Health & Safety

Altitude sickness, vaccinations, insurance, and emergency contacts — everything to trek safely.

Emergency Numbers — Nepal

Tourism Police

1144

Ambulance

102

Police

100

HRA Clinic (Pheriche)

+977-1-4440292

Altitude Sickness

The most serious risk on any Himalayan trek

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects anyone who ascends too quickly above 2,500 m. It cannot be predicted by fitness level, age, or previous altitude experience. The only guaranteed prevention is slow, staged ascent with proper acclimatisation days.

Evertrek Nepal builds every itinerary with the 'climb high, sleep low' principle and includes mandatory rest days at key elevations. Our guides are trained to recognise altitude illness and are equipped with pulse oximeters on all departures.

Mild AMS

Headache

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Mild nausea

Dizziness

Difficulty sleeping

HACE

DESCEND IMMEDIATELY

Severe headache

Confusion / disorientation

Loss of coordination (stumbling)

Extreme fatigue

Altered consciousness

HAPE

DESCEND IMMEDIATELY

Breathlessness at rest

Dry or wet cough

Pink / frothy sputum

Rapid heart rate

Extreme weakness

The Golden Rules

Never ascend more than 300–500 m per day above 3,000 m

Take a rest day every 3rd day of significant altitude gain

If symptoms worsen at the same altitude — descend

Never leave an ill trekker alone

Diamox (Acetazolamide) can help — consult your doctor before departure

Acclimatisation hikes ('climb high, sleep low') are essential

Vaccinations

Recommended vaccines for Nepal

Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses or weeks to become effective.

Vaccine

Priority

Timing

Notes

Hepatitis A

Essential

2+ weeks before travel

Contaminated food and water are common risks in Nepal.

Hepatitis B

Recommended

Series — start 6 months before

Required if potential for medical treatment or blood exposure.

Typhoid

Recommended

2 weeks before travel

Bacterial infection from contaminated water — common in South Asia.

Tetanus / Diphtheria

Essential

Ensure up to date

Boosters recommended if not vaccinated in the last 10 years.

Rabies

If high risk

3+ weeks before travel

Recommended for those trekking in remote areas away from medical care.

Japanese Encephalitis

Seasonal

3+ weeks before travel

Relevant for rural/lowland areas during monsoon season (Jun–Oct).

COVID-19

Recommended

Ensure up to date

Check current Nepal entry requirements before travel.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive cover is non-negotiable

Evertrek Nepal requires all trekkers to hold valid travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation cover. A helicopter rescue from high altitude to Kathmandu can cost USD 3,000–8,000+. Without insurance, you are personally liable for this cost.

Required

Helicopter evacuation

Must cover rescue from altitude — confirm your specific policy wording.

Required

Medical treatment abroad

Covers hospital and treatment costs in Nepal and during repatriation.

Optional

Trip cancellation

Reimburses pre-paid costs if you need to cancel before departure.

Required

Trek altitude coverage

Confirm your policy covers the maximum altitude of your specific trek.