Nepal Travel Health and Vaccinations

Nepal is one of the most travel-health-involved destinations we see

The combination of altitude, rabies risk, food and water exposure, and seasonal Japanese Encephalitis in the southern Terai puts Nepal in the top tier of complexity. Most appointments are 30–45 minutes for trekkers.

Altitude is the dominant risk — bigger than any vaccine

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects most trekkers above 3,500m. The Everest Base Camp trek tops out at 5,545m at Kala Patthar; Annapurna Circuit reaches 5,416m at Thorong La pass. Severe forms — High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) — are life-threatening if not recognised and managed. Statistically, altitude is far more likely to harm you on a Nepal trek than any infectious disease. We cover: acclimatisation strategy (ascend slowly, sleep low climb high), acetazolamide (Diamox) as prophylaxis, recognising warning signs, descent protocols, and evacuation insurance. We can prescribe Diamox at your appointment.

Rabies pre-exposure — strongly recommended for trekkers

Nepal has high rabies prevalence in stray dog populations including in trekking areas. Post-exposure rabies treatment is needed urgently after any bite, lick or scratch from a potentially rabid animal. The problem in Nepal: medical facilities with rabies immunoglobulin are limited to Kathmandu and major centres, meaning a bite on day 5 of a trek means at minimum a multi-day journey for treatment. Pre-exposure Rabies vaccination doesn't remove the need for post-exposure treatment but simplifies it (no immunoglobulin needed, fewer doses, less time-critical). Three doses over 21–28 days — book early.

Hepatitis A, Typhoid and routine boosters

Food and water exposure across Nepal including in well-equipped trekking lodges. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are essentially universal recommendations. Up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster matters — wound risk on treks. Hepatitis B for longer stays or healthcare exposure.

Japanese Encephalitis — only if you're going south

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is transmitted by mosquitoes in rural rice-growing areas of the southern Terai including Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Transmission season is May through October. JE has a low overall risk for typical tourists but high case-fatality if you catch it. The vaccine (two-dose course) is worth considering for travellers spending significant time in the southern Terai during the wet season.

Medical evacuation insurance — essential for trekkers

Standard travel insurance may not cover helicopter evacuation from altitude. We strongly recommend specific trekker insurance covering up to 6,000m altitude and helicopter rescue from remote areas. The cost of unscheduled helicopter evacuation from Everest region without insurance is typically £$5,000–10,000+. We discuss this at your appointment but you'll need to arrange the insurance yourself.

Food and water on trek

Boiled water is widely available in trekking lodges and generally safe; bottled water sales contribute to plastic waste so refilling boiled water is better. Hot cooked food is your safest bet — fresh salads and uncooked vegetables less so. The most common trekker complaint we hear about is just regular travellers' diarrhoea — we cover prevention and what to do if it happens.

Booking your Nepal appointment

Book online at gunwharftravelclinic.co.uk/booking or call 02392 821859. For trekkers, book 6+ weeks before travel so we can complete the Rabies course. Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays.