Insurance for Trekking in Nepal
The fine print is the single most important aspect of travel insurance. Examine the little details of anything you are working on. It is important to check that your insurance covers up to 6,000 meters in the Himalayas and the highest point of your journey. Above importantly, it must provide coverage for helicopter rescues. It is unnecessary to have air ambulance coverage from Kathmandu because the hospitals here provide all of the necessary services. Before seeking an insurance company, consult with those you already know. It may be your bank or hair insurance provider. They might be able to offer you a better deal and have the items. If not, there are numerous options available online.
Let us hope you never need to claim your insurance. If you have to depart, make sure to save all of your receipts and signed medical papers. Remember that helicopter businesses in Nepal would not send a chopper unless they are confident of payment, and they will not engage with your insurance company. You will need to give the cash guarantee and then file a claim with your insurer. The guarantee can be issued via credit card, trekking agency, or embassy.
Additionally, the porters and guides you employ must be insured as well as you. If something were to happen and you had no insurance, you could be in a lot of trouble. Going through a travel agency has the advantage that they will handle your porter/guide insurance.
Pre-existing Conditions to consider before Trekking in Nepal
A thorough consultation with a skilled practitioner should always occur first, and the list below is by no means exhaustive. It is only intended to act as a reminder to develop a personalized approach after consultation with an expert.
When you, planning a trip to the mountains with a pre-existing medical condition, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Have adequate drugs, plus some extra. Make a kit with clear labels and carry it with you on flights. Have an official letter from your doctor outlining your disease, medication, and emergency contact information. Also, if you want to go in a group through a travel agency, keep in mind that alterations to the original itinerary are extremely limited. You could be better off travelling with friends or family who understand your situation and are willing to change your itinerary. Also, tell your travel agent and insurance provider the truth about your health.
Avoid High Altitude if you have these pre-existing conditions
Take Extreme Precautions if you have these pre-existing conditions
Take Precautions if you have these pre-existing conditions
Don’t worry about these pre-existing conditions
Immunizations to consider before coming to Nepal
Because Nepal is such a hospitable country, no one will ask about your immunizations before getting you a visa. However, the goodwill deed may not always benefit you. Nobody in their right mind imagines themselves being bitten by a rabies-infected dog when planning a vacation to Nepal. However, a Nepalese facility treated 118 such cases among tourists over seven years. And this is only one clinic. The basic line is that stuff happens, and it is better to think, ‘That might be me’ than ‘Oh Lord, Why me?’.
Important immunizations to get before trekking in Nepal
Missing these can not only ruin your vacation but also that of others who accompany you. Skipping these vaccines speaks for your general disregard of good advice and while statistically, you will most likely get away in this case, just make sure you don’t bring the same attitude to altitude related risks. The mountains can be pretty heartless.
Recommended Immunizations to get before trekking in Nepal
An Immunization List for hypochondriacs ;)
If social media and the internet haven’t eroded your patience yet, you might consider going through the following detailed treatment at from CIWEC.
Water Safety and Diarrhea in Nepal
What percent of travelers you think will contract diarrhea while in Nepal? 20%? 40%? 50%? Couldn’t be higher than that now, could it? Unfortunately, an exit poll at Kathmandu’s international airport reported that a good 68% suffered from some form of diarrhea. Yes, 68%!! That’s like if you are traveling with your spouse and a kid, two of you will get sick. But there is a silver lining to this grim tale. Diarrhea is preventable and in most cases easily treatable.
The most important rule is that all water is suspect unless you have personally seen it boil. Bottled water you buy in regular tourist establishments are usually good but do not expect all bottled water to be safe. What are you supposed to drink then, right? Invest in a portable water filter. These days they come in really handy sizes and that ‘handy’ is meant to be taken literally. And they aren’t all that expensive. Water filters are exceptional against all diarrhea-causing pathogens but are pretty toothless against viruses. Drink boiled water as far as possible and have the filter as a backup, is. Or alternatively just stick to beer.
Also, Nepal is no place for salad lovers. Avoid it. You will also be better off without peeled fruits especially melons. And at all costs avoid lassi, a yogurty fruit shake, no matter how delicious they sound or look.
Water Safety in Nepal
Bottled Water
Not only are a good proportion of bottled water in Nepal suspect, but they also have a huge ecological footprint. Despite the convenience, it is highly recommended to BYOB and drink boiled water. While this isn’t possible in the urban areas, it is very much doable during a trek.
Boiling
Boiling is perhaps the greatest invention when it comes to water purification. Bacteria, protozoa, giardia, amoeba, viruses you name it, they are no match for boiled water. And in the cold of the mountains, hot water is just that much more awesome. Also, access is not a problem along the popular routes. There will be a nominal cost though. But remember that all the great things boiling does to water will go to waste if you don’t have water bottles that can take hot water. Get two.
Water filters
Water filters are getting smaller real fast. And by smaller, we are not just referring to their physical size, but also to their pore size. Smaller physical size means portability and sometimes compatibility with camelbaks while smaller pore size translates to better filtration. There are even some filters in the market that claim to filter away viruses. This claim is only partly true. As for non-viral pathogens, you can rest assured with water filters. In order to get rid of viruses, consider a hybrid system which in addition to a water filter employs some form of iodine-based treatment.
Water filters have an advantage over boiling in that they are much more convenient to use with camelbaks.
Safe Drinking Water Stations
Along the trail in Annapurna and lower stretches of Everest, there are safe drinking water stations that sell ozone treated water for Rs 40-100 per liter. Use the boiled water if there is not safe drinking water station this are as possible.
