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General Health:
Nepal cannot be considered an entirely healthy country largely perhaps because of climate that includes long months of mountain monsoon (mid-June – mid-September). This, combined with Kathmandu’s polluting combustion fumes and the valley’s inversion layer, are causes of illness in the form of chest infection. Warm dry clothes are the rules but better still getting into the fresh air that’s awaiting you outside the valley!
Tummy problems do not always handle well the change in diet that occurs when visiting a foreign land. In Nepal, this is aggravated by some poor hygienic practices at restaurants and at tea-houses along trekking routes. Most bodies adjust quickly and a mild case of tummy problem can be waited out without need for medication. Also, we live in the age of mega-antibiotics, which mostly do great jobs at clearing up more severe problems (consult with your doctor at home which ones he/she recommends). Certain immunizations are crucial. Most countries have a national board that recommends the proper jobs for all countries based on what is endemic. Your doctor at home can check and administer the proper shots before your departure. Malaria is endemic only in small lowland areas of Nepal (in and either side of the monsoon). Doctor differ on prescribing. Most people are in Nepal without Malarial prophylaxis, and without any problem whatsoever – and that is Trek Nepal’s recommendation. HOWEVER, your heath is your concern maybe this needs a discussion with your doctor.
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Some degree of altitude sickness may occasionally occur at around 3,000m+. Trek Nepal takes a great care with altitude acclimatization and all Trek Nepal guides are able to respond quickly to symptoms, healing, immediate rescue and helicopter evacuation (best reason for good personal travel insurance). For detailed information regarding the AMS click the following link.
Local Clinic:
The medical infrastructure in Nepal is, of course, limited. However, Kathmandu does have one ‘Western clinic’ which is very proficient in travel medicine. This is the place which we would direct (or escort) you to.
Food and Drinking:
Although most Kathmandu hotels and restaurants treat water for drinking, many people still consider it best to purchase bottle water (in 1 liter plastic bottle). On treks we boil or sterilize drinking water. WE DO NOT supply plastic bottled water and do not recommend either. This adheres to the environmental code of discouraging disposable non biodegradable containers in natural settings.
All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and advised. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. It is suggested to obtain further advice from your personal physician or a travel health clinic before traveling. For detailed information regarding the vaccinations click the following link.