Helicopter Rescue in Nepal: Complete Guide to Emergency Evacuation

Nepal's trekking regions are among the most remote places on Earth to fall seriously ill or get injured. When an emergency strikes above 4,000 meters -- whether from altitude sickness, a fall, an acute medical condition, or severe weather stranding -- helicopter rescue is often the only option for rapid evacuation to medical care. Each trekking season, hundreds of helicopter rescues take place across Nepal's Himalayas, ranging from life-saving altitude sickness evacuations to injury rescues from remote trails.

Understanding how the helicopter rescue system works in Nepal -- the process, the costs, the insurance requirements, the limitations, and unfortunately, the potential for scams -- is essential knowledge for every trekker heading into the mountains. This guide covers everything you need to know so that if the worst happens, you are prepared.

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When Is Helicopter Rescue Needed?

Helicopter evacuation is a serious intervention reserved for genuine emergencies. Understanding when it is and is not appropriate helps you make informed decisions during a crisis.

Legitimate Reasons for Helicopter Rescue

1. Severe Altitude Sickness (HACE or HAPE)

The most common reason for helicopter rescue in Nepal's trekking regions. When a trekker develops High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), they need to descend rapidly -- ideally 1,000m+ within hours. If the trekker is unable to walk (confusion, loss of coordination, severe breathlessness) and the terrain prevents stretcher descent, helicopter evacuation is medically indicated.

Warning signs requiring evacuation:

• Confusion or disorientation (cannot state name, location, or date)
• Ataxia (inability to walk a straight line, stumbling)
• Severe breathlessness at rest
• Gurgling/crackling sounds when breathing
• Unconsciousness or decreasing consciousness
• Failure to improve after initial descent of 500m

2. Serious Injuries

• Suspected fractures (especially legs/pelvis preventing walking)
• Head injuries with altered consciousness
• Spinal injuries (do not move without medical guidance)
• Severe lacerations or wounds with uncontrolled bleeding
• Internal injuries from falls

3. Acute Medical Emergencies

• Heart attack or stroke symptoms
• Appendicitis or other acute abdominal emergencies
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) when antihistamines/epinephrine are insufficient
• Diabetic emergencies
• Severe infections requiring hospital-level antibiotics

4. Severe Weather Stranding

• Trekkers stranded by heavy snowfall making trails impassable
• Groups cut off by landslides or flooding
• Situations where remaining in place creates imminent danger

When Helicopter Rescue Is NOT Appropriate

• Mild AMS (headache, nausea) that can be managed with rest and descent on foot
• Fatigue or exhaustion (rest and recovery are the appropriate response)
• Blisters, minor sprains, or minor injuries treatable on the trail
• Desire to shorten the trek (this is a commercial flight, not a rescue)
• Bad weather inconvenience (if you are safely sheltered, wait for conditions to improve)

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How the Rescue Process Works: Step by Step

Understanding the rescue chain helps you know what to expect and how to facilitate the fastest possible response.

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Decision

When a medical emergency occurs on the trail, the first responders are the trekking guide and nearby trekkers:

• Assess the patient's condition (consciousness, breathing, obvious injuries)
• Administer basic first aid if qualified
• Determine if the patient can descend on foot or by yak/stretcher
• If descent is impossible or too slow for the condition, proceed to Step 2

Step 2: Communication to Base

The guide contacts their trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara:

Communication methods (in order of reliability):

1. Satellite phone: Most reliable; direct call to agency or rescue coordination center
2. Cell phone: Available at some trail locations (Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche have intermittent coverage)
3. Lodge telephone/radio: Some lodges have satellite or radio communication
4. HRA clinic radio: Himalayan Rescue Association clinics at Pheriche (4,371m) and Manang (3,540m) have radio communication to Kathmandu
5. Relay through other trekkers/guides: In remote areas, passing along a message to someone with communication capabilities

Information needed for the call:

• Patient's name, nationality, age
• Exact location (GPS coordinates if available, or nearest landmark)
• Nature of emergency (symptoms, injury type)
• Number of patients
• Insurance details (policy number, insurance company name)
• Weather conditions at the location
• Available landing sites nearby

Step 3: Insurance Verification

Before dispatching a helicopter, the rescue company or trekking agency typically verifies insurance coverage:

• Agency contacts the trekker's insurance company or their Nepal-based coordinator
• Insurance company provides a guarantee of payment or pre-authorization
• This process can take 15-60 minutes
• In life-threatening emergencies, helicopters may be dispatched before insurance verification is complete

Critical note: Having your insurance details readily accessible speeds this process significantly. Keep your policy number, insurance company emergency phone number, and a photocopy of your policy in an easily accessible location (not buried in your duffel bag).

