Due to Nepal’s terrain, road conditions, and the sheer length of the country, Nepal flight safety is a topic every traveller should understand before booking, especially since taking a short flight between places can save hours or even days of travel. The tickets are relatively inexpensive, too, so it’s no wonder that Nepal’s domestic airlines carried a record 3.54 million passengers in 2021.
Accidents have increased, too. The tragic Tara Air crash in May 2022, in which 22 people lost their lives, has brought Nepal’s flight safety into focus once again, 3 years after the last fatal accident in the country.
We’ll take a look at the Nepal flight safety record, explain the reasons behind the accidents, and give advice on alternative travel and how to reduce risk.
View from the plane above the Himalayas
How safe is it to fly, generally?
Harvard University puts the individual risk of dying in an air crash even lower, at 1 in 11 million.
Statistically, flying is safer than all other major forms of transport.
What is the Nepal flight safety record like?
Compared to the global average, Nepal has a relatively poor record for reasons we’ll explain below. Over the past three decades, there have been 27 fatal air crashes – just under one per year. Most involved small aircraft, with the notable exception of the 2018 crash at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which was a larger aircraft from Bangladesh, and the 1992 Pakistan International Airlines crash at the same location.
10 of these Nepal air accidents have happened in the past 10 years, although this reflects an increase in the number of fights more than a drop in overall safety.
Why do plane crashes happen in Nepal?
There are several reasons affecting Nepal’s flight safety.
Nepal is one of the world’s highest and most mountainous countries, which presents a range of aviation challenges.
Smaller mountain airports often have short approaches and runways, such as Lukla, which is regarded as one of the most challenging landings by pilots.
The weather at this altitude can change quickly and with little warning, especially when flying mountain routes.
With poor weather comes poor visibility and pilot disorientation, which has been blamed for several accidents.
Mountain routes have to use smaller, more manoeuvrable propeller planes, which are more vulnerable to weather conditions.
Although steps are gradually being taken to modernise fleets, there has been a lack of investment in new aircraft from many of the airlines that operate in the region.
Nepal actually performs above the global average for flight safety in a number of categories, and in April 2022 was given a score of 70.1% in a safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), with the worldwide average sitting at 67.2%.
However, the practical challenges of flying over Nepal’s terrain place the country below average in terms of overall safety, sitting 102nd out of 121 countries in a recent ranking by backgroundchecks.org.
What is being done about it?
Nepal flight safety is under near-constant review and, in light of the recent Tara Air crash, rules have been tightened around operating in adverse weather conditions, obligating airlines and airports to suspend operations in certain circumstances, and giving final approval to air traffic services on all flight plans. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is also considering making two pilots mandatory for single-engine planes.
Externally, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, a United Nations agency, has prioritised helping Nepal through its Aviation Safety Implementation Assistance Partnership.
Of course, nothing can change Nepal’s weather conditions and terrain, but some steps are being taken to improve aircraft safety and organisation.
How can I reduce the risk?
Whilst the overall risk of flying anywhere in Nepal remains statistically low, certain routes are naturally more prone to accidents than others. Most accidents occur with smaller planes in mountainous regions, such as flights to Jomsom (the destination of the recent Tara Air crash) and Lukla.
Popular routes such as Kathmandu to Pokhara tend to operate with larger planes and over less hostile terrain, so the risk is significantly lower.
It’s also totally possible to plan an itinerary with little or no domestic flights involved, and many people do – there are plenty of highlights and outstanding trekking regions which can be reached quite easily by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Make sure you thoroughly research the travel options available if you plan to go somewhere. You can also get in touch with our team for help planning and organising transport, accommodation, tours, or treks.
What are the alternatives to flying in Nepal?
Nepal has no national rail network, so ground travel is restricted to the country’s long, winding, and occasionally very bumpy roads. Buses are an inexpensive option and cover most possible routes, or you can hire a private transfer for a little extra comfort, and usually a quicker journey.
Drivers in Nepal operate with a whole different set of rules and customs from what you might be used to elsewhere in the world, and for that reason, we wouldn’t generally recommend car hire for foreign travellers.
You can read more about the available options in our Getting around Nepal guide.
In summary, flying in Nepal does carry more risk than it would in Europe, for example, particularly on mountain routes where weather and terrain make flying more challenging.
But it remains statistically very unlikely that you’d be involved in an accident, and given the time savings and road conditions often found in Nepal, flying remains a very popular option for travellers and locals alike.
For more on international and domestic flights in Nepal, visit our flight info page.
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Are tourists allowed to enter Nepal yet? Do I need a vaccine? What restrictions are in place?
The good news is that Nepal is now officially open for tourism once again!
– On-arrival visas are back
– Quarantine is no longer required
– Nepal is considered safe and has been removed from the majority of no-travel lists
– Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers can enter Nepal without quarantine, if they produce proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours before arrival)
– Conditions apply, please read on for full details
Information courtesy of covidcontrols.co
Nepal travel restrictions COVID-19
Nepal hasn’t had an easy time with COVID-19 over the past couple of years, but today the picture is much more optimistic. Infection rates have declined dramatically, and most of the population is now fully vaccinated. There is no lockdown in place, and life is largely back to normal.
Are tourists allowed back to Nepal?
YES!!!! Tourists have been restricted by changes to entry requirements and quarantine rules since April 2021, but as of 23rd September 2022, the Government of Nepal has announced that on-arrival visas are now open to foreign travellers once again.
Vaccine Requirements
Nepal is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Proof of double vaccination (or equivalent) must be shown at immigration, and jabs shouldn’t have been completed less than 14 days before entry.
Unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel (Gene Expert or True NAAT tests also accepted). Rapid antigen tests may also be required at immigration.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, must have travel insurance covering health, crisis, or rescue for the duration of the trip and proof of accommodation in Nepal.
