Visa Information / Entry requirements to Nepal

Tourism Health Information – Nepal

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

There is no central public ambulance service. Some private providers operate in the main cities. In an emergency, call the nearest hospital. FCDO has a list of some of the hospitals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Nepal
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Nepal, including:

• dengue
• air pollution

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Nepal, particularly in tourist and trekking areas. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Nepal

Medical treatment is expensive at western travellers’ clinics in Nepal. Healthcare is poor in most places outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. It may be difficult to get rapid helicopter evacuation if you fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, repatriation and evacuation by helicopter. This usually costs between £1,000 and £2,000 or more per flying hour.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Kathmandu and Pokhara where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Nepal.

Weather & When To Go To Nepal

Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on the activities you’re planning to do:

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to visit Nepal. The weather is warm, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 23°C in the lowlands and cooler in the higher regions. The skies are generally clear, making it ideal for trekking. During this time, the rhododendron forests bloom, adding beautiful colors to the landscapes.
• Summer/Monsoon (June to August): The summer season coincides with the monsoon, bringing heavy rain, especially in the lower regions. It can be hot and humid with temperatures around 23°C to 30°C. While trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp are still accessible, other trails may be slippery and muddy due to rain, and there could be landslides in some areas. However, this is a good time for visiting rain-shadow areas like Mustang and Upper Dolpo, where the monsoon is less intense.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the best time to visit Nepal, particularly for trekking. The weather is mild and stable, with clear skies and stunning mountain views. Temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Popular trekking routes like Annapurna and Everest are at their peak during this season due to ideal weather conditions.
• Winter (December to February): Winter brings colder temperatures, especially in the higher altitudes, where it can drop to -10°C or lower. However, in lower regions like Kathmandu and Pokhara, daytime temperatures remain around 10°C to 15°C. This season is less crowded, and trekking is possible in the lower altitudes, though higher altitude routes may be too cold or snow-covered.

Best Time to Visit Nepal:

• Autumn (September to November) is the prime season for visiting Nepal due to clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
• Spring (March to May) is another great time, especially for those who enjoy blooming flowers and milder weather conditions.