Never trek alone. Use a reputable agency, remain on established routes, and walk with at least one other person.
Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and Everest Base Camp treks.
Accidents happen due to insufficient information, inappropriate equipment or overestimation of your own capabilities. Follow the advice given by local authorities and guides. Ignoring such advice could put yourselves and other mountain users in danger.
The following hazards exist throughout the year, especially above 3,000m: - sudden weather changes - avalanches and snow drifts - landslides and flooding - glacial crevasses and hollows - rockfall - thunder storms and lightning - altitude sickness - sun exposure
make sure you’re physically fit and have the necessary experience.
be in a team of at least 2.
take note of weather forecasts and conditions
inform someone of your plans.
take warm clothes and wet weather gear.
use sun block and sun glasses.
Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activity including travel above 3,000m, mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.
Food and Water Safety:
Unclean food and water can cause diarrhoea and other diseases. Travelers to developing countries are especially at risk. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Food:
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot.
Hard-cooked eggs.
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself.
Pasteurized dairy products.
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature.
Food from street vendors.
Raw or soft-cooked eggs.
Raw or undercooked meat or fish.
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables.
Condiments (such as salsa) made with fresh ingredients.
Salads.
Flavored ice or popsicles.
Unpasteurized dairy products.
Beverages:
Drink
Water, sodas, or sports drinks that are bottled and sealed (carbonated is safer).
Water that has been disinfected (boiled, filtered, treated).
Ice made with bottled water.
Hot coffee or tea.
Pasteurised milk.
Don't drink
Tap or well water.
Fountain drinks.
Ice made with tap or well water.
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurised milk.
Unclean water can also make you sick if you swallow it while bathing, showering, or swimming. Try not to get any water in your nose or mouth. In some areas, such as hotels tap water may not even be safe for brushing your teeth, and you should use bottled water. People who are elderly or have weakened immune systems might want to stay away from areas where there is a lot of steam and water vapor that can be inhaled, such as showers and hot tubs.
Crime:
There’s a low rate of serious crime in Nepal. Watch out for pick-pockets and bag-snatching, particularly in airports, on buses and in areas popular with foreign nationals like Thamel, Sanepa and Kupondol in Kathmandu. Take care when walking around at night. Assaults and robberies are more likely to occur in the evening in poorly lit areas. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible.
Bars and restaurants close at midnight. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police. Take care when entering ‘dance bars’ as some foreigners have been swindled or harassed.
Beware of accepting drinks from strangers, and don’t leave drinks unattended. There have been incidents of foreign nationals being sexually assaulted.
Victims of crime should call the Tourist Police in Kathmandu on 01 4700750 or the Tourist Police headquarters on 01 4247041.