UV purifier
UV purifiers are good against all pathogens if the water being purified is clear of particulates. Also, make sure you read the instructions very carefully as correct contact time and power delivery might be necessary to achieve best results. Something that is overlooked is that UV purified water cannot be left in direct light for an extended period because of pathogen reactivation. They are also not cheap and require batteries. If you can manage that, UV purifiers are hands down the way to go in terms of their efficacy.
Iodine/Chlorine
We suggest iodine/chlorine-based treatment be used only when no other alternatives exist. Their efficacy is dependent upon temperature and lighting. They are not effective against all pathogens and also have about half an hour incubation time. Iodine-based water treatment should be avoided by pregnant women and people with thyroid problems. If you intend to carry iodine/chlorine-based chemicals with you, we suggest tetraglycine hydroperiodide or chlorine dioxide based products. Read the instructions very carefully.
Water-borne Diseases
If in spite of your best efforts, you do manage to contract diarrhea, the first thing to worry about is rehydration. Getting ORS will not be a problem in Kathmandu and we suggest you carry at least a couple of packets during the trek. Even if you do not get diarrhea, they are great for rehydration at high altitudes.
Now let’s have a look at some prime suspects of diarrhea and ways to deal with these buggers. However, please note that this is only a rough guide to be used in case you do not have access to a specialist.
Bacterial Diarrhea
More likely than not, bacteria is your culprit, for they cause 80% of diarrhea seen in travelers. While it may pass on its own quickly, as many well-meaning people will no doubt tell you, it is also likely that your restroom runs will last for 2 weeks. If you are okay with that, read no further, but why walk with the ball and chain when you can get rid of it within a few days?
Symptoms: Bacterial infections are characterized by an abrupt onset of diarrhea. Nausea, vomiting, and fever may occur.
Treatment: Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for three days. 1 hour before a meal. If symptoms do not withdraw within 2 days consider adding Azithromycin 500 mg once per day for 3 days, 1 hour before a meal. Antimotility agents such as loperamide can be used to reduce the runs, but should not be used if you have a fever or bloody stool. Remember to rehydrate yourself sufficiently for a couple of days even after the symptoms have passed.
If that doesn’t take care of your diarrhea, we suggest you go out of your way to seek expert medical help.
Giardia
Giardia is a kind of protozoa which is the second most common cause of diarrhea in Nepal.
Symptoms: First let’s debunk the myth of sulfurous burps and farts as indicators of giardia. Also keep in mind that if you contract diarrhea within 2 days of coming to Nepal from your home country, in all likelihood it isn’t giardia. That ‘home country’ bit is important because if you are coming from an extended stay in say Bangkok or Delhi, it might be a different story. Symptoms of diarrhea caused by giardia have considerable overlap with diarrhea caused by bacteria and the only way to be sure is a stool test. However, one way to tell is that giardia never starts abruptly.
Treatment: Tinidazole 2 g single dose after an evening meal. While you shouldn’t be drinking alcohol anyways, avoid alcohol even if it’s your 21st birthday while taking tinidazole.
Amoebic Diarrhea
While diarrhea caused by amoeba is rare, it is nevertheless the hardest to diagnose even within a lab setting and is potentially the deadliest.
Symptoms: Amoebic diarrhea is characterized by toilet runs which might last for a couple of days and all of a sudden stop, only to start again a few days later. You might experience constipation as the diarrhea alternates. Pus cells and blood are often present in stool. Self-medication is not suggested and immediate medical help and perhaps even hospitalization is necessary because of the possibility of liver damage.
Treatment: Tinidazole 2 g once per day for three days after an evening meal. Also remember alcohol creates an unholy mixture with tinidazole and is to be avoided at all costs. Even after treatment, a follow-up lab assessment and consultation is a must.
Cyclospora
This protozoan is active during the rainy season and diarrhea caused by this guy peaks around June-July. If you are traveling outside May-Aug, you can rest assured this is not your guy.
Symptoms: It is characterized by extreme tiredness and diarrhea that comes and goes. Expert medical help is highly recommended.
Treatment: Bactrim, 1 tablet twice a day with or without food for 10 days. People with a sulfa allergy should avoid this drug, however.
For more details we present the following web resources from two hospitals in Kathmandu:
Altitude Illness while Trekking in Nepal
Would you get in an airliner if you knew that it has a broken cabin pressurization system? That’s just utterly stupid, right? In spite of the obvious, every year Himalayan Rescue Association’s Pheriche Aid Post sees a steady stream of people who manage to pull off something similar. Their reward? A helicopter ride to a hospital in Kathmandu and a chance to exchange love letters with an insurance company.
Just like cruising at 10,000 meters requires cabin pressurization, walking to 5,000 meters requires a spacesuit, or more realistically acclimatization, your body’s very own cabin pressurization system. We don’t want that broken now, do we?
So, unless you have the genes of the extinct Denisovans, which give Sherpas their unmatched capacity at high altitudes, you are better off taking it slowly along with the use of preventive medication. We will get into the details, but for now, let’s give in to some statistical fear mongering: 40-50% people get sick with altitude illness upon trekking to 4,000m in Nepal; 7.7/100,000 people die of altitude related illness every year in Nepal and despite the availability of rescue services, the number is increasing.
Acclimatization:
We will get into the intricacies of acclimatization shortly, but let’s get down to business first:
What to do for Acclimatization?
What NOT to do for Acclimatization?
