Useful Health Guide for Travel in Nepal

Nepal Health Care and Vaccinations

The most convenient hospital for visitor care is Patan Hospital in Lagankhel. Other hospitals include the Western Regional Hospital and the Manipal Hospital in Pokhara and the Mission Hospital in Tansen. Pharmacies in Kathmandu offer a wide range of Western drugs at low prices. In Kathmandu, you can get certain vaccinations free at the Infectious Diseases Clinic. Full medical insurance is essential.

Food and drink: 
All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and advised. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: 
Vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Altitude sickness is a hazard for trekkers – it is important to gain altitude gradually and come down to a lower altitude immediately if experiencing headaches, nausea or dizziness. Obtain further advice from the Himalayan Rescue Association. It is advisable, particularly when in rural areas, to carry a medical kit.


Useful Health Guide for Travel in Nepal
Health care services in Kathmandu Valley are sound. All kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas are available in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley also offers the services of major general hospitals and private clinics. Health posts have been set up by the Government in different parts of rural Nepal. For major health crisis or emergency, one may have to be evacuated to Kathmandu.

Useful Tips Travel in Nepal:

• A travel insurance policy that covers medical treatment is recommended for all tourists.
• Similarly, we recommend you to make sure that the insurance covers activities such as trekking, rafting etc. that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal
• Getting special vaccinations are not necessary when visiting Nepal.
• We still recommend that you consult with your physician regarding special immunizing against any tropical disease.
• It may be a good idea to get a complete check up before departure.
• We recommend that you undertake training programs to be physically fit if you plan to go high-altitude trekking or mountaineering when you’re visiting Nepal.
• Please read up on altitude sickness (AMS), diarrhea, Giardia, Dysentry, Cholera, Hepatitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Diptheria, Malaria and HIV/ AIDS. Information and little precautions can often save lives.

• Please make sure that food is thoroughly cooked and served hot when eating out.
• Please make sure that salads and fruits are washed with purified water or peeled when eating out.
• Beware of food that has been kept out in the open for long.
• Always make sure that your water is clean by opting for boiled and then cooled water, treated water or sealed water from reputed brand.
• Always carry a bottle of water when trekking or venturing off away from the city/ town.
• Do not walk bare feet on damp mud and grass in unknown areas.
• Please do not swim in lakes and water bodies, especially where depth and vegetation are not known.
• Always carry and use mosquito repellant when in Terai region or during summers.
• Please have a handy medical first aid kit ready for any situation.

Medical Kit:
A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended: Aspirin of Panadol, for pain or fever; Antihistamine, as a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness; Antibiotics, useful if traveling off beaten track but they must be prescribed; Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil, for upset stomach; Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhea; Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar dry spray- for cuts and grazes.
Other things to be included are: Calamine lotion to ease irritation from bites or stings; bandages and band aids for minor injuries; scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect repellent, sun block lotions, chopsticks, water purification tablets, throat lozenges, moleskin, Sulamyd 10 percent eye drops, paracetamol and antacid tablets.