⚠️ New 2025 Regulation: All foreign trekkers MUST have valid insurance before receiving permits.
Nepal's legendary trekking routes attract thousands of adventurers annually.
The Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu Circuit remain the crown jewels of Himalayan trekking.
But here's what changed: Travel insurance is now mandatory for ALL foreign trekkers in Nepal.
No insurance = No permit = No trek.
🚁 Why This Matters:
- 500+ helicopter evacuations occurred in 2024 alone
• Average rescue cost: $10,000-$15,000 without insurance
• Altitude sickness affects 1 in 3 trekkers above 4,000m
• Processing time: 24-48 hours (don't wait until last minute!)
High-altitude trekking insurance covers:
- Medical evacuation from remote regions
- Altitude sickness treatment
- Emergency helicopter rescue
- Hospital expenses in Kathmandu
Before booking your Himalayan adventure, ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking. The right policy can save you from financial disaster.
Why Travel Insurance is Now Mandatory for Trekkers in Nepal
The Official Requirements (Updated January 2025)
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) enforces strict insurance verification.
TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) won't issue permits without proof.
What Changed in 2025:
• Insurance verification at ALL checkpoints
• Minimum coverage requirements increased
• Digital verification system implemented
• Spot checks during treks
Permit-Specific Requirements
TIMS Card
• Insurance Required: Mandatory
• Verification Point: TAAN office
• Processing Time: Same day with insurance
Restricted Area Permits
• Insurance Required: Mandatory with higher coverage
• Verification Point: Immigration office
• Additional Requirements: $15,000+ evacuation coverage
National Park Permits
• Insurance Required: Mandatory
• Verification Point: Entry gates
• Parks Covered: Sagarmatha, Langtang, Makalu-Barun
ACAP/MCAP Permits
• Insurance Required: Mandatory
• Verification Point: Multiple checkpoints
• Areas: Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation
📊 2024 Rescue Statistics
- Everest Region: 347 evacuations
• Annapurna Region: 189 evacuations
• Manaslu/Other: 78 evacuations
• Primary Cause: 70% altitude-related
Routes like theEverest Base Camp Trek require proof of valid insurance at three checkpoints: Monjo, Namche, and Tengboche.
Your Nepal trekking permit insurance must clearly show:
- Coverage amount in USD
- Maximum altitude covered
- Emergency evacuation included
- Valid dates covering entire trek
⚠️ Warning: Fake or insufficient insurance = immediate permit cancellation + potential blacklist.
What Does Trekking Insurance Cover?
Medical Coverage Breakdown
Altitude Sickness Treatment:
• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
• HAPE (Pulmonary Edema)
• HACE (Cerebral Edema)
• Oxygen therapy
• Medication costs
Emergency Medical Expenses:
• Doctor consultation
• Hospital admission
• Surgery if required
• Prescription medicines
• Medical tests and X-rays
Helicopter Evacuation Coverage
This is your most critical coverage.
One evacuation can cost more than your entire trip.
What's Included:
• Helicopter rescue from trek location
• Transfer to nearest medical facility
• Ground ambulance in Kathmandu
• Medical team during evacuation
• Coordination with insurance company
CTG Insurance Evacuation Limits:
CTG-Basic Plan
• Evacuation Coverage: $3,500
• Medical Coverage: $3,500
• Best For: Low altitude treks
CTG-Plus Plan
• Evacuation Coverage: $4,500
• Medical Coverage: $3,500
• Best For: Popular high-altitude treks
CTG-Pro Plan
• Evacuation Coverage: $6,000
• Medical Coverage: $3,500
• Best For: Expeditions and technical climbs
Additional Coverage Benefits
Trip Cancellation:
• Weather-related delays
• Political unrest
• Natural disasters
• Family emergencies
Equipment Protection:
• Lost trekking gear: Up to $1,000
• Delayed baggage: $100/day
• Emergency gear replacement
• Damaged equipment claims
Rescue Operations:
• Search costs if missing
• Multiple rescue attempts
• Technical rescue teams
• Coordination services
How Much Does Trekking Insurance Cost in Nepal?