The fact that there is about half the amount of oxygen at 5,000 meters above sea level, gives your body a long to-do list, so you can continue to enjoy your vacation. And simply put, the things that your body does for you is called acclimatization. Help it by doing your part, you know it is your body after all.
Above everything else, remember that acclimatization is a process that takes time and depends on a wide variety of factors. And the single most important factor that causes sickness has got to be cockiness. The fact that you are an ultra-athlete or in the SAS is irrelevant to the mountains. Be kind to your body by giving it time and listen carefully to what your body is telling you. And we cannot stress this more but DO NOT ever think of ascent with any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
AMS is basically a bloody ‘hangover’ that can quickly progress to HACE, a fancy term for a lot of water in your brain. And just in case the ‘water in your brain’ part wasn’t scary enough, yes HACE can kill.
AMS presents itself as a headache along with one or more of the following: nausea/vomiting, fatigue, dizziness or sleeplessness. These will show after your ascend to an altitude your body isn’t comfortable with. That is the reason why you have to take it slow and listen to your body. Now look at the symptoms, there are various factors that might be causing them other than the altitude. A ‘hangover’ may be an actual hangover or dehydration or possibly a lack of essential salts. That is why drinking enough water/ORS and avoiding alcohol is important. Fatigue and dizziness can be the result of exhaustion or exposure. Hence the need to avoid exerting oneself and proper clothing. AMS is that much easier to come to terms with once you have ruled out confounding causes through proper prevention.
Mild AMS
AMS usually develops slowly, almost imperceptibly. If all you have is a mild headache along with one or the other symptoms also of mild intensity, this is just a warning shot. Heed it. Stop ascent, rest, drink water/ORS and maybe some snacks. Also, take a mild analgesic (paracetamol or ibuprofen) or antiemetic (ondansetron) if needed and see how it goes for the night. Do not climb until all symptoms have resolved.
Moderate-Severe AMS
If however, you have a severe headache along with one or more of the accompanying symptoms of moderate-severe intensity, it is time to get into treatment mode. And the most effective treatment is immediate descent. Even a 500-meter drop can be helpful, but sometimes a 1,000 meters might be necessary. It will be easier on the patient if given dexamethasone 4 mg every 6 hours during the descent. Supplemental oxygen and use of portable Gamow Bag chambers might be necessary depending upon the severity.
Ascent can be initiated after symptoms resolve completely.
HACE
In extreme cases, severe AMS can give way to HACE which is characterized by ataxia, confusion and altered consciousness. It is now time to say goodbye to the mountains and go into rescue mode. Descend immediately at least 1,000 meters. 8 mg dose of dexamethasone followed by 4 mg every 6 hours will be very helpful. Supplemental oxygen and Gamow Bag chambers must be used until evacuation helicopter arrives.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
HAPE means water in your lungs and while uncommon, it is fatal, much more so than AMS and HACE. It is characterized by difficulty of breathing at rest, cough, rapid heart rate, rapid shallow breathing and possibly blue skin color. Immediate evacuation is necessary and the patient needs to descend at least 1,000 meters. Supplemental oxygen and Gamow Bag chambers must be used if available, but should not be used as a replacement for a descent. 60 mg of Nifedipine daily divided into sustained release dosage should be used in conjunction with descent and other treatment.
Environmental Hazards while Trekking in Nepal
Khumbu Cough
As you go higher, you will cough that much more and at times the coughing can get so violent that it hurts like hell. Surprising as it might sound, there is no consensus on the cause or treatment of this problem. Bronchial irritation due to the cold dry air perhaps has something to do with it. Breathing through the mouth is also thought to exacerbate the situation. The best way to avoid the Khumbu cough is to breathe humidified air by using a mask of some sort. A buff is great for this purpose and a handkerchief will do just fine. Just make sure it isn’t too tight. Also, make sure to dress warmly and remember to protect your neck and head from the cold. Candies or cough drops will help.
Knee problems
Use trekking poles. You will walk much better.
Another very important thing is to descend slowly. After the labors of an uphill climb, even a small stretch of downhill seems like a godsend sign to walk faster and reclaim some of the lost ego. But do not fall for it (pun intended). Please go downhill only a little bit faster than your uphill pace. Your knees will love you for it.
Sunburn
We had no intention of writing about this one until we saw a trekker walk down with two buffs covering her face. Serious sunburn not only looks but must be treated as a second-degree burn. And that was what the buffs were covering.
But as we all know it is easily preventable. There is, however, a susceptible group which should be cautious: redheads, blue-eyed blondes, individuals of northern European descent and children. Another susceptible group seems to be those that are used to seeing snow and mountains in their home country and usually get by without much prevention there.
The main difference in the Himalayas is the altitude which results in that much more UV rays and your usual regimen might not cut it here. Let us suggest one:
Choose an SPF 30 sunscreen that is effective against UVA. 30 might sound like a small number given that there are sunscreens with SPF ratings of 100, but believe it will be more than adequate. If you feel like it, push it to 50 but beyond that, it is just a waste of money. The UVA bit, however, is very important, not to avoid sunburns but to avoid long-term skin damage. Your money is better spent on UVA protection than high SPF ratings.
Make sure you are done applying your sunscreen by the time you sit for breakfast as it is very important to do so at least half an hour before exposure. And don’t forget your ears and neck. However, the skin above your eyes is better off without sunscreen because sweat will wash the cream into your eyes causing irritation. Leave it to your sunglasses to protect that bit of skin.
Later on, before you sit for lunch wash your face and apply the sunscreen again. Since sweat will wash off sunscreen anyways reapplication is very important while SPF rating isn’t. If you have been sweating too much consider a more frequent application.
Other ways to protect against sunburn are creams based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Also a sun hat is great.
Snow Blindness
The term snow blindness is misleading. While snow is important, it is the amount of UV that is the deciding factor. This is perhaps one of the reasons why some people who come from lowland areas that see a lot of snow, usually make light of this. And the high amount of UV in the Himalaya takes its toll. Hence, sunglasses with good UV protection is necessary and you should put them on even on overcast days. Also, make sure the glasses offer sung and complete protection for the eyes. Straps that hold the glasses are highly recommended as it makes the job of losing the glasses very hard if not impossible. If you have a penchant for misplacing things, consider getting an extra pair. And if you ever find yourself without one, improvise by slitting a dark fabric or if you have an inclination for the exotic, go Tibetan style with woven yak hair.
In case you are blinded, know that it will pass on its own in a few days. Meanwhile, avoid exposure to light and do not rub your eyes. Painkillers and eye drops will give some relief. Localized anesthetics, however, must be avoided.
Blisters
Make sure your boots are a good fit and break them back home. A thin inner sock is also very helpful for preventing blisters. Check your feet at the earliest sign of a hotspot, and cover the area with tape or moleskin.
If you are judicious, you will never have to go through the hassle of breaking, sterilizing and bandaging a blister.
Chafing is another problem that is encountered by many. The most suspect parts are inner thighs and collarbone area. Moleskin will work great if you are susceptible to inner thighs chafing and a pair of socks tucked under the strap of your bag will take care of your collarbone. Calamine lotion works wonders in healing the skin once chafing has developed.
Frostbite
Frostbite is irreparable and mountain weather is unpredictable. Get a good pair of boots. Running shoes will not cut it. Make sure to put on warm clothing and ensure that they are dry. Be sure to update yourself on the weather from lodges and other trekkers. If the terrain is heavily snowed over it might make sense to wait for other groups to pass through. Once the trail is broken, it will make both walking and navigation easier.
Frostbite is the body’s response to protect vital organs in the face of rapid heat loss, by limiting the amount of blood circulation to the peripheries. As such, the signs of frostbite will first appear in the parts furthest from the heart: toes, fingers, nose, cheeks, and ears. If you feel numbness in fingers and toes you can increase blood circulation to these parts by moving them. Also adding a layer of clothing might help. Cover your ears, nose, and cheeks. But your primary objective should be to find warm shelter of a lodge as fast as possible. Immersing the extremity in lukewarm water (about 40 degrees C or 105 degrees F) will be very helpful. This treatment is especially important if the numb parts have started to turn whitish and waxy. Do not rub such parts. Continue with the treatment until the whitish parts start to turn red. It can be very painful though.
In severe cases, evacuation must be considered.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
While it doesn’t happen often, there have been cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure proper ventilation before using a heater in your hotel room. Ditto with heaters used inside tents. Dining halls in lodges are rather porous and usually safe.
Hypothermia
It is colder in the mountains than your body’s capacity to cope. Hypothermia results when your body cannot compensate for heat loss and results in shivering and mental confusion in mild cases to a silent heart in more severe ones. Hypothermia also exacerbates many other altitude and cold-related illnesses.
Follow the dress code for mountains and you can leave all dangers behind. And the dress code is layers. Synthetic thermal underwear’s work great as a base layer. Avoid cotton like the plague for once wet from sweat, it makes things really uncomfortable by losing its insulating properties and increasing heat loss through evaporation.
A light fleece works great as the next layer and tops it off with a wind and waterproof jacket. Have a down for evenings and mornings at night stops. The great thing about layering, in addition to insulation, is the ease with which you can shed and add clothes. This is very important as it gets hot while walking and the moment you rest you will feel cold. Add to this the drastic fluctuations in temperatures that are the hallmark of the mountains.
As such the dress code is not just suggestive but necessary.
Animals
While animals are not much of a danger along trekking routes, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Be careful around monasteries, as there might be ferocious Tibetan Mastiffs. They are used for security of the monastery and are huge and ill-tempered. Do not get cuddly with street dogs about the villages for all it takes is a friendly scratch or an innocent bite to get infected. Think of investing in an Anti-Dog Whistle if you will be traveling with kids. They are also least likely to report a small scratch or bite, so be careful and vigilant.
In case you do get bit by a dog, wash the wound immediately with soapy water. Be liberal with the soap and apply an antiseptic immediately afterward. Seek expert medical help for post-exposure vaccination.
Horses can bite, mules can kick and yaks can throw you off balance in a trail. Maintain your distance and when these animals approach, stick to the mountainside of the trail as a gentle nudge from the loads they carry can cause you to tumble down if you are on the streamside.
Wild animals will usually maintain their distance and attacks are very rare. The only cases in which they might attack is if they have kids and you are too close. Maintain your distance and avoid sudden movements. The most ill-tempered of them all is perhaps the Himalayan Black Bear. Chances of meeting one if however next to none. If you do have a good fortune of crossing paths with one, avoid eye contact and slowly back away. Both of you will be happier and on your way soon.
Crime/Theft
Nepal is a rather safe country. There are no places which should be avoided due to the high crime rate. Hence, there is very little to worry about in terms of personal safety. Theft, however, can be an issue. As such some precautions are needed:
Dealing with Traumatic Injuries while Trekking in Nepal
Injuries resulting from people falling on things and things falling on people are the most common causes of death among trekkers in Nepal. Following a serious injury, there is little you can do until expert help arrives. As such think prevention, rather than test gravity.
