The biggest concern for most trekkers in Nepal is how their bodies adjust to the altitude. Our itineraries are carefully constructed to allow for customization but not everyone’s body is the same. In very rare circumstances you may need to return to lower altitudes for immediate recovery.
In some cases this is only possible with the use of helicopters. For that our trained guides take necessary steps and try to keep you safe
If you need to be brought by helicopter, your guide should immediately inform us in Kathmandu and we will talk to the helicopter and try to send the helicopter to your place, provided you have proper insurance, the helicopter companies will provide the rescue facility, otherwise you will have to pay for it yourself.
Helicopter rescue at the base
Can range from $4000-$6000+ so we require all our guests to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. All costs associated with helicopter transportation are ultimately the responsibility of our guests.
There are many insurance providers and choosing between them can be difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to inform us about the services you get in your travel insurance. The same provider will have different restrictions based on the country you are from or sometimes your age. For this reason we ask our guests to review their policies carefully.
Of course we will provide any necessary information to assist with your claim but ultimately it is your responsibility to work with your insurance provider and pay all debts associated with helicopter rescue.
These are the things you should look for in the insurance policy you take – make sure that the coverage includes emergency medical evacuation or not and that it does not exclude going above a certain height. For example you will sometimes see policies that only cover you up to 5000 meters, etc.
For most major treks in Nepal (Mt. Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit) you need coverage up to 6000m. If you are climbing a 6000m peak ‘trekking peak’, you need coverage up to 6500m.
Make sure it doesn’t exclude the activity you are doing, usually trekking or in some cases mountaineering or whitewater rafting. Some policies give you the option to include trip interruption. This will cover additional costs arising from things that disrupt your journey. For example if your plane flights to Lukla are canceled it can cover a helicopter if you need to be on track for your itinerary.
Below is a list of travel insurance providers we recommend. Most policies range between $150 – $250 for a 2-3 week trip. Coverage included and prices vary depending on which country you are from so please double check the policy when you book it.