Be realistic and responsible about Nepal!

[ChiefBrody]

I'm going (I hope) to EBC in Oct. I've been lurking here for a while. I've read the doom and gloom comments about Nepal, and I've read the big giant everything is wonderful group hug comments. I've read 'silly paranoia,' to 'were going to get murdered.'


Both of these views are very irresponsible. The facts are: There is risk to a degree everywhere in the world. But everywhere in the world does not have a large group of Maoist rebels with 10,000 lives SO FAR on their dead list and growing. Nor do they have a Govt. who is equally convicted to fighting for their way of life. This is an axiom that cannot be disputed. There IS a war there!


With that information in mind, saying everything is rosy or on the opposite side of the fence, saying everything is terrible, is nothing more than irresponsible and dangerous speculation. Just because YOUR trip was without incident, doesn't mean the guy a day away from you won't run into trouble. Just because the Maoists aren't in the Kumbu region today, doesn't mean they won't change their course and be there next week. Just because they haven't targeted tourists so far, doesn't mean they won't target them beginning May 15 or July 1 or whenever they decide to. The fact is, WE DON'T KNOW.


Exercising caution is prudent. Keeping an open mind is prudent. Keeping up with the news is prudent. Calculating the risk versus the gain is prudent. But spouting out that things are great, and making fun of those who disagree is nonsense, and visa versa.

[ian2u]

since the Maoists are murdering little b@stards and Nepal is run by a crackpot dictator, it would all make a great musical if it weren’t for the fact that the people are so nice and have suffered so much.

ChiefBrody – nice to have a well thought out and balanced view for a change.

[yakshaver]

And of course, we are also not exactly sure if we'll wake up tomorrow morning, of, in the event we do so, if we' won't be run over by the proverbial bus, who's waiting there for all of us. So beware.

People continue to trek in Nepal and have a grand time. I guess what is annoyng to me ChiefBrody, is the fact that 8 years ago, when this whole saga with the Maoists started, I was hearing exactly the same cautions arguments. And three years ago, when the Nepali royal family was murdered, every level-headed person who's been thinking of travelling within 3000 kilometres of Nepal was predicting the end of trekking in Nepal. Fact is I have trekked in Nepal 5 times during this period. And the guy who trekked there a day away from me (whom you are talking about) was ok too. Of course we don't know what will go on tomorrow. But I will repeat that in the country I live, Australia, about 3-4 tourists a year dissapear in suspicious circumstances. This is not counting idiots who try to traverse the Great Sandy Desert or the Simpson Desert like Burke and Wills over a hundred years ago. These are people falling foul of criminals. Yet no one will dream to say Australia is not a "safe" (whatever that means) tourist destination.
I spoke about this stuff in the past. I have come to believe the personal preference in this matter (to travel or not to travel to Nepal) is often driven by personality traits, rather than any "objective" information out there. Some pople love doing stuff, other like pondering about it. If you wait until everything is perfect, you might be better off going to some nice five star resort in Hawaii. That kind if holiday is nice too. Oh no!! I just remembered! Make sure they have a tsunami alert system! Watching Desperate Housewives becomes a far less risky alternative all of a sudden. You can get over the side effects by taking Fluoxetine and going to the shrink.

[ChiefBrody]

What annoys me yakshaver are comparisons made to waking up in the morning or watching a TV show to being harmed in a country that is strife with war and violence. That comparison is so beyond reason, it's laughable. Moreover, the last time I checked, bands of rebels weren't roaming the streets of Australia. Again, a ridiculous comparison

You said that you, and those who preceded you by a day were fine, intimating that trekking in Nepal is safe. If we follow your logic, then every US soldier in Iraq who hasn't been harmed or killed is OK too by his own personal experience, and they should convey that to tourists. I would imagine, objective thinking would win over personality traits on that one. Unless of course, that personality was nuts!


Risk has many levels. I have a choice to get in front of a moving bus or not. I don't have a choice to stop a Maoist's moving bullet.


On a personal note. As things stand today, I have every intention to go to Nepal in October. But that's today. Third world country conflicts can turn in a heartbeat. Which leads me to my original statement. Saying trekking in Nepal is safe based on one's personal experience is grossly irresponsible. "It was safe for me, and appeared safe for others" would be much more appropriate.


And of course, we are also not exactly sure if we'll wake up tomorrow morning, of, in the event we do so, if we' won't be run over by the proverbial bus, who's waiting there for all of us. So beware.

