 This study examined the differences between organized tourists, OT, and independent tourists, IT, while trekking in Nepal. It found that OT were less experienced in mountaineering and in mountain emergencies, and relied heavily on organizer skills. This suggests that responsible trekking requires that more than one person in a group have adequate, up-to-date risk assessment slash management and first aid skills specific to the trek, and in particular an understanding of altitude profile, AMS, and individual abilities.