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:
- 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), diarrhoea, Giardia, Dysentery, 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 a 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 travelling. 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% eye drops, paracetamol and antacid tablets.
Some basic Nepali customs that need to know
- When visiting a temple, always circumambulate it is a clockwise direction.
- Take off your shoes before entering a temple or a Nepalese home.
- Entrance to some temples is forbidden, so look out for such notices.
- Seek permission to take photographs inside temples or of religious ceremonies
- You can accept a handshake offered by either a male or a female but never offer your hand first.
- Show decency in dress and avoid any show of public affection.