God forbid it, but if you do sustain an injury, it might be just a small scratch or it might require an evacuation. However, there are a few things you can do until evacuation arrives. Let us focus on these things. Also, remember that an actual emergency will not accord you the luxury to go through this text. So please make an effort go through the following slowly and carefully.
While your first response on seeing a companion suffer might be to help him/her, your first priority should be to move the person away from dangers such as falling rocks, precarious slopes or avalanche-prone area.
The first thing that needs to be done is to check if the person is breathing and if the airway is obstructed. Use CPR if necessary. Once that is taken care of check for the pulse. Given everything is in the order it is now time to contain the bleeding.
The only way to control bleeding is by application of direct pressure. Tourniquets should never be used. While most bleeding will stop after a couple of minutes if an artery is severed it will take longer. Once bleeding has been controlled it is now necessary to attend to shock.
Shock is a medical term for a critical medical condition that results from excess blood loss and can be fatal. Since treatment for shock is most effective immediately after an injury, it is important you know how.
You can tell a person is in shock if s/he appears pale and the skin feels cold first at the peripheries and centrally later on. In extreme cases, the person might act agitated or restless. Pulse goes up and blood pressure goes down and the patient might complain of feeling cold or thirsty. Even if the person has no such signs, it is imperative to treat for shock to be on the safe side if bleeding has occurred or internal bleeding is suspected.
The person should lie down face up while both feet must be lifted up about 12 inches. This will ensure that more blood is available to the vital parts. Blankets and sleeping bags must be wrapped around the person in order to maintain body heat. However, if an external heat source is available it is that much better. Oxygen and IV therapy must be used if available. Avoid food and water if rescue is set to arrive within a few hours.
Congratulations, you might just have made the difference between life and death.
While evacuation support must be called for serious injuries anyways, it is extremely important for head injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries. While head and spinal injuries are easy to ascertain internal injuries can be told by rapid pulse and pale cool skin while very little bleeding has occurred externally. Check for them. In the case of spinal injury, the person should not be moved unless it is absolutely necessary before expert help arrives.
In addition to the points that have been mentioned earlier, it might be necessary to control bleeding with sterile gauze wrapped with a bandage. However make sure the bandage isn’t too tight, for it might hamper blood circulation to other parts. Immobilization of the injured part might be necessary in order to move the victim. If evacuation is likely to take time, it is extremely important to clean the wound with disinfected water. A syringe comes in very handy for this. Make sure the jet of water removes dried blood and dead tissues in addition to foreign particles.
However, do not attempt to suture the wound under any condition. Doing so outside the sterile conditions of a hospital is likely to cause more harm. It isn’t all that important anyways and can wait for evacuation support.
Injured ligaments cause sprains and strains. The pain and other symptoms are very similar to a fracture and it is hard to tell the difference between the two without an X-ray.
However, RICE is great for treating sprains. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest is self-evident, while ice takes care of bleeding and swelling. A bandage around the sprain will not only immobilize the injured part but will also check swelling. Elevating the injured part will reduce fluid accumulation and hence control swelling.
However, additional immobilization will be necessary for some injuries while for more serious kinds rapid evacuation must be considered.
Ascertaining a fracture is not necessary for first aid. If a fracture is suspected, immediate steps had to be taken to immobilize the injured part. Make sure both joints above and below the fracture is immobilized. If proper splints are not available, use your imagination. Think metal rod inside your rucksack, backpack strap, towel, newspapers, trekking poles, fleece or cardboard boxes.
In case of open fractures, it is essential to clean the associated wound with disinfected water before attempting to straighten the break. Rapid evacuation is essential for such fractures.
Use painkillers as required for all kinds of fractures.
Health Services in Nepal
Health services for travelers are a well equipped, well experienced and streamlined operation in Nepal. Along the trail are the Lukla Hospital, Khunde Hospital, and Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Pheriche/Manang Aid Post. In addition to patient care, HRA is also capable of coordinating search and rescue operations in addition to evacuations. Helicopter rescue services are also one of the best this side of the world. And once in Kathmandu and Pokhara, there is the highly efficient and experienced CIWEC Hospital among others.
The bottom line: You have a pretty strong safety net.
Contact Information for Rescue in Nepal
The world’s highest rescue operation happened right here when a mountaineer was picked up at 7,000 meters on the slopes of Everest. Needless to say, you are in safe hands.
A helicopter will be on its way once the helicopter company has been assured of payment. You can do this through your credit card, trekking agency or embassy. HRA and local authorities can aid you with communication.
It usually takes about 24 hours for evacuation support to arrive. Be warned however that all rescues are weather dependent and given inclement weather it might take longer.