People continue to trek in Nepal and have a grand time. I guess what is annoyng to me ChiefBrody, is the fact that 8 years ago, when this whole saga with the Maoists started, I was hearing exactly the same cautions arguments. And three years ago, when the Nepali royal family was murdered, every level-headed person who's been thinking of travelling within 3000 kilometres of Nepal was predicting the end of trekking in Nepal. Fact is I have trekked in Nepal 5 times during this period. And the guy who trekked there a day away from me (whom you are talking about) was ok too. Of course we don't know what will go on tomorrow. But I will repeat that in the country I live, Australia, about 3-4 tourists a year dissapear in suspicious circumstances. This is not counting idiots who try to traverse the Great Sandy Desert or the Simpson Desert like Burke and Wills over a hundred years ago. These are people falling foul of criminals. Yet no one will dream to say Australia is not a "safe" (whatever that means) tourist destination.
I spoke about this stuff in the past. I have come to believe the personal preference in this matter (to travel or not to travel to Nepal) is often driven by personality traits, rather than any "objective" information out there. Some pople love doing stuff, other like pondering about it. If you wait until everything is perfect, you might be better off going to some nice five star resort in Hawaii. That kind if holiday is nice too. Oh no!! I just remembered! Make sure they have a tsunami alert system! Watching Desperate Housewives becomes a far less risky alternative all of a sudden. You can get over the side effects by taking Fluoxetine and going to the shrink.

[yakshaver]

ChiefBrody, let's stick to some facts, shall we? And leave the irrational stuff aside for a bit.
Fact 1. In 8 years of insurgency in Nepal tourists have sometimes been inconvenienced, but have not been harmed, or even threatened.
Fact 2. The Maoists have a state policy of not harming or threatening tourists. Upto now they have strictly adhered to that policy. In fact they have been happy to accomodate tourists every now and then.
Fact 3. Bahaviour on both the Nepali government army and the Maoist sides shows that there is a tacit agreement between these to parties on making sure they don't affect tourists. It seems the tourist dollar is too precious for both. Or that they are just very nice hosts ;)
Fact 4: Ever since I started monitoring this 5 years ago, there were consistently more suspicious dissapearances or murders of tourists in Australia than Nepal.

And now to your comparison between the situation of Amercan soldiers in Irak and tourists/trekkers in Nepal. This is a bit far fetched. The numbers speak for themselves. Irak is a war zone where American soldiers die regularly in violent circumstances. Can't really say the same thing has happend with tourists in Nepal. Can you?

About you expression "rebels roaming the streets"...
How many times have you been to Nepal? More than once? If so, you'd have noticed that rebels are not exactly roaming the streets, or the treks for that matter. In fact while you're having dinner at some restaurant in Thamel, or as you trek on the Annapurna Circuit or towards Gokyo, you will ask yourself what the hell was all that fuss about?!

Can things change? Well, is the pope a Catholic? Of course they can. Anywhere in the world, and at any time. The comuters in Madrid a year ago thought they live in one of the safest places in the world. So did the office workes in WTC New York more than three years ago. Should I not travel to NY? (By the way NY is far more dangerous for tourists than Kathmandu, did you know that? Despite the fact that "rebels are not roaming the streets" of NY...)
No data at present, or judging by the events of the last 7 years, tells me I should even consider not going to Nepal. Beware of the buses and the road conditions there though. That's the real danger in over there.

Stick to your plans for October ChiefBrody. I will be there, God willing, at the end of September, and for most of October. If we meet in Thamel somewhere, maybe we go to Rum Doodle and I'll buy you a beer. Or a coffee.

[Sharon]

Go in October , have a wonderful trip and you will understand what we all talk about. That is those of use who actually make the trip. I have been 4 times since October 2001. I have always felt incredibly safe. Do I feel that safety for my Nepalese companions? No. The people are kind and generous, in need of tourist dollars and living in a civil war. I hope that someday they will see a peaceful country but unfortunately I don't believe it will be any year soon. Have a great trip, perhaps you'll become a Nepal addict like the rest of us...as well. More people die of heart attacks on their ski vacation than from the strife in Nepal.

[ChiefBrody]

Yakshaver, This is wonderful news. The US Dept. of State will be thrilled to know that they have been wrong all along, and that they can now lift their travel warning:

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today,document.write(Date()+".") Tue May 03 10:30:56 2005.

