Health & safety
Altitude sickness, insurance, rescue, water, first aid and staying safe on the trail.
15 guidesVaccinations and Health Tips for Nepal
Health advice for Nepal: routine and travel vaccinations to discuss with your doctor, food and water safety, altitude, travel insurance and medical care in Kath...
· 2 min read Read guide 02Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Nepal?
Tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink. How to get safe drinking water in cities and on treks: filters, purification tablets, boiled water and refill stations,...
· 2 min read Read guide 03Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks: Prevention, Symptoms and What to Do
A practical guide to altitude sickness on Nepal treks: what causes AMS, HACE and HAPE, early symptoms, acclimatisation rules, Diamox, hydration and when to desc...
· 14 min read Read guide 04Common Scams in Nepal and How to Avoid Them
Nepal is a safe and friendly country, but watch out for a few common scams: taxi overcharging, fake "milk for the baby" requests, gem scams, fake monks, photo f...
· 2 min read Read guide 05Helicopter Rescue in Nepal: How It Works and What Insurance You Need
How helicopter rescue works on Nepal's treks, when it is used, why you need insurance covering evacuation at your trekking altitude, and how to avoid fake rescu...
· 2 min read Read guide 06Do You Need Oxygen for Everest Base Camp?
No, trekkers do not need supplemental oxygen to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Why oxygen levels are low, how to acclimatise, and when oxygen is used in eme...
· 2 min read Read guide 07Earthquake Safety in Nepal: What Travellers Should Know
Nepal lies in an active earthquake zone. Simple preparation and what to do during and after an earthquake, whether you are in Kathmandu, a hotel or on a trek.
· 2 min read Read guide 08Diamox for Trekking in Nepal: What Trekkers Should Know
Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription medicine sometimes used to help prevent altitude sickness. What it does, common side effects and why you should discuss...
· 2 min read Read guide 09Air Pollution in Kathmandu: What Travellers Should Know
Kathmandu's air quality is often poor in winter and especially in spring (March–May), when forest fire smoke adds to traffic and dust. When it's worst, and how...
· 2 min read Read guide 10Travel Insurance for Nepal Trekking: What You Need and What to Avoid
How to choose travel insurance for trekking in Nepal: altitude limits, helicopter evacuation, medical cover, trip delays, peak climbing, common exclusions, how...
· 14 min read Read guide 11Blister Prevention and Foot Care on Long Treks
How to prevent and treat blisters on a long trek in Nepal: boot fit, socks, taping hot spots, daily foot care, toenails and what to do if a blister forms.
· 2 min read Read guide 12Drinking Water on Treks in Nepal: Purify, Refill and Cut Plastic
How to get safe drinking water on a trek in Nepal without buying plastic bottles: purification tablets, filters, UV pens, boiled water and refill stations, and...
· 2 min read Read guide 13First-Aid Kit for Trekking in Nepal: What to Pack
A practical first-aid kit for trekking in Nepal: blister care, stomach and rehydration, altitude medicines to discuss with your doctor, sun care and what your g...
· 2 min read Read guide 14How to Train for Everest Base Camp: A 12-Week Plan for Any Fitness Level
A practical 12-week training plan for the Everest Base Camp trek and other high Himalayan treks: endurance hiking, stair and strength workouts, cardio, altitude...
· 14 min read Read guide 15Is Nepal Safe to Visit? An Honest Guide for Travellers and Trekkers
Is Nepal safe? An honest look at crime, political protests, natural hazards like floods and earthquakes, altitude, road travel, scams and solo and women travell...
· 3 min read Read guideFrequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.
Our articles cover trekking routes, seasons and weather, permits and regulations, altitude and fitness, packing, costs, culture and festivals, and travel in Tibet and Bhutan.
Our articles are written by the Himalayan Hiking team in Kathmandu, including trip planners and guides who work in the mountains every season.
We review our articles regularly, but rules, fees and conditions in Nepal can change. Always check the latest requirements before you travel, or contact us for current advice.
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