Helicopter Services
Contact Information for Embassies and Consulates in Nepal
Australia
Registration Services: https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/Homeform?Openform Tel: +977-1-4371678; +977-1-4371076; +977-1-4371678466 Fax: +977-1-4371533 Out of Hours: +977-9851026238 Email: PO Box 879, Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal Website: http://www.nepal.embassy.gov.au/
Austria
Tel: +977-1-4434690, +977-1-4434648, +977-1-4434860, +977-1-4434825 Fax: +977-1-4434515 Email. autconktm@wlink.com.np Mr. Laxman Babu Shrestha Honorary Consul Post Box No 4416, Naxal, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu
Bangladesh
Tel: +977-1-4390130, +977-1-4390131 Fax: +977-1-4390132 Email: mission.kathmandu@mofa.gov.bd Basundhara, Chakrapath, Kathmandu Municipality Ward No. 3 (Opposite to NABIL Bank, Dhapashi Branch) Kathmandu, Nepal
Belarus
Tel. +977-1-4258339, +977-1-4258340 Fax. +977-1-4782402
Email: consulate@muktishree.com Mr. Ajeya Raj Sumargi Parajuli Honorary Consul Post Box No. 12557, Sumargi B. Complex Babarmahal
Belgium
Tel: +977-1-4418922; +977-1-4413732 Fax: +977-1-4410330 Email: info@diplobelnepal.org Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa Honorary Consul Post Box No 3022, Bhagawan Bahal, Thamel-Amrit Marg-643/26, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 1000-1200 hrs Wednesday and Friday: 1400-1600 Hrs
Brazil
Tel: +977-9801032381, 9801032380 Fax: Email: brasemb.katmandu@itamaraty.gov.br (General), consular.katmandu@itamaraty.gov.br (Consular), thadeu.franca@itamaraty.br; thadeu.franca@itamaraty.br POBox 19299 Chundevi Marg, House no. 155 Maharajgunj
Bulgaria
Tel: +977-1-4220245 Ext. 23, +977-1-4229335(direct) Fax: +977-1-4221180 Email. bthapa@president.com.np Mr. Bhola Bikram Thapa Honorary Consul Post Box No 1307, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday-Friday: 1000-1700 Hrs
Canada
Registration Services: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration Tel: +977-1-4441976 Fax: +977-1-4434713 Out of hours: +1-613-996-8885 Email: canadaconsul@mail.com.np Dr. Buddha Basnyat PO Box 3596, 47 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Chile
Tel. +977-1-4221637, +977-1-4221585, +977-1-4243593 Fax. +977-1-4220178 Email. temtig@mos.com.np Mr. Basant Raj Mishra Temple Tiger Venture Travels, P.O. Box 3968 Kantipath, Kathmandu. Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 0900 hrs–1300 hrs
China
Tel: +977-1-4419389; +977-1-4411740 Fax: +977-1-4414045 Out of hours: +977-9851071888(24 hours) Email: chinaemb_np@mfa.gov.cn http://np.china-embassy.org/eng/ Baluwatar, Kathmandu
Croatia
Tel: +977-1-4228541, +977-1-4225414, +977-1-4015551, +977-1-4373134 Fax: +977-1-4225974, +977-1-4015552 Email. corporate@ugnepal.com; honcroconsulate@ugnepal.com Mr. Amir Pratap JB Rana Honorary Consul Post Box No 3787, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs–1300 hrs
Cyprus
Tel. +977-1-4225490, +977-1-4226327, +977-9851020435, Fax. +977-1-4226314 Email. pjyoti@mail.com.np Mr. Padma Jyoti Honorary Consul Post Box No 133, Jyoti Bhawan, Kantipath, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 1100 hrs – 1400 hrs
Czech Republic
Tel. +977-1-4259528, +977-1-4261160, +977-1-4261847 Fax. +977-1-4248001, +977-1-425893 Email. kathmandu@honorary.mzv.cz, vka@mawnepal.com Mr. Vishnu Kumar Agarwal Honorary Consul Post Box No 1452, Tripushwor, Teku Road, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs–1300 hrs
Denmark
Tel: +977-1-4413010 Fax: +977-1-4411409 Email: ktmamb@um.dk Website: http://nepal.um.dk/ P.O. Box 6332 Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Egypt
Tel: +977-1-5524640; +977-1-5590166; +977-1-5590544 Fax: +977-1-5592661 Email: embassy.kathmandu@mfa.gov.eg Website: http://www.mfa.gov.eg/kathmandu_Emb Sainbu, Bhaisepati, P.O Box 792, Kathmandu.
Estonia
Tel: +977-1-4436900, +977-1-4436650 Fax: +977-1-4415380 Out of Hours: +977-9851031532, +977-9751031532 Email. navaconsulest@gmail.com, envtrek@wlink.com.np Website: www.estoniaconsulate.org.np Mr. Nava Raj Dahal Honorary Consul Consulate of the Republic of Estonia P.O. Box 25728 Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu Nepal
Finland
Tel: +977-1-4416636; +977-1-4417 221 Fax: +977-1-4416703 Emergency Calls: +358916055551 Email: sanomat.kat@formin.fi Website: www.finland.org.np Bishalnagar, G.P.O. Box 2126 Kathmandu Nepal
France
Tel: +977-1-4412332; +977-1-4414734, +977-1-4413839, +977-1-4418034 Fax: +977-1-4419968 Out of hours: +977-9851017201 Email: ambassade@ambafrance-np.org Website: http://www.ambafrance-np.org/ Lazimpat – BP 452 – Kathmandu – Nepal
Germany
