What to do before coming to Nepal?

 

Medical Checklist

Even if you are not health conscious, we advise you to consult your doctor and pharmacist for brands and necessary medicines before coming to Nepal. Because the medical facility or treatment you find in your country or even the medication you take may not be available in Nepal. 

You may not find the exact brand of medicine you might be taking for your illness in Nepal. So, we advise you to make a list of medicines and medical equipment necessary for you and discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist. 

You must consult your doctor for medicines you may need during the trek, including Aspirin for preventing pain for fever, flu tablets, multivitamins for longer trips, antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics, particularly when you are traveling off the beaten trail, anti-inflammatories for muscle pain, medicine for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rehydration to prevent dehydration, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, eyes drops, antifungal cream, bandages, band-aids (plasters) and other wound dressings, water purification tablets, scissors, tweezers a thermometer, sterile kits (in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems). 

Similarly, you should be properly vaccinated before you visit Nepal, although there is a rare chance of serious illnesses.

Bring a few passport-size photos and cash (Nepali Rupees) for visa application, which you need at the Tribhuvan International Airport or immigration checkpoints along the Nepali borders. 

Likewise, you might consider bringing the necessary trekking gear. Though you can purchase or rent most items in Kathmandu, they may not be original and durable compared to the equipment you find in your country.

You must bring the essential gear, for instance, footwear, clothing, etc, depending upon the activities you wish to participate in or the season of your travel. The type of gear you have to bring depends largely on your particular trek. 

 

Equipment checklist

Though the type of gear you have to bring depends largely on the trekking season and the trek package, here are some guidelines to help you pack.

 

Clothing

Trekking boots, hat (warm) scarf and gloves, waterproof jacket, umbrella, trousers, running shoes, sandals or flip-flops, shorts, and trousers or skirt, thermal underwear, sunhat, fleece jacket, T-shirts (2 or 3), and a long-sleeved shirt with collar and so forth

 

Equipment

Backpack, sleeping bag and silk liner, water bottle, torch (flashlight), spare batteries, duffle bag

 

Miscellaneous items

Toiletries, quick-drying camp towel, toilet paper, cigarette lighter, sunscreen, polarizing sunglasses, pocket knife, iodine, water-purification tablets, medical and first aid kit, insect repellent, an emergency kit including a whistle and waterproof matches, candle, etc

 

High-altitude areas above 4,000 m

If you are going to trek high-altitude, you better take some more gear such as thermal underwear, woolen hat, gloves, gaiters, down jacket or down vest, etc.

 

Optional equipment

Camera, memory card and battery charger, spare batteries, binoculars, and backpack cover