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Adventure tourism such as trekking, climbing and rafting are a big and unique draw of Nepal because these exciting activities take palce not only in beautiful but also remote places. This latter fact lends great importance to safety measures. Nepal offers abundant opportunities in adventure tourism. And to make the experience enjoyable and memorable, both the private sector and the government see to it that excellent safety standards are maintained at all times. In the private sector, the concerned agent briefs his group on safety measures prior to an adventure trip because high altitude trekking, climbing and rafting in the difficult and remote terrians of Nepal are demanding, and mishaps are possible. So safety counts. With respect to expeditions to the Nepalese Himalayas, the government has enforced strict safety measures. Every mountaineering team must be accompanied by a Liaison Officer, and supported by sirdars, mountain guides and high-altitude porters who must be members of Nepal Mountaineering Association NMA). Similarly, the handling agency must also be affiliated to each expedition team to bring in 12 walkie-talkies and two sets of wireless sets for communication between the base camp, the nearest police check post or a place with telecommunication facilities.
There are other basic rules too which must be followed by the participants themselves. The trekking routes of Nepal vary from wide roads to narrow paths and trails. Sometimes, a slip or a fall from the trail can be fatal. Sometimes, the route may be confusing, causing the trekker to take a wrong turn. When he is tired, as is often the case at high altitude, there is a tendency to “short cut” the ups and downs of a steep hillside to regain the correct trail. This has resulted in trekkers losing their way, while many have been gravely injured. The best advice is to retrace the steps rather than traverse cross-country. When trekkers get lost on the trail, dog rescue squads also are used to find them. High-altitude trekkers must be aware of altitude sicknesss which can be fatal. Excessive exertion at high altitudes may predispose trekkers to acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is indicated by shortness of breath, amnesia and nausea. Acclimatization is the word used in the climbing community for the adjustments made to varying altitudes. When trekking at heights above 3,000 m, one should not climb more than 300 m in one day. The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) operates tow aid posts in the mountains to provide medical help to trekkers. There is one in Pheriche (on the way to Everest Base Camp), and one in Manang (in the Annapurna Area). Qualified volunteer doctors form overseas provide medical assistance to trekkers during the trekking seasons. HRA also runs an information center in Kathmandu. Visitors can attend talks on mountain sickness and learn about trekking safety, AMS, and related matters before going off on a trek. In case of a sudden illness or accident while trekking in the mountains of Nepal, arrangements are made for evacuation by helicopter to Kathmandu. Helicopter companies and Nepal Army provide rescue flights for the severely injured and ill. The payment for such rescue flights, however, must be guaranteed in Katmandu by the concerned agent or embassy. The ready access to walkie-talkies and wireless sets assumes great importance in these situations. Likewise, rafters are provided worldclass safety services by the rafting agents. Government regulations require rafting in Nepal excursions to be accompanied by at least one trained and experienced guide. Life jackets, camping gear and the standard rafting paraphernalia needed by rafters world wide are provided. There are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on all trips ready to assist the rafters. One jungle safaris, a naturalist guide accompanies the sightseers. The guide provide safety guidelines for safari activities in the jungle, and precautions to be taken against wild animals. Adventure tourism as a group activity and adherence to the stipulated rules are the two cardinal criteria for the maintenance of safety standards. Trekking agencies and adventure tour operators of Nepal also make arrangements for insurance. The excellent safety measures applied by both the private sector and the government make adventure tourism in Nepal a continuously rewarding experience.
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