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🇳🇵 Vaccines for Nepal

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Nepal

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are essential. Malaria risk in lowland terai areas below 1200m — not a concern for Kathmandu or trekking at altitude. Japanese Encephalitis worth considering for lowland travel during monsoon. Rabies risk is real. Altitude sickness is the most common health issue for trekkers heading to higher elevations.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination — very common risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Highly endemic — contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in Terai (lowland) areas, especially monsoon season.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 7 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 2nd dose (28 days after the 1st).
🛡 Protects for: Booster after 1 year if ongoing exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
High rabies risk — dog bites common in cities and trekking areas.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (Terai/lowland areas — not in Kathmandu or mountains)
  • ⚠Japanese Encephalitis (Terai)
  • ⚠Altitude sickness (trekking)
  • ⚠Rabies
  • ⚠Dengue
Notes: No malaria risk in Kathmandu or mountains. Malaria prophylaxis for Terai lowlands. Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination strongly recommended for trekkers.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€786
(~$856)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses)€264 ($288)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
IndiaSri LankaBangladeshPakistan
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Rabies is 3 doses over 5 weeks and is particularly important for Nepal given the stray dog population on trekking routes. Japanese Encephalitis is worth discussing for lowland travel. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done closer to departure.

Common questions
What vaccines do I need for trekking in Nepal?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are the main recommended vaccines for Nepal trekking. Rabies is particularly important — stray dogs are common on trekking routes and post-exposure treatment in remote areas is unreliable. Routine vaccines including Tetanus should be up to date. Altitude sickness prevention (not a vaccine) should also be discussed with your doctor.
Is there malaria in Nepal?
Malaria risk in Nepal exists in lowland terai areas below 1200m, particularly in the far west and along the Indian border. There is no malaria risk in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or at trekking altitudes. The Everest and Annapurna regions are malaria-free.
Do I need altitude sickness medication for Nepal?
Altitude sickness is the most common health issue for trekkers in Nepal. Acclimatisation — ascending slowly and allowing rest days — is the primary prevention. Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription medication that can help prevent symptoms and should be discussed with your doctor before departure. It is not a vaccine.
Is Kathmandu safe to eat street food?
Exercise caution. Kathmandu has a wide range of restaurants and food hygiene varies considerably. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination is strongly recommended. Stick to freshly cooked hot food, avoid raw salads, and use bottled or purified water.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.