Registration Services: https://service.diplo.de/elefandextern/home/registration!form.action Tel: +977-1-4217200 Fax: +977-1-4416899 Out of hours: +977-9851137942, +977-9851137942 Email: info@kathmandu.diplo.de Website: http://www.kathmandu.diplo.de P.O Box 226 Gyaneshwar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Greece
Tel: +977-1-5545999 Fax: +977-1-5539 900 Email. consulate.office@greecenepal.com Mr. Bikram Pandey Honorary Consul Nuwakott Ghar, Sanepa Chowk (along Shuvatara School Road), Lalitpur – 2 Kathmandu Nepal
Hungary
Tel. +977-1-5527370, +977-1-5522871, +977-1-5526894, +977-1-5521311 Fax. +977-1-5524139, +977-1-5521291 Email. info@nbe.com.np Mr. Chandra Shekhar Gyawali Honorary Consul Oasis 49 Dhara, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, GPO Box 1357, Kathmandu Working Hours: Sunday to Friday: 0900 hrs–1700 hrs
India
Tel: +977-1-4410900; +977-1-4414990, +977-1-4411699 Fax: +977-1-4428279 P.O. Box. 292 336 Kapurdhara Marg, Lainchaur, Kathmandu
Indonesia
Tel. +977-1-4002581 Fax: +977-1-4002584 Email: indoconsulate@imeremit.com, indoconsulate@gmail.com Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal IME Complex Panipokhari, Kathmandu
Israel
Tel: +977-1-4411811; +977-1-4413419, +977-1-4419103 Fax: +977-1-4413920 Email: info@kathmandu.mfa.gov.il Website: http://kathmandu.mfa.gov.il Bishramalaya House, PO Box 371, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Italy
Tel: +977-1-4252801, +977-1-4252804 Fax: +977-1-4255218 Email. consulateofitaly@mos.com.np Mr. Ravi Bhakta Shrestha PO Box 1097, I. J. Plaza, 1st Floor, Teendhara Pathshala, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday and Thursday: 1000 hrs-1200 hrs
Japan
Tel: +977-1-4426680 Fax: +977-1-4414101 Email: culjpn@mos.com.np Website: http://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp P.O.Box No. 264 Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Korea, North
Tel: +977-1-5521855 Fax: +977-1-5525394 Email: rimnine@wlink.com.np Bakhundole, Lalitpur
Korea, South
Tel:; +977-1-4270172, +977-1-4270417, +977-1-4277391, +977-1-4270058 Fax: +977-1-4272041 Email: konepemb@mofa.go.kr Website: http://npl.mofa.go.kr/english/as/npl/main/index.jsp Rabi Bhawan, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Lithuania
Tel. +977-1-4700275, +977-1-4700276, +977-1-4700274701135 Fax. +977-1-4700045, +977-1-4355074 Email. nepaltur@mos.com.np Website: http://www.urm.lt/ Mr. Rameswor Sapkota Honorary Consul Bld. # 120, Nurshing Chowk, Thamel, P O Box # 2107, Kathmandu
Luxembourg
Tel. +977-1-5007503, +977-1-5007504, +977-1-5549740 (O), +977-1-5525984 (R) Fax. +977-1-5007689 (O) Out of Hours: +977-9851021047 Email. shreeramanju@gmail.com Mr. Shree Ram Lamichhane Honorary Consul Anjushree Building, Gwarko (next to B&B Hospital), P O Box 2354, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs–1200 hrs
Malaysia
Tel: +977-1-5010004; +977-1-5010005 Fax: +977-1-5010492 Out of Hours: (Emergency Only): +977-9801008000 Email: mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my Website: http://www.kln.gov.my/web/npl_kathmandu/home 2nd Floor, Block B, Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh Bhawan, P.O. Box 24372 Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Kathmandu
Maldives
Tel. +977-1-5525171, Fax. +977-1-5527364 Email. nirvana@chaudharygroup.com Mr. Nirvana Chaudhary, Honorary Consul Chaudhary House, Sanepa Lalitpur, Nepal
Malta
Tel. +977-1-4255687, +977-1-4255842, +977-1-4430413, +977-1-4278721 Fax: +977-1-4256186 Email: maltaconsul.kathmandu@gov.mt; dinesh.shrestha@shresthacompany.com.np, dinesh@pacific-nepal.com Website: pacific-nepal.com Mr. Dinesh Shrestha Honorary Consul P. O. Box No. 1011, Pacific Building Ramshah Path, Kathmandu.
Mongolia
Tel: +977-1-4915373, +977-1-4915432 Fax: +977-1-4915625 Mobile: +977-9851020848 e-mail: mongol_con@wlink.com.np samling@mos.com.np Mr. Tsetan Gyurman Shrestha Boudha Tinchuli K T M.Nepal, G.P.O Box 2534, Nepal
Morocco
Tel. +977-1-4416775, +977-1-4221260 Fax. +977-1-4410959, +977-1-4226293 Email. consul.morocco@chaudharygroup.com
Mr. Basant K. Chaudhary PO Box 648 Thamel, Kathmandu
Myanmar
Tel: +977-1-5592774; +977-1-5592841 Fax: +977-1-5592776 Email: myanmaremb@wlink.com.np NAKHKHU HEIGHT, LALITPUR, KATHMANDU, G.P.O.Box 2437
Netherlands
Tel: +977-1-5523444 Fax: +977-1-5523155 Email. consulate@nlconsulate.org.np Website: www.netherlandsconsulate.org.np Po Box 1966, Bakhundole Height, Lalitpur, Nepal. Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 0830 hrs – 1700 hrs
New Zealand
Tel. +977-1-4426427 Fax: +977-1-4361600 Out of Hours: +977-9849786967 Email: nzconsulate@tigermountain.com.np Ms. Lisa Choegyal P. O. Box 2018, Tiger Mountain Pvt Ltd, Ramalaya, Panipokhari, Kathmandu
Norway