Step 4: Helicopter Dispatch

Once authorized, the rescue coordination center dispatches a helicopter:

• Helicopters are based at Tribhuvan Airport (Kathmandu) and sometimes at seasonal bases in Lukla or Pokhara
• The appropriate helicopter type is selected based on altitude and patient condition
• A flight nurse or paramedic may be aboard for high-altitude medical rescues
• Flight time to the Everest region from Kathmandu: approximately 45-60 minutes
• Flight time to the Annapurna region from Pokhara: approximately 20-40 minutes

Step 5: Landing and Extraction

• Pilot assesses the landing zone (flat area, minimal wind, adequate size)
• Patient is loaded with minimal equipment (personal belongings may be left for later collection)
• In some cases, the helicopter cannot land and must hover while loading (hover-load operations)
• Flight to hospital in Kathmandu (CIWEC Hospital, Grande International Hospital, or Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital)

Step 6: Hospital Treatment

• Patient delivered to hospital emergency department
• Treatment initiated immediately
• Insurance company notified of hospital admission
• Agency assists with logistics (hotel for companion, communication with family, flight rebooking)

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Typical Response Times

Response times vary significantly based on several factors:

| Factor | Impact on Response Time | |--------|------------------------| | Time of day | Morning requests (6-10am) get fastest response; afternoon requests may wait until next morning | | Weather | Clear skies: fastest. Cloud, fog, wind: delays or impossibility | | Location | Everest region: 45-90 min from Kathmandu. Annapurna: 20-50 min from Pokhara. Remote areas: 2-4+ hours | | Helicopter availability | Peak season: multiple aircraft available. Off-season: fewer options | | Insurance verification | Quick verification: 15-30 min. Complicated verification: 30-60+ min |

Realistic Expectations

| Scenario | Typical Total Time (Call to Arrival) | |----------|--------------------------------------| | Everest region, good weather, morning, insured | 1-2 hours | | Everest region, good weather, afternoon, insured | Same day or next morning | | Annapurna region from Pokhara, good weather | 30-90 minutes | | Remote area (Dolpo, Kanchenjunga), good weather | 3-5 hours | | Any region, poor weather | Hours to days (helicopter cannot fly) | | Uninsured or unclear insurance | Additional 30-60+ minutes for payment guarantee |

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Cost Breakdown: What Helicopter Rescue Costs in 2026

Helicopter rescue in Nepal is expensive. Costs depend on the type of helicopter, distance, altitude, number of patients, and complexity of the operation.

Cost Ranges by Scenario

| Rescue Scenario | Typical Cost | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------| | Low altitude (below 3,000m), short flight | $2,000-3,500 | Annapurna lower regions, Langtang approach | | Mid altitude (3,000-4,500m) | $3,000-5,000 | Namche area, Manang, lower Khumbu | | High altitude (4,500-5,500m) | $4,000-8,000 | Gorak Shep, EBC, Thorong La, Larkya La | | Extreme altitude (>5,500m) | $6,000-15,000+ | Peak climbing camps, advanced base camps | | Technical rescue (winch, hover load) | $8,000-15,000+ | Steep terrain, no landing zone | | Multi-patient evacuation | $5,000-12,000+ | Per helicopter load | | Night or extreme weather rescue | Not available | Wait for daylight/conditions |

What Determines the Cost

1. Helicopter type: The Eurocopter AS350 B3 (Squirrel) is the workhorse of Nepal rescue, capable of operating above 6,000m. Larger helicopters (Bell 412, Airbus H125) cost more per hour.
2. Flight time: Charged by the hour, including repositioning flights.
3. Altitude: Higher altitude operations require specialized aircraft and experienced pilots, increasing cost.
4. Medical crew: If a flight nurse or doctor accompanies the rescue, additional fees apply.
5. Number of flights: If conditions or patient numbers require multiple trips, costs multiply.
6. Landing complexity: Technical landings on unprepared surfaces cost more.

Sample Cost Breakdown: Gorak Shep (EBC Region) Rescue

| Component | Cost | |-----------|------| | Helicopter mobilization fee | $500-800 | | Flight time Kathmandu to Gorak Shep (1.5 hours) | $2,500-4,000 | | Return flight Gorak Shep to Kathmandu (1.5 hours) | $2,500-4,000 | | Medical crew/paramedic (if aboard) | $300-500 | | Landing fee | $100-200 | | Total estimate | $4,500-7,500 |

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Who Pays: Insurance, Pre-Authorization, and the Payment Process

With Proper Insurance (The Ideal Scenario)

Pre-authorization model (preferred):

1. Trekking agency contacts the insurance company's emergency coordination center
2. Insurance company authorizes the rescue and provides a guarantee of payment to the helicopter company
3. Helicopter is dispatched
4. Insurance company pays the helicopter company directly
5. Trekker may need to pay deductible later

Pay-and-claim model:

1. Helicopter rescue occurs
2. Trekker (or their agency) pays upfront
3. Trekker files a claim with their insurance company after returning home
4. Insurance company reimburses the cost (minus deductible)
5. This process can take 2-6 months

Without Insurance

This is the nightmare scenario:

• The trekking agency or helicopter company may demand a guarantee of payment before dispatching
• Some operators accept credit card authorization by phone
• Some require a guarantor (typically the trekking agency, which then bills the trekker)
• The trekker is personally liable for the full cost ($3,000-10,000+)
• In genuine life-threatening emergencies, rescue companies will typically fly first and sort payment later, but this creates a significant financial obligation

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Insurance Requirements: What Your Policy Must Cover

Minimum Coverage Requirements

| Coverage Type | Minimum | Recommended | |--------------|---------|-------------| | Emergency helicopter evacuation | $100,000 | $200,000+ | | Medical treatment abroad | $100,000 | $250,000+ | | Altitude coverage | Your trek's max altitude | 6,000m+ (covers all Nepal treks) | | Repatriation | Included | Included | | Trip cancellation | Optional | Recommended |

Critical Policy Details to Verify

1. Altitude limit: Many standard travel insurance policies cover trekking only up to 3,000m or 4,000m. For EBC (5,364m), Annapurna Circuit (5,416m Thorong La), or peak climbing (6,000m+), you MUST verify your policy covers the specific altitude.

2. Helicopter evacuation explicitly stated: The policy must specifically mention helicopter evacuation or emergency medical transportation. "Medical evacuation" alone may not cover helicopter specifically.

3. Pre-authorization or direct payment: Policies that pre-authorize and pay helicopter companies directly are far more practical than pay-and-claim policies. Ask before you buy.

4. 24-hour emergency number: Your insurance company must have a 24-hour multilingual emergency number that can be reached from Nepal (+977 country code, satellite phone).

5. Coverage for trekking/mountaineering as an activity: Some policies exclude "adventure sports" or "mountaineering." Verify that trekking in Nepal is explicitly covered.

6. No exclusion for pre-existing conditions that might be triggered by altitude: If you have a heart condition, respiratory condition, or other relevant pre-existing condition, confirm it is not excluded from altitude coverage.

Insurance Companies Used by Nepal Trekkers

The following companies are commonly used and known to have Nepal-appropriate coverage. This is not an endorsement, and you should verify current policy details:

• World Nomads: Popular with trekkers; covers trekking to 6,000m+
• Global Rescue: Specializes in adventure travel; comprehensive rescue coordination
• Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance: Specifically designed for adventure travel
• IMG (International Mountain Guides) Insurance: Mountaineering-specific coverage
• BMC (British Mountaineering Council): UK-based, covers trekking and climbing

For comprehensive insurance guidance, see our travel insurance for Nepal trekking guide.

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The Rescue Scam Problem: What Every Trekker Needs to Know

Nepal's helicopter rescue system has an unfortunate dark side: a documented pattern of unnecessary rescues arranged for insurance fraud. Understanding this issue protects both your safety and your finances.

