Why is “Are we there yet?” the most hated question amongst mountain guides?
Hello fellow adventurer,
Are you wondering why mountain guides hate to be asked the question: “Are we there yet?”
I am the sports Guru and I will help answer your question:
For a mountain guide, the most important thing is to give a pleasant, injury free and enjoyable hiking adventure in the mountains. Although it is very common for people on a trekking trip to be asking questions for their team leader, one question remains a guide’s worst nightmare: “Are we there yet?”.
Mountain guides always encourage hikers, especially during multi-days treks, to walk on their own pace, which can vary a lot between one person and another. This makes it difficult to predict the exact duration of the hike.
On the other hand, let's be honest here: when people keep asking us: "how long do we still need?" Or " when are we expected to reach?", well, it gives the impression that they are not enjoying themselves and that throws us off the track, since the whole experience is about enjoying the moment and getting the best out of it.
So, my advice for you would be to keep the hike's itinerary with you at all times: it contains the estimated duration of the day's scheduled hike, give or take half an hour.
Check it whenever you feel the need to ask the dreaded question and avoid the guide's wrath. 😉
Trust me, I am the Guru after all!