Tour & Activity Scams in Kathmandu, Nepal
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Kathmandu — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Kathmandu
How it works
Unofficial offices in the Thamel tourist district look identical to government permit offices but charge inflated prices or issue fake permits that fail checks at trailhead entry points. Trekkers are turned back and must buy legitimate permits at a loss.
How it works
Agencies in the Thamel district present professional-looking offices with Himalayan photos and fake TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal) certificates. They collect full payment for trekking permits, porter services, and accommodation, then deliver none of it — the office is abandoned before the trek begins.
How it works
Independent porters hired casually in Kathmandu or at trailheads occasionally abandon trekkers mid-route, taking prepaid fees and sometimes gear. This leaves trekkers in remote mountain areas without carrying support and potentially without some of their equipment.
See all scams in Kathmandu
10 total warnings across all categories