Saying Goodbye to Your Trekking Crew
On the final night of your Everest trekking adventure in Lukla, it is tradition to hold a party with your staff. This is where the tipping ceremony happens, a moment of gratitude and celebration.
The group leader collects tips beforehand. You sit everyone down—guides, porters, cooks. You make a speech thanking them. Then, you hand envelopes individually with two hands as a sign of respect.
After the formal part, the party starts. There is usually dancing, singing (Resham Firiri), and cake. It is a release of tension after the hard work of the Mount Everest expedition.
Most porters live in the lower valleys and won't fly back to Kathmandu with you. This is your final goodbye. It is often an emotional moment after sharing the struggle of the trail.
Be generous. The tip is their bonus, but the celebration is the memory they keep.
