MenuVaccinations and immunisations you need to trek in Nepal
The following vaccination guide is an information resource only. You should not rely on it for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. You should always speak with your GP or other health care professional about any vaccinations or other medicines you are considering taking. They will have more information about your specific health needs, and can make much more specific, reliable recommendations for you.
Recommended vaccinations
In general, we recommend the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A&B - Everyone
- Typhoid - Everyone
- Polio – We recommend a booster shot for adult travellers.
- Yellow Fever – Necessary for all travellers who will arrive via areas prone to yellow fever.
- Rabies – Not necessary unless visiting lowland areas, including Chitwan.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – We recommend a double dose for anyone born after 1956, unless they have already been given this vaccination.
- Tetanus & Diphtheria – This vaccination should be renewed every 10 years.
Malaria
There is little risk on the majority of Himalayan treks that we operate, due to the altitude. However, there is a risk of malaria in areas below 1,500m so we recommend you take advice. If you are travelling in Nepal and planning a safari extension to Chitwan National Park or any travel in the the lowland region adjacent to the Indian border, then you will need to take anti-malarial medication.
In addition to any medication, we would recommend you take every precaution to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved trousers and shirts at dusk and dawn when the mosquitos are active, and by using a DEET based mosquito repellent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need malaria pills for Nepal?
As of right now, there is no risk for malaria in Nepal and the main trekking routes in Nepal are also free of malaria transmission. However, it is still important that you take proper medications to prevent yourself from contracting or spreading malaria so the risk remains low.
Do you need the yellow fever vaccine for Nepal?
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for all travelers that are from areas where yellow fever infections are common. These are areas inside of Africa or the Americas. Otherwise, you will not be required or recommended to get the yellow fever vaccine.
Do you need the Japanese encephalitis vaccine for Nepal?
The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for travelers who are planning to spend a month or more in rural areas of Nepal, or travelers who tend to spend a long time outdoors in rural areas. The risk for contracting Japanese encephalitis increases after dusk.
Is it safe to drink water in Nepal?
It is unsafe to drink tap water or river water in Nepal since both hold risks for transmitting harmful diseases. You can stock up on bottled water, purification tablets, or you can boil water in order to get rid of transmittable diseases. Make sure to boil water longer at altitude, and always make sure that the bottled water you buy has not been tampered with in any way.
Is there Zika virus in Nepal?
The Zika virus is a relatively new threat in Nepal and was declared to be an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms of the Zika virus in order to stay safe.
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