How Rescue Scams Work

The typical scam involves a chain of actors:

1. A trekking guide diagnoses "altitude sickness" in a trekker who has mild, manageable symptoms (or sometimes no significant symptoms at all)
2. The guide insists on helicopter evacuation rather than recommending rest, hydration, or descent on foot
3. A helicopter is called, and the trekker is evacuated to Kathmandu
4. The trekker is taken to a specific clinic or hospital that may perform unnecessary tests and treatments
5. The trekking agency, helicopter company, and clinic split inflated billing submitted to the trekker's insurance
6. Multiple trekkers may be loaded onto the same helicopter but billed individually at full price

The Scale of the Problem

• International media investigations (BBC, The Guardian, Reuters) have documented widespread rescue fraud
• In peak seasons, some helicopter companies reportedly make more from "rescue" flights than from legitimate commercial operations
• Some trekking agencies allegedly incentivize guides to recommend evacuations (kickbacks)
• Insurance companies have raised premiums and scrutinized Nepal claims more heavily as a result

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if:

• Your guide pushes strongly for helicopter evacuation when you feel your symptoms are mild
• Your guide dismisses your desire to try resting, hydrating, or descending on foot first
• You are told you MUST be evacuated despite being able to walk, eat, and think clearly
• Multiple trekkers from different groups are being evacuated together
• You are taken to a specific "recommended" hospital rather than a major established hospital
• Your guide seems overly eager about the evacuation process or asks detailed questions about your insurance coverage early in the trek

How to Protect Yourself

1. Know the symptoms: Educate yourself about AMS, HACE, and HAPE before your trek. Our altitude sickness guide provides detailed symptom checklists. If you can recognize what is genuine versus mild, you can advocate for yourself.

2. Use the Lake Louise AMS Score: This standardized self-assessment tool rates your symptoms objectively. A score of 3-5 is mild AMS (rest and monitor); 6+ is moderate to severe (consider descent). Share this framework with your guide.

3. Request a second opinion: If your guide recommends evacuation and you are unsure, ask for assessment from the nearest HRA clinic (Pheriche or Manang), another experienced guide, or a doctor trekker if one is nearby.

4. Insist on trying descent on foot first (if safe): For mild to moderate AMS, descending 500-1,000m on foot is the standard treatment. If you can walk, walking down is both appropriate treatment and avoids unnecessary evacuation. Helicopter rescue is for people who CANNOT descend safely under their own power.

5. Choose reputable agencies: Book with established, TAAN-registered agencies with verifiable track records. See our agency selection guide.

6. Brief your guide on your insurance expectations: Politely but clearly tell your guide at the start of the trek that you understand altitude sickness and that you expect to try rest and foot-descent before considering helicopter evacuation for mild symptoms.

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How to Call for Helicopter Rescue

If You Have a Guide

Your guide handles the communication. Provide them with:

• Your insurance details (policy number, emergency phone number)
• Your medical condition clearly described
• Any medications you have taken
• Your nationality and passport information

If You Are Trekking Independently

Option 1: Contact through your lodge

• Ask the lodge owner to radio or phone for help
• Most lodges on major routes have communication capability
• Provide insurance and medical details

Option 2: Contact the Tourist Police

• Emergency number: +977-1-4422406
• Tourism police can coordinate rescue through official channels

Option 3: Contact the HRA

• Pheriche Clinic: Available by radio
• Manang Clinic: Available by radio
• Main Kathmandu office: +977-1-4440293

Option 4: Call your insurance company directly

• If you have satellite phone or cell coverage
• The insurer's emergency number coordinates rescue from their end
• This is often the fastest route to a properly authorized rescue

Option 5: Ask nearby trekkers for help

• Other guided groups may have communication equipment
• Satellite communicators (Garmin inReach, SPOT) can send emergency messages
• In extreme emergencies, these devices have dedicated SOS functions

Emergency Contact Numbers

| Organization | Phone Number | Purpose | |-------------|-------------|---------| | Nepal Tourist Police | +977-1-4422406 | General emergency coordination | | HRA Kathmandu | +977-1-4440293 | Altitude medicine advice, rescue coordination | | Simrik Air (Rescue) | +977-1-4112991 | Major rescue helicopter operator | | Fishtail Air | +977-1-4110012 | Helicopter rescue operator | | CIWEC Hospital | +977-1-4424111 | International standard medical facility | | Grande International Hospital | +977-1-5159266 | Major hospital with trauma center |

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Helicopter Rescue Providers in Nepal

Nepal has several established helicopter rescue operators with high-altitude capable aircraft and experienced mountain pilots.

