Health

On account of a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there arise some changes in your health. Diarrhea is a common ailment that a tourist would be facing as s/he would be eating in different outlets and drinking water in different places that they visit. Thus, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Also, a tourist would be continuously traveling to many places and although not for trekking or mountaineering, but would certainly be walking a lot for sight-seeing tours or just strolling around for shopping. Hence, it is very necessary to stay hydrated. If any problem should arise during the trip, the group leader should be informed or if traveling alone, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a health center. Being fit before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

There is no need to present inoculation/immunization certificates to enter Nepal for any legal purpose. However, vaccination for diseases such as Malaria (widely found in lowerlands of Nepal – Tarai), Small Pox, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Hepatitis and Polio are recommended before you commence your travel to Nepal to be on the safe side. It is advisable to consult your doctor before commencing your travel and also to carry necessary health certificates (immunization certificates), should they be required in any case.

Staying fit during your trip – in all cases
It is always recommended to undergo a thorough check up, if you are going for a demanding tour such as trekking or mountaineering and in case you have any doubt about your health or fitness. Following are the major precautions to be taken so as to stay fit during your entire journey.

a.) Water
As mentioned earlier, continuous travel in tropical climates causes physical exertion which dehydrates your body and makes you feeble as well as more prone to disease. Thus, it is very important to drink lots of water. Remember – drink only purified water, as impure water itself could cause illness. Always keep a bottle of purified drinking water with you while traveling or out on a sightseeing tour. Drinking water from general taps is not recommended as the water is not purified. And even during treks, always drink bottled-water or boiled/purified water (purified with iodine tablets, iodine crystals or iodine solutions). However, any allergies that could be caused due to purifying tablets or solutions should be checked in advance. It is advisable not to use water filters as they may carry viruses.
 

b.) Food
There might be restaurants, which may not be able to present the exact recipe with the right ingredients. This may dissatisfy you sometimes or sometimes your stomach could get upset. In this case, it is advisable to avoid foods that you are not used to or in case you fall sick due to an upset stomach, please contact a health consultant. Always eat in a clean restaurant that prepares good food. To be on the safe side while traveling, it is important to eat hot and thoroughly cooked food. Avoid eating salads, raw meat, and half-cooked food. Stay away from street vendor’s food.
 

c.) Hygiene
Wash your hands regularly to avoid contamination during your travels in polluted areas and it is recommended you wear a mask. Do not share water bottles or food with others.
 

d. Sun and Heat Exposure
You will be out in the sun most of the time, especially while trekking, mountaineering and even while on your rafting trip. Thus, use of sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, hats and lip balm is recommended to protect you from too much exposure to sunlight. It is also necessary to stay well hydrated.
 

Getting into shape
It is advisable to undergo jogging, normal or simple hiking and climbing activities, yoga and stretching exercises or aerobics before commencing your trek or mountaineering trip. Yoga or jogging will also keep you fit for a normal day of walking for shopping or any sightseeing tours. A small exercise done before your trip will help you to stay fit and save you from physical exertion.