NEPAL

October 26, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to alert Americans to continuing security concerns in Nepal. On October 26, the Department of State lifted the authorized departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of the U.S. Embassy. The suspension of Peace Corps activities, which was announced on September 14, 2004, will continue until further notice. This supersedes the Travel Warning dated September 14, 2004.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Nepal. Maoist supreme commander Prachanda issued a press statement on July 1, 2004, threatening to use "more violent means" if peace talks with the Government of Nepal are not forthcoming or are unsuccessful. The Embassy has received information that the Maoists may attempt to attack or take actions specifically against U.S. citizens as part of that contingency, particularly in regions of the country under Maoist control. On September 10, two bombs exploded at the American Center compound. There were no injuries, but the blasts damaged the facility.

The Department of State has designated the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a Terrorist Organization under the "Terrorist Exclusion List" of the Immigration and Nationality Act and under Executive Order 13224. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States and bars U.S. citizens from transactions such as contribution of funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of the Maoists.

On a number of occasions, Maoists have burned or bombed tourist resorts after the foreigners staying there were given short notice to evacuate. Maoists also detonate bombs periodically within Kathmandu itself. Several bombs have exploded in Thamel, a tourist hub.

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid road travel outside the Kathmandu Valley unless they have reliable information that they can proceed safely in specific areas at specific times. In March 2004, Maoist leaders announced road closures (blockades) in certain western and southern districts of Nepal. However, the Embassy received widespread reports of Maoists forcibly blocking major roads throughout the country, including roads to Tibet, India, Chitwan, Pokhara, and Jiri. In late Spring 2004, Maoists forcibly blocked all traffic in areas surrounding Pokhara, preventing the departure of tourists for an extended period and causing some to miss their international flights from Kathmandu. Other district centers have been blockaded without warning. U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information, and to travel by air whenever possible.

Because of heightened security risks, U.S. official personnel do not generally travel by road outside the Kathmandu Valley. All official travel outside Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires specific clearance by the Regional Security Officer. As a result, emergency assistance to U.S. citizens may be limited. Active duty military and DoD contractors must obtain a country clearance for official and unofficial travel to Nepal.

U.S. citizens who travel or reside in Nepal despite this Travel Warning should factor the potential for violence into their plans, avoid public demonstrations and maintain low profiles while in Nepal. U.S. citizens are urged to register with the Consular Section of the Embassy by accessing the Embassy's home page at http://kathmandu.usembassy.gov (http://kathmandu.usembassy.gov/), by e-mail to WardenKTM@state.gov (WardenKTM@state.gov) , or by personal appearance at the Embassy. The U.S. Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) (1) 441-1179; fax (977) (1) 444-4981. The Consular Section can provide updated information on travel and security.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Nepal and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement via the Internet on the Department of State's home page at http://travel.state.gov (http://travel.state.gov/) or by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

ChiefBrody, let's stick to some facts, shall we? And leave the irrational stuff aside for a bit.
Fact 1. In 8 years of insurgency in Nepal tourists have sometimes been inconvenienced, but have not been harmed, or even threatened.
Fact 2. The Maoists have a state policy of not harming or threatening tourists. Upto now they have strictly adhered to that policy. In fact they have been happy to accomodate tourists every now and then.
Fact 3. Bahaviour on both the Nepali government army and the Maoist sides shows that there is a tacit agreement between these to parties on making sure they don't affect tourists. It seems the tourist dollar is too precious for both. Or that they are just very nice hosts ;)
Fact 4: Ever since I started monitoring this 5 years ago, there were consistently more suspicious dissapearances or murders of tourists in Australia than Nepal.

And now to your comparison between the situation of Amercan soldiers in Irak and tourists/trekkers in Nepal. This is a bit far fetched. The numbers speak for themselves. Irak is a war zone where American soldiers die regularly in violent circumstances. Can't really say the same thing has happend with tourists in Nepal. Can you?

About you expression "rebels roaming the streets"...
How many times have you been to Nepal? More than once? If so, you'd have noticed that rebels are not exactly roaming the streets, or the treks for that matter. In fact while you're having dinner at some restaurant in Thamel, or as you trek on the Annapurna Circuit or towards Gokyo, you will ask yourself what the hell was all that fuss about?!

