When trekking in Nepal, and especially in the high-elevation Mt. Everest Area, it is essential to manage the effects of altitude on our bodies. A major component of this is drinking plenty of water — at least four liters per day is recommended. But where do we get water while trekking in Nepal?

There are really only two answers to this: buy it or treat it. At Embark, we strongly prefer treating it, and we’ll discuss why that is, but first let’s discuss buying water.

In every teahouse you stay in, and through almost every day on the trail, you will see people selling bottled water. It gets a bit more expensive as you go higher in the Khumbu, ranging from $1 down in Lukla (100 rupees) to perhaps $3 higher up. This water is perfectly safe to drink right out of the bottle, and of course this is by far the simplest way to get water.

The problem, as we see it, is the bottles — specifically, what to do with them. We have seen great big piles of empty plastic bottles, and we have also seen people carrying enormous loads of them up the trail — to where, we don’t know. Our convenience is not worth this cost to the environment and people

So we at Embark strongly suggest, and request, that water be treated. We recommend the Steripen, but other systems work just as well. (Just remember a backup battery for your Steripen).

Treating water is almost as simple as buying it, and water can be obtained in three different places. The best is at the teahouse; simply ask someone to fill your water bottle, and then filter it. The next best is from a local well in the villages. And the least best option is a creek that is running clear and fast.

Drinking water to stay healthy at altitude is of critical importance. And with just a little effort, we can meet our needs while not contributing to an ecological problem.

Trek the Himalayas

with Embark Exploration Company!