Medical & altitude
Altitude, food, water, or a fall — at some point on a Nepal trip something may go wrong. These are the phrases that get you the right help fast, plus the cultural framing that prevents the helicopter-evacuation scam from turning a headache into a $6,000 invoice.
What to expect
- Mild AMS (headache, nausea, fatigue) resolves with a rest day or descent — not with helicopter evacuation
- HRA aid posts at Manang (Annapurna) and Pheriche (Khumbu) give independent altitude diagnoses
- Local guides are usually trained in AMS recognition; teahouse owners usually are not
- Always carry your trekking insurance number and your agency's contact card
The script
Help!
मद्दत!
Maddat!
I'm sick.
म बिरामी छु।
Ma biraami chu.
I need a doctor.
मलाई डाक्टर चाहियो।
Malaai doctor chaahiyo.
Where is the hospital?
अस्पताल कहाँ छ?
Aspataal kahaa cha?
Above 4,000m the nearest may be a helicopter ride — but call your insurer first, not the teahouse.
I have altitude sickness.
मलाई उचाइ रोग लाग्यो।
Malaai uchaai rog laagyo.
Uchaai rog is the standard term — locals understand it instantly.
I have a headache.
मेरो टाउको दुख्यो।
Mero taauko dukhyo.
I'm having trouble breathing.
सास फेर्न गाह्रो छ।
Saas ferna gaahro cha.
I want to rest first.
म पहिले आराम गर्न चाहन्छु।
Ma pahile aaraam garna chaahanchu.
Critical phrase against the helicopter-evac scam — buys 24 hours for mild AMS to resolve.
I want to walk down to lower altitude.
म तल्लो उचाइमा झर्न चाहन्छु।
Ma tallo uchaai-maa jharna chaahanchu.
Descent of 500m is the textbook treatment for mild altitude sickness.
Please call my trekking agency.
कृपया मेरो एजेन्सीलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्।
Kripaya mero agency-laai phone garnuhos.
I have insurance.
मसँग बिमा छ।
Ma-sanga bimaa cha.