CTG Insurance Plans - Complete Pricing (2025)
CTG-Basic (Low Altitude)
• Duration: 14 days
• Altitude Coverage: Up to 3,500m
• USD Price: $16
• NPR Price: 2,100
• Best For: Ghorepani, Poon Hill, short treks
CTG-Plus (Standard Coverage)
• Duration: 14 days
• Altitude Coverage: Up to 5,500m
• USD Price: $150
• NPR Price: 19,500
• Best For: EBC, Annapurna Circuit, most popular treks
CTG-Plus (Extended Duration)
• Duration: 28 days
• Altitude Coverage: Up to 5,500m
• USD Price: $300
• NPR Price: 39,000
• Best For: Extended treks, multiple regions
CTG-Pro (Expedition Coverage)
• Duration: 60 days
• Altitude Coverage: Up to 6,000m
• USD Price: $500
• NPR Price: 65,000
• Best For: Expeditions, peak climbing, technical routes
International Insurance Comparison
Budget Options ($50-$100):
• Cover up to 4,000m
• Basic medical only
• Limited evacuation
Standard Options ($100-$200):
• Cover up to 5,500m
• Full medical + evacuation
• Equipment coverage
Premium Options ($200+):
• Cover 6,000m+
• Unlimited medical
• Multiple evacuations
• Trip cancellation
⚠️ Coverage Details Box
CTG Insurance Coverage Limits:
• Accidental Death: $17,500 - $35,000
• Medical Expenses: $3,500 per incident
• Emergency Evacuation: $4,500-$6,000
• Corpse Delivery: $2,000
• Age Limit: 18-60 years (extensions possible)
• 24/7 Emergency Hotline: FREE
• Direct Hospital Billing: 15+ hospitals
For routes like the Manaslu Circuit Trek, CTG-Plus provides optimal coverage with helicopter evacuation included.
Trek-Specific Insurance Requirements
Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance Requirements
Essential Facts:
• Maximum altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
• Average evacuation cost: $12,000
• Nearest hospital: Lukla (basic), Kathmandu (advanced)
• High-risk zones: Above Namche Bazaar
Minimum Insurance Requirements:
✅ Altitude Coverage: 5,600m minimum
✅ Medical Coverage: $35,000 minimum
✅ Evacuation Coverage: $10,000 minimum
✅ Duration: Your trek days + 2 buffer days
Why EBC Needs Special Coverage:
The Everest Base Camp Trek sees daily evacuations during peak season.
Lukla's dangerous airport adds risk.
Limited medical facilities above 3,500m.
The trek to Everest Base Camp crosses multiple high-altitude zones where rescue becomes increasingly expensive.
Recommended Plan: CTG-Plus (14 or 28 days)
- Covers up to 5,500m ✓
- Includes helicopter evacuation ✓
- 24/7 emergency support ✓
- Direct billing with hospitals ✓
Manaslu Circuit Trek Insurance Requirements
Essential Facts:
• Maximum altitude: 5,213m (Larkya La Pass)
• Restricted area requiring special permits
• Remote location = expensive evacuations
• Limited communication above Samagaon
Mandatory Coverage for Manaslu:
✅ Restricted Area Compliance: Must show insurance at permit office
✅ Altitude Coverage: 5,500m minimum
✅ Evacuation Coverage: $15,000 (remote location)
✅ Duration: Minimum 14 days
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route requires comprehensive coverage due to:
• Isolation from medical facilities
• Technical rescue challenges
• Weather-dependent evacuations
• Restricted area regulations
Special Considerations:
• Monsoon season = higher premiums
• Winter crossings need expedition insurance
• Group evacuations possible
Recommended Plan: CTG-Plus 14-day minimum
Annapurna Circuit Trek Insurance Requirements
Essential Facts:
• Maximum altitude: 5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
• Two-sided evacuation routes
• Better road access than EBC
• Medical posts at Manang and Jomsom
Insurance Essentials for Annapurna:
✅ Pass Coverage: 5,500m for Thorong La
✅ Medical Coverage: $25,000 minimum
✅ Multi-region Coverage: Covers both sides of pass
✅ Weather Delays: Trip interruption coverage
The Annapurna Circuit route benefits from:
• Road access to Besisahar and Jomsom
• Established medical facilities
• Multiple evacuation options
Budget Tip: The Annapurna Circuit adventure below Thorong Phedi only needs 4,500m coverage, saving money if not crossing the pass.
Recommended Insurance Providers for Nepal Treks
International Providers Comparison
World Nomads
• Maximum Altitude: 6,000m
• Evacuation Limit: $100,000
• Price Range: $150-$250
• Best For: Backpackers and adventure travelers
• Key Advantage: Instant online purchase
IMG Global
• Maximum Altitude: 7,000m+
• Evacuation Limit: $1,000,000
• Price Range: $200-$400
• Best For: Expeditions and technical climbing
• Key Advantage: Highest altitude coverage
Allianz Travel Insurance
• Maximum Altitude: 5,500m
• Evacuation Limit: $50,000
• Price Range: $100-$200
• Best For: Standard trekking routes
• Key Advantage: Established global network
True Traveller (UK)
• Maximum Altitude: 6,000m
• Evacuation Limit: £10,000,000
• Price Range: £80-£150
• Best For: UK citizens and residents
• Key Advantage: NHS reciprocal agreements
🇳🇵 Local Provider Advantage - Himalayan Guardian Nepal
Why Choose CTG Insurance:
✅ Instant policy issuance in Kathmandu
✅ Direct coordination with rescue companies
✅ No upfront payment for evacuation
✅ Local claim processing (faster)
✅ Nepali language support
✅ Established hospital network
Included FREE with CTG Plans:
• GPS tracker (optional/included based on plan)
• 24/7 call center access
• Rescue coordination assistance
• Medical facility guidance
• Direct billing arrangements
Partner Hospitals in Kathmandu
- CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center
• Nepal International Clinic
• Grande International Hospital
• Nepal Mediciti Hospital
• Norvic International Hospital
Emergency Contacts:
CTG Emergency: 1144 , 100 , 102
Himalayan Rescue: +977-1-4540292
CIWEC Clinic: +977-1-4524111
How to Buy Trekking Insurance for Nepal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Quick Insurance Checklist
Step 1: Know Your Trek □ Maximum altitude □ Total days needed □ Restricted area or not □ Season of travel
Step 2: Compare Options □ Check altitude coverage □ Verify evacuation limits □ Read exclusions carefully □ Compare deductibles
Step 3: Document Requirements □ Passport copy □ Trek itinerary □ Emergency contacts □ Credit card for payment
Step 4: Purchase Timeline
• International insurance: Buy 1 week before departure
• CTG insurance: Can buy upon arrival (24-hour activation)
• Processing time: 24-48 hours for confirmation
Step 5: Share with Your Agency
HimalayanHero coordinates directly with CTG-Plus providers.
