Helicopters are the ambulances of Nepal's mountains. When a trekker is seriously ill or injured far from a road, a helicopter can reach them in hours rather than days.
Quick answer: on most trekking routes, helicopter rescue flies sick or injured trekkers to Kathmandu or Pokhara hospitals. It is expensive, so you need travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to your maximum trekking altitude. Rescues depend on the weather.
When a rescue is called
- Severe altitude sickness that doesn't improve with descent
- Serious injuries, such as fractures
- Other medical emergencies
How it works
- Your guide assesses the situation and contacts the trekking company.
- The company contacts your insurer and a helicopter operator.
- The helicopter flies when weather allows, usually in the morning.
- You are taken to a hospital in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Insurance
Check that your policy covers trekking at your maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and medical treatment. Carry your policy number and emergency contacts. See our travel insurance guide.
Beware of rescue scams
In the past, some operators arranged unnecessary rescues to claim insurance money, and the government has taken action. Only agree to a rescue when it is genuinely needed, and use a reputable trekking company. See our news report on fake rescues.
Prevention
Most rescues are avoidable: ascend slowly, acclimatise, stay hydrated and turn back if symptoms worsen. See our altitude sickness guide.