Visiting Dharmsala
FAQ - HEALTH & SAFETY
Is medical care available in the area?
Yes. We’d like to reassure you that medical care is available here in Dharamsala and is
extremely inexpensive by Western standards. Delek Hopstial and Clinic offers Western
medicine administered by Tibetan doctors (and by volunteer Western doctors when
available). The hospital has a laboratory which can do stool and blood tests, a pharmacy, an
eye clinic, a dental clinic, an in-patient ward, and even a delivery room! While having surgery
here in Dharamsala is not generally recommended, there are good surgical facilities
available in Chandigarh and Delhi. A well-equipped and sanitary dentist (recommended by
several of our staff) is also nearby. There are also local doctors and pharmacies offering
Tibetan, Auyrvedic, and Homeopathic medicine.
Basic first aid supplies and medications such painkillers, oral rehydration salts, plasters
(band-aids) and antibiotics are readily available at local pharmacies. If you take prescription
medicines, we suggest that you bring enough to last through your trip (in the original bottles
and with a copy of your prescription to avoid customs/police problems). If you are planning a
long trip to Asia, you might want to consider bringing multi-vitamin supplements with you, as
maintaining proper nutrition on the road can be quite challenging. If you wear glasses, you
may want to bring an extra pair or at least carry your prescription with you as replacements
can be made very cheaply in India.
What travel immunisations/medications do I need for India?
First-time travellers to India often have many questions about health issues.
Unfortunately we are not in a position to make personal recommendations about
your medical care. Please consult the following resources for advice:
On a more personal note: I, Arthur Collins, have not taken any medicine and
have been traveling and living in India now. I am careful where I eat, and with
what I eat and drink. Do be extra careful in Delhi or you may get Delhi Belly.
I normally only eat in the local areas with fresh well water and local food. You
should use caution.
Your local travel health clinic
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.
gov/travel/indianrg.htm) has the latest information on travel vaccinations,
disease outbreaks, and general travel health advice for South Asia.
The health section of your travel guidebook or a travel health guidebook (Lonely
Planet publishes a small, inexpensive one).
Is it safe to travel in India, especially alone?
Personal safety is a common concern for travellers. Our general advice is this:
be careful and apply the same common sense in India that you would use at
home. Also, watch your bags, secure your room when going out and always
carry your passport and valuables in a money belt ON your body and INSIDE
your clothing. Be especially watchful in airports, train stations and on public
transport. But also relax and enjoy! The vast majority of travellers have no safety
problems while travelling in India. For more information on personal safety,
please see the safety section of your travel guidebook (e.g. Lonely Planet) and
talk to other travellers about their experiences and for advice.
Many Blessings and happy travels!
Is medical care available in the area?
Yes. We’d like to reassure you that medical care is available here in Dharamsala and is
extremely inexpensive by Western standards. Delek Hopstial and Clinic offers Western
medicine administered by Tibetan doctors (and by volunteer Western doctors when
available). The hospital has a laboratory which can do stool and blood tests, a pharmacy, an
eye clinic, a dental clinic, an in-patient ward, and even a delivery room! While having surgery
here in Dharamsala is not generally recommended, there are good surgical facilities
available in Chandigarh and Delhi. A well-equipped and sanitary dentist (recommended by
several of our staff) is also nearby. There are also local doctors and pharmacies offering
Tibetan, Auyrvedic, and Homeopathic medicine.
Basic first aid supplies and medications such painkillers, oral rehydration salts, plasters
(band-aids) and antibiotics are readily available at local pharmacies. If you take prescription
medicines, we suggest that you bring enough to last through your trip (in the original bottles
and with a copy of your prescription to avoid customs/police problems). If you are planning a
long trip to Asia, you might want to consider bringing multi-vitamin supplements with you, as
maintaining proper nutrition on the road can be quite challenging. If you wear glasses, you
may want to bring an extra pair or at least carry your prescription with you as replacements
can be made very cheaply in India.
What travel immunisations/medications do I need for India?
First-time travellers to India often have many questions about health issues.
Unfortunately we are not in a position to make personal recommendations about
your medical care. Please consult the following resources for advice:
On a more personal note: I, Arthur Collins, have not taken any medicine and
have been traveling and living in India now. I am careful where I eat, and with
what I eat and drink. Do be extra careful in Delhi or you may get Delhi Belly.
I normally only eat in the local areas with fresh well water and local food. You
should use caution.
Your local travel health clinic
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.
gov/travel/indianrg.htm) has the latest information on travel vaccinations,
disease outbreaks, and general travel health advice for South Asia.
The health section of your travel guidebook or a travel health guidebook (Lonely
Planet publishes a small, inexpensive one).
Is it safe to travel in India, especially alone?
Personal safety is a common concern for travellers. Our general advice is this:
be careful and apply the same common sense in India that you would use at
home. Also, watch your bags, secure your room when going out and always
carry your passport and valuables in a money belt ON your body and INSIDE
your clothing. Be especially watchful in airports, train stations and on public
transport. But also relax and enjoy! The vast majority of travellers have no safety
problems while travelling in India. For more information on personal safety,
please see the safety section of your travel guidebook (e.g. Lonely Planet) and
talk to other travellers about their experiences and for advice.
Many Blessings and happy travels!
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