Nepal is the rooftop of the world, drawing thousands of trekkers, climbers, and spiritual seekers every month. But when you are at 5,000 meters and your chest tightens, the majestic view quickly becomes a medical emergency.
The question every trekker asks is: “If I get High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) in the Himalayas, can the local hospitals actually save me?”
In 2026, the answer is a resounding yes. Kathmandu has evolved into a global center for Travel Medicine. Because of the massive tourism industry, private hospitals in Nepal are uniquely specialized in high-altitude pathology and tropical diseases.
Did you know that CIWEC Hospital in Kathmandu is one of the few hospitals in the world that publishes global research on altitude sickness based on their patient data? Or that Nepal Mediciti, a massive super-specialty facility, now offers helipad-to-ICU transfers that rival European standards?
Whether you are navigating the chaotic streets of Thamel or the trails of Annapurna, you need a plan. This guide provides a transparent, data-backed look at Hospitals in Nepal, the truth about helicopter rescues, and where to find the best care.
The “Tourist vs. Local” Healthcare Divide
Nepal’s healthcare system is divided into two distinct worlds. Knowing which one to enter is critical.
- The “Tourist/Expat” Bubble (Private):
- The Reality: Hospitals like CIWEC, Grande, and Mediciti.
- The Standard: These are designed for foreigners. They accept direct billing from international insurance (a huge plus), the staff speaks perfect English, and the hygiene is Western-standard.
- The Cost: Expensive ($100+ for a consultation), but usually covered by travel insurance.
- The Public Sector (Government):
- The Reality: Hospitals like Bir Hospital or Teaching Hospital (TUTH).
- The Standard: These are where the country’s top professors work, so the medical knowledge is elite. However, they are severely overcrowded, chaotic, and lack privacy.
- The Rule: Great for low-cost care if you have a local guide to help you navigate, but generally overwhelming for a sick tourist.
Top Hospitals in Nepal: A Closer Look
Based on facility audits and trekker feedback from our Hospitals in Nepal category, here are the facilities you need to know.
1. CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center
- Location: Kathmandu (Lainchaur) & Pokhara
- Best For: Altitude Sickness, Traveler’s Diarrhea, Tropical Disease.
- The Scoop: The most famous hospital for tourists in Asia. Founded in 1982, CIWEC is the first stop for almost every sick trekker. They specialize in “Western” diseases and stomach bugs. Their expertise in treating Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is world-leading. If you have a stomach bug or AMS, go here.
2. Nepal Mediciti
- Location: Lalitpur (Kathmandu Valley)
- Best For: Trauma, Neuro-surgery, Cardiac Care.
- The Scoop: The giant of the private sector. Mediciti is a massive, modern facility aiming for (and achieving) NABH accreditation. It feels like a hospital in India or Thailand. It has a dedicated helipad for evacuations and deals with the most complex surgical cases.
3. Grande International Hospital
- Location: Kathmandu (Tokha)
- Best For: Orthopedics, Heli-Rescue, General Surgery.
- The Scoop: Popular with climbers and expats. Grande has a reputation for excellent orthopedic surgery (fixing broken bones from climbing accidents). Its rooftop helipad is constantly busy during trekking season, receiving patients directly from the mountains.
4. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH)
- Location: Kathmandu (Maharajgunj)
- Best For: Complex Medical Mysteries, Low-Cost Surgery.
- The Scoop: The academic heart of Nepal. If you have a rare condition that private doctors can’t figure out, the professors here will. It is the best public hospital, but be prepared for long queues and a lack of creature comforts.
Comparison: Top 10 Hospitals & Clinics
Nepal has distinct hubs: Kathmandu (the capital) and Pokhara (the gateway to Annapurna).