Tel: +977-1-5545307 Fax: +977-1-5545226 Out of hours: +977-1-5545307 (Press 5 after office hours) +977-9851134289; +977-9851022414 Email: emb.kathmandu@mfa.no Website: http://www.norway.org.np/ P.O.Box 20765 Kathmandu, Nepal. Surya Court, Pulchowk, Lalitpur
Pakistan
Tel: +977-1-4374024, +977-1-4374016 Fax: +977-1-4374012 Email: pakembktm@gmail.com Website: http://www.mofa.gov.pk/nepal Pushpanjali, Maharajgunj Chakrapath, Kathmandu (Nepal), P.O. Box No. 202
Peru
Tel: +977-1-4241504, +977-1-4225284 Fax: +977-1-4225538 Email: info@msgroup.com.np Mr. Sumit Kumar Agarwal House No. – 149/13 (Kha), Jhochhen Tole Basantapur, Kathmandu Po Box 556, Shiva Arcade, Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Philippines
Tel: +977-1-4478301, +977-1-4478302, +977-1-4372800 Fax: +977-1-4486243 Email. philcongen@voith.com.np Website: www.voith.com.np/philcongen Mr. Suraj Vaidya P O Box 2640, VOITH Complex, Sinamangal, Tinkune, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 0900 hrs – 1500 hrs
Poland
Tel. +977-1-4249114, +977-1-4250001 Fax. +977-1-4249723 Email. lmg@golchha.com, polishcounsulatenepal@gmail.com Mr. Lokmanya Golchha P.O.Box-363, Golchha House, Ganabahal, Kathmandu Working Hours, Sunday to Friday 10.00 hrs 13.00 hrs
Portugal
Tel: +977-1-4446400, +977-1-4446401, +977-1-4446402 Fax: +977-1-4444443 Email: R@rkhetan.com Mr. Rajendra Kumar Khetan Post Box No 6156, Corporate House, Hattisar, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs – 1500 hrs
Romania
Tel: +977-1-4446407 Fax: +977-1-4444366 Email. romania@itni.com.np Mrs. Sarika Khetan Laxmi Bank Building, Hattisar, Kathmandu
Russia
Tel: +977-1-4412155; +977-1-4411063 Fax: +977-1-4416571 Out of hours: +977-9801047187 Email: ruspos@info.com.np Po Box 123, Baluwatar, Kathmandu.
Slovakia
Tel.: +977-1-4421541, +977-1-4422656 Fax.: +977-1-4427067, +977-1-4479664 E-mail: skconsulate_sat@wlink.com.np Pasang Dawa Sherpa P. O. Box 1358 Dobichaur, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
South Africa
Tel: +977-1-5523957, +977-1-5549876 (O), +977-1-5545075 (R) Fax: +977-1-5526529 Email. honsa@panchakanya.com.np Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha Post Box No. 2743, Panchakanya Bhawan, Krishna Galli, Pulchowk, Lalitpur Working Hours: Sunday to Friday: 0930 hrs–1730 hrs
Spain
Tel. +977-1-4473724, +977-1-4470770 Fax. +977-1-4471379, +977-1-4471378 Email. dwarikas@mos.com.np Mrs. Ambica Shrestha Post Box No 459, Battisputali, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 0900 hrs–1700 hrs
Sri Lanka
Tel: +977-1-4720623; +977-1-4721389 Fax: +977-1-4720128 Email: lankaemb@wlink.com.np Website: http://www.slembktm.com/ P.O Box No. 8802, Kathmandu, Nepal Shiv Ashish Niwas, Gairi Marg, Chundevi Road, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Sweden
Tel: +977-1-4220939, +977-1-4221287, +977-1-4720251 Fax: +977-1-4221826 Email. meerahome@wlink.com.np Mr. Gajendra Bahadur Shrestha Meera Home, Khichapokhari, Kathmandu Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs–1230 hrs
Switzerland
Registration Services: https://www.itineris.eda.admin.ch/home Tel: +977-1-5524927; +977-1-5524928; +977-1-5549225 Fax: +977-1-5525358 Out of hours: +977-9851034617 Email: kathmandu@eda.admin.ch Websites: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/representations/embassy-kathmandu.html https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/representations/cooperation-office.html Ekantakuna, Jawalakhel P.O. Box 113, Kathmandu, Nepal
Thailand
Tel: +977-1-4371410; +977-1-4371411 Fax: +977-1-4371408; +977-1-4371409 Email: thaiemb@thaiembnepal.org.np Website: http://www.thaiembnepal.org.np/ P.O. Box 3333 167/4 Ward No. 3, Maharajgunj, Bansbari Road
Turkey
Tel: +977-1-4444445, +977-1-4444322, +977-1-4444323 Fax: +977-1-4444443 Email: mgk@khetan.com.np; mtcn@khetan.com.np P.O. Box 4140 Hattisar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ukraine
Tel: +977-1-4416544, +977-1-4416767, +977-1-4437901 Fax: +977-1-4421845 Email. vaidya@ccsl.com.np, vaidyamail@gmail.com, info@ukraineconsulatenepal.org Mr. Kiran Vaidya P.O. Box 3843, House No. 122, Bhagwan Marg, Narayan Chour, Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 1000 hrs–1300 hrs
UK
Tel: +977-1-4410583; +977-1-4414588; +977-1-4411281 Fax: +977-1-4411789, +977-1-4416723 Out-of-hours: +977-1-4422294 Email: BEKathmandu@fco.gov.uk PO Box 106 Lainchaur Kathmandu Nepal
USA
Registration Services: https://step.state.gov/step/ Tel: +977-1-4234000; +977-1-4234500 Fax: +977-1-4007272 Out-of-hours emergency: +977-1-400-7266, +977-1-400-7269 Email: usembktm@state.gov; consktm@state.gov Website: www.nepal.usembassy.gov Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.