Fitness:
Your trek or climb in Nepal will be a demanding physical experience. Over the years, we've found that if you come to Nepal with a good level of health and physical fitness you will have a much more pleasant and rewarding experience. As a prospective participant in our program, it is your responsibility to yourself and the other participants to prepare yourself as thoroughly as you can for the physical challenges of the course.
If you are just initiating an exercise program, check in with your physician for specific recommendations and guidance. Generally, we've found that several months of four brisk 30-minute workouts per week bicycling, jogging or other vigorous aerobic exercise should be adequate preparation for a trek in Nepal . Even our easiest trek requires 5 or 6 hours of walking a day, often up and down steep hills. (See Trekking Grades) Although you won't need to carry a heavy pack in most cases, you will need to carry essential personal equipment such as rain gear, personal items, water, snacks, etc., that could weigh up to 30 lbs.

Health Issues:
A number of adequate health care facilities with Western doctors exist in Nepal . On your trek, we will be taking a number of specific precautions regarding your health. All drinking water will be boiled. A specially trained Sherpa cooking crew will prepare food hygienically. Dishes will be carefully washed. All fruits and vegetables will be peeled and/or cooked. Hand washing water will be available at all meals. Because of the quality and conscientiousness of our Sherpa staff, health problems are rare. In Kathmandu , we recommend that you drink boiled water (coffee, tea), bottled drinks, and eat freshly cooked food and peeled fruits. It's a good idea to bring a simple dust mask (found in hardware stores) to wear on the street during the few days that you'll spend in Kathmandu . The Kathmandu Valley is increasingly polluted with airborne particulates and a dust mask will help prevent airborne contaminates.
We recommend a complete physical and dental exam prior to your trek or climb. If you have any health (particularly orthopedic) issues, make sure that you (and your physician) are comfortable with the prospect of traveling for days or weeks over steep, loose, rough, and remote terrain. In addition, your physician should know that you may be going to at elevations over 15,000 feet, far from advanced medical care. Any dental problems you have should be resolved prior to your trip. You'll be a long way from your dentist.

Immunizations:
Consult with your physician and local Health Department to determine which immunizations are necessary. It is likely that you will need current immunization status for typhoid fever, tetanus, and an injection of gamma globulin for hepatitis prevention before leaving home. Since immunization recommendations may change from year to year, your physician or clinic may recommend additional immunizations. An excellent resource for overseas travel is the US Center for Disease Control .

Medications:
Your physician will be able to advise you about specific medications, particularly antibiotics, that you should take with you. (Or that you may be allergic to) Many travelers to higher elevations in Nepal can benefit from taking Diamox to help reduce the effects of altitude sickness, and your physician can advise you if Diamox or other medications would be appropriate for your use.

Recommended personal medications:
•         Aspirin/acetaminophen/ibuprofen.
•         Codeine (with aspirin or acetaminophen) with your physician's recommendation.
•         Antibiotics for both internal and external infections with your physician's recommendation.
•         Antacid
•         Laxative
•         Antidiarrheal agent
•         Decongestant
•         Antihistamine
•         Acetazolamide (Diamox) with your physician's recommendation. (for altitude)
•         Dexamethasone (Decadron) with your physician's recommendation. (for altitude)
•         Assorted bandages and dressings, particularly for blisters.
•         Other Personal medications as needed.
•         A copy of Medicine for Mountaineering, edited by James A Wilkerson, MD, The Mountaineers. This makes excellent reading, both before and during your trek.
It is important that all your medications be carried in completely waterproof and crushproof containers, and that you have double supplies of critical medications, (your staff can carry the spare), in case of loss or damage. Keep your medications with you when you travel as carry-on baggage.

Insurance: 
You should check with your insurance company to ensure you are covered for any medical or rescue expenses you may incur when you are out of the country.  You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance to cover any expenses not included in your present policy.  You will be responsible for medical expenses or emergency evacuation.