Health and Insurance

Officially you do not require any immunizations to enter Nepal, however it is a good idea to read up on suggested vaccinations and see what feels appropriate for you. In Nepal one should be careful about getting travelers tummy. The golden rule regarding food is: if you can’t cook it, peel it or boil it, don’t eat it. Water should be bottled or boiled unless one knows the source. For the first days of your trekking use water purifying tablets, but usually the higher you are up in the mountains, the safer it is to drink the local water. Additionally you could bring medication for digestive issues like diarrhea, cold medicine, band aids (not only for blisters), eye drops, disinfection spray for open wunds, pain killer, multiple purpose antibiotics and any other medication you think you might need. There are pharmacies in Nepal where you can buy easily medication over the counter however if you are in the mountains it is good to carry these with you. If you have any issues with your knees it is advised that you bring a bandage and pain relief cream.

If you need to see a doctor, there are international hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can communicate with the doctors easily.You need to pay for your treatment and medication either in cash or with credit card later you can claim with your insurance provider.

For  trekking in the Nepal it is strongly advised to have a travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation  in high altitude.In case of emergency the helicopter evacuation can cost you around $6000/€5000 or more than that.

Altitude sickness is a common condition were a lot of trekkers suffer while trekking in Nepal in higher altitude as the rate of oxygen is less the higher you go. During trekking in higher altitude it is advised drink plenty of water, eat high carbohydrate meals like Dal Baht and to limit the rate of ascent to prevent high altitude illnesses. Climb higher sleep lower is the main mantra for doing treks in higher altitude.

Symptoms for Acute Mountain Sickness are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, decreased urination, and tiredness. The symptoms resemble an alcohol hangover. Anyone experiencing high altitude sickness should either descend or stop ascent and wait for improvement before continuing with the trek.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is manifested by fatigue, shortness of breath during exertion, dry cough and localized chest congestion. In moderate to severe cases there is weakness and fatigue, blue discoloration of lips and fingernail beds, dry to raspy cough, gurgling or sound in the chest, a breathing rate of 20 breaths per minute or a heart rate greater than 130 beats per minute after 20 minutes resting period. In this case oxygen needs to be given and an immediate descent is sufficient.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema is diagnosed based on changes in consciousness and loss of coordination, impaired judgement, hallucinations, severe headache and eventually coma. Immediate descent, supplemental oxygen and further treatment is necessary.

Officially you do not require any immunizations to enter Nepal, however it is a good idea to read up on suggested vaccinations and see what feels appropriate for you. In Nepal one should be careful about getting travelers tummy. The golden rule regarding food is: if you can’t cook it, peel it or boil it, don’t eat it. Water should be bottled or boiled unless one knows the source. For the first days of your trekking use water purifying tablets, but usually the higher you are up in the mountains, the safer it is to drink the local water. Additionally you could bring medication for digestive issues like diarrhea, cold medicine, band aids (not only for blisters), eye drops, disinfection spray for open wunds, pain killer, multiple purpose antibiotics and any other medication you think you might need. There are pharmacies in Nepal where you can buy easily medication over the counter however if you are in the mountains it is good to carry these with you. If you have any issues with your knees it is advised that you bring a bandage and pain relief cream.

If you need to see a doctor, there are international hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara where you can communicate with the doctors easily.You need to pay for your treatment and medication either in cash or with credit card later you can claim with your insurance provider.

For  trekking in the Nepal it is strongly advised to have a travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation  in high altitude.In case of emergency the helicopter evacuation can cost you around $6000 or more than that.

Altitude sickness is a common condition were a lot of trekkers suffer while trekking in Nepal in higher altitude as the rate of oxygen is less the higher you go. During trekking in higher altitude it is advised drink plenty of water, eat high carbohydrate meals like Dal Baht and to limit the rate of ascent to prevent high altitude illnesses. Climb higher sleep lower is the main mantra for doing treks in higher altitude.

Symptoms for Acute Mountain Sickness are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, decreased urination, and tiredness. The symptoms resemble an alcohol hangover. Anyone experiencing high altitude sickness should either descend or stop ascent and wait for improvement before continuing with the trek.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is manifested by fatigue, shortness of breath during exertion, dry cough and localized chest congestion. In moderate to severe cases there is weakness and fatigue, blue discoloration of lips and fingernail beds, dry to raspy cough, gurgling or sound in the chest, a breathing rate of 20 breaths per minute or a heart rate greater than 130 beats per minute after 20 minutes resting period. In this case oxygen needs to be given and an immediate descent is sufficient.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema is diagnosed based on changes in consciousness and loss of coordination, impaired judgement, hallucinations, severe headache and eventually coma. Immediate descent, supplemental oxygen and further treatment is necessary.