General Info

Health Guide

Health care services in Kathmandu Valley are sound. All kinds of medicines, including those imported from overseas are available in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley also offers the services of major general hospitals and private clinics. Health posts have been set up by the Government in different parts of rural Nepal. For major health crisis or emergency, one may have to be evacuated to Kathmandu.

Medical Kit:

A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended: Aspirin of Panadol, for pain or fever; Antihistamine, as a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness; Antibiotics, useful if traveling off beaten track but they must be prescribed; Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil, for upset stomach; Rehydration mixture – for treatment of severe diarrhea; Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar dry spray- for cuts and grazes.
Other things to be included are: Calamine lotion to ease irritation from bites or stings; bandages and band aids for minor injuries; scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect repellent, sun block lotions, chopsticks, water purification tablets, throat lozenges, moleskin, Sulamyd 10 percent eye drops, paracetamol and antacid tablets.
High Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from you travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects

There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.

1. Normal AMS Symptoms – Should expect but not worry.

Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
Periods of sleeplessness.
Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
Occasional loss of appetite.
Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
Periodic breathing.
The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
Runny nose.
Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
Dizziness.

2. Mild AMS Symptoms – NEVER GO HIGHER

Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
Mild headache.
Nausea
Dizziness.
Weakness.
Sleeplessness.
Dry Raspy cough.
Fatigue/Tired.
Loss of apatite.
Runny nose.
Hard to breath.

What to do if a mild symptom doesn’t go way?

If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You’re here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.

3. Serious AMS Symptoms – IMMEDIATE DESCENT

Persistent, severe headache.
Persistent vomiting.
Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
Mental confusion or hallucinations.
Liquid sounds in the lungs.
Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
Difficulty breathing.
Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
Severe lethargy/fatigue.
Marked blueness of face and lips.
High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast.
No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
Climb high and sleep low.
Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Never leave or descent sick person along.
Avoid getting cold.
Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if it’s longer.

First Aid Kit

This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
Bandage for sprains
Plasters/Band-aids
Iodine or water filter (optional)
Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
Antiseptic ointment for cuts
Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
Aspirin/Paracetamol – general painkiller
Oral rehydration salts
Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional)
Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
Gel hand cleaner.

Air Connection

International Connection:

Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/ from Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Doha and Hong Kong. Other International airlines operating from and to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air Asia (Kuala Lumpur), Air China (Lhasa, Chengdu), Arke Fly (Amsterdam), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh (Dhaka), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Fly Dubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi), Indigo Airlines (Delhi), Jet Airways (Delhi, Mumbai), Jet Lite (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), RAK Air (Ras al- Khaimah), Silk Air (Singapore), Spice jet (Delhi), Thai Airways (Bangkok)and United Airways (Dhaka).

Domestic Connection:

Nepal Airlines has an extensive network of air services to major parts of the country. Besides Nepal Airlines, other domestic airlines (there are more than 18 in operation) provide regular and charter services to popular domestic destinations. Many domestic airlines operate early morning, one-hour Mountain flights round the year.