Major Operators

Simrik Air

• One of Nepal's largest rescue operators
• Fleet includes AS350 B3 (high-altitude capable)
• Extensive Everest region experience
• 24-hour emergency coordination center

Fishtail Air

• Long-established Nepal helicopter company
• Regular rescue operations in Annapurna and Everest regions
• AS350 B3 and Bell aircraft

Air Dynasty

• Comprehensive rescue and commercial helicopter services
• High-altitude certified aircraft

Prabhu Helicopter

• Rescue and charter services
• Coverage across all trekking regions

Important note: As a trekker, you typically do not choose the helicopter company. Your trekking agency or insurance company coordinates with available operators. What matters is that the operator dispatched has appropriate aircraft for the altitude and experienced mountain pilots.

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Weather Limitations: When Helicopters Cannot Fly

Understanding weather limitations sets realistic expectations and informs your emergency planning.

Conditions Preventing Helicopter Rescue

• Cloud cover: If the patient's location is obscured by cloud, the pilot cannot safely approach. Mountain valleys frequently fill with cloud by early afternoon.
• Fog: Visibility below minimum safe flying limits grounds all helicopter operations.
• High wind: Sustained winds above approximately 35-40 knots make landing unsafe, especially in confined mountain landing zones.
• Heavy precipitation: Snow, rain, or hail reduce visibility and create dangerous flying conditions.
• Darkness: Night helicopter operations in Nepal's mountains are not conducted. Rescues requested after approximately 3-4pm may wait until the following morning.

Practical Implications

1. Morning is best: If you suspect a rescue may be needed, initiate the request as early in the day as possible. Mountain weather is typically clearest between 6am and noon.

2. Begin descent while waiting: If the patient can walk or be carried, begin descending immediately rather than waiting at high altitude for a helicopter that may be delayed by weather. Every meter of descent helps.

3. Multi-day weather closures happen: During storm systems, helicopters may be grounded for 2-3 days or more. This is why initial treatment and descent on foot are critical, and why carrying emergency medication (Diamox, dexamethasone, nifedipine as prescribed by your doctor) is important.

4. Have a backup plan: Discuss with your guide what happens if a helicopter cannot reach you. Which direction to descend, which lodges have medical supplies, where the nearest HRA clinic is.

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What Happens After Rescue

At the Hospital

• You will be taken to a hospital in Kathmandu (occasionally Pokhara for Annapurna region rescues)
• CIWEC Hospital and Grande International Hospital are the most common destinations for international trekkers
• Examination, diagnosis, and treatment begin immediately
• Hospital contacts your insurance company to confirm coverage and arrange direct billing
• Your trekking agency typically assists with logistics

Insurance Claim Process

Direct billing (preferred):

• Hospital bills insurance company directly
• You may pay a deductible upfront
• Treatment and stay covered according to policy terms

Pay-and-claim:

• You pay hospital bills upfront (credit card usually accepted)
• Collect all receipts, medical reports, and helicopter invoices
• File claim with insurance company within the policy's filing deadline (typically 30-90 days)
• Reimbursement takes 4-12 weeks after submission

Documentation to collect:

• Helicopter rescue invoice (itemized)
• Hospital admission records
• Doctor's diagnosis and treatment notes
• All receipts for medical expenses
• Pharmacy receipts for medications
• Your original trek itinerary and permit copies
• Photos of any visible injury (if applicable)

Returning Home

• Most altitude sickness patients recover fully within 24-48 hours at low altitude
• Your doctor will advise when you are fit to fly internationally
• Travel insurance typically covers flight change fees or rebooking costs
• Repatriation coverage in your policy covers medical flights home if needed

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Region-Specific Rescue Logistics

Everest Region (Khumbu)

Key evacuation points:

• Gorak Shep (5,164m): Flat area near lodges suitable for helicopter landing. Most EBC altitude evacuations originate here.
• Pheriche (4,371m): HRA clinic present. Good landing zone. Lower altitude provides partial treatment benefit.
• Dingboche (4,410m): Alternative to Pheriche with available landing areas.
• Namche Bazaar (3,440m): Major hub with helipad, communication infrastructure, and basic medical facilities.
• Lukla (2,860m): Airport with established helicopter operations. Nearest significant medical facility before Kathmandu.

Flight time to Kathmandu: 45-70 minutes depending on exact location.

Specific considerations:

• Everest region has the most helicopter rescue infrastructure and experience
• Multiple operators familiar with the terrain and landing zones
• Cell coverage intermittent but available at Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche
• HRA clinic at Pheriche (4,371m) provides expert altitude medicine assessment

Annapurna Region

Key evacuation points:

• Manang (3,540m): HRA clinic present. Good helicopter access. Good communication.
• Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700m): Landing zone available.
• Thorong La area (5,416m): Very limited landing options. Most evacuations happen from Thorong High Camp (4,925m) or Muktinath (3,800m).
• Jomsom (2,720m): Airport with regular helicopter and fixed-wing service.
• Pokhara: Major city with hospital, helicopter base.

