Access request for GHT Resources

This form is not intended as a gatekeeping exercise, but merely as an opportunity to pause and self-assess of your readiness for the conditions you will encounter, and to give some background information to help you make the most of your GHT experience.

None of the questions are mandatory (except email), and you will get a link to the resources after you hit submit.

If you have feedback on the survey please send it in the last question.

Are you a past GHT Hiker?

(if so just check this box and skip to the end just enter your name above and email below).

1. Code of Conduct: https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/ght-code-of-conduct/

1. GHT Guidebook: https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/product/nepal-trekking-and-the-great-himalaya-trail/
2. Official GHT Website: https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/
3. Wilderness Prime: https://www.wildernessprime.com/

Risk and Community

The GHT is inherently risky. There are various hazards which can only be partially mitigated. There has been at least one fatality associated with the GHT specifically and, many more in the mountains of Nepal each year. Your safety is your own responsibility, but also please consider those who may put their own lives at risk to assist you in an emergency. The GHT community is small and can be harmed by repeated incidents, even when no one is hurt, which may limit future access.

Wilderness Medicine

Do you have any wilderness medicine or first aid training? Please remember that search & rescue operations are often unavailable, and nearby medical facilities (which can still involve a journey of several hours) may be basic. There are various in-person (better) and online options if you cant attend in-person. Search for Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Recommended books Medicine for Mountaineering (ISBN 1594850763), Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine ( IDBN 1852847158)

Altitude Sickness

Do you know how your body reacts to altitude? Everyone responds differently and general fitness is not necessarily a good predictor. Do you know the symptoms of AMS, HAPE, HACE?

River Crossing Hazards

River crossings kill more people on remote trails than any other hazzard. Crossings are frequent on the GHT, bridges are often compromised or non-existent.

Every monsoon sees the majority of small locally made bridges and even some of the larger suspension and road bridges destroyed. In remote areas, bridges are often reconstructed far from the original site, only to be back in the same location some 2 or 3 years later. This makes river crossings a certain hazard that can kill even the experienced

What kind of river crossing experience do you have? Have you practiced solo and group crossings in swift cold water? There are river crossing courses available in the US and New Zealand and many online resources.

Navigation

The GHT is not marked so relying on GPS and maps is required. In addition, the background trail data on many popular map apps (based on OpenStreatMaps) is often out of date. Therefore you will need GHT specific Maps and GPX tracks and know how to use them in your devices.

How are you planning to navigate? Which smart phone app are you using as a primary and backup? Do you know how to ensure your system works offline? Are you planning to bring paper maps and/or a stand-alone GPS unit? Can you navigate in bad visibility using a compass bearing? How will you keep these devices charged? Electricity is unavailable in some teahouses and cold temperatures can diminish or destroy battery backs.

There are digital and paper maps available here: https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/ght-shop/

Technical Passes and Conditions

There are some high passes considered technical on the GHT, and snow and ice can make many other parts of the trail technical at certain times of year. What is considered "technical" varies, but here it means most prudent climbers would bring ropes and other mountaineering equipment and have experience using them. (Examples: snow covered glacier travel with some cravase risk, repelling or ascending steep mixed terrain with ropes).

We strongly encourage completing a technical mountaineering course (New Zealand with Alpine Guides, or any UIAA accredited course in USA or EU

The GHT is not one single trail and there are options that bypass some or all technical passes.

Are you planning to cross technical sections? What are you doing to prepare?

Some questions to think about:

- Do you know how to use a mountaineering axe and crampons?

- Do you know how to put on a harness?

- Can you tie a prusik and use it?

- Do you know how to rope up for glacier travel and have you practiced crevasse rescue techniques?

- Can you confidently identify kinds of terrain where the above skills are needed?

Conflicting or Incorrect Advice from Local Guides / Others

The experience and quality of local guides can vary widely and any advice given by any person in nepal (local or otherwise) should always be taken with some healthy critical thought.

The GHT will take you outside the typical tourist routes and, on non-standard routes even within popular areas. Therefore, don't expect for most people to understand your questions or goals. This won't stop them from trying to help you even with incorrect information.

It's important to have your own skills and judgment on moving in the mountains so you don't need to fully rely on this advice for your own safety.

Examples that turned out to be less than true: "You can't go that way" , "You don't need a rope" , " I have hiked this way many times, you can follow me"

Active Construction

Road and hydroelectric power plant construction is ongoing allover Nepal. The GHT takes you near (and directly through) some of these active construction sites. It is not always true that workers will stop and let you pass safely, or stop you from walking into clear danger (like blasting). Sometimes its hard or imposable to get their attention and find a safe way though. Some hazards you can expect on or above the trail are: active explosives blasting, large rocks being knocked down hill, excavator's and other heavy equipment.

Do you have any feedback, questions or comments?

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