Health & Medical

General Insurance and Safety

Nepal is a considered a developing country, and it's state owned medical services are not up to international standards. For this reason a few foreign run clinics have opened in Kathmandu to address any health problem arising while visiting Nepal. In case of an emergency while trekking, helicopter services can be prearranged from Kathmandu for professional assistance. A specialized clinic is also located near Mt. Everest for obvious reasons. All these foreigner oriented health services carry European costs, so a travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
For common alignments, there are alternative remedies based on local herbs. These are known as Ayurvedic treatments, and have been in use in this part of Asia for centuries

Vaccinations

While traveling in Nepal, you are strongly advised to have the following vaccinations up to date: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Some other vaccinations are also recommended for long term travelers and foreign workers: Hepatitis B (Blood transmitted disease), Meningococcal Meningitis, Japanese B Encephalitis and Rabies Encephalitis. Please consult your doctor for more information concerning these vaccinations.

Malaria prophylaxis is needed in the Terai region (south-east, bordering India) during the summer season. Lariam is known for it's adequate prevention , and also for it's many side effects. Combination of other drugs are usually used. Of course, the best prevention is just not letting mosquitoes bite you!

Altitude Sickness and Diarrhea

The symptoms that appear when your body is not acclimatizing correctly to the lack of oxygen at high altitudes is commonly denominated altitude sickness. These symptoms include: Headache, loss of appetite, lethargy or fatigue, slow to walk or being the last one in a group, lack of sleep and dizziness. These symptoms usually can appear above 3000m of altitude, and can lead to more severe symptoms and eventually death if not treated accordingly by descending to a lower altitude. People who don't overexert themselves while going up will not have a problem.

Safety Precautions

Security Watch your gear carefully in lodges and on the trail. Don't be showy with expensive items, and always lock your room or baggage.
Trekking Never trek alone. This is a general trekking advise all over the world. Trekking with guides provides the best security of all.
Eating and Drinking Do not eat unpeeled fruits or vegetables that have not been soaked in iodine. While trekking, fried rice/noodles can be made from rice/noodles cooked days before, and thus lead to food poisoning. Only drink purified water, by boiling or iodine. And wash your hands before eating.