Flight time to Pokhara: 20-40 minutes from most Annapurna locations. Flight time to Kathmandu: 45-90 minutes.

Specific considerations:

• Annapurna rescues can be coordinated from Pokhara (closer than Kathmandu)
• HRA clinic at Manang provides altitude medicine expertise
• The Thorong La pass area has limited landing options; descent to Thorong High Camp or Muktinath is preferable before helicopter access

Langtang Region

Key evacuation points:

• Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m): Open valley with good landing area.
• Langtang Village area (3,430m): Rebuilt after 2015 earthquake; landing possible.

Flight time to Kathmandu: 25-40 minutes.

Specific considerations:

• Closest major trekking region to Kathmandu (fastest helicopter response)
• No HRA clinic in the valley
• Communication can be limited above Lama Hotel

Manaslu Region

Key evacuation points:

• Samagaon (3,530m): Largest village with communication and landing area.
• Samdo (3,860m): Limited but possible landing.
• Larkya La area (5,160m): Very limited access. Descent to Dharamsala or Bimtang preferable.

Flight time to Kathmandu: 45-75 minutes.

Specific considerations:

• More remote than Everest or Annapurna; longer communication delays possible
• No HRA clinic in the region
• Mandatory guide requirement means communication chain is available
• Larkya La area has very limited helicopter access; evacuation from this section is complex

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How Guides and Agencies Should Handle Emergencies

Understanding the professional standard of care helps you evaluate whether your guide is managing a situation appropriately.

What a Good Guide Does in an Emergency

1. Assesses the patient using the Lake Louise AMS score or similar standardized tool
2. Provides immediate first aid (oxygen if available, warmth, hydration, medications from the group medical kit)
3. Initiates descent if the patient can walk -- even 300-500m of descent can improve altitude sickness significantly
4. Contacts their agency with clear, calm information about the situation
5. Arranges the group so the patient is accompanied while others continue safely or wait at the lodge
6. Keeps the patient warm, hydrated, and monitored while waiting for rescue
7. Provides the helicopter crew with a clear briefing on the patient's condition upon arrival
8. Documents the situation for insurance purposes (notes on symptoms, timeline, treatments given)

What a Good Agency Does

1. Has an established emergency protocol with designated rescue coordination staff
2. Maintains relationships with helicopter operators for rapid dispatch
3. Handles insurance verification efficiently
4. Communicates with the trekker's emergency contacts (family, friends)
5. Arranges hospital admission and logistics in Kathmandu
6. Provides post-rescue support (hotel, flight changes, ongoing communication)

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Preparation Checklist: Before Your Trek

Complete these steps before you leave for the mountains:

Insurance Preparation

• [ ] Verify policy covers trekking to your maximum planned altitude
• [ ] Verify helicopter evacuation is explicitly covered
• [ ] Verify 24-hour emergency contact number works from Nepal
• [ ] Understand if your insurer pre-authorizes or requires pay-and-claim
• [ ] Print or save policy number, emergency number, and key policy details

Information for Your Guide

• [ ] Provide guide with your insurance company name and emergency number
• [ ] Provide guide with your policy number
• [ ] Provide guide with your blood type (if known)
• [ ] Provide guide with any allergies or medical conditions
• [ ] Provide guide with emergency contact details for family/friends

Personal Preparation

• [ ] Carry printed insurance details in your day pack (not main duffel)
• [ ] Save emergency numbers in your phone
• [ ] Download or print altitude sickness symptom checklist
• [ ] Carry prescribed emergency medications (Diamox, dexamethasone, nifedipine as applicable)
• [ ] Know the location of HRA clinics on your route
• [ ] Discuss emergency scenarios with your guide on day one

Communication Equipment

• [ ] Ensure your guide has a working phone or radio
• [ ] Consider carrying a personal satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, ZOLEO) for independent trekking
• [ ] Know where cell coverage exists along your route
• [ ] Understand that coverage may be unreliable

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does helicopter rescue from Everest Base Camp cost?

A helicopter evacuation from the Gorak Shep/EBC area to Kathmandu typically costs $4,000-7,500, depending on the specific pickup location, helicopter type, and whether medical crew is aboard. With proper travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation, this cost is covered by your insurer. Without insurance, you are personally liable for the full amount.

Will the helicopter come if I do not have insurance?

In genuine life-threatening emergencies, helicopter operators will typically respond before insurance is verified. However, someone must guarantee payment -- usually your trekking agency, which then holds you liable. Without insurance, the agency may require a credit card authorization or cash deposit before dispatching. Having insurance avoids this potentially fatal delay.

How quickly can a helicopter reach me?

In ideal conditions (good weather, morning request, clear communication), a helicopter can reach the Everest or Annapurna regions in 45-90 minutes from dispatch. Total time from initial call to arrival is typically 1-3 hours. In poor weather, the wait can extend to the next morning or even multiple days.

Can helicopters fly at night in Nepal?

No. Night helicopter operations in Nepal's mountain regions are not conducted due to terrain hazards and lack of instrument flying infrastructure. If an emergency occurs in the late afternoon or evening, the helicopter will typically be dispatched at first light the following morning. This is why beginning descent on foot immediately is critical -- do not wait all night at high altitude for a morning helicopter.

What happens if the weather is too bad for a helicopter?

If helicopters cannot fly, you must rely on ground-based responses: descent on foot or by yak/stretcher to lower altitude, treatment with available medications (Diamox, dexamethasone, supplemental oxygen if available), and sheltering at the nearest lodge. This scenario underscores why carrying emergency medications and knowing basic altitude sickness treatment protocols is essential.

Can a helicopter land at Everest Base Camp?

Helicopters can land in the Gorak Shep area (5,164m) and at EBC itself in emergency situations. The AS350 B3 helicopter is certified for operations above 6,000m. However, landing at extreme altitude is more complex and dangerous than lower-altitude operations, and conditions (wind, snow, temperature) must be suitable. Pilots make the final landing decision based on conditions.

How do I avoid helicopter rescue scams?

Educate yourself about altitude sickness symptoms before your trek, use the Lake Louise AMS scoring system to objectively assess severity, request a second opinion from an HRA clinic or another doctor if available, insist on trying rest and foot-descent for mild symptoms before agreeing to evacuation, and book with reputable TAAN-registered agencies. See the detailed scam prevention section above.

Should I carry a satellite communicator?

For independent trekkers without a guide, a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, ZOLEO, SPOT) is strongly recommended. These devices allow you to send SOS signals with GPS coordinates to international rescue coordination centers, even in the most remote locations. Cost: $300-400 for the device, $15-65/month for service plans. For guided trekkers, the guide's communication equipment is typically sufficient.

What if my trekking partner needs rescue but I want to continue?

This is a common and difficult situation. Discuss it with your guide. Options include: your guide accompanies the patient while you wait at the lodge, a second guide or porter from the agency comes up to continue with you, or you join another guided group for the remainder. Never continue above 4,000m completely alone after your companion has been evacuated.

Does helicopter rescue only cover altitude sickness?

No. Helicopter rescue covers any medical emergency that prevents safe descent on foot: injuries, acute illness, severe weather stranding, and altitude sickness. Your insurance should cover emergency evacuation for any medical reason, not just altitude-specific conditions. Verify the policy language covers "medical emergency evacuation" broadly.

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Final Thoughts: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

The vast majority of Nepal trekkers complete their journeys safely and never need a helicopter. The statistics are overwhelmingly in your favor: of the 150,000+ trekkers who enter Nepal's mountains each year, fewer than 500 require helicopter evacuation, and even fewer suffer serious outcomes.

But those statistics are cold comfort if you are the one struggling to breathe at 5,000 meters. Preparation is what separates a manageable emergency from a catastrophic one. Know your symptoms. Carry your insurance details. Brief your guide. Understand the process. And never, ever hesitate to call for help when it is genuinely needed.

The Himalayas are unforgiving of mistakes but generous to the prepared. With proper acclimatization, adequate insurance, an experienced guide, and the knowledge in this guide, you can trek with confidence knowing that if the mountains test you, you have a safety net capable of getting you home.

Continue your safety preparation:

• Travel Insurance for Nepal Trekking
• Altitude Sickness Prevention and Treatment
• Altitude Sickness Signs and Turnaround Rules
• Acclimatization Guide for Nepal Trekking
• Diamox Guide for Nepal Trekking
• How to Choose a Trekking Agency