Mustang and Dolpa

[Eric]

The safety section of this site and embassy advisories recommend sticking to the Annapurna and Everest regions.

How dangerous are Mustang and Dolpa regions?

[poon]

If you like to have any information abot trekking you please write on this address.poonhill2002@hotmail.com

[Jwalant Gurung]

Eric,

Treks to Mustang are very very safe. Maoist activity has not been reported in that area. About two years ago, there was a bloody Maoist attack in the district headquarters of Dolpo. However, several months after the attack, I accompanied 12 Americans for a month long trek beginning in Jomsom and ending at Juphal. We did not meet a single Maoist. The landscape of the places we visited is so rugged that ..... Even if you do meet Maoists, they ask for "donation" and let you go. The "donation" varies. Also, you must have heard of the cease-fire between the Maoists and the Government. If the cease fire sticks (which we desperately hope it will) it MAY mean that you have no problem trekking anywhere in Nepal.

Anyway, before you plan treks to these areas, pls. note these are restricted areas which require a permit (USD 700 per person for 10 days) and accompaniment by a govt. appointed liaison officer (not for Dolpo). Hence these are relatively expensive trips.

As honest as I may have been, the above are my opinion as a Nepali who wants as many foreigners to visit Nepal. You may also want to consider the opinion of other foreigners.

J Gurung