Michael
30th October 2002, 08:46 AM
Hello, I am currently in Kathmandu, flying to Lukla tomorrow to begin EBC trail. My friend just returned from EBC yesterday. She trekked alone had a wonderful time. We had done the circuit together a few weeks ago. No problems with Maoists on the trail. I have been hearing rumors of trail extortions by so called Maoists. I will still take my chances. There is a huge army presence on the trails, at least there was on the circuit. Right now the Maoists have a climbing expedition trapped on Everest and are demanding ransom to let them back down the trail. Read todays headlines on trekinfo. webpage. I doubt they will want to try and ransome some lone trekker like me. You do the summit and you are telling the entire trail population you have big $ in your bank account. The crowds of past years are gone. It is not a race to find a room towards evening. Service is better and the hillfolk are so glad to have you stay with them so they can make a few rupees. Come and trek, be aware the Maoist situation is real, but you stand a better chance of violence against you in your own country than here in Nepal. Happy trekking