Can things change? Well, is the pope a Catholic? Of course they can. Anywhere in the world, and at any time. The comuters in Madrid a year ago thought they live in one of the safest places in the world. So did the office workes in WTC New York more than three years ago. Should I not travel to NY? (By the way NY is far more dangerous for tourists than Kathmandu, did you know that? Despite the fact that "rebels are not roaming the streets" of NY...)
No data at present, or judging by the events of the last 7 years, tells me I should even consider not going to Nepal. Beware of the buses and the road conditions there though. That's the real danger in over there.

Stick to your plans for October ChiefBrody. I will be there, God willing, at the end of September, and for most of October. If we meet in Thamel somewhere, maybe we go to Rum Doodle and I'll buy you a beer. Or a coffee.

[Sharon]

Make your comments AFTER your visit. I was just in LA for 5 days. Felt safer walking Thamel in Nepal than several places I wound up outside LA.

[Hendrik van Dingenen]

I always toughted the U.S. Dept. State to be a little to much paranoic, but, Chiefbrody, I did fail to see in the warning any numbers of the deaths sufered by american tourists or by any tourists at all (life-danger if the issue, it isn't?). I saw some good advices, like to be discret, what is a commun sense anywhere you go tourist-traveling.

I'm sure is good to be concerned aboud safety,but not so sure about be over-concerned...

On the other hand, I did find something that can be of your interest,if you really are looking at imparcial info:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1483800&dopt=Abstract

"A review of trekking deaths from 1984 to mid-1987 showed a death rate of 15/100,000 trekkers. Altitude sickness deaths accounted for 3/23 (13%) of these deaths. Recently, we followed up on our original study by compiling the number and causes of trekking deaths in Nepal from mid-1987 through 1991. The overall number of deaths was 40, out of 275,950 trekkers (death rate 14/100,000). Illness accounted for 14 deaths, trauma was the cause of 12 deaths, altitude sickness was the cause of 10 deaths, 3 people were found dead after being reported missing, and one person is still missing and presumed dead. Eight out of 10 altitude sickness deaths occurred in organized trekking groups, even though only 40% of trekkers trek in organized groups. Four people were reported to have died from heart attacks, and 3 people died from apparent diabetic ketoacidosis above 4000 meters in altitude. Trekking in Nepal is a relatively safe holiday that currently attracts more than 60,000 people each year. Monitoring the causes of death among trekkers can help generate advice that could make trekking even safer."

So, dead by the war, or life-danger by the war, did not even come in the causes of death... Like I thoughted, injuries and illness are the main threat to our health and the proportion of number of deaths and number of tourists indicate a relative safe place to go trek, despite the official state of war.

Doing like Yakshaver, I would like to mention that in my homeland, Brazil: around 40.000 persons are death by firegun *everyear* there. It is like one person at every *15 minutes*.

So, 10.000 deaths in a decade is not that amazing. I would thing that Nepal is lots safer then Brazil, dispiste the state of war in in the first and the state of peace of the last.

If I'm not in mistake, the indice of death by firegun in the U.S. is also lots higher then in Nepal, so, following your logic, is better abandon a place with 40.000 death/year (Brazil) or 30.000 death/year (U.S) and go make a new and safer life in a pacific country with a 1.000 death/year, it isn't?

But there is a real threat to U.S. citziens (and to, like me, belgium citziens): they pay more for the maoist permission... but is a threat to your pocket, not to your life...

[]'s

Hendrik

[Hendrik van Dingenen]

I will be there, God willing, at the end of September, and for most of October. If we meet in Thamel somewhere, maybe we go to Rum Doodle and I'll buy you a beer. Or a coffee.

I'm going at 06/10 and be there till 20/11. Whats your plans? maybe we can meet and drink some iodined wather toghether. It's on me.

[]'s

Hendrik

[ChiefBrody]

Hi Hendrik, I didn't write the warning. I just repeated it. I'm sure it's like everyone is saying, and pretty safe. I guess I'll find out when I get there.

[Escher]

Hi Hendrik, I didn't write the warning. I just repeated it. I'm sure it's like everyone is saying, and pretty safe. I guess I'll find out when I get there.

You said it "I'll find out when I get there"

The people here who have been to Nepal recently and and want to explain to those that haven't get very frustrated.

Generally (almost all) of the people who have visited Nepal and trekked recently (last 7 years) have had a wonderful time. They have felt the pain of those caught up in the troubles (as much as you can when you just visit), but still they have had a fantastic experience. This doesn't mean they belittle the troubles, in fact quite the reverse. But if someone asked you how your trip went and you were honest in telling them what is wrong with saying "I had the time of my life, I love Nepal and the Nepali people."

