Your comprehensive guide to staying safe, emergency contacts, altitude sickness prevention, and navigating health services in the Himalayas.
Dedicated support for foreigners. Call for theft, harassment, or lost items.
Standard emergency response line available nationwide.
Emergency fire response (primarily available in major cities).
City ambulance services. Not applicable for mountain rescues.
Ground ambulances cannot reach most trekking routes. In cases of severe injury or AMS, a helicopter airlift is often the only reliable evacuation method.
Evacuation flights cost upwards of $3,000–$10,000 USD. Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude helicopter rescue.
Rescues are arranged by your trekking guide or agency. If solo, contact your insurance provider's emergency number immediately.
Helicopters cannot fly in heavy fog, monsoon rain, or extreme winds. In bad weather, ground rescue may be the only option.
Understanding and preventing Acute Mountain Sickness is critical for any high-altitude trek in Nepal.
Headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. These indicate mild AMS. Stop ascending and rest.
Loss of coordination, severe confusion, coughing up pink froth. Immediate descent is mandatory. Delaying can be fatal.
Never ascend more than 300-500m per day above 3,000m. Drink 4-5 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Consider Diamox after consulting a doctor.