A must-read safety guide for Indian pilgrims

Kailash Mansarovar isn’t just a trek. It’s a sacred journey, a test of endurance, and a deeply personal pilgrimage for thousands every year. But at altitudes above 15,000 feet, even the most spiritually charged journey can turn into a medical emergency if you’re not prepared. That’s why ASC360’s insurance and emergency services are more than just paperwork; they’re your safety net in the harsh, unpredictable terrain of the Himalayas.

If you’re an Indian citizen planning this Yatra, here’s what you need to know about how ASC360 supports you from departure to safe return.

1. Before You Set Out: Get Your Basics Right

• Your Policy Starts in India
  The insurance is valid only if you start and end your journey from India. If you're flying in from another country or booking partial legs separately, you’re not covered.
  
  

• Keep Your Documents Handy
  Share your medical rescue card or policy copy with your group leader, Yatra guide, and local coordinators in Nepal and Tibet. In a crisis, every second counts.
  
  

• Download WeChat Before You Go
  WhatsApp and Gmail won’t work in Tibet (thanks to China’s internet firewall). WeChat is essential for communication with ASC360 while you're in the Tibetan region.
  
  

• Save These Numbers
  Store ASC360 emergency contacts in your phone. For India, Nepal, and Tibet, these are your lifelines. Tibet-specific communication happens over WeChat ID: ASC360_SUPPORT.
  
  

2. If There’s a Medical Emergency: What You MUST Do

• Always Call ASC360 First
  Whether it’s a twisted ankle, altitude sickness, or something more serious, don’t try to arrange an evacuation on your own. Evacuations done without ASC360’s approval will not be reimbursed—no exceptions.
  
  

• Road vs. Helicopter Evacuations
  Helicopters are only available in Nepal, and only if a doctor confirms a life-threatening situation. In Tibet, expect a jeep or ambulance-based evacuation coordinated via the guide and ASC360.
  
  

• Prepare a Quick Report
  Guides or group leaders must share an SBAR report (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) along with the patient’s vital signs, including SPO2, temperature, breathing pattern, and any reported symptoms.
  
  

• Stay in Touch During Evacuation
  Updates must be sent regularly to ASC360. Keep your phone or satellite device charged and accessible.
  
  

• Respect Medical Advice
  If a doctor says Descend, descend. Refusing medical instructions or continuing upward despite AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms voids your insurance. Emotional, religious, or spiritual reasons don’t override medical protocols.
  
  

3. What’s Not Covered (And Why That Matters)

• No Cover for Weather or Political Delays
  If your trek is delayed due to landslides, snow, unrest, or flight cancellations, the costs are on you. The policy is medical-only, not a travel insurance package.
  
  

• No Reimbursement for Unauthorised Evacuations
  If you or your tour operator decides to “figure it out” without involving ASC360, you’ll have to foot the entire bill—helicopter or not.
  
  

• Substance Use Void Your Claim
  Trekking under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Not only is it dangerous, but it also nullifies your coverage.

4. Filing a Claim: What You Need to Know

• Valid Bills Required
  Whether it's a jeep ride, hospital admission, or an oxygen cylinder, keep all original bills. No bills, no reimbursement.
  
  

• Email Claims
  Reach out to claims@asc360.com for help. They’ll walk you through what documentation you need and how to submit it properly.
  
  

• Understand the Deductible
  Some coverage kicks in only after you bear a small part of the cost or wait out a period. This includes things like baggage delay or hospital observation fees.
  
  

5. COVID-19 Guidelines

• Coverage Exists, But Conditions Apply: You must submit a negative RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours before your Yatra to be eligible for any COVID-related claims.
  
  

• Testing & Quarantine Are Not Covered: Whether it's at home or abroad, any cost due to testing or quarantine isn't reimbursable. COVID-19 hospitalisations, however, are covered under the medical clause.
  
  

6. Medicine Checklist (Take This Seriously)

ASC360’s high-altitude doctors recommend you carry these essential medications, even if you feel perfectly healthy:

• Calpol 650 (fever), Diamox (altitude sickness prevention), Dexamethasone (severe AMS),

• ORS packets, Ondem (vomiting), Myospaz (muscle pain), Cifran (antibiotic), and more
  Consult your physician if you have a medical history. But don’t skip this list, it could save your life or a teammate’s.
  
  

7. Your Role as a Responsible Yatri

This isn’t just about you. It’s about the trail, the people, and the next generation of pilgrims.

• Don’t litter. Avoid single-use plastics. Carry a trash bag.

• Respect your guides and porters. They’re your lifeline out there. A little appreciation goes a long way.

• Be kind to fellow Yatris. Everyone’s fighting their own internal and external battles on this path.

At high altitude, the stakes are high. The air is thinner, the terrain harsher, and the line between discomfort and danger is razor-thin. ASC360 doesn’t just sell policies, they offer a lifeline when things go wrong. But for that safety net to work, you need to know the rules, follow the process, and stay connected. Spiritual journeys are powerful, but they should never come at the cost of your health or safety.