What your insurance must cover
- Trekking up to your trek's maximum altitude. Many standard policies stop at 2,500–4,000 m, and EBC's Kala Patthar is about 5,550 m.
- Helicopter search, rescue and evacuation. This is not the same as medical cover.
- Medical treatment in Nepal and repatriation.
- Trip cancellation or delay, which matters for Lukla and Jomsom flights.
- Your nationality, and coverage for Nepal specifically.
Read the altitude clause
"Trekking" cover without a stated maximum altitude, or with a 3,000 m limit, won't pay for an evacuation from ABC (4,130 m) or Thorong La (5,416 m). Check the wording, and carry the policy number and 24-hour assistance number on paper.
How rescue works and what it costs
- Your guide or lodge assesses the problem and whether you can walk or ride down.
- Your guide or agency calls your insurer's assistance line. The insurer authorises the helicopter.
- A helicopter flies from Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lukla. Flights happen in daylight and depend on the weather.
- You're flown to a hospital in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
| Type of evacuation | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Helicopter rescue, Annapurna or Everest | 3,000–6,000+ |
| Remote or restricted area, long flight | 5,000–10,000+ |
| Horse / porter-assisted descent | 50–300 |
Without confirmed insurance, operators often want a payment guarantee before they fly, which can delay rescue. Register your trek with your embassy, and give your agency your insurer's details before you leave.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Tourist Police | 1144 |
| Police | 100 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| Your agency's 24-hour line | Save it before you trek |
| Your insurer's assistance line | Save it on paper and on your phone |
Weather, landslides and earthquakes
- Start early. Afternoon cloud, wind and storms are common, especially on passes.
- Landslides and rockfall are most common from June to September and after heavy rain. Cross slide zones quickly and one at a time, and don't stop underneath them.
- Avalanche risk: the ABC route between Deurali and MBC is exposed in late winter and spring. Follow local closures.
- Snow can close Thorong La, Larke La and Kang La for days. Never cross a pass in poor weather or late in the day.
- Earthquakes: Nepal is seismically active. In a quake, move away from slopes and stone walls, and afterwards watch for landslides.
Build in a spare day
One or two buffer days per trek give you room to wait out storms, closed roads or cancelled flights without taking risks.
Everyday trail safety and etiquette
- Mules and yaks: always step to the uphill side of the trail when a pack train passes.
- Dogs: most village dogs are harmless, but don't feed or touch them. Rabies exists in Nepal, so consider the vaccine. Any bite needs medical attention.
- Drinking water: treat all tap and stream water, and use refill stations.
- Register at checkpoints. Your permit stamps are how people track you if you're missing.
- Never trek alone in bad weather or off the main trail. Tell your lodge where you're going.
- Suspension bridges: cross one at a time with a heavy pack, and wait if a mule train is coming.
Frequently asked questions
Is trekking in Nepal safe?
Yes, on the main teahouse routes with a licensed guide, sensible acclimatisation and proper insurance. The main risks are altitude sickness, falls, weather and landslides. Crime against trekkers is rare.
Do I need travel insurance to trek in Nepal?
It isn't checked at every permit counter, but you should treat it as essential. Your policy must cover trekking to your trek's maximum altitude and helicopter rescue, which typically costs USD 3,000–6,000 or more.
How much does a helicopter rescue cost in Nepal?
Typically USD 3,000–6,000 or more from the Annapurna or Everest regions, and more from remote areas. The helicopter flies only in daylight and good weather.
What is the emergency number in Nepal?
The Tourist Police are on 1144, the police on 100 and ambulance on 102. On a trek, your guide, agency and insurer's assistance line are usually the fastest way to organise help.
Are there landslides on Nepal treks?
Yes, mostly during the monsoon (June–September) and after heavy rain. Roads such as Besisahar–Chame and Beni–Jomsom are affected most. Cross slide zones quickly and follow local advice.
Do I need a rabies vaccine for Nepal?
Many travel clinics recommend it for trekkers, because rabies is present and treatment is far away on the trail. Ask your travel doctor, and get any dog bite checked straight away.
Treks to read next
Everest
Everest Base Camp Trek
11–16 days · Challenging · max 5,545 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
6–12 days · Moderate · max 4,130 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Annapurna Circuit Trek
10–18 days · Challenging · max 5,416 m
Manaslu · from Pokhara
Manaslu Circuit Trek
12–18 days · Challenging · max 5,106 m
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