand the lives and traditions of the people who live there.
Safety and Preparedness
Safety is always my top priority. I hold the necessary guiding licenses and first aid training to operate in remote mountain environments. I monitor weather and trail conditions closely. I also prioritize acclimatization to reduce the risk of altitude illness. If a member of the party shows signs of altitude sickness, I act quickly and decisively — adjusting the itinerary, arranging evacuation if necessary, and contacting the nearest medical or rescue services. I carry emergency equipment and maintain reliable communication methods, from local SIM setups to satellite options for high-altitude regions.
Permit Support and Regulations
Permits and regulations can be complex in Nepal. I manage the entire permits process for you. This includes TIMS, national park permits, restricted area permits like those required for Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, and Upper Mustang, as well as climbing permits when needed. I stay updated on the latest rules and route changes so that you avoid surprises. If permits are time-sensitive, I will start the process as soon as your booking is confirmed.
Sustainable and Ethical Travel
Sustainable and ethical travel is central to my guiding philosophy. I support community-based tourism and favor homestays and family-run lodges where possible. I ensure that porters receive fair pay, rest, and the necessary gear. I follow Leave No Trace principles and educate clients about low-impact trekking practices. Additionally, I often work with local conservation projects and community funds. When you travel with me, you are contributing to local livelihoods and conservation efforts in a direct and meaningful way.
Transparency and Contracts
Booking with a freelance guide offers direct access to customization and expertise, but it also requires clarity and mutual trust. In my booking process, I provide a written contract that outlines services, payment terms, cancellation policy, and contingency plans. The contract helps set expectations and protects both parties. I also provide a clear list of what is included and what is not included in the price: meals, accommodations, permits, transport, fuel surcharges, tips, insurance, and personal expenses. Transparency helps avoid misunderstandings and builds confidence.
Pre-Trip Preparation and Briefing
Communication before departure is important. I offer a pre-trip briefing to discuss fitness preparation, gear recommendations, and route details. I will send packing lists tailored to the season and trek difficulty, and suggest training tips for high-altitude treks. I also provide practical advice about Nepalese culture, tipping etiquette, and safety. If you have dietary needs, mobility concerns, or medical conditions, tell me when you book so I can make appropriate arrangements.
Technology and Convenience
Technology and convenience are part of my service. My online booking page supports secure payments, date selection, and document uploads. I also provide e-tickets and digital itineraries. For international clients, I offer clear instructions on visa entry, domestic flight bookings, and travel insurance requirements. If a client prefers to pay cash on arrival, that option is available with an agreed deposit. I accept several payment methods to make booking easy and accessible.
Client Testimonials and Experiences
Testimonials from past clients reflect why travelers choose freelance guides. Many praise the personal attention, cultural depth, and safety record. Repeat clients often highlight the ability to tailor the itinerary and the guide’s local knowledge. Corporate or group travel planners appreciate that I can design programs for short timeframes while still ensuring meaningful experiences. Whether the trip is a classic trek, a cultural tour, or a technical climb, I treat each journey as unique and design it accordingly.
Itineraries for Families and Groups
For families and mixed-ability groups, I craft itineraries that balance challenge and comfort. I will recommend age-appropriate treks, adjust daily walking hours, and select comfortable lodges. For adventurous clients, I offer off-the-beaten-path options and multi-day exploratory routes. I can also combine trekking with cultural stays, wildlife viewing, or photography-focused itineraries. Each plan includes contingency days to account for weather or acclimatization, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trip.
Health Insurance and Emergency Support
Health insurance and emergency evacuation coverage are strongly recommended. I will advise on the type of insurance best suited to your itinerary. For climbing trips, specialized rescue insurance is essential. I also keep emergency contacts ready and coordinate closely with local rescue services. If a situation requires evacuation, I handle communication and logistics to the best of my ability, working to ensure a rapid, safe outcome.
