Is it safe to go trekking now?

[jeff]

My wife and I are thinking about visiting Nepal in June, but are worried about the Maoist activity. For those who have trekked recently, we would be interested in how safe you felt while doing your treks as well as the rest of your visit to Nepal.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Jeff]

Thank you for the response! Please let me know how your trip goes. My wife was in Nepal two weeks ago, and two bombs went off in Katmandu while she was there. We are interested to learn about how things are outside of the city.

[yakshaver]

Yes I know about the bombs. I was there two and a bit years ago when they had bombs going off in Patan, as well as a full on riot as Nepalis took offence at some supposedly disparaging comments made by some b grade indian actor about Nepal.
However the bombs seem to be directed at government buildings and once a brothel (so be patient until you reach Bangkok...).
And they have luckily not killed anyone.
I will definitely post on this forum about how the trip is going.

[Morrissey]

I said no foreign trekkers have been targeted, not that none have been hurt. As long as you cooperate with Maoists and avoid potentially problematic areas, there is no immediate threat to foreign trekkers.

[Lars]

Morrisey says:
> there is no immediate threat to foreign trekkers.

Not yet, I agree, but I too think it well turn very dangerous
sooner or later.

For one thing, once Nepali hoodlums realise how easy it is to squeeze
a thousand rupees out of any trekker they see that is likely happen
more often.

But maybe worse is that one of these days the Nepali army and police
will have to start fighting back more seriously than they have so far.
And when they do I believe it will be extremely violent. When the
Maoists have taken control of villages and areas they have often
done so by attacking and killing every policeman and soldier at the
governement posts. The army have not just been pushed back here
and there, they feel personally insulted and they want revenge.

The Gurkhas are very competent fighters and have a strong loyalty
to their fellow soldiers. When they are given the go-ahead to recapture
the lost villages they come to kill every single Maoist they can get their
hands on.

When the Maoist rebellion collapses in blood and fear anything can
happen. I will not be surprised when reading of hostages taken or
of tourists robbed to the bone. Or for that matter killed in the
cross fire.

Lars
Stockholm

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