Essential Trekking Safety Guidelines

Guidelines by Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality.

Welcome to the Khumbu Region!
Explore, Experience, and Embrace Adventure.

Dear Trekkers,

A warm welcome to Khumbu, home to some of the world’s most iconic trekking routes and breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Mount Everest.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey through towering peaks, serene valleys, and the vibrant Sherpa culture. Trekking in the Everest region is a thrilling experience, but it requires careful planning and a strong commitment to safety.

To help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we kindly encourage you to minimize helicopter rides and embrace eco-friendly practices.

We are pleased to offer you the following essential guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure:

Getting to Lukla

Choose from the following travel options:

1. Flight from Kathmandu: Direct flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla (2,846 m).
2. Drive to Ramechhap: Drive to Manthali Airport (493 m) and fly to Lukla.
3. Drive and Trek: Travel by bus/jeep to Salleri (2,362 m), Kharikhola (2,137 m), or Surkey (2,295 m), then trek to Lukla.

Major Trekking Destinations

1. 10-Day Gokyo Trek
   • Highlights: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), Gokyo Lake (4,790 m) and associated lakes.
   • A serene adventure through stunning high-altitude wetlands and panoramic vistas.
2. 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek
   • Highlights: Kalapathar (5,545 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
   • A challenging yet rewarding trek offering close-up views of Mount Everest.
3. 15-Day Three Passes Trek
   • Highlights: Renjo La Pass (5,360 m), Cho La Pass (5,367 m), and Kongma La Pass (5,550 m).
   • A high-altitude adventure crossing three iconic and challenging passes with breathtaking scenery.

Altitude Sickness: Essential Information

Altitude sickness is a risk when trekking at high elevations. It arises as the body adjusts to lower oxygen levels.
The three types are:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
• High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
• High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Early recognition and immediate action are crucial. Symptoms usually appear within 4–12 hours after ascent.

Symptoms and Management

Severity	Symptoms	Recommended Action
Mild (AMS)	Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, trouble sleeping	Rest, stay hydrated, avoid further ascent until symptoms resolve
Moderate (AMS)	Severe headache, persistent nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, swelling	Immediate descent by 300–500 meters, monitor carefully
Severe (HACE)	Confusion, difficulty walking, hallucinations, severe lethargy	Urgent descent by 500–1,000 meters, seek emergency medical help
Severe (HAPE)	Shortness of breath at rest, chest tightness, cough (frothy or pink sputum), cyanosis	Rapid descent, emergency medical help, keep patient warm, avoid exertion

Preventive Strategies for Altitude Sickness

1. Ascend Gradually: Limit elevation gain to 300–500 meters per day above 3,000 meters.
2. Schedule Acclimatization Days: Rest every 3–4 days or after gaining 800–1,200 meters.
3. Climb High, Sleep Low: Ascend to higher elevations during the day, sleep at lower elevations.
4. Prioritize Descent: Always descend if severe symptoms occur.
5. Avoid Ascending with Symptoms: Do not continue to ascend if AMS symptoms appear.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including electrolytes.
7. Avoid Overexertion: Limit strenuous activities at high altitudes.
8. Avoid Alcohol and Certain Drugs: No alcohol, narcotics, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills.
9. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on carbohydrates and balanced nutrition.
10. Choose Lukewarm Foods and Fluids: Avoid very hot foods or drinks.
11. Carry a First-Aid Kit: Be informed about the nearest health facilities.

Emergency Assistance and Health Facilities

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness or other health issues, descend immediately and seek medical assistance.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

• Phone: +977-9801842388 / 9858068799
• WhatsApp/Viber: +977-9858068799

Nearby Health Facilities:

1. Kharikhola Basic Hospital: +977-9762444652 / 9801842371
2. Paiyan Health Post: +977-9817634552
3. Pasang Lhamu Nicole Niquille Hospital, Lukla: +977-9801162929 / 9863024929 / 9801201444
4. Chaurikharka Health Post: +977-9862444653 / 9801842373
5. Monjo Health Post: +977-9862444654 / 9801842374
6. Um Hong Gil Namche Community Hospital: +977-9862444655 / 9801842375
7. Thamu Health Clinic: +977-9862444656 / 9801842376
8. Khunde Hospital: +977-9813471615 / 9869320813
9. Khumjung Health Post: +977-9862444657 / 9801842377
10. Gorakshep High Altitude Clinic: +977-9862444658 / 9801842378

Thank You for Visiting!
Your journey to Khumbu supports local communities and conservation efforts.
We wish you a safe, satisfying, and memorable adventure in the land of the Himalayas.

Best Wishes and Happy Trekking!