Travel Vaccines and Advice for Nepal
Nepal is known for its mountains. It contains eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Nepal also has the distinction of being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is a land of breathtaking views, rich culture, and deep history.
Some of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal are the medieval cities. Here, visitors can join Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet for a trek around places of worship that dot the Himalayas.
Nepal is also home to dense jungles, which can be traversed on the back of elephants. Beneath the thick layers of undergrowth; rhinos, tigers, and other creatures roam uninhibited.
Do I Need Vaccines for Nepal?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Nepal. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nepal: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found in southern lowlands, is also in Kathmandu valley. Most common June to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Proof of polio vaccination is required. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Proof of polio vaccination is required. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Nepal |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Found in southern lowlands, is also in Kathmandu valley. Most common June to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Proof of polio vaccination is required. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Nepal |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria, are a concern in certain parts of Nepal. The disease is present in areas of the country with altitudes less than 2,000 metres. Speak with a travel health specialist about antimalarials and your itinerary.
Nepal’s healthcare system is considered poor by international standards. Thousands of Nepalese die every year from communicable disease. Be sure to bring your own medical supplies, and be cautious when travelling in high risk areas.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Nepal
“Hiking trip to Nepal and needed a number of vaccines . I was very impressed with the 2 nurse clinicians who treated me: they were knowledgeable, honest, professional and personable. I left the clinic confident that I was well-prepared (at least on the health side!) for my Nepalese Adventure.”
“It was my first time visiting Passport Health Clinic and the nurse was amazing. She gave me great advice, a completely painless vaccination (she’s gifted), and went above and beyond by giving me a contact point in Nepal!”
“I’ve never been to a travel clinic for travel vaccinations before and this has been a great experience. Doctors were knowledgeable and helpful and reviewed my medical history before I arrived and explained what vaccinations we would require and even pointed out a vaccination that I would not ever be able to have for Nepal.”
“Overall it was a great experience. The nurse was very helpful and knowledgeable. She made my visit as comfortable as possible and the needle she gave me did not hurt. Excellent service.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Nepal?
The Kingdom of Nepal requires all visitors have a visa. These visas are usually obtained upon arrival at the airport. Canadians are able to purchase a visa which allows them to stay up to 15, 30, or 90 days. These visas range from $25 to $100 U.S. dollars.
Nepal Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Nepal? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Nepal and Canadian Travel and Tourism
A tourist visa can be purchased on arrival, but it is best to obtain your visa before leaving for your trip. This will help you avoid many potential problems as you enter Nepal.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Nepal?
Nepal has four distinct seasons throughout the year. Its weather is affected by maritime and continental forces.
March to May is spring, with temperatures averaging at about 22 degrees.
From June to August is the monsoon season. This time has heavy rains and temperatures that can reach 32 degrees on very hot days.
From September to November, the weather is cool and the skies are cloudless. Because of the heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, this time is usually in bloom and quite a sight to see. Temperatures can go as high as 27 degrees, although it cools off at night.
From December to February, temperatures can drop below zero degrees at night, and mountaintops are covered in snow.
How Safe is Nepal?
The locals in Nepal are known for being very friendly and helpful towards travellers. The crime rate is low. But, keep an eye on your belongings and be on the lookout for pickpockets and other petty thieves.
It is generally fine to walk around at night. Exercise caution when doing so, especially in urban areas.
Refrain from hiking by yourself. There has been a history of solo hikers disappearing or being found murdered, especially in Langtang.
It is best to avoid public transportation when travelling through the mountains. Buses and trains in Nepal are notoriously dangerous. Avoid air travel within the country too, especially from Lukia, which is the most dangerous airport in the world.
Stay away from large public gatherings of political protest.
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking is by far one of Nepal’s most popular attractions bringing over 100,000 people each year. If you are new to trekking or not very experienced stick to what is known as “Tea House Trekking.”
Trekkers using this method take advantage of tea houses along well-traveled paths. These houses are lodges that offer showers, beer, and food. Utilizing these places means less to carry on your back, as you will not need a tent or other supplies.
If you are planning on staying in Nepal for at least a month, be sure to check out the Annapurna circuit. The circuit is a 2-3 week trek around the Annapurna mountains. During the trek you explore many famous Nepalese regions.
What Should I Take To Nepal?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Nepal:
- Medical Supplies – be sure to bring medical supplies with you, especially anti-diarrheal and anti-dehydration medicines.
- Light Clothing – bring breathable clothing that you would be comfortable trekking in.
- Boots – essential for trekking the mountain terrain.
- Winter Clothing – if you are planning on travelling to Nepal during the winter and exploring the higher altitudes.
Pack light, as more likely than not, you will be mostly on the move during your time in Nepal.
Canadian Embassy in Nepal
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Czechia, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Canadian Consulate Kathmandu
47 Lal Darbar Marg,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone: +977 1 444 1976
Be sure to visit the embassy’s website before departure to ensure you have the correct contact details.
If you have any questions about travelling to Nepal or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Nepal?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Nepal?
What is the Climate Like in Nepal?
How Safe is Nepal?
Trekking in Nepal
What Should I Take To Nepal?
Canadian Embassy in Nepal