(For departure, a PCR test is only necessary if your airline or destination country requires it.)
Tourist Entry: Allowed Testing: Negative PCR test results required for unvaccinated travelers from all countries, taken no more than 72 hours before travel. Rapid antigen tests may also be required at the airport or once you reach your hotel. Quarantine Required: None Quarantine Details: N/A
CCMC form to travel to Nepal
Since COVID-19 restrictions came into place in Nepal, this form has been required for entry. Discussions are underway to officially remove this requirement, with an announcement due shortly.
Local Restrictions
Lockdown in Effect: No lockdown Events: Partially Allowed Transport: Operational Shopping: Open Restaurants and Bars: Open with some minor restrictions
Face masks are still recommended or required at some shops, venues, and tourist attractions.
Becoming ill whilst in a foreign country can be a worrying experience, and whilst Nepal has some good hospitals and fantastic doctors, you should take precautions in the hope that you never have to meet them!
The added factor of Nepal’s altitude presents an extra risk, and it’s wise to know how to spot and deal with altitude sickness, in case it becomes a problem for you or your travel partners.
We’ve prepared some tips on staying healthy on your holiday, as well as what to do if you do become ill.
The first rule – buy some travel insurance!
Although this isn’t a specific requirement to travel to Nepal, we strongly advise taking out a travel insurance policy before you arrive. Make sure that it provides comprehensive medical cover, and that all of the activities you plan to do are listed. Many cheaper policies will not cover trekking above a certain altitude, for example, so you could be left with a huge bill if you get into trouble in the mountains.
Am I likely to get sick in Nepal?
Hygiene levels in Nepal may be lower than what you’re used to at home, so make sure you wash your hands regularly and don’t drink water straight from the tap. You can also minimise your risk by not having ice in your drinks, avoiding ready-peeled fruit, and choosing hot meals wherever possible.
You should always visit a doctor or travel clinic before travelling. Due to its altitude, Nepal has fewer diseases than many other countries, but you may still need some immunisations, and malaria also exists in small parts of the country.
What to do if you get sick in Nepal
In the first instance, you should speak to your guide, tour leader, or the staff at your hotel for local advice – they will often go out of their way to help you. The guides used by our partners at Royal Mountain Travel are trained in first aid by the Red Cross, and if you’ve booked with Royal Mountain, you’ll also have access to their 24-hour local emergency number.
If you are trekking independently, we would strongly advise bringing a comprehensive first aid kit, researching the locations of any medical facilities, and noting emergency contact numbers before you set off. Basic medical facilities are available on many of the main trekking routes, but may be spaced quite far apart.
If you take any regular medication or are prone to sickness, we would advise bringing medication with you to Nepal. You’ll find pharmacies in most Nepalese towns and cities, but they may not stock everything you need, and in rural areas you’ll find only very basic supplies, if any.
If you need to visit a hospital or clinic in Nepal, then the best ones are found in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Elsewhere, good facilities are more difficult to come by.
How to contact the Emergency Services in Nepal
If you find yourself in a position where you need to contact the Emergency Services directly, the relevant numbers are below.
Police: Dial 100
Fire: Dial 101
Ambulance: Dial 102
We recommend saving these numbers in your phone before traveling to Nepal.
Using your travel insurance for medical reasons
We strongly advise taking out comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Nepal, and you should ensure that it covers everything you plan to do on your trip. For example, many cheaper policies will not cover trekking at altitudes above 2500m, which can be a bit of a problem in Nepal!
The following hospitals and clinics work with insurance companies directly to cover medical expenses;
CIWEC Clinic – Kathmandu & Pokhara
Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu
Grande Hospital, Kathmandu
Vayodha Hospital, Kathmandu
New Era Health Center, Kathmandu
Other hospitals and clinics may require you to cover the bill upfront and then claim back on your insurance later.
Will I get altitude sickness in Nepal?
Altitude sickness can affect even the healthiest people, so it’s worth being prepared for the possibility. It is most common above 2500m altitude, so you’re unlikely to be significantly affected in Kathmandu (1400m) or much of the rest of the country. You should still take it easy for your first few days in Nepal, just in case.
Many Nepalese trekking routes will take you far above 2500m, and you should have a medical check-up, learn the symptoms, and pack sensibly before you commit to one of these treks.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is caused by thinner air with far less oxygen than your body is used to, and the symptoms range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. You should look out for headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and severe fatigue.
On the more serious end of the scale, acute breathing difficulty, circulation problems, and blood in your saliva require urgent attention.
Preventing altitude sickness
Your biggest weapon against altitude sickness is sensible planning. If you are joining a trek with a reputable company, the route will have been planned to allow you to acclimatise, and your guide will be trained to advise trekkers and deal with situations that might arise. If you’re trekking independently, we’d advise taking the time to plan your route carefully and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
Before trekking at altitude, you should consider going easy on the alcohol and caffeine in the weeks before, getting plenty of sleep, and making sure that you’re keeping in decent shape to reduce the effects.
Always take on plenty of water, bring warm clothes, and protect yourself against the sun, as these factors can all make the sickness seem far worse. You can also visit a pharmacy before you travel, as certain medications are proven to help with altitude sickness. We’re not able to give specific advice on medicines.
Dealing with altitude sickness
If you or someone in your party begins to feel some of the effects of altitude sickness, you should immediately alert your guide or tour leader. If you’re trekking independently, then the first thing you should do is to stop ascending. You’ll often find that with a little rest, your symptoms will ease and you can carefully continue. If your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, you should descend immediately, take on fluids, and wait for your body to adjust.
In the most serious cases, not descending can be fatal. If you or someone in your party is having difficulty performing basic tasks, forming sentences, or answering simple questions, you must descend immediately, even if it’s the middle of the night.
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