This is the crux of the problem. I too when I have been away from Nepal and have read the latest news have been worried by the situation even though I have been six times in five years. But (this is the real key) when I am there my opinion is different to what my brain comes up with when I read these websites and the latest news on BBC and elsewhere.

This is why it seems incredulous to regular visitors when the words you here are "terrorist", "bomb", "insurgent", "disappearance", "insurgent", "civil war", "war against terror" and so on. These words affect and worry me too. But when I am in Nepal I feel different, my friends tell me they want me to visit. I feel their welcome, I marvel at the mountains, I thrive on the different pace of life. These things are going on, sure, and I feel terrible for my friends who are affected but the horrible situation. But they ask me to go and I want to too. I still feel guilt about this but what can we do to stop this awful war?

This is what it comes down to. You can't reconcile the disparate views. It is this simple (I can't explain it but in my experience it is true), but those that have been to Nepal recently have enjoyed themselves immensely. they have met people, experienced things that will mark their lives forever. They will recommend for you to go too, with very few exceptions.

But some who have not been will say it is suicide to go. It is disrespectful to go, it is dangerous and so on. I have very little evidence of those that HAVE been recently who will tell you not to go.

From a scientific point of view. A huge majority of those that have been say you should go and those reasons are clear. The people who say you shouldn't generally haven't been recently - or have you? Reveal yourselves if you have?

As you said "I will find out when I go". You really will. And I am sure you will join us and encouraging others to go once you have visited and you will know why. And, like many of us here, you will back again very soon.

Just go and you won't regret it. In fact you will wonder why you waited so long.

[Boulia]

I arrived back from my latest trip on April 21st. This post is to fully endorse everything Escher said. As this was my first trip since the Feb 1 events I hesitated. Why I did so now puzzles me.

I encourage those who have visited Nepal recently to post. Don't be put off be the ramblings of those who simply have not experienced Nepal - never or not recently at least.

and yes, visit 5, is now in the planning stage.

[yakshaver]

Fist to the state dept warning. I said this before ChiefBrody, neither the US State Dept nor the Australian Dept of External Affairs Travel Advisories are worth the servers they are hosted on. Or the time you take to scroll down their paranoic pages.
The warning about American tourists has been there for the last three years. I want to know from you, or honorable State Dept in the US, how many American tourists have been murdered in Nepal, due to the "situation" there since the State Dept decided to "upgrade" the warning? I have trekked with a couple of Americans in my last two treks, and I can tell you that they were pretty embarrased by those travel warnings. But murder is perhaps too much (though not in the US which still holds the record for people killing eachother with guns), how many were threatened or molested?
Anyway.....

Hendrik,
we will obviously overlap somewhere. Please keep in touch. I may also decide to arrive in Nepal a bit later (less chance of the monsoon still being around...) but at this stage my ticket is booked for 30 September.

Boulia,
please email me and I will put you in touch with a couple of people who've returned from Nepal last week, and one guy who is there now!!

[Unregistered]

Yak -I only got back two weeks ago. I was attempting to have more recent visitors post to this site.

[Boulia]

Sorry, Yakshaver. That last 'unregistered' was me. Boulia

[MikeyH]

It've been interested watching this thread... It seems that if someone is intent on finding something negative on the 'situation' in Nepal at the moment, they can search the web, or newspapers, and the media or some government body will provide it. However surely it is obvious that the most accurate information comes from those who have recently been there (or indeed those there at the moment). That's the great thing about this message board, we can all gain from others experience, right?

I'll be there with my girlfriend November/December, and it comforts me to read all the positive things being posted by trekkers who have returned having had such an amazing time. Thankyou for sharing your experiences and helping the rest of us make more informed decisions.

Mike.

[Hendrik van Dingenen]

Hi,Yakshaver. Our tickets (my and my brother's) were bought by a promotion, so we can't change the dates, what's a thing I regret more and more.

We still haven't a definitive route and doubt very much if will ever have one, because as much I read and research about the trail and region, more and more places are noted to be worth trek. Basicaly is a normal trek from Jiri to EBC, but sinds we'll have more then 35 days at the trail, I plan to do some, or lots, of side treks. So I'm not sure where we'll be, neither when we'll be...