| Hospital Name | Type | Location | Best For… | Approx. Status |
| CIWEC Hospital | Private | Kathmandu | Travel Medicine / AMS | Top Tier (Tourist) |
| Nepal Mediciti | Private | Lalitpur | Trauma / Neuro | Super Specialty |
| Grande International | Private | Kathmandu | Orthopedics / Rescue | High End |
| Norvic International | Private | Kathmandu | Cardiology | Elite / Central |
| HAMS Hospital | Private | Kathmandu | Advanced Surgery | Modern |
| Manipal Teaching | Private | Pokhara | Annapurna Rescue | Regional Hub |
| TUTH (Teaching) | Public | Kathmandu | Complex Diagnosis | Academic |
| Patan Hospital | Semi-Gov | Lalitpur | General / Mission Roots | Trusted/Clean |
| Swacon International | Private | Kathmandu | Expat GP Care | Clinic |
| Bir Hospital | Public | Kathmandu | Trauma / Burn Unit | Gov Referral |
Real Stories: The Helicopter Rescue
The “Heli-Evac” is a staple of Nepali adventure. Meet Liam, a trekker from the UK who shared his story on our forum.
“I was at Gorakshep (5,164m) when I started coughing up pink froth. Classic HAPE. My guide called for a rescue. The helicopter picked me up within 2 hours and flew me straight to the roof of Grande Hospital in Kathmandu. The medical team was waiting on the helipad. By the next morning, I was stable in a private room with a view of the city. My insurance bill was $6,000, but it saved my life.”
Have you been rescued from the mountains? Share your story (and which insurance you used!) on the MyHospitalNow Forum.
5 Critical Tips for Patients in Nepal
- Insurance is Everything: Do not trek without insurance that covers Helicopter Rescue up to 6,000m. Many standard policies cap at 3,000m. A cash rescue costs $3,000–$10,000 USD upfront.
- The “Khumbu Cough”: Not every cough is pneumonia. The dry air causes the “Khumbu Cough.” However, if you are breathless at rest, descend immediately. Hospitals like CIWEC can differentiate between a cough and HAPE quickly.
- Water Warning: Never drink tap water, even in 5-star hotels. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. In the mountains, use purification tablets and filters. Dysentery is the #1 reason tourists end up in the hospital.
- Pharmacy Access: Pharmacies are everywhere in Kathmandu (Thamel). You can buy antibiotics (Cipro/Azithromycin) and Diamox (for altitude) easily. However, check the expiration dates and brands.
- Pokhara Precautions: If you are trekking Annapurna, Manipal Teaching Hospital or the CIWEC Pokhara branch are your hubs. Do not try to rush back to Kathmandu if you are critically ill; treat in Pokhara first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in Nepal?
No. It is a pay-for-service model. Public hospitals are very cheap, but private tourist hospitals charge international rates.
2. Do doctors speak English?
Yes. Excellent English. Medical education in Nepal is conducted in English, and many doctors have trained in the US, UK, or India.
3. What is the emergency number?
102 is for Ambulance, 100 for Police. However, private hospitals have their own direct emergency lines which are faster. Save them.
4. Can I use my credit card?
Yes. Major hospitals (CIWEC, Mediciti, Grande) accept Visa/Mastercard. They may charge a 3-4% processing fee.
5. Is dental care good?
Yes. Kathmandu has a booming dental tourism sector. Cleaning and fillings are 80% cheaper than in the West and high quality.
6. What about vaccines?
You can get Rabies, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines at CIWEC or Teku Hospital (Infectious Disease Hospital).
7. Is there Malaria in Nepal?
In the mountains (Kathmandu/Everest/Annapurna)? No. In the southern jungle (Chitwan/Lumbini)? Yes, there is a low risk in summer.
8. How do I pay for a helicopter?
If you have insurance, the trekking agency coordinates with the insurance company for a “Guarantee of Payment.” If not, you must provide a credit card hold before the pilot takes off.
9. Are medicines fake?
Counterfeit meds exist. Buy from hospital pharmacies or large chain pharmacies in Thamel/Lazimpat, not hole-in-the-wall shops.
10. What is “Teku Hospital”?
The Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (Teku). It is the government center for Dog Bites (Rabies), Snake Bites, and HIV.
Final Thoughts: Adventure Smart
Nepal is a place where nature rules, but the medical safety net is surprisingly strong. The key is to treat the environment with respect and ensure your paperwork (insurance) is in order before you step on the trail.
Whether you need a blister fixed at CIWEC or a major surgery at Mediciti, the care is there.
Don’t trek into the unknown alone. Join our community of climbers and travelers. Ask for insurance recommendations or doctor reviews at the MyHospitalNow Forum.