Khumbu is a very safe region and violent crime is almost unheard of. However, due to the amount of people flowing through the area on treks, it is advisable to always keep your valuables in sight.
Altitude sickness affects even young and healthy people and is a genuine problem in Khumbu. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or a severe headache, return immediately to lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can and does kill!
Yaks may be photogenic, but they are aggressive and unpredictable. Always stand on the upper slope i.e., above the path, away from the drop-off to let yaks pass. Every Sherpa has a tale about Westerners who have stood on the lower side of a trail to let a herd of yaks pass and been killed after being pushed off.
Don't drink the water no matter how pristine it appears. Use iodine tablets as a purifier or purchase boiled water. Exceptions: Namche and Phortse have clean water supplies that the locals drink directly from the faucet. However, this may not be a good idea for outsiders lacking immunity to local bacteria, but certainly it should be ok for brushing teeth.
There is an emergency rescue centre (http://www.ippg.net/whati...) based in Namgyal lodge (http://www.machermo-namgy...) in the village of Machermo (http://www.machermo-namgy...) in the Gokyo Valley manned by two volunteer doctors. Note: This is purely an emergency rescue centre, and the doctors will not treat common ailments.
Clinics are a sparse resource in Khumbu. However, should you require medical attention there are several options:
Western medicine - Kunde Clinic, in Kunde Village above Namche has Western trained doctors and is a surprisingly well equipped facility - they even have a decompression chamber for those suffering with severe altitude sickness. On your return journey, you might like to donate your unused medicines to Kunde Clinic, though ensure that they are clearly labeled in English - even the most valuable medicine is useless if there are no instructions on how to use it.
Tibetan medicine - the Healing Centre in Namche offers treatments using natural formulas. It is located next to the Camp de Base hotel, but entered from the path in front of the library. This clinic provides free treatment for porters and other patients on low income. In order to continue this service, donations are greatly appreciated.
Medical Stations. Along the trail, you will also see small medical stations. These stations generally have very rudimentary facilities and can only realistically offer treatment for very minor ailments, such as cuts and bruises and non-altitude sickness related headaches etc.
Dental clinic. Namche also has a dental clinic, located on the right side slope of the village when looking up.
Water
Only drink water that has been thoroughly boiled or otherwise purified. Do not drink water directly from streams.
contact
There are currently no telephone lines or mailing addresses in the Everest region.
Namche has a post office, but there are mixed reports of letters reaching their destinations. Postage stamps are also available in local shops.
International phone calls can be made in Namche, however this is very expensive compared to Kathmandu. The cheapest place is the one-phone government telephone office, on the second floor of the nondescript wooden building behind Hotel Buddha, identified with an official yellow sign in Nepalese with a faded paper sign in English stuck on to it. Expect a lengthy queue on Saturdays market day.
Namche also has several Internet cafes. Satellite access costs between 20-25rs per minute, so keep a sharp eye on the clock when online.
respect
Religious:
According to the customs of respect in Tibetan Buddhism which most Sherpas adhere, always pass mani stones and other religious objects with your right side nearest to the object and circumambulate stupas and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never sit on mani stones, stupas or religious objects.
Environmental:
Due to the sheer amount of trekkers passing through this valley, the eco structure is under severe strain. Therefore, it is important for visitors to be as sensitive to their surroundings as possible. Obviously, wild life and forna should not be disturbed, but in addition, trekkers can help by not leaving any kind of non-biodegradable material in Khumbu, but instead take it back to Kathmandu for disposal. Furthermore, boiled water can be purchased at all lodges, so bringing a personal container avoids the need to purchase bottled water - which anyway is very expensive. Wood for fires should be used sparingly, and not at all when possible. Also try to limit dependence on canned foods, but instead order meals made from local produce, such as rikikul potato pancakes and dishes made of yak cheese. 'Take only photographs, leave only footprints' should be the mantra of every trekker in the Khumbu area. See article Leave-no-trace camping
talk
Sherpas speak their own language called Sherpa, which is related to Tibetan. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can also speak English and Nepali. In addition, because many Sherpas have travelled overseas to work it is not uncommon to meet Sherpas who are fluent in German, French and Japanese.