We're getting there at one Fryday by morning, if all goes well by the flight conexions, and I expected to expend this day with some buroucratic stuff and also buying the Lukla-Jiri flight, lokking for a lodge, see the bus time-table, etc, and at Saturday go shopping tobuy the rest of the necessary gear. Monday I expect to be able to depart to Jiri and start the trek at this day or on the next day.

I would like toknow Kathmandu in the end of the trip, if we have some spare time. If not... not.

Do you have a route? if yes, mind to share?

[]'s

Hendrik

[yakshaver]

Hendrik don't be too sorry. October is by many accounts probably the best time to trek in most parts of Nepal. I have never trekked in October before, mostly December and last year in April.

Boulia, sorry, of course I remember now that you've just returned. If you email me privately I will put you in touch with a guy who's in Thamel looking for a trekking parnter, to do the AC. He may still be there, as he's emailed me yesterday. He seems to be good at emailing. Even if you don't get him now he will reply when he gets back from his trek.

[ChiefBrody]

This is precicely why I started this thread. My intention was to throw every curve at you all. The 'Official' Warnings. The bad News. The Maoists. The two Russian tourists who I belive ran over a land mine. (no grenade was thrown - I think) And so on. Please understand, I wanted to be sure. I know I came off as argumentative sometimes, but that was to see your conviction to the EBC trip's safety. EVERY single reply has been that it's safe to go there. From people who have been there; you all. So now, I feel good about going. Afterall, isn't that one of the goals for all of us. To feel good and confident about what we are doing. Sure I'll be cautious. But it would be foolish not to be cautious anywhere in the world. There's a big difference between caution and unfounded paranoia. Obviously I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

I'm really a nice guy. Pretty extreme in fact. Workout (weights/cardio) 5 times per week. Box two times per week. Scuba Dive, Jump out of planes bla bla bla. Eat right and so on. There isn't much I wouldn't do. If I wasn't married with a kid, I would probably attemt the E Summit. But the 'getting killed' chances are to high for me. Tragic about what's happened this week over there with the avalance and all.

Anyway. Thanks for all of your help. It really is appreciated!

[Hendrik van Dingenen]

Chief, do you consider taking a guide or a porter, or a porter/guide with you. Some people fell safer this way.

[]'s

Hendrik

[zingzingla]

After spending months planning for my 6th visit to my fave country,Nepal , I met with an unfortunate incident n was injured pretty badly. Ok no..it's not the Maoists' fault but my own . Acutally i flew off a 4m cliff on my mountain bike on the way down from Nagarkot on the 3rd day of my supposed 5 wks in Nepal n injured my pancreas but thankfully didn't break any bones.

The morale of my story is that anything can happen n sadly i had to fly home to recuperate on the 5th day.I guess if u r careless(n idiotic) like me, u could jolly well get run over by a Tata truck or taxi before u even have the chance of gettin into some sort of 'trouble' with the current situation in Nepal.

Only a very few unlucky trekkers have reported being robbed by Maoists (maybe bandits masquerading as them) while the rest of us just pay out way thru,like it or not. I think it's only dangerous when u r really unlucky if u do get caught in a cross fire between them n the RNA! People have even compared the situation in Nepal to Iraq! Come on! Evryone's entitled to their opinion but sometimes it gets overboard! If there's any little risk ,at least for me it's worth it cos where in the world can u get ...the friendliest of people,the most stunning of scenery,most remote of trails?? Most importantly show my support to those long suffering Nepali's that we r behind them.

In the meantime,i m gettin well n ready for another trip in Aug. But wait...I could be electrocuted ,slip n break my neck in my home the next hour-shucks! The unpredictabilty of Life........

[Lars]

.. and also buying the Lukla-Jiri flight, Hendrik
Are you flying Lukla to Jiri? Why?

[Unregistered]

My bad. It's the Lukla-Kathmandu flight I've want to say.

[]'s

Hendrik

[yakshaver]

Thanks Zingzingla (of Hown ton Winn Frinends and influnence pneople? fame) for bringing some sanity to this debate.

[Unregistered]

I am just curiuos how many yaks have you actually shaved? Or is this part of the Yakshaver Nepali flotsome show. Yes you can get run over walking out of the public library at home of smashed to peices on some remote part of the trail in Nepal by people that only see you as a commodity. You have been to Nepal many times it is obvious but I would steer clear of anyone that puts themselves in the position of the indignant advisor to proagate a self rightousness.