Our guides have walked thousands of trekkers to Everest, Annapurna and beyond, and they see the same mistakes every season. None of them are disasters on their own, but they are the difference between a trek you love and one you just survive. Here are the fifteen most common, and how to avoid them.
Quick answer: the biggest first-trek mistakes are going up too fast, not training, new boots, no buffer days for flights, insurance that doesn't cover altitude or helicopter rescue, too much luggage, not carrying cash, and ignoring early symptoms of altitude sickness. Choose a realistic itinerary with acclimatisation days and a reputable company, and you will avoid most problems.
1. Going up too fast
Altitude doesn't care how fit you are. The most important rule above 3,000 m is to gain sleeping altitude slowly, around 300–500 m a night, with a rest day every few days. Itineraries that skip acclimatisation days to save time are the main cause of trekkers turning back. Read our altitude sickness guide.
2. Not training
You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be able to walk 5–7 hours a day, several days in a row, up and down steep steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio make an enormous difference. See our training guide.
3. Wearing new boots
Blisters can end a trek. Wear your boots for at least a few weeks of walks before you arrive, and bring good trekking socks and blister plasters.
4. No buffer days
Lukla, Jomsom and other mountain flights are regularly delayed by weather, and roads can be blocked by landslides. Booking your international flight home the day after your trek ends is asking for trouble. Keep at least one spare day for most treks, and two for the Everest region.
5. The wrong insurance
Many standard travel policies don't cover trekking above a certain altitude, or exclude helicopter evacuation. Check that yours covers the maximum altitude of your trek and emergency helicopter rescue, and carry the emergency number. See our insurance guide.
6. Ignoring early altitude symptoms
A headache, poor sleep and loss of appetite are common, but if they get worse, they need attention. Tell your guide early, rest, drink water, and descend if symptoms worsen. Pretending to feel fine to keep up with the group is a real danger.
7. Packing too much
Porters typically carry about 10–12 kg per trekker, and Lukla flights limit you to around 15 kg in total. You don't need a fresh outfit for every day. Pack layers, not volume, and leave the rest at your hotel in Kathmandu. Our packing list shows what you really need.
8. Not carrying enough cash
ATMs on the trails are rare and unreliable. Take enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and tips. See our money guide.
9. Drinking alcohol at altitude
A celebratory beer in Namche is tempting, but alcohol dehydrates you, disrupts sleep and makes altitude symptoms harder to read. Save it for the way down.
10. Not drinking enough water
At altitude you lose a lot of water through breathing. Aim for three to four litres a day, using boiled water or purification tablets rather than plastic bottles.
11. Choosing the cheapest company
Very cheap treks usually cut costs somewhere: underpaid or uninsured porters, inexperienced guides, overloaded schedules or poor lodges. Choose a registered agency with licensed guides, fair treatment of staff and clear policies on safety and rescue. Our guide to hiring guides and porters explains what to ask.
12. Underestimating the cold
Even in October, nights at 5,000 m drop well below freezing, and teahouse bedrooms are unheated. A good down jacket and a sleeping bag rated to about −10°C to −15°C for high treks are essential. We can lend both.
13. Forgetting sun protection
The sun at altitude is fierce, especially on snow. Sunglasses with proper UV protection, a sun hat, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm are essential, even on cold days.
14. Not understanding the rules
Since 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas must trek with a licensed guide, and restricted areas need special permits arranged through a registered agency (solo trekkers have been allowed in restricted areas since March 2026). Check the permits you need well in advance. See our permits guide.
15. Rushing the whole trip
Trying to fit Everest Base Camp, Pokhara, Chitwan and a city tour into two weeks leaves no room for delays or rest. Choose one main trek and give it the time it deserves. Our itinerary guide has realistic plans.
Bonus: forgetting to enjoy it
It is easy to become fixated on reaching base camp or the top of a pass. But the best memories are often from the middle of the trek: a cup of tea with a family in a village, a quiet morning in a monastery, a card game by the stove. Slow down and look around.
Our advice for a first trek
If it is your first time in the Himalaya, consider starting with a shorter trek like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal, or a lower-altitude version of Everest, such as the Everest View trek or Ama Dablam Base Camp. See our best treks for beginners. Contact us and we'll help you choose.