Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Travel vaccinations for Nepal include hepatitis A and typhoid as a minimum. Rabies is strongly recommended, while Japanese encephalitis, malaria prevention and altitude sickness tablets may be needed depending on your itinerary. |
Nepal is one of the world’s great adventure travel destinations, attracting UK trekkers to the Everest Base Camp trail, the Annapurna Circuit, the Langtang Valley, and Kathmandu’s temples and cultural sites. It is also a destination with a range of travel health risks that require careful pre-travel preparation, particularly for trekkers who will spend extended time at altitude and in remote areas far from medical facilities.
Travel Vaccinations for Nepal
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Both hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination are strongly recommended for Nepal. Kathmandu in particular has documented high rates of typhoid, including extensively drug resistant (XDR) typhoid strains. The combination hepatitis A and typhoid injection (ViATIM or Hepatyrix) provides practical dual protection in a single injection and is ideal for travellers to Nepal.
Rabies
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for trekkers in Nepal on a 3 doses schedule (0, 7, 21-28 days) though an accelerated schedule exists. Medical facilities with rabies immunoglobulin are not available in most trekking regions, and dog and monkey bites are documented risks. Without pre-exposure vaccination, a bite in a remote trekking area is a serious medical emergency requiring evacuation. The three dose pre exposure course should be completed before departure.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis risk in Nepal is confined to the Terai lowland region, including Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. Trekkers heading directly to the mountains are at very low risk. However, travellers who plan to spend time in the Terai region on safari or wildlife activities, particularly during or after the monsoon season, should discuss Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
Altitude Sickness: The Non-Vaccine Risk for Trekkers
For trekkers to high altitude destinations in Nepal, altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness, AMS) is the most significant health risk for most itineraries. Above 2,500 metres, reduced atmospheric oxygen can cause symptoms including headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, potentially fatal high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE).
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a prescription medicine used for altitude sickness prevention and is available as part of a travel health consultation at Newdays Pharmacy. The standard dose is 125 mg twice daily, starting one to days before ascending above 2,500 metres. It is a sulphonamide based drug and is not suitable for patients with sulphonamide allergy.
Travel Vaccinations For Nepal: Malaria Risk
Malaria risk in Nepal is confined to the Terai lowland border region with India and is low for most UK trekkers whose itineraries are focused on Kathmandu and the mountain trekking routes. If your itinerary includes the Terai region, malaria tablets may be recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for anyone trekking to Everest Base Camp or other remote areas of Nepal. Dogs and monkeys can be encountered even at higher altitudes, and access to post-exposure treatment may be limited. Having pre-exposure vaccination provides valuable additional protection.
Yes. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is available on prescription following a travel health consultation at Newdays Pharmacy. Our pharmacist will assess whether it is suitable for you and explain when to start taking it, the correct dosage and any possible side effects.
Yes. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat. As a result, typhoid vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers to Nepal, alongside careful food and water hygiene throughout your trip.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |