Whether you're trekking the Himalayas, exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant culture, or volunteering in rural areas, Nepal is an unforgettable destination. But travel to Nepal also comes with unique health risks—from altitude sickness to mosquito-borne illness—so it’s important to prepare well.
At Walker Street Doctors, we offer personalised, comprehensive travel health support so you can enjoy your journey with confidence.
Recommended Vaccines for Nepal
For all travellers—regardless of duration—we recommend reviewing and updating the following vaccinations:
Routine Vaccines
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT booster): Required every 10 years.
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Polio: Ensure full immunisation, especially if you missed doses in childhood.
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Influenza & Pneumococcal: Recommended for adults 65 years and older or those with chronic health conditions.
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Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): Especially critical in 2024 due to increased global measles outbreaks.
Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early MMR dose before travelling internationally.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
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Hepatitis A: Essential for all travellers—spread through food and water.
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Hepatitis B: Important if you may:
- Need medical care while abroad
- Work in healthcare or with local populations
- Stay longer than 6 months
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Typhoid: Strongly recommended due to antibiotic-resistant strains in the region.
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Rabies: Consider if you’ll be working with or around animals, or travelling to remote areas.
- Japanese Encephalitis:
- Recommended for long-term stays in rural/agricultural areas
- Also consider for shorter trips during monsoon season or if your itinerary includes extended time outdoors
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Yellow Fever: Only required if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country.
Insect-Borne Illnesses in Nepal
Mosquito-borne diseases can occur year-round, particularly at lower altitudes (<2000m) and during the monsoon season.
Dengue
- Increased cases have been reported in 2024.
- Can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and—rarely—severe illness requiring hospitalisation.
Chikungunya
- Carried by day- and night-biting mosquitoes in urban and semi-urban areas.
- Symptoms can be similar to dengue and include long-lasting joint pain.
Malaria
- Risk is limited to low-altitude rural areas, including parts of Terai.
- No malaria risk in Kathmandu or popular trekking routes.
We’ll assess your route and advise if antimalarials are needed.
Other insect-borne illnesses:
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Japanese Encephalitis, Filariasis, and Plague are rare but present.
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Prevention is key—there are limited treatments available for many of these.
Protect yourself from bites:
- Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
- Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Use a mosquito net where needed
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Outbreaks have been reported. To reduce risk:
- Avoid poultry farms and live bird markets
- Avoid touching birds or surfaces contaminated by bird droppings
- Only eat thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs—no runny yolks or raw dishes
High Altitude Precautions
If you’re trekking or visiting Himalayan regions:
- Ascend gradually to prevent altitude sickness
- Watch for signs: headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue
- Use SPF 15+ sunscreen—UV exposure increases with elevation
- Allow rest days to acclimatise on multiday hikes
Feeling Unwell After Travel?
If you experience fever, fatigue, or flu-like illness after returning—particularly if you visited malaria-risk areas:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Tell your doctor about your travel history
Symptoms can occur up to 12 months later
Let Us Help You Travel Well
Walker Street Doctors offers:
- Personalised vaccine planning
- Malaria risk assessment and prescriptions
- Travel kits and repellents
- Letters for travel insurance or visas
- Calm, thoughtful care tailored to your needs and destination
We recommend booking your travel consultation 2–4 weeks before departure.
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