Asking Your Porter to Slow Down and Wait
How to politely tell a fast porter to ease the pace, wait at the next bend, and confirm how many hours remain to the lodge. Trail-tested phrasing.
The situation
Day three on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Your porter — a strong twenty-something from Sikles — is two switchbacks ahead and you can barely see his backpack. Your legs are heavier than yesterday. This conversation gets him back into a pace that works for both of you.
The dialogue
Tourist
Brother, please go slowly. I'm getting tired.
, । ।
Dai, bistāri jānus. Malāī thakai laagyo.
Porter
Okay sister, no problem.
, ।
Ṭhīk chha didi, samasyā chhaina.
Tourist
Please wait at the next bend.
।
Arko moḍmā yahã parkha dinus.
Tourist
How many hours to the lodge?
?
Laj-samma kati ghanṭā?
Porter
Two hours, sister — most of it uphill.
— ।
Dui ghanṭā didi — dherai ukālo chha.
Tourist
Let's rest for ten minutes.
।
Das minet ārām garaun.
Comprehension check
Three quick questions to test what you heard. No pressure, no streaks.
Cultural notes
Porters are paid by the day; slowing down does not cost you extra. Their reflex is to walk fast because that's their normal pace, not because they want to leave you behind.
Address a male porter as 'dai' (older brother) or 'bhai' (younger brother) — never just 'porter' or by first name unless invited.
'Bistari' is a soft, multipurpose word — slow, gentle, easy. Saying it once with a smile lasts the whole afternoon.
If the answer to 'how many hours' seems too short, it usually is — Nepali trail estimates are based on porter pace, not tourist pace. Add 30–50%.
Phrases from this dialogue
Each phrase as a stand-alone reference — open for the full pronunciation and cultural context.
Photo: Unsplash
बिस्तारै जानुस्
Please go slowly
Bistāri jānus
Photo: Unsplash
यहाँ पर्ख दिनुस्
Please wait here for me
Yahã parkha dinus
Photo: Unsplash
कति घण्टा हिँड्नुपर्छ?
How many hours of walking?
Kati ghanta hindnuparchha?
मलाई थकाइ लाग्यो
I am tired
Malai thakai laagyo
Photo: Unsplash
तपाईको एक दिनको ज्याला कति हो?
What is your daily rate?
Tapãĩko ek dinko jyālā kati ho?