Is trekking in Nepal safe?

Asked by: A traveller

Answered by: Stuart Butler

This is the most common question I get asked! By and large trekking in Nepal is a safe, well-regulated industry. Mishaps and even deaths do happen, typically in the single digits per year. But (reputable) operators employ top quality professionals and have thorough risk-management processes in place. Should something go wrong, evacuation is usually straightforward if expensive (insurance is always mandatory).

That said, you must be aware of the very real health risks, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), sun/heatstroke, hypothermia, and general stomach issues.

The golden rule with high mountain trekking is to go slowly and never ascend too high, too fast. Most experts agree that above 3,000m you shouldn’t ascend more than around 300 to 500m in a day and that you should allow for frequent rest days above 3,500m.

There are also infrequent but frustrating reports of petty theft in the busier teahouses. Don’t trek with valuables and keep a keen eye on your possessions.

Stuart Butler

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist and guidebook author who has been visiting and trekking in Nepal for over thirty years. One of the world's leading authorities on Nepal trekking, he is the author of Lonely Planet’s Trekking in Nepal, the Rough Guide to Nepal, the Tibet chapter of the Rough Guide to China and the Bradt guide to Kashmir & Ladakh. He is also regularly published in The Independent, BBC, Time Out, The Telegraph, among many other UK and international publications.

stuartbutlerjournalist.com/

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Trekking in Nepal

Stuart Butler

The Nepal trekking industry is plagued with an oversupply problem – there seem to be more trekking operators than actual trekkers, which puts immense downward pressure on prices. This might seem like a good thing for you, but when you see a 12 day EBC trek for $800 it means corners are being cut somewhere, usually in the pay and quality (and therefore safety and wellbeing) of ground staff.