We need:
• Policy number
• Insurance company contact
• Coverage limits
• Emergency procedure
💡 Pro Tips:
- Screenshot policy on phone
• Keep hard copy in waterproof bag
• Share details with trek leader
• Save emergency numbers offline
FAQs – Trekking Insurance in Nepal
Is travel insurance mandatory for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, 100% mandatory since 2024. You cannot get TIMS cards or trekking permits without showing valid insurance. Officers check at permit offices and trail checkpoints.
What altitude does my insurance need to cover for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Minimum 5,600 meters to cover EBC (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m). We recommend 6,000m coverage for safety margin and potential bad weather delays at altitude.
Which insurance covers helicopter rescue in Nepal?
CTG-Plus, World Nomads, and IMG Global specifically cover helicopter evacuation. CTG provides direct billing—no upfront payment needed. International insurers may require upfront payment with reimbursement later.
How much does trekking insurance cost for a 2-week trek?
CTG-Plus costs $150 for 14 days (up to 5,500m). International providers range $100-$200. Budget options under $100 usually exclude helicopter evacuation—not recommended.
Can I buy trekking insurance after arriving in Nepal?
Yes! CTG insurance can be purchased at Himalayan Guardian Nepal offices in Thamel, Kathmandu. Bring passport and cash/card. Policy activates within 24 hours.
What happens if I trek without insurance?
You'll be stopped at checkpoints and sent back. If caught trekking without insurance: immediate $500 fine, permit cancellation, potential 5-year trekking ban, and zero coverage for emergencies.
Does travel insurance cover altitude sickness treatment?
Yes, comprehensive trekking insurance covers AMS diagnosis, treatment, medication, oxygen therapy, and evacuation if needed. Basic travel insurance often excludes altitude-related issues—check carefully!
Which company offers the best Nepal trekking insurance?
For most trekkers: CTG-Plus offers best value with local support. For extended trips: IMG Global. For budget conscious: World Nomads. For UK citizens: True Traveller.
Do I need insurance for treks below 3,000m?
Yes, still mandatory. CTG-Basic ($16) covers treks up to 3,500m—perfect for Ghorepani, Poon Hill, or cultural treks in lower regions.
Can I extend my insurance during the trek?
CTG insurance can be extended through their 24/7 hotline. International insurance varies—most require extension before original policy expires. Don't wait until last day!
Final Thoughts – Don't Skip Trek Insurance for Nepal
The Reality Check
Travel insurance isn't optional—it's mandatory and potentially life-saving.
One uninsured evacuation can cost more than 10 years of trekking holidays.
In 2024 alone, 47 trekkers faced bankruptcy from medical bills.
Your Insurance Action Plan:
Today: Check your trek altitude and duration
Tomorrow: Compare insurance options
This Week: Purchase and confirm coverage
Before Flight: Share policy with trekking agency
The True Cost of Not Having Insurance:
- Helicopter evacuation: $10,000-$15,000
• Kathmandu ICU: $1,000/day
• Altitude sickness treatment: $500-$2,000
• Lost permit fees: $50-$500
• Lifetime trekking ban: Priceless
Ready for Your Himalayan Adventure?
Don't let insurance concerns delay your dream trek.
Proper coverage makes your adventure both safe and unforgettable.
Explore our fully-insured trekking packages:
🔹 [Everest Base Camp Trek] - 14 days with CTG-Plus insurance support
🔹 [Manaslu Circuit Trek] - Remote adventure with comprehensive evacuation coverage
🔹 [Annapurna Circuit Trek] - Classic journey with full medical protection
HimalayanHero partners with Himalayan Guardian Nepal to streamline your insurance process. We provide:
• Insurance assistance and recommendations
• Direct coordination during emergencies
• 24/7 support throughout your trek
• Claim assistance if needed
⏰ Don't Wait! Peak season fills fast. Secure your insurance and permits NOW to guarantee your preferred dates.
