Safety & Advisories

No insurance, no trek: Nepal's 2026 rule that could save you $10,000

Nepal now wants proof of insurance covering helicopter evacuation to 6,000m before it issues your trek permit — and a high-altitude rescue can cost…

By Laxman Rawal · Jun 11, 2026

Read the full story

There is a new line on the Nepal trekking checklist for 2026, and it is the one you cannot skip: insurance. The authorities now want proof that your travel policy covers helicopter evacuation and medical care at altitude before they will issue your permit. It…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

Why this rule exists

After a decade of rising accidents, stretched rescue budgets and the strain of mass tourism on the high trails, Nepal moved to make sure trekkers carry their own safety net. The principle is blunt: no valid insurance, no permit, no trek. And the altitude…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What your policy must actually cover

Do not assume your normal travel insurance is enough — most of it is not. Read the fine print for three things: emergency helicopter evacuation (many policies exclude it entirely), medical cover at high altitude (look for trekking up to 6,000m, not a generic…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

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