+1 612 869 4949Your safety is our top priority on every trek. Wind Horse follows a layered and proactive approach to high-altitude safety:
- Trained guides: All of our trekking guides are trained in basic First Aid and are well-versed in recognizing, preventing, and managing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Emergency altitude equipment: On most high-altitude treks in Bhutan, we carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC)—a lightweight, inflatable hyperbaric chamber designed to treat severe altitude illness (HAPE/HACE) by simulating a descent of approximately 2,000 meters (6,000+ feet).
- Supplemental oxygen: Small portable oxygen canisters are available for purchase in Thimphu and Kathmandu. These can be helpful for temporary relief of shortness of breath, altitude acclimatization, or post-trek recovery, though they are not a substitute for proper acclimatization.
- Careful acclimatization planning: All of our itineraries are designed with built-in acclimatization days and gradual elevation gains to reduce the risk of altitude-related illness.
- Communication & evacuation support: Mobile phone reception is available in many trekking areas. In the event of a serious emergency, our local offices in Thimphu and Kathmandu maintain 24/7 support and can coordinate helicopter evacuation when required.
From our experience, safe and rewarding high-altitude trekking comes down to good planning and seasoned crews who have walked these routes year after year.