Nepal Safety

[valerie630]

Hi,

I am planning to travel to Nepal from mid Oct - mid Dec. I am a female travelling alone. I am planning to do some volunteer work as well as a trek while I'm there. Does anyone know the current situation in Nepal (political, etc.) and can advise on whether it is safe to go at this time?

Thanks!

[Lars]

I am planning to travel to Nepal from mid Oct - mid Dec.
Does anyone know the current situation in Nepal (political, etc.)
and can advise on whether it is safe to go at this time?

At that time of year there are many thousand foreign tourists in Nepal.
Should it happen to be seriously "unsafe" there you can expect to read about
on the front page of any decent western newspaper.

And don't forget to check this site! I believe bad news arrives here pretty soon.

[James]

Concerning travel in Kathmandu, aside from the usual concerns for traveling anywhere alone, male or female, there are no new security concerns. While Nepal always seems to be subject to some cloud of concern, the fact is that Tourists have been as safe there as they would be in most western countries. Aside from avoiding demonstrations (should you come across one) the biggest risk is ground transportation. The roads, vehicles and drivers have much room for improvement. So follow the usual advice: be aware of your surrounding, don't travel alone at night and lock your door.

Concerning trekking, it is never a good idea to trek alone. Walk with other trekkers or hire a guide, or a porter, recommended by a trekker, a hotel or an agency. The trails in Nepal, particularly in the popular trekking areas, are better then many of the roads, but given their remoteness, potential sickness and sharing the trails with yak trains, it is best not to trek alone.

Enjoy your trek.

[Sharon]

I have travelled alone in Nepal several times starting in October 2001. I have been out trekking in non toursit areas and run into maoists before they became part of the government.
I have felt very safe compared to other countries such as Thailand or some areas in the US. Common sense of course, being aware of your surroundings, don't flash money or gear. If I want to go outside of the main city I go with a nepali friend. Trekking definitely go witrh someone as the most innocent of accidents can be deadly. A simple slip off the trail and a broken bone when no one knows where you should be.
Enjoy the people and country.

[julia]

I have travelled alone in Nepal several times starting in October 2001. I have been out trekking in non toursit areas and run into maoists before they became part of the government.
I have felt very safe compared to other countries such as Thailand or some areas in the US. Common sense of course, being aware of your surroundings, don't flash money or gear. If I want to go outside of the main city I go with a nepali friend. Trekking definitely go witrh someone as the most innocent of accidents can be deadly. A simple slip off the trail and a broken bone when no one knows where you should be.
Enjoy the people and country.


I agree with Sharon.

I had a bad slip on one of the mountain paths, luckily I was only bruised, so yes, accidents do happen, have a companion with you on your trek.

[Oli]

All very good advice above

Should it happen to be seriously "unsafe" there you can expect to read about on the front page of any decent western newspaper.


I was in Kathmandu for Jana Andolan-II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_democracy_movement_in_Nepal), it was on BBC & CNN news every day for a fortnight. My holiday was somewhat curtailed but I did not feel "unsafe".