Nepal

Have a safe trip to Nepal with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Nepal Travel Vaccine, Health and Safety Advice 🇳🇵

Welcome to Nepal, a country of soaring peaks, serene valleys, steeped in tradition. Whether you're seeking the thrill of mountain trekking or the tranquility of ancient temples, Nepal promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Nepal’s breathtaking landscape includes ten of the world’s highest peaks, including the most famous Mount Everest. Located in the northeastern province of Nepal, this region is in a world of its own with vast glaciers, icefalls, the highest mountains, deep valleys, precarious settlements, and hardy people challenging the harshest conditions thrown at them by nature in the thin air of high altitude.

Visiting Sherpa villages like Khunde and Khumjung, is a rewarding experience. Meet the local Sherpas, experience their culture and warmth, taste their cuisine, and see the mountains from different angles. Khumjung is the largest village in the Khumbu at the foot of the sacred peak Khumbila.

For centuries, locals have been using geothermal springs or ‘Tato Pani’ in Nepali s for recreational activities and medicinal properties. There are over 20 natural hot water springs in Nepal the most popular ones are Tatopani in Kodari.

In Nepal, at the heart of the Himalayas, you’ll find a perfect mix of traditions and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re trekking mountain trails or wandering through historic cities, Nepal provides an experience that promises to be unforgettable.

Travel Immunizations for Nepal

What vaccinations do I need for Nepal? Get all the information and vaccine injections you need to minimize travel health risks in Nepal.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.  

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen. 

Cholera  is a serious intestinal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.   

  • Found in infected water or food contaminated with the bacteria.   
  • Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, watery diarrhea.   
  • Strongly consider getting vaccinated against cholera.  

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Health Problems in Nepal / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 8,000 feet (2400 m).   

  • The most common and mildest form of altitude sickness is acute mountain sickness (AMS) 

  • Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) 

  • Rapid ascent to high altitudes without proper acclimatization is the primary risk factor. Other factors include a previous history of altitude sickness, genetic predisposition, respiratory conditions, and underlying cardiovascular diseases. 

  • Symptoms can include, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.   

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

  • Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
  • The use of anti-malarials, along with insect repellant containing DEET, and light weight loose fitting clothing to cover the skin can help in prevention of malaria.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.     

  • Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
    • Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.

    • Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes.

  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache. 

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Nepal

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

How Good is Healthcare in Nepal? Medical Services and Facilities in Nepal

  • Outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, medical services and facilities do not meet standards you might expect in Canada.
  • Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage prior to commencing treatment. Following an incident or accident, you should contact your travel insurance company without delay.
  • Trekkers may experience frostbite and acute mountain sickness (AMS) at high altitudes. AMS can be deadly. Medical evacuation to Bangkok, Thailand, New Delhi, India, or Singapore is often necessary for serious conditions. Carry medical and first aid kits.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consulate Assistance in Nepal

Street Address: Kaldhara Marg 20356, Khusibu, Kathmandu, Nepal

Telephone:  +977 1 4987910

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Nepal

Street Address: 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India

Telephone: +91 11 4178 2000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-India

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial:
  • police: 100
  • tourist police: + 977 1 424 7041
  • medical assistance: 102
  • firefighters: 101

General assistance
  • Tourist Police in Kathmandu: 1144 (hotline)
  • Tourist Police in Pokhara: +977 61 462761
  • Thamel Tourism Development Council: +977 1 4700750

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