General Health Information

Always avoid drinking tap water directly. Do not also drink fountain drinks and ice cubes. Always drink bottled, boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.

There have been cases of many fake bottled waters being sold in Nepal. They don't stand up to the standards. When you buy bottled water from stores, make sure the seal of the bottle isn't tampered with.

Do not eat hot or very spicy food. They can create stomach upset. Stay away from salads also as leaves not cleaned properly can contain tiny bugs unseen to eyes. Eat from good, clean restaurants and don't try your luck with roadside vendors.

Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area.

If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water, use hats, sunglasses & UV lotions. Beware of the health effects that the mid-day sun may cause, most importantly SUN BURN or DEHYDRATION.

If you need doctor, ask your host family, hotel or our country coordinator. You'll find plenty of helping hand. Most of the towns and villages in Nepal have pharmacies and chemists, if you want to purchase any medical supplies. The medication and the fees for the doctors are usually low.

Bring drugs you require with you. Although you can find most modern medicines in the drugstores of Nepal, they can be named differently and come with different level of dosage. Carry a health kit and include medications for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.

  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Stay safe outdoors
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Know how to get medical care while traveling
  • Select safe transportation
  • Maintain personal security

Health Travel Packing List

  • Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
  • Diabetes testing supplies
  • Insulin
  • Inhalers
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
  • Medical alert bracelet or necklace
  • Contact lenses 
  • Glasses - Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged: - Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
  • Altitude sickness medicine
  • Antihistamine
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Cough drops
  • Cough suppression/expectorant
  • Decongestant
  • Medicine for pain and fever 
  • Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
  • Mild laxative
  • Mild sedative or other sleep aid
  • Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

  • Hand sanitizer or wipes, Water purification tablets, Insect repellent, Permethrin, Sunscreen, Sunglasses and hat, Earplugs, Latex condoms

First-aid kit

  • 1% hydrocortisone cream, 
  • Antifungal ointments
  • Antibacterial ointments
  • Antiseptic wound cleanser
  • Aloe gel For sunburns
  • Insect bite treatment: - Anti-itch gel or cream
  • Bandages: - Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
  • Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
  • Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
  • Disposable gloves
  • Digital thermometer
  • Scissors and safety pins
  • Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
  • Tweezers
  • Eye drops
  • Oral rehydration salts

You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.