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Call us, we are at your service
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks. Your insurance policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking and provide adequate protection against the unique risks associated with trekking and travelling in the Himalayas.
Standard travel insurance policies often cover medical evacuation only up to 4,000 metres. If you are trekking or climbing at higher elevations, you must ensure that your policy provides coverage up to at least 6,000 metres and explicitly includes “trekking” as a covered activity. If your itinerary includes a summit attempt on a trekking peak, your policy must also specifically cover “mountaineering” or “climbing” as an activity.
Some insurance providers require travelers to pay medical treatment and emergency evacuation expenses upfront in Nepal and seek reimbursement later. Others may arrange direct payment with the hospital, clinic, or helicopter evacuation provider.
In the event of an emergency, the traveler is responsible for all costs associated with medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can cost USD 5,000 or more, depending on the location and circumstances.
Above & Beyond Trekking will assist with coordinating the necessary logistics during an emergency; however, we do not provide medical treatment or emergency evacuation services directly, nor are we responsible for the associated costs.
We strongly recommend choosing an insurance provider that offers direct payment or upfront coverage for medical treatment and emergency evacuation. If your insurer requires you to pay these expenses out of pocket and claim reimbursement later, please ensure that you have sufficient funds or access to emergency credit to cover the costs.
You only need coverage for the days you'll be actively trekking. We strongly encourage contacting your insurance company before traveling to confirm the specifics of your policy. Above & Beyond Trekking does not endorse any particular provider, but we are happy to offer guidance upon request.
While we hope your journey in the Himalayas goes exactly as planned, we understand that some trekkers may need to end their trek earlier than expected due to personal, medical, or other unforeseen reasons.
Please note that Above & Beyond Trekking is unable to offer refunds for any unused days or services. This is because our operational costs remain fixed—we are committed to compensating our guides, porters, and support staff for their scheduled time and efforts, regardless of changes to the itinerary.
We appreciate your understanding and encourage all trekkers to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip interruption in case you need to leave the trek early.
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and flight schedules, particularly flights to Lukla, are subject to delays and cancellations. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, which serve as the main gateway for the Everest region, may sometimes be delayed or postponed for several days due to weather, visibility, air traffic, or other operational factors.
During the peak trekking season, Lukla flights may also be operated from Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu Airport due to air traffic congestion. Ramechhap Airport is approximately a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu. If your flight is operated from Ramechhap, we will arrange the necessary transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.
If your scheduled flight is cancelled, we will assist in rebooking you on the next available flight. If a helicopter is required or you choose to travel by helicopter, we will assist with arranging the helicopter, subject to availability and weather conditions. The additional cost of the helicopter, which may be USD 400 or more depending on the circumstances, will be the responsibility of the traveler.
If you choose to travel by helicopter instead of taking your scheduled flight, we will refund the unused flight fare. The refund can be collected from our Kathmandu office after your return.
Key Points to Keep in Mind:
For a cost-effective option, bring or buy water purification tablets (~$2 in Kathmandu).
Trekking in Nepal often involves reaching elevations above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), where the risk of altitude sickness—also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—increases. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening conditions such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
To minimize the risk, our itineraries are carefully designed with built-in acclimatization days and gradual altitude gain. However, every individual responds differently to altitude. It is essential that you listen to your body, communicate with your guide, and follow their advice.
If symptoms of altitude sickness become severe, it may be necessary to descend or evacuate. Your safety is our top priority, and your guide is trained to recognize and manage these conditions. Please note that any costs associated with evacuation or early descent are the responsibility of the traveler and should be covered by your travel insurance.
We recommend consulting with your doctor before traveling and learning about preventative options such as Diamox (Acetazolamide), a common medication used to prevent and treat altitude sickness.
Trekking in Nepal offers breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences—but it also demands a good level of physical fitness. Most treks, especially those at higher altitudes like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Langtang Valley, require several hours of walking each day on uneven terrain, often at elevations exceeding 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).
While you don’t need to be an elite athlete, good cardiovascular health, leg strength, and endurance are essential. We recommend beginning a fitness routine at least 6–8 weeks before your trek that includes:
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about your fitness level, consult with your doctor before booking your trek. It’s also wise to discuss altitude considerations and whether you're fit to travel at elevations over 3,500 meters.
For more technical treks or climbs, additional preparation—including previous trekking or mountaineering experience—may be required. Above & Beyond Trekking offers guidance and support for choosing a trek that matches your fitness level and goals.
Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. With the right preparation, trekking in Nepal can be a life-changing adventure you'll never forget!
Above & Beyond Trekking cannot be held liable for personal injury, illness, delays, or lost property during your trek. All participants travel at their own risk and should have suitable insurance coverage.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Nepal. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at any Nepali embassy abroad.
Above & Beyond Trekking reserves the right to refuse service at any point—whether in Kathmandu or during the trek—if a participant’s behavior compromises the safety, comfort, or well-being of others. This includes but is not limited to fighting, excessive alcohol consumption, or verbal abuse toward fellow trekkers, guides, or staff.
Such behavior is strictly unacceptable and may result in immediate termination of services without refund. We kindly ask all guests to treat our team and fellow travelers with respect to ensure a positive and supportive environment throughout the journey.
We welcome your feedback! If you have any concerns or complaints during your journey, please contact our Kathmandu office right away so we can resolve it promptly.
For inquiries, please contact: info@aboveandbeyondtreks.com
