Safety in the Langtang and Helambu areas

[Gabi Oron]

Hi all,
Does anyone have any up to date information on the situation in Langtang and Helambu?
Are there Maoists there, and are they asking for "donations".

thanks,
Gabi

[yakshaver]

Langtang and Helambu (as with Annapurna or Solu-Khumbu) are safe for trekkers. Even in the areas where "donations" were sought by Maoists (e.g. in Solu, between Jiri towards Lukla), no one felt unsafe. It was just like paying another trekking tax and receiving a receipt.
The Maoists have not yet changed their official stance of not targeting tourists. Also, Langtang has not been an area known for conflicts between Maoists and governemet. This is despite the fact that, like in many neglected areas of Nepal, many of the poor villagers are maoists sympathisers. Trekkers in Langtang that I spoke to when in Nepal in April this year, were reporting things to be as safe and tranquil as ever.