Seasonal Travel Advice
If you are traveling during peak season, early booking is recommended. Peak months for most classic treks are March–May and September–November, when weather and visibility are ideal. During these months, lodges and domestic flights fill quickly. Booking in advance secures the best dates and helps manage costs. For off-season travel, I can design quieter, lower-cost itineraries that still deliver exceptional experiences.
Supporting Local Communities
Choosing a freelance guide is also a way of supporting Nepali expertise and livelihoods. By booking directly, you are helping keep more revenue local. This supports families, teachers, and conservation efforts across rural mountain communities. I am proud to play a role in this local economic ecosystem and to introduce travelers to responsible, community-centered tourism.
How to Book
To start the booking process, visit the online booking form or email me directly. Provide tentative dates, the itinerary you prefer, and any special requirements. I will respond promptly with a full proposal and a clear timeline for payments and permits. If you prefer, we can schedule a short video call to discuss details and make sure the plan matches your expectations.
Conclusion
Traveling with a freelance guide offers authenticity, flexibility, and personal attention. It is ideal for travelers who value local knowledge, tailored itineraries, and a direct connection to Nepali culture. Whether you dream of classic Himalayan vistas, remote high passes, or immersive cultural stays, I offer guiding services that are professional, safe, and respectful. I look forward to helping you plan a meaningful journey in Nepal that is both memorable and responsibly run.
— Dammaru Prasad Niraula
For bookings and inquiries: use the online booking form or email directly. Payment options, terms, and sample itineraries are provided on request.
You can send direct email to us at info@nepalfreelanceguide.com
our testimonials
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then…
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years. My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern. The second trek I did with Dammaru two years…
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Dear Dammaru I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I…
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769…
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon…
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Dammaru Niraula was our guide and confidant for our recent visit to Nepal. We went on a humanitarian visit to build a hothouse in the village of Phortse in the Khumbu region of Nepal but also included some trekking on a personal level before and after our project. Dammaru was a vital link in getting the project off the ground and then as a support person in Nepal before, during and after. He completed the following tasks with the utmost professionalism and patience.
Arranged transfer of a large number of funds from Australian bank account to Nepalese bank account.
Communications with the village before we arrived to ensure the walls were built.
Organized our itinerary and necessary bookings for the trekking part of our journey for 8 adults.
Once we arrived in Nepal he then assisted us in purchasing all the gear we needed for the finishing of the hothouse. e.g. Polycarbonate roof sheeting and the many other bits of hardware necessary.
Transport of the roofing etc to Phortse village via helicopter, plane, yak, and porter.
As well as being a part of the project Dammaru also was our trekking guide for the duration of our trip of 5 weeks. He organized everything for us from the hotel, in Kathmandu and everything in between our trek to base camp.
He is honest, reliable and always puts the customer first. I would have no hesitation in recommending Dammaru to anyone who is considering a trip to Nepal.
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Dammaru Niraula Trekking Guide Trip Leader
I have had an association with Dammaru over the last three years.
My first trek with Dammaru was to the Solu Khumbu region where he tailored a trek to suit our request to climb some remote passes and stay off the main tourist routes where possible. His knowledge of the area was very impressive and his attention to our safety was always his major concern.
The second trek I did with Dammaru two years later. This trip was the culmination of a long term project to build hothouses in a village deep into the Solu Khumbu region.
www.himalyanhothouse.org To complete this project Dammaru had a pivotal role in developing contacts, sourcing materials helping to manage the project finances. During the preparations for the Hothouse project, we found Dammaru to be honest, prompt and very hardworking. He also showed a great understanding of our requests and needs for the project to be successful. During the trek, itself Dammaru co-ordinated seven of our group and six porters as well as an extra climbing guide. He also acted as a very effective interpreter and liaison with the people of the village of Phortse.
On a personal level, Dammaru is the most genuine man with a big heart. He shared the passion for our project and its humanitarian ideals. Once again our safety during the whole trek was his main concern. A phrase often used by Dammaru sums up his professional work ethic. Service is most important.
