Trek safely to prevent trekking problems
A little bit of preparation can save your life
Please read the following tips and helpful articles on preparing for a trek in Nepal and keeping safe on the trails.
Not only could it save your life, but it can also help prevent your family and friends being worried.
If you don”t take precautions you can easily go missing without a trace.
Tips before you go trekking
Research your trek before you go!
What time of year is it better to go trekking?
Are certain times of the year more dangerous to go trekking?
You should know these answers before booking a trek
Don't rush your trek!
Take your time and enjoy it!
Tell everyone where you are going!
Let them know if you are thinking about taking an extra day or two as well.
Download What3Words to your phone!
What3Words has created a 3x3m grid across the planet – including across all of Nepal’s trekking regions.
If you become lost, or stuck in an area and have a phone signal you can simply open the app and tell the rescue team your location by saying the three words on the app.
Do learn about using What3Words Offline. You can download the free What3Words app for Apple or Android devices here.
Get insurance for trekking!
Did you know many travel insurance companies won’t cover you for trekking over 3,000m!
Make sure your travel insurance covers you before going on a trek
Most travel insurance companies don’t cover you for search & rescue but if you do get into difficulties you can be evacuated.
Read about a recommended travel insurance for trekking in Nepal
Don't go alone!
Solo trekking is great, but if you have never been to Nepal before you don’t know what to expect.
Take some precautions like going with a guide or a group for your first trek in Nepal.
Tell your family & friends where you are going!
Tell your family and friends what trek you are going on!
Send them an email with the name of the trekking company too.
Let friends and family know you might not have internet for a while!
Send friends and family your itinerary if possible!
Don't kill yourself trying to save money!
Rushing a trek can cause altitude sickness and accidents are more likely to occur when rushing.
Take a shorter trek or increase your budget rather trying to cut corners and risking your life!
Tell your hotel where you are going
Give them the contact details of your family too.
Email your passport & travel insurance
If you get into difficulties then they will have your immediate information to help you
Get an updated guidebook!
Don’t trust everything on TripAdvisor and certainly don’t read trekking agency websites for accurate information. Guidebooks are the gold standard in accurate information – get the best guidebook to Nepal.
Safety tips when you are trekking
Remember it's not a race
If you are in a group, everyone should stick together
Turn back if you don't feel well
You don’t always have to go back to the city and cancel your trek. Sometimes a night or two is all that’s needed to feel better.
Read more about altitude sickness in Nepal
Don't wander off too far
Always carry a torch and water with you
Don't leave your guide!
Call the guides main agency to arrange for another one. Or contact the tea house and ask for one.
Better yet, read how to find a trekking guide in Nepal
Stay hydrated
Be sure to drink clean / sterilized water though!
Leave the ego at home
Truly experienced trekkers know to leave their ego at home when they are trekking for the first time in a new country. Being brash, rushing or making demands that work in other countries may and often do not work in Nepal. Doing so can put your own life and others in danger.
Take a guide the first time and be respectful of everyone.
Hire a porter on the way
If you are with a guide then let them help deal with the porter