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🇳🇵 Vaccines for Nepal

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Nepal

Nepal requires no specific travel vaccines, though Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (for Terai lowland areas), and Rabies are all recommended — Rabies particularly given high dog bite risk in both Kathmandu and trekking areas. Malaria risk exists in Terai lowland areas but not in Kathmandu or the mountains, which are the focus of most visitors' itineraries. Altitude sickness is the dominant practical health consideration for trekkers, given that popular routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit) reach elevations where altitude sickness is a genuine risk requiring proper acclimatisation. Healthcare in Kathmandu is adequate for routine needs; trekking routes have very limited medical access, making altitude awareness and evacuation insurance critical.

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
Common questions
What vaccines do I need for trekking in Nepal?
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended generally. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is genuinely worth considering given high dog bite risk on trekking routes where post-bite treatment access is very limited. Japanese Encephalitis is relevant only for Terai lowland areas, not the mountain trekking routes. No malaria risk at trekking altitudes.
Is there malaria in Nepal?
Malaria risk exists in Terai lowland areas of southern Nepal but not in Kathmandu or the mountains where most trekking takes place. If your itinerary includes Terai lowland travel (such as Chitwan National Park), discuss antimalarial medication with a travel clinic.
Do I need altitude sickness medication for Nepal?
This is the most important health consideration for trekkers, more so than any vaccine. Popular routes including Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit reach elevations where altitude sickness is a genuine risk. Proper acclimatisation (gradual ascent, rest days) is the primary prevention; medication like acetazolamide can help and is worth discussing with a travel clinic before a high-altitude trek, alongside understanding the warning signs of altitude sickness and when to descend.
Is Kathmandu safe to eat street food?
Use reasonable caution — Kathmandu's food safety standards are variable, which is part of why Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination is recommended for Nepal generally. Busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked hot food carry lower risk. Many trekkers also eat extensively at teahouses along trekking routes, where food is generally cooked fresh given limited refrigeration at altitude.