I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Dammaru Niraula if you plan to undertake a trek or similar activity in Nepal.
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Dear Dammaru
I have been trekking to Ghorepani poon hill on Jan 07 for 6 days with Mr. Dammaru. Poonhill is so beautiful, so all I can do is just taking pictures on poon hill. If you were planning to trek in Nepal, I would recommend you as one choice. His personality and professional guide skill makes me fun of Trekking and Nepal. so I am planning to go to Nepal again this August. He may meet all demand of you request on your trekking trip even though you join in the big group. Because he has more over 10 years experience of trekking guide for Many English and Japanese speaker. Actually, I have never met such a good Japanese speaker guide and I had no chance to speak in English with him.
I can recommend him to all people who need great experience guide with English or Japanese.
so you can get satisfaction for a great guide.
Very Thanks,
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I was a member of a group of nine friends from Northamptonshire in 204 from the UK, on a trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Apart from one member, we were all approaching or over the age of 60 and were all well aware of the difficulties we could encounter at Thorong La which sits at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
Our group was led by Dammaru Niraula and we were most impressed by his leadership qualities. He introduced us gently to the lower altitudes and gradually encouraged us on longer and more arduous days of trekking. At Manang, he encouraged us to take a day trek up the lower slopes of Gangapurna and Annapurna III (see my photo below) and afterward to attend an altitude safety lecture in Manang. We are all convinced that, without his careful attention to altitude safety, we would not all have completed the trek over Thorong La and some of us at least would have joined the many trekkers who are forced to descend suffering from altitude sickness. We will always be eternally grateful to Dammaru and his team of Sherpas.
Like many Nepalese, Dammaru has a very quiet and gentle nature with a keen sense of humor and fun. At first, he appears to be shy and reserved but is constantly attending to the needs of his guests, assessing their temperaments and abilities and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. After a few days in his care, you come to realize that you are in the hands of an experienced, competent and understanding mountain guide.
I can recommend him too highly and know that he will continue to offer excellent trekking facilities in the Himalayas.
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My husband and I embarked on a trip to Nepal in October 2006. We were hoping to avoid the large tour groups and were referred to Himalayan Holidays based in Kathmandu as a provider of customized tours. We had looked on the net to determine the tour we wanted to undertake and spoke to many people and eventually decided 6-day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. We live in a plain and therefore training for the trek was a challenge in itself. We spent our weekends climbing up and down a 700metre high hill that was regarded as sufficiently steep for our training needs. However, we were unsure of what to expect in Nepal and were concerned about our levels of fitness for the trek that we had in mind. We were introduced to our guide, Dammaru at the hotel we were staying in Kathmandu and our anxieties were quickly alleviated. This diminutive gentleman exuded confidence and assured us that he was able to accommodate our individual fitness levels and ensure that our time in his country was hassle free. And indeed he did! Without it being particularly noticeable, Dammaru controlled the tempo of our daily treks in order that the enjoyment factor always exceeded any physical discomfort. His relationship with the locals was both real & genuine which meant we never felt like intruders or uncomfortable in their presence. Dammaru's keen negotiation skills with the local tea house proprietors' meant the delay between arriving & unwinding from the challenges of our daily treks was minimal with the accommodation always being appropriate to our needs. His professionalism was faultless. He provided us with a wealth of information on all aspects of the history, culture, flora, and fauna of this remarkable country. Not only was he a fantastic guide, but his cheeky grin and sense of humor ensured Dammaru to be a fantastic traveling companion. Our dealings with Dammaru exceeded all expectations and we hope to make a return visit to this stunningly beautiful country.
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NEWS & EVENTS Rasuwagadhi Border Closed for Kailash Tour Due to Heavy Rain—Transportation Now Diverted via… Aug-7-2025
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Visit Nepal Year 2020
Dear valuable guest, I would like to inform all of you that the coming year 2020 is declared as “The year of Tourism”?
