Travel guide · Nepal
Staying Healthy in Nepal
Which vaccinations you need, how to avoid traveller's tummy, and what to pack in your medical kit for Nepal.
Staying healthy in Nepal mostly comes down to a few simple habits: get the recommended vaccinations before you travel, be careful with water and food, and carry a small medical kit. Most visitors have no serious health problems, but a little preparation goes a long way. The advice below is general guidance only, so confirm the specifics with a travel clinic or doctor, ideally four to six weeks before departure.
One thing to flag up front: altitude is a separate and critical topic if you are trekking or visiting high places, so read our altitude sickness guide alongside this one.
Vaccinations for Nepal
Start by making sure your routine vaccines are up to date. Beyond that, travel clinics commonly recommend the following for Nepal:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus and diphtheria (a combined booster)
- Rabies, considered for trekkers, long stays or anyone likely to have animal contact
- Japanese encephalitis, considered for long stays in the lowland Terai
There is no yellow fever risk in Nepal, but you may be asked for a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present. None of this replaces professional advice, so let a travel clinic tailor the list to your itinerary and health history.
Water — don't drink from the tap
Tap water in Nepal is not safe to drink anywhere, including in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Use one of these instead:
- Sealed bottled water from a trusted shop
- Boiled water (a rolling boil makes it safe)
- Filtered water from a reliable travel filter
- Water treated with purification tablets
Carrying a filter or tablets also cuts down on single-use plastic, which matters on long treks. Be wary of ice and anything rinsed in untreated water.
Food safety and traveller's diarrhoea
The most common traveller's ailment in Nepal is an upset stomach. Reduce the risk by eating food that is freshly cooked and served hot, choosing busy restaurants with high turnover, and being cautious with raw salads, unpeeled fruit and dairy of uncertain freshness. Wash or sanitise your hands before eating.
If you do get caught out, rehydration salts and rest are the priority. See a doctor if you have a high fever, blood in your stool, or symptoms that last more than a couple of days. For a fuller look at what to eat and where, see our guide to Nepali food and drink.
Malaria and insect-borne illness
Malaria risk in Nepal is low and mainly confined to the southern Terai lowlands near the Indian border. Most travellers, including those in the hills and mountains, are at very low risk and many do not take malaria tablets at all, but your route and season matter, so ask a clinic. Insect bites can also spread dengue, particularly in the lowlands, so use repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and consider a mosquito net in budget Terai accommodation.
Medical care and pharmacies
Kathmandu has clinics that cater specifically to travellers, including the well-known CIWEC clinic, alongside private hospitals and well-stocked pharmacies where many medicines are available without much fuss. Pokhara has reasonable facilities too. In remote and trekking areas, however, care is very limited and a serious problem may require evacuation. Make sure you have comprehensive Nepal travel insurance that covers medical costs and helicopter evacuation before you go.
A Nepal travel-health kit
A compact kit handles most minor issues. Pack:
- Oral rehydration salts
- A broad-spectrum antibiotic, only on your doctor's advice
- Water purification tablets or a filter
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Blister care (plasters, tape, dressings)
- Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Any personal medications, with a copy of your prescriptions
- Hand sanitiser
For everything else that goes in the bag, see our Nepal packing list. With the right jabs, safe water and a small kit, the vast majority of travellers stay perfectly healthy in Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
What vaccinations do I need for Nepal?+
Make sure your routine vaccines are current, then most travel clinics commonly recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B and Tetanus/diphtheria for Nepal. Rabies is often considered for trekkers, long stays or anyone likely to have animal contact, and Japanese encephalitis may be suggested for extended stays in the lowland Terai. This is general guidance only, so confirm exactly what you need with a travel clinic or doctor four to six weeks before you go.
Can you drink the tap water in Nepal?+
No, tap water in Nepal is not considered safe to drink, even in cities. Stick to bottled water from a sealed bottle, or water you have boiled, filtered or treated with purification tablets. Also avoid ice and rinsed salads where the water source is unknown.
How do I avoid traveller's diarrhoea?+
Drink only safe water, eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot, and wash or sanitise your hands before eating. Be cautious with raw salads, unpeeled fruit and dairy that may not be refrigerated, and favour busy places with high turnover. If you do get sick, focus on rehydration salts and rest, and see a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Is there a risk of malaria in Nepal?+
Malaria risk in Nepal is low and mostly limited to the southern Terai lowlands near the Indian border. Most travellers, including those visiting Kathmandu, Pokhara and high-altitude trekking areas, are at very low risk. Whether you need malaria tablets depends on your exact route and season, so ask a travel clinic to assess your itinerary.
Are there good hospitals and pharmacies in Nepal?+
Kathmandu has well-regarded clinics aimed at travellers, such as CIWEC, plus several private hospitals and well-stocked pharmacies. Pokhara also has reasonable facilities, but care becomes very limited in remote and trekking areas where evacuation may be the only option. Carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and helicopter evacuation.
Do I need rabies shots for Nepal?+
Rabies vaccination is not required for everyone, but it is commonly considered for trekkers, long-stay visitors and anyone likely to be around dogs, monkeys or other animals. Pre-exposure shots simplify treatment if you are bitten, but you would still need prompt medical care. Discuss your plans with a travel clinic to decide whether it is worthwhile for you.
