The short answer
Yes, with sensible preparation. The main risks are altitude, weather and injuries on rough ground, rather than crime. Go with a licensed guide, register your plan and carry insurance that covers evacuation.
Key facts
- Main risks
- Altitude, weather, falls
- Rescue
- Helicopter evacuation, insurance needed
- Best protection
- Licensed guide and slow pace
- Network
- Patchy; do not rely on it
The real risks and how to manage them
The most common problems on the trails are altitude illness, weather changes, slips on steep or wet ground and tiredness. A licensed guide helps you pace the day, read the weather and find the right lodge, and a slow ascent with rest days reduces altitude risk.
Carry a basic first-aid kit, drink plenty of water and wear boots with good grip. Tell your guide at once if you have a headache, nausea or breathlessness, and do not push on to keep to a schedule.
Preparing and staying connected
Check that your insurance covers trekking at your maximum altitude and emergency evacuation. Register your plan, tell your lodge your route each morning, and carry the contact numbers of your operator and insurer.
Mobile coverage is patchy in the mountains, so do not rely on it. Travel in a group or with a guide, avoid walking at night, and go down if weather turns. The mountains will still be there tomorrow.
Insider tip
Tell your lodge your plan each morning. If the weather turns, they will know where you are.
Avoid this
Do not set out alone at night or in bad weather to meet a schedule. The mountain is not going anywhere.
Related questions
Do I need insurance?
Yes, including helicopter evacuation. Check the altitude limit on your policy.
Is the trail safe for women travelling alone?
Many do. A guide adds